Craft Trends to Make & Sell (in 2024)

A lot of trend lists simply share common themes they see on fashion runways. But those “trends” don’t always translate to consumers, and/or sales.

To create my trend lists each year I use tools that analyze search volumes and traffic to website and product listings to determine exactly which products are seeing an increase in demand from consumers.

My trend list is also focused on terms that have lower competition, which is ideal for a small craft business.

 

How I define “Trend”

In this report:

Trend does NOT = New

Trend = popular (or increasing search volume)

Most of these products have been around for years, but based on my research, they are seeing an increase in searches and websites/product listing are seeing an increase in traffic.

 

Copyright Laws

There are several craft trends that I do NOT include on this list (e.g. Disney-themed products), as making and selling them would be infringing on intellectual property laws. Be sure you understand and follow laws before you start selling anything for profit.

You may be interested in:

• Laws For Selling Handmade

 

2024 Craft Trends

 

Hair bows

Clips, pins, and ties that add a bow to a hairstyle are popular. Popular types of searches are:

• Black hair bow
• Red hair bow
• Velvet hair bow

Oversized scrunchie

This is a product I found on trend lists, am seeing an increase in search demand, and an increase in Etsy traffic for this term.

Hair gems

Although this is a trend that emerged with the Y2K aesthetic, searches for these items are still climbing.

 

Picture locket (necklace)

 

Rose quartz necklace

Moldavite necklace brings in more organic traffic to Etsy but rose quartz necklace is seeing a significant jump in traffic on Etsy.

 

Clip on earrings

Clip on earrings have been steadily growing in search demand over that past several years. At the start of 2024, Etsy is seeing a bump in traffic to clip on earring category pages and listings. “Painless clip on earrings” and “clip on hoop earrings” are a couple niche searches that popped up.

 

Anxiety rings

These are essentially “fidget rings” however the term “anxiety rings” is attracting more traffic to Etsy than “fidget ring”. You can get creative with the design of these rings. They may be beads that can be moved back and forth on the ring or a charm that can be spun.

 

Evil eye

This isn’t a new trend (in fact, evil eye jewelry was on my 2022 trend list). However, several evil eye items listed on Etsy are seeing an increase in traffic headed into 2024:

• evil eye ring
• evil eye painting
• evil eye anklet
• evil eye keychain
• evil eye earrings
• mens evil eye bracelet/necklace
• evil eye home decor
• evil eye phone case
• etc.

These aren’t significant jumps in traffic, so keep an eye on this trend and test a few listings before jumping in with both feet.

 

Accessory holders

Several terms such as “earring holder”, “necklace holder” “claw clip holder/organizer”, “scrunchie display/storage/organizer” are seeing a small boost in traffic heading into 2024. Consumers are looking for cute and clever ways to organize their accessories.

 

Sweater scarf

This term is seeing a large spike heading into 2024.

Lace gloves

The demand for lace gloves has been steadily increasing over the past several years, major retailers are carrying this style of glove heading into 2024, and Etsy is seeing a small boost in traffic for terms such as “black lace gloves”, “white lace glove”, and “madonna gloves”.

 

Fisherman beanie

Although slouchy beanies are still popular, search demand for them has been declining over the past several years. The tighter fitting, shallower style of a fisherman beanie is gaining in popularity.

Dog hats

From bucket hats and baseball caps to beanies, it seems like the closer a dog’s hat matches its human’s, the better. The most popular websites are selling hats that add style and even warmth/protection from the weather (rather than being props for photoshoots).

“Dog birthday hat” is also a popular search term that appears to be trending up heading into 2024.

 

Crossbody bag

Although the style is nothing new, it continues to steadily climb in searches. The fashion leaders indicate a smaller clutch style of purse with a longer strap is the more popular style when it comes to crossbody bags.

 

Backpack purse

This style of purse is still going strong heading into 2024. Although “mini” styles have been popular in the past, research shows that regular-sized backpacks are more popular this year, often in a more structured style.

 

Beach bag

The style of bag is open to interpretation, however, one of the most popular listings on Etsy is a nautical striped beach bag with rope handles.

