125 Creative Ways to Make Money

Looking for ways to earn extra cash? You’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a massive list of things you can make and sell, from food to digital products. Each idea has tips to help you get started; many need minimal upfront investment.

Food & Beverage

Custom Cookies

Nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and people will pay good money for unique designs. Try creating themed sets for holidays or special events, or offer custom designs for parties and weddings.

Event Cakes and Cupcakes

Custom cakes and cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. Start with simple designs and basic flavors, then expand your skills to charge premium prices for more complex creations.

Homemade Jams and Jellies

Turn seasonal fruits into delicious spreads that last all year. Focus on unique flavor combinations or local ingredients to stand out from store-bought options.

Artisanal Bread

Fresh-baked bread brings comfort and joy to any meal. Learn basic techniques for popular varieties, then experiment with unique flavors and ancient grains.

Gourmet Popcorn

Transform plain popcorn into exciting snacks with creative seasonings and coatings. Create signature flavors and offer special mixes for events and holidays.

Candy and Chocolates

Create sweet treats that make people smile. Start with simple recipes and basic molds, then develop your own unique flavors and designs.

Meal Prep Services

Help busy people eat well with prepared meals. Focus on healthy options and dietary preferences that match your local market’s needs.

Dog Treats

Bake healthy snacks that make pets and their owners happy. Use quality ingredients and create treats for different dietary needs and preferences.

Specialty Coffee and Tea Blends

Create unique beverage blends that wake up taste buds. Focus on sourcing quality ingredients and creating distinctive flavor profiles.

Event Smoothies and Juices

Bring fresh drinks to local events and markets. Develop signature recipes that use seasonal ingredients and appeal to health-conscious customers.

Handmade Crafts

Handmade Candles

Create unique scented candles using high-quality waxes and essential oils. Experiment with different containers and designs to create signature collections that appeal to specific customer groups.

Soap and Bath Bombs

Natural skincare products are in high demand, especially those with unique scents and ingredients. Start with basic recipes, then develop your own signature blends as you learn what customers prefer.

Knitted or Crocheted Items

Handmade knitwear brings warmth and style to any wardrobe. Start with popular items like beanies, scarves, and baby blankets, then branch out into more complex pieces as your skills grow.

Hand-painted Mugs

Transform plain mugs into personalized works of art that make perfect gifts. Use dishwasher-safe paints and create designs ranging from simple monograms to intricate patterns.

Jewelry

Handmade jewelry lets you turn your creativity into wearable art. Begin with basic techniques like beading or wire wrapping, then expand your skills based on what sells best.

Seasonal Wreaths

Create beautiful door decorations that change with the seasons. Use both artificial and natural materials to craft wreaths that last and catch everyone’s eye.

Resin Art

Pour your creativity into stunning resin pieces that capture attention. Start with simple items like coasters and keychains before moving on to larger pieces like serving trays or wall art.

Personalized Ornaments

Design custom ornaments that commemorate special moments and holidays. Offer both seasonal designs and year-round options for celebrations and milestones.

Macramé

Modern macramé, which includes wall hangings and plant holders, brings a boho touch to home decor. First, learn basic knots and patterns, then develop your own unique style.

Custom T-shirts and Tote Bags

Put your designs on wearable, usable items people love. Start with simple text-based designs and expand into more complex artwork as you learn what your customers want.

Pottery and Ceramics

Shape clay into functional art that people use every day. Begin with hand-building techniques before investing in a wheel if you want to expand.

Woodworking Items

Create lasting pieces that combine beauty and function. Start small with items like cutting boards and coat racks, then work up to furniture as your skills improve.

Handmade Greeting Cards

Design cards that stand out from store-bought options. Focus on quality materials and unique designs that can’t be found elsewhere.

Painted Garden Decor

Hand-painted items add color and charm to outdoor spaces. Weather-resistant paints and sealers will help your creations last through the seasons.

DIY Home Decor

Create trendy decor items that add personality to any room. Watch current design trends and adjust your offerings to match what people want.

Clothing & Accessories

Upcycled Clothing

Give old clothes a new life with creative updates and modifications. Focus on current trends and unique transformations that make each piece special.

Embroidered Items

Add personal touches to hats, jackets, and other clothing with custom embroidery. Start with simple designs and build up to more complex patterns.

Handmade Bags

Craft functional bags that combine style with practicality. Offer different sizes and styles to meet various needs, from grocery shopping to evening events.

Hair Accessories

Create trendy hair accessories that appeal to all ages. Keep up with current styles and offer seasonal collections to maintain interest.

Baby Clothes

Design cute and comfortable clothing for children. Focus on practical designs that make parents’ lives easier while making them look adorable.

Hand-dyed Fabrics

Transform plain fabrics into unique pieces with dye techniques like tie-dye and batik. Create both finished items and fabric pieces for crafters.

Custom Aprons

Design aprons that combine functionality with style for cooking and crafting. Offer different styles for various uses, from professional kitchens to craft rooms.