Rubber beach bag/rubber tote bag is another search that’s gaining popularity.

 

Crochet tote bag

When researching this term, it appears that a fairly simply design in neutrals or muted colours is what’s trending. Prada has a structured/boxy crocheted tote that comes in black, white, pink, and soft green, which could be leading this trend.

 

Granny square tote bag

This style of crocheted tote bag is spiking in popularity heading into 2024.

Embroidered tote bag

Tote bags are popular in general. But on a site like Etsy, consumers are looking for tote bags that are embroidered to add personalization (e.g. initials or names) or add a cute design (typically flowers).

Canvas and denim bags

These materials are trending up when it comes to bag searches.

 

Puff print hoodie

This refers to the style of lettering on the hoodie; the letters are raised.

 

“Wear my heart on my sleeve” tops

“I wear my heart on my sleeve sweatshirt” is a term that has spiked in popularity over the past year. Etsy is seeing a boost in traffic for the product as well.

 

Bridal sneakers

Comfy sneakers that are customized with glitter, rhinestones, beads, embroidery, etc. and to be worn under a long bridal dress or as a fashion statement with a shorter bridal dress that allows the sneakers to be seen.

Baby milestone products

Items such as milestone blanket, milestone blocks, milestone box, etc. are seeing a small increase in traffic on Etsy. There isn’t a huge spike in searches/traffic for these items but it’s something to keep an eye on and perhaps explore unique ways for parents to photograph their baby’s milestones.

 

Baby announcement items

These are products such as signs, onesies, and props that help people announce their pregnancy through a social media post. Most of these items require customization so soon-to-be parents can share the arrival date, last name, number of family members (e.g. “And then there were 3”), or even who the announcement is for (e.g. “Get ready to be grandparents”).

 

Cow print

This pattern appears to be a popular style people are shopping for on sites like Etsy. Popular searches include cow print: shoes, nail art, bikinis, shirts, and more.

 

Wood wall art

Geometric designs are leading the way in terms of style, however there are a variety of styles major home retailers are offering and suggest are popular. 

3D Wallpaper

3D wallpaper can be anything from textured peel-and-stick panels to full sculptures that can be adhered to a wall. If you’re an artist, consider how your work can be made 3D and help home owners create accent walls. This term is seeing a boost in search demand heading into 2024 and Etsy is seeing a boost in traffic for it.

 

Adult coloring pages

This trend certainly isn’t new, however, Etsy is seeing an increase in traffic for it. “Adult coloring pages” has a very high search volume, but it is a competitive term to rank for. Consider targeting some of the popular but less competitive niches within it. Such as:

• adult coloring pages animals
• adult coloring pages swear words
• Christmas adult coloring pages
• funny adult coloring page
• adult coloring pages flowers
• adult coloring pages quotes
• fall adult coloring pages

 

Unique bath mats

The term “bath mats” is increasing in searches heading into 2024. And Etsy is seeing a slight increase in traffic for terms such as:

• Moss bath mat
• Cute bath mat
• Funny bath mat

 

Specific occasion gifts

Several specific terms appeared during my research, such as:

• first fathers day gift
• first mothers day gift
• teacher gifts
• 10th year anniversary gift
• 5 year anniversary gift (other years, such as 3 year, 6 year, 7 year, 8 year, etc. are also gaining traffic, just not as much as milestone years)
• first valentine gift for boyfriend
• graduation gifts for her
• graduation gift for son
• vasectomy gift basket
• best friend gifts
• gifts for friends
• gift for sister
• gift for new job

There are many other gift terms that are gaining traffic on Etsy. The key is to get specific when creating and naming your gifts. Clearly define who they’re for and the specific occasion they’re for.

“Personalized” and “customized” are also very popular terms. Consider allowing personalization for specific gifts mentioned above.

 

Trends to keep an eye on

These trends are on my radar as I’m seeing a slight increase in searches and traffic in January 2024, but nothing significant yet.

Keep an eye on: pink fine art

I can’t find much information on this type of product, but it’s a search term that has seen a huge jump in searches on Etsy recently.

Keep an eye on: wall map art

I’m not seeing a spike in search demand when it comes to art in this category, but I am seeing a spike in traffic heading to Etsy for specific types of wall maps (e.g. map of NYC, map of Chicago, Map of Alabama, etc.).

Keep an eye on: Adult hanging mobiles

Just like the mobiles that hang over a baby’s crib but these are a more sophisticated version for adults; more of hanging sculptures to be hung in a corner of a room or over a bedside table. There isn’t a lot of search volume for this term yet, but I am seeing an uptick in traffic coming into Etsy for the term. So keep an eye on this one to see if it starts to gain popularity throughout 2024.

 

*****

 

That is the end of 2024’s trend list, you can still find 2023’s trend list below.

Trends don’t typically fall off the map; it’s usually a slower decline in consumer interest. So you may find some product ideas in 2023’s list.

 

*****

Consumer trends for 2023

Every business, no matter what it sells, should be keeping up with consumer trends. I used several sources to research this topic, however, this article is detailed if you want more information and additional consumer trends.

 

Online shopping

Nothing new, but online shopping continues to grow. Start your online shop if you haven’t already (either on an online marketplace like Etsy, or build your own website), and put continued effort into improving it (e.g. site design, functionality, SEO, speed, responsive/mobile friendly, etc.).

 

It’s also important (as chatbots, and AI in general, become more common), to add human touches to the online experience you’re creating for your target market. People prefer to chat with a human, not a robot, and to see the personal/human side of a business. 

 

Environmentally conscious

More consumers are looking for environmentally friendly options. For a small handmade business that may be: 

• donating a portion of sales/profits to environmentally friendly causes
• going carbon neutral
• reducing packaging or offering biodegradable packaging
• choosing sustainably sourced materials/ingredients and locally sourced materials/ingredients
• going paperless / reducing paper
• creating an environmentally friendly workspace (e.g. reducing energy consumption and waste)

 

Conscious scrolling

Social media breaks and unplugging from technology are becoming more common as people understand how harmful mindless online scrolling can be to their mental health. This may seem like bad news for small businesses trying to market their products, but it’s an opportunity to focus on valuable and meaningful content. Don’t post to Facebook/Instagram/TikTok for the sake of posting. Reduce the quantity but improve the quality; share content that’s truly useful to your target market. 

 

 

Pantone Color of the Year 2023

Viva Magenta

 

General trends for 2023

 

Butterflies!

Finally, something is taking over the unicorn trend. “Unicorn” still has a high search volume, but not as high as “butterfly”. 

We saw this trend emerge last year and butterflies continue to be a popular object worked into a variety of products. Such as:

• butterfly hair clip
• butterfly necklace
• butterfly nails
• butterfly earrings
• butterfly heels
• butterfly cake
• butterfly ring
• butterfly dress

 

Pearls

Not a new trend, but one that continues to go strong into 2023. Consumers are still searching for pearl headbands, hairpins, earrings, necklaces, rings, bags, etc. Pearls are also on several 2023 jewelry trend lists.

 

Macrame

Macrame also continues to go strong. A few of the more popular macramé products are:

• macrame plant hanger
• macrame bracelet
• macrame wall hanging
• macrame curtains
• macrame keychain
• macrame dream catcher
• macrame earrings

 

Jewelry trends 2023

 

Initials

Trend lists suggest “personalized jewelry” will be hot this year. My keyword research showed that “initial” rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are increasing in demand. “Initial necklace” is the most popular, however, it is a more competitive term. 

 

Astrology signs also fall under the “personalized” jewelry trend, so “personalized” is open to interpretation. 

 

Signet rings

This trend emerged last year but search volumes are still growing going into 2023. 

 

“Mens”, “gold”, “custom”, “pinky”, and “silver” are niches within the signet ring trend. Each of these terms (e.g. “pinky signet ring”) are increasing in search volume and have low competition (perfect for a small business). 