Patchwork Quilts

Create cozy quilts that tell stories through fabric. Start with simple patterns and gradually take on more complex designs as your skills grow.

Leather Goods

Craft durable leather items that get better with age. Begin with small pieces like wallets and card holders before moving to larger items.

Eyewear Accessories

Design chains and holders that keep glasses safe and stylish. Create both practical everyday pieces and fashion-forward statement pieces.

Art & Photography

Digital Illustrations

Create custom artwork that captures special moments or ideas. To expand your market, offer both personal and commercial options.

Custom Portraits

Draw or paint portraits that capture personalities and memories. Start with a preferred medium and style, then expand based on demand.

Calligraphy Prints

Transform words into beautiful art pieces people want to display. Focus on popular quotes and custom pieces for special occasions.

Art Prints

Sell reproductions of your original artwork at accessible price points. Offer different sizes and framing options to suit various budgets.

Handmade Bookmarks

Design beautiful bookmarks that make reading more enjoyable. Create themed collections and custom options for gifts and special occasions.

Stickers and Decals

Design stickers that add personality to laptops, water bottles, and more. Keep up with trends and offer both seasonal and evergreen designs.

Photo Books

Create custom photo books that tell stories and preserve memories. Offer different themes and styles for various occasions and purposes.

Pet Portraits

Capture beloved pets in artwork that pet parents treasure. Offer different styles and mediums to suit various tastes and budgets.

Nature Photography

Capture and sell beautiful images of the natural world. Focus on local scenes and landscapes that have special meaning to your community.

Paint-by-Number Kits

Design custom kits that help others create art. Include clear instructions and quality materials for the best experience.

Coloring Pages

Create detailed coloring pages for adults and children. To reach different markets, offer digital downloads and printed collections.

Home & Garden

Succulents and Potted Plants

Grow and sell easy-care plants, perfect for busy people. To increase value, include care instructions and offer unique containers.

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Create natural cleaning products that work well and smell great. Focus on eco-friendly ingredients and reusable packaging options.

Beeswax Wraps

Make sustainable food storage alternatives to plastic wrap. Offer various sizes and patterns to suit different needs.

Upcycled Furniture

Give old furniture new life with repairs and fresh designs. Focus on quality pieces that will last for years.

Plant Propagation Kits

Help others grow their own plants with complete starter kits. Include detailed instructions and all necessary supplies.

Garden Tools

Create or customize tools that make gardening easier and more enjoyable. Focus on ergonomic designs and durable materials.

Table Linens

Sew beautiful table runners and placemats that enhance any dining space. Offer coordinating sets and seasonal options.

Organic Compost

Turn waste into garden gold with quality compost. Offer different sizes and custom blends for various growing needs.

Bird Houses

Build homes for feathered friends that add charm to any yard. Create different styles to attract various bird species.

Reusable Bags

Sew sturdy shopping bags that replace disposable options. Offer various sizes and styles for different shopping needs.

Storage Solutions

Create custom organizers that solve specific storage problems. To appeal to organizing enthusiasts, focus on both functionality and style.

Tech & Digital Products

Stock Photos

Capture and sell photos that businesses and bloggers need. Focus on current trends and underserved niches in the market.

E-books and Guides

Write helpful guides that solve specific problems. Focus on your areas of expertise and provide actionable advice.

Online Courses

Share your knowledge through structured online learning experiences. Break complex topics into manageable lessons with clear outcomes.

Printable Planners

Design organizational tools that help people achieve their goals. Create both general and niche-specific planning pages.

Website Templates

Build beautiful, functional website templates others can customize. Focus on specific industries or types of businesses.

Digital Art Resources

Create digital brushes, textures, and templates for other artists. Include clear instructions and examples of use.

Custom Avatars

Design unique profile pictures and digital characters. Offer different styles and customization options.

Spreadsheet Templates

Build useful spreadsheets that solve common problems. Include clear instructions and examples of use.

Social Media Templates

Design templates that help businesses maintain consistent branding. Create sets for different platforms and purposes.

Audio Files

Create sound effects or background music for various uses. Focus on quality recording and professional editing.

Mobile Apps

Develop apps that solve specific problems or provide entertainment. Start simple and add features based on user feedback.

Vintage & Secondhand Items

Vintage Clothing

Source and sell unique vintage pieces that stand out. Learn about different eras and what makes pieces valuable.

Antiques

Find and sell valuable older items to collectors and decorators. Research authenticity and market values carefully.

Rare Books

Source and sell valuable or hard-to-find books. Learn about editions and what makes books collectible.

Vinyl Records

Build a collection of sought-after albums and rare pressings. Learn about grading and proper storage methods.

Vintage Decor

Find and sell unique pieces that add character to modern homes. Learn about different styles and eras.

Retro Electronics

Restore and sell vintage electronics that still work well. Learn basic repair skills and safety requirements.

Collectible Paper Items

Source and sell old postcards, stamps, and ephemera. Learn about preservation and authenticity.