 

“Gold signet ring” has more search volume than “silver signet ring”, however, “silver signet ring” is seeing a steeper climb than gold, which supports the next trend…

 

Silver jewelry

According to several jewelry trend reports, silver is going to be more popular in 2023. I do see an increase in searches when it comes to “silver necklace”. “silver hoops”, “silver bracelet”, etc. 

 

However, don’t count gold out. Search volumes for “Gold necklace”, “gold hoops” etc. are still climbing.

 

Beaded necklace

There doesn’t appear to be a specific style of beaded necklace that’s popular, but “beaded necklace” has double the search volume it did this time last year, and appears to be on and upward climb. This trend aligns with the “Y2K” jewelry trend that emerged last year.

 

Boho earrings

The term “boho earrings” continues to increase in searches. The same can’t be said for “boho necklace/ring/bracelet”. There is decent search volume for those terms, but not as high. In general, a few jewelry trend reports suggested boho was going to be a trend in 2023.

 

Heart jewelry

Heart necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings see a spike in searches every Dec – Feb (for gift-giving), however, the number of searches is increasing each year. I also found heart jewelry on jewelry trend lists.

 

Florals

“Flower necklace”, “flower earrings”, and “flower bracelet” are climbing in search volumes. “Flower ring” isn’t seeing as much of an increase, but is still a popular search term. 

 

Cocktail rings

Trend lists suggest these oversized, special occasion rings are going to be popular in 2023. Search volume reports do indicate a slight increase in demand. Spikes in search traffic for “cocktail ring” always happen during the holidays. So perhaps it’s a trend to keep your eye on for Nov/Dec 2023.

 

Emeralds

Search volumes for emerald rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are all increasing, and the competition is low for each term.

 

Other

Cuff bracelets, collar necklaces, and broaches were on a few jewelry trend lists, however my keyword research doesn’t suggest there is in an increase in demand for these items. But that could change throughout the year. 

 

 

Bag trends for 2023

 

Belt bags

The term “belt bag” is seeing a significant spike in searches. Similar to a fanny pack or a bum bag, the belt bag looks more like a pouch, looped onto a belt. 

 

Straw bags

“Straw purse”, “straw bag”, “straw tote”, “straw crossbody bag”, etc. obviously see a boost in searches during spring/summer months, but the spikes in searches have been increasing over the past few years.

 

Large tote bags

Oversized bags were listed on trend sites, but my keyword research suggests consumers are focused on “large tote bags”. 

 

“Big tote bag” doesn’t have as much search volume, however, it is seeing a steep climb in searches. “Oversized tote bag” is also commonly searched, but not as much as the other two terms, and it isn’t seeing as much of a climb.

 

Top handle bag

There isn’t a large number of searches for this term each month, but searches have grown significantly over the last couple of years, and appear to be on an upward climb.

 

Most niche searches are related to brands (e.g. “Chanel top handle bag”), however, “mini top handle bag” and “small top handle bag” were also common searches.

 

This video shares examples of designer top handle bags:

Sequinned bags

The terms that have significant search volume and have increased over the past year or two are “rhinestone purse” and “rhinestone bag”. “Sequin bag/purse” and “Crystal bag/purse” are also trending up, but don’t have as much search volume.

 

Crossbody bag

The term “crossbody bag” continues to climb in search volume. But the competition is high. So I looked at some niche terms, and the following are high search volume, low competition, and seeing an upward climb:

• “Men crossbody bag”
• “Clear crossbody bag”
• “Mini crossbody bag”

 

Clear purse

Clear bag, stadium bag, and clear purse are all terms that are increasing in search volume. These are bags made from clear vinyl that are handy when going through security at stadiums for concerts/sporting events, etc.

Mini purses

Last year there was the mini backpack trend and “mini” appears to be trending up when it comes to bags and purses. 

 

 

Accessory trends 2023

 

Leather headband

Braided and faux leather headbands were a couple of the more popular terms under “leather headband”.

 

Fuzzy headband

The Teddy coat has been popular in the last year or two, which is a soft, fluffy coat made out of shearling or faux fur (it looks like a teddy bear). 

 

The same materials are being used for headbands. “Teddy headband” and “shearling headband” did NOT return results that suggest this is a trend on the rise. However, “fuzzy headband” does appear to be on an upward trend.

 

“Headband for washing face” was also a term on the rise, with “fuzzy headband for washing face” being a niche term under it.

 

Silk scrunchies

Thousands of people still search for scrunchies each month, and a healthy portion of those searches (over 17,000) is for a “silk scrunchie”. Silk scrunchies are better for the hair because of the smooth texture of silk, which creates less friction and thus less hair breakage.

Driving gloves

This term “driving gloves” has an extremely high search volume each month (over 200,000 searches) and low competition. It does appear that searches peaked in June 2022 and have come down since, but demand is still high.

 

When I search Google, I see some small, independent websites ranking on the first page and getting significant traffic. This is a good sign that a small handmade business can attract traffic and sales for the term.

 

If you work with leather or faux leather, this would be a great product to offer in 2023.

 

Soap trends 2023

 

Kojic acid soap

The ingredient “kojic acid” is said to help improve sun damage, age spots, and scars. If you’re a soap seller, you must know the laws and what you can and cannot claim about your soap. For example, claiming that your soap “cures acne” changes the soap from a cosmetic to a drug, which means there are different (strict) laws to follow (so if you make kojic acid soap, you likely can’t state that it improves scars…but that’s up to you to research).

 

This isn’t a new ingredient/type of soap, but it’s been gaining popularity and appears to be on the upward climb.

 

Turmeric soap

Another type of soap that is increasing in popularity and looks to be continuing into 2023.

 

Unscented soap

As more and more people become aware of the harmful effects of synthetic fragrances, and that fragrances can cause issues such as headaches, rashes, and even respiratory problems, there is more demand for soaps free of fragrances and dyes. This term continues to see an increase in searches and is low competition.

 

Niche soap

Bar soap saw an increase in 2020, for obvious reasons but continues to hold its search volume. Industry leaders are predicting bar soaps that serve a smaller market with specific needs/wants are going to continue to be popular. 

 

Men’s skincare

This was mentioned on a few trend lists and the stats show a steady incline in searches over the past few years. Explore skincare products that have typically been marketed towards women (e.g. “vitamin C serum for men” is commonly searched).

 

Minimal packaging

I was unable to find specific terms relating to zero waste and plastic-free packaging that were seeing a surge in searches. However, minimal packaging was on a few trend lists in regard to bath and body products. “Plastic-free shampoo packaging” may not be a term consumers are searching for, but when they come across a product and “plastic-free packaging” or “zero waste” is a feature, it may encourage consumers to choose that product over others. 

 

Rice water shampoo

While checking on the search trend of shampoo bars, I noticed “rice shampoo bar” and “rice water shampoo bar” were popular searches. Researching more, “rice water shampoo” is seeing a significant climb in searches over the past couple of years and appears to be continuing to increase. “Rice water conditioner” is also commonly searched (just not as much as shampoo).

 

 

Wall & home decor trends 2023

When it comes to home decor trend lists, most of them share general decorating styles, rather than product trends. You can research home decor trends for 2023 if you want to follow general trends. 

 

Because I want to share trends that have search volume to back them up, I conducted my own keyword research. These aren’t items you’ll find on publisher’s trend lists, however, search volumes show there is demand for them, and that demand is increasing.

 

Wall decor

There are many wall decor products, but these are a few that stood out to me during keyword research:

• floral wall decor
• gold wall decor
• outdoor wall decor
• boho wall decor
• moss wall art (this one continues to climb as we head into 2023)
• glass wall art

 

Niche wreaths

Occasion and season-specific wreaths have been in demand for years, but that demand is growing each year. Terms such as “Easter wreath”, “summer wreath”, “Halloween wreath”, “valentine wreath”, etc., see a surge in searches starting 3 months before the holiday/start of the season.

Wreath storage

If you sell wreaths, keep storage needs in mind. It can be a great add-on purchase. Each year, between November and February, there is a big spike in searches for “wreath storage” (and the term has low competition).