Thrifted Home Goods

Find and resell quality secondhand items. Learn what brands and styles sell best.

Restored Furniture

Find and fix up quality furniture pieces. Learn basic restoration techniques and when to leave patina.

Classic Games

Source and sell vintage board games and toys. Learn about completeness and condition grading.

Health & Wellness

Herbal Teas

Create custom tea blends for different needs and tastes. Learn about herbs and their properties.

Aromatherapy Products

Mix essential oil blends for different purposes. Learn about safe dilution rates and proper packaging.

Fitness Plans

Create workout programs tailored to different goals. Include clear instructions and progression options.

Meditation Recordings

Record guided meditations for various purposes. Focus on clear audio quality and a calming presence.

Yoga Accessories

Create or customize items that enhance yoga practice. Focus on quality materials and thoughtful design.

Diet Plans

Design healthy eating guides for different goals. Include shopping lists and meal prep tips.

Therapeutic Items

Make heating pads and other comfort items. Use quality materials that are safe and durable.

Health Journals

Create tracking tools for various health goals. Include helpful prompts and space for reflection.

Natural Skincare

Make gentle skincare products from natural ingredients. Learn about preservation and safety testing.

Wellness Kits

Put together collections of items for specific health goals. Include clear instructions and education.

Services

Tutoring

Share your knowledge in subjects you know well. Create clear lesson plans and track student progress.

Pet Care

Offer reliable pet sitting and walking services. Build trust through professional service and clear communication.

House Cleaning

Provide thorough cleaning services that save people time. Use eco-friendly products and maintain high standards.

Personal Shopping

Help busy people find what they need efficiently. Develop systems for understanding and meeting client needs.

Writing Services

Offer various types of writing help, from blogs to resumes. Learn about different writing styles and client needs.

Virtual Assistance

Help business owners with daily tasks and organization. Learn popular business tools and systems.

Childcare

Provide reliable, engaging care for children. Keep current with safety certifications and first aid.

Yard Work

Offer various outdoor maintenance services. Learn about local plants and proper care methods.

Auto Detailing

Transform dirty cars into sparkling clean vehicles. Learn professional techniques and use quality products.

Event Planning

Help people create memorable celebrations. Build a network of reliable vendors and venues.

Social Media Management

Help businesses build their online presence. Stay current with platform changes and best practices.

Resume Writing

Help job seekers present their best selves. Learn current resume trends and ATS requirements.

Proofreading

Help others polish their written work. Learn style guides and common error patterns.

Graphic Design

Create visual solutions for various needs. Build a strong portfolio of different types of work.

Photography

Capture special moments and create marketing images. Learn both technical skills and client management.

Translation

Help bridge language gaps for documents and conversations. Stay current with terminology in your language pairs.

Home Organization

Help people create functional, beautiful spaces. Learn about different organizing systems and approaches.

Moving Services

Help make relocations less stressful. Learn proper lifting techniques and protection methods.

Repairs

Fix common household problems efficiently. Learn basic repair skills and safety requirements.

Tech Support

Help others solve computer and device problems. Stay current with common issues and solutions.

Fitness Coaching

Guide others toward their health and fitness goals. Get proper certifications and insurance.

Unique Items

Mystery Boxes

Create themed surprise packages that delight recipients. Curate items carefully to provide good value.

Subscription Boxes

Put together monthly collections of related items. Plan themes in advance and source items carefully.

Craft Kits

Create all-in-one project kits with clear instructions. Test instructions with beginners to ensure clarity.

Custom Books

Create personalized stories for special recipients. Offer different themes and customization options.

Custom Puzzles

Turn photos or artwork into unique jigsaw puzzles. Offer different sizes and difficulty levels.

Travel Guides

Create detailed guides for specific destinations. Include insider tips and hidden gems.

Recipe Collections

Compile tested recipes into themed collections. Include clear instructions and helpful tips.

Custom Shoes

Transform plain shoes with unique painted designs. Use proper paints and sealers for durability.

Gift Baskets

Create themed collections for different occasions. Focus on quality items and beautiful presentation.

Miniatures

Create detailed small-scale models and scenes. Pay attention to scale and fine details.

Educational Toys

Make learning fun with interactive toys and games. Focus on specific age groups and learning goals.

3D Printed Items

Create custom solutions for specific needs. Learn about different materials and their uses.

Historic Maps

Source and sell interesting old maps and reproductions. Learn about regions and time periods.

Pet Accessories

Create unique items for pets and pet lovers. Focus on both style and safety.

Upcycled Bottles

Transform empty bottles into decorative or useful items. Learn different techniques for cutting and finishing glass.

Final Thoughts on Things to Make and Sell

Starting a side business selling handmade items or services takes time, but the rewards go beyond making money. Pick something you enjoy doing—your enthusiasm will show in your work and help attract customers. Start small, test your market, and adjust based on feedback. Remember that success rarely happens overnight, so give yourself time to grow and improve your craft.