 

Disco ball planter

“Disco ball planter” went from just a couple hundred searches per month in 2019 to over 5,000 searches per month in 2022 (with very low competition). It appears this trend will continue into 2023.

Pottery trends

Although I didn’t find much in terms of “trends” when it comes to pottery, I did notice a particular product that has seen an increase in searches: “berry bowl”.

 

Berry bowls are decorative ceramic dishes that have small holes in the bottom so you can rinse and serve fruit in the same dish.

 

Not a new product, but it is seeing an increase in demand.

 

Bud vase

A bud vase is a small vase designed to hold one stem. This term saw an increase in searches in 2021 and another increase in 2022. It appears to be headed that way for 2023 as well.

 

This video gives you an idea of what a bud vase looks like:

Pet trends 2023

 

Kitten teething toys

There is a spike in searches for “kitten teething toys” every year between April and October (kitten season), and that spike is increasing each year.

 

General pet trends

Although I wasn’t able to find many terms that stood out in searches, several pet trend lists mentioned the upcoming themes for pet products in 2023

• Pet wellness – gut-friendly foods and treats using natural, healthy ingredients continues to be important to pet parents (anything that cares for a pet’s health is important, e.g. regular exercise, reducing anxiety and stress, etc.).
• Enrichment toys – think puzzle toys and toys that dispense treats while making the pets work for them.
• Earth-friendly – in line with consumer trends, make sure your pet products are good for the environment too (e.g. sustainably sourced materials, minimal packaging, etc.).

 

 

Etsy’s Trend Predictions 2023

You can read Etsy’s full trend report here.

 

Below are the keywords Etsy has seen an increase in searches for:

• monthly budget – product ideas for budget tracking tools (e.g. notebooks spreadsheets, etc.)
• paint by number kit adult
• blanket throw
• chrome heart ring
• wooden mushroom
• iridescent glass vase
• personalize gift mom
• initial gold necklace (initials and personalized jewelry was on other trend lists as well)
• hot pink decor
• cozy room decor
• dark floral wallpaper
• earth tone wall art
• cat tree natural wood
• marble coaster set
• wall decor wood
• space age furniture
• quilted vest
• floral wedding dress
• racing jacket (motorcycle aesthetics)
• Edwardian skirt
• 90’s blazer
• huge earrings
• crossbody bag
• chain necklace chunky

 

 

Craft Trend Predictions 2023 (by Pinterest)

You can find all of Pinterest’s trend predictions for 2023 here. 

 

I’ve included a few that are most applicable to common handmade products. 

 

Raves

According to Pinterest, raves are making a comeback. The search volume for the term “rave outfits” does support that prediction. There are also niche terms that are popular (e.g. “rave outfits for women”, “rave outfits for men”, “winter rave outfits”, “plus size rave outfits”, “neon rave outfits”).

 

It’s unlikely a handmade business will have an entire “rave outfit” to sell, but do some research to see what types of rave outfits are popular and if you can create a product that fits into that. For example, what type of necklaces, hats, or bags are people wearing to raves? 

 

Paper crafts

Pinterest is seeing an increase in searches for terms such as “how to make paper rings”. “origami instructions”, “quilling art”, etc. If you’re skilled in paper crafts, you may create kits with instructions to make a paper craft, as well as the supplies required.

 

Gender neutral

Pinterest has seen a boost in searches for a variety of terms relating to gender-neutral parenting, from unisex names to self-identity art. Although I wouldn’t consider this a trend, but rather a movement towards a more inclusive world, it’s something to take into consideration when building your business/products (e.g. gender-neutral nursery decor, gender-neutral children’s clothing and accessories, etc.).

 

 

Important note

Although I do a lot of research to create my list, it’s still important for you to do your research before jumping on a trend.

 

I create these lists at the beginning of the year, so make sure a trend is still relevant when you’re reading this article. You also want to make sure the trend hasn’t become oversaturated by the time you get to it. 

 

This list is also not exhaustive.

 

I’ve focused on sharing trends that can apply to crafts and handmade products. I do occasionally add to my craft trend lists, so if there’s a product you’re curious about, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll do my best to conduct a quick search and make a note if I find anything.