21 Cheapest Crafts to Make With Huge Profits

Imagine turning a simple $3 investment into a $35 sale, just like one savvy mom who rakes in $8K monthly from her home-based side hustle. If you’re searching for the cheapest crafts to make and sell, you’re in the right place. These 21 ideas are beginner-friendly, with startup costs under $50 (most under $20), using everyday supplies to create high-demand items that command 500%+ profit margins on platforms like Etsy, local markets, and Shopify. In 2026, trends like personalization, eco-friendly materials, and digital hybrids will boost sales even further. Let’s dive in and turn your creativity into cash.

Table of Contents

Personalized Vinyl Stickers & Decals

Transform plain vinyl sheets into custom stickers that stick everywhere—from laptops to water bottles.

Total material cost per item: $0.50 (vinyl sheet piece + adhesive backing)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$15 each; 900%+ margin (e.g., cost $0.50, sell $5 for $4.50 profit)
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Vinyl sheets ($10 for pack), scissors or craft knife ($5), transfer tape ($5)
Where it sells best: Etsy for custom orders, local markets for impulse buys, Shopify for bulk sales
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Cut a simple shape like a heart from vinyl, add a monogram using a permanent marker, and apply to a phone case—done in 10 minutes!
2026 trend boost: Personalization reigns; offer eco-friendly biodegradable vinyl options for sustainability-focused buyers.
Photo description: Vibrant red heart sticker on a laptop, with custom “Love” text in elegant script.

Custom Scented Soy Candles

Melt soy flakes into fragrant candles that light up any room.

Total material cost per item: $1.50 (soy flakes + wick + scent oil)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$25 each; 600%+ margin (e.g., cost $1.50, sell $12 for $10.50 profit)
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Soy wax flakes ($10 for 10 lbs), wicks ($5), essential oils ($10), jars from dollar store ($10)
Where it sells best: Etsy for personalized scents, farmers’ markets for gifting, Shopify for subscription boxes
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Melt 1 cup soy flakes in a microwave-safe container, add 10 drops lavender oil, pour into a jar with wick—cure overnight!
2026 trend boost: Eco-friendly soy appeals to green consumers; add digital scent customization via apps.
Photo description: Soft glowing candle in a mason jar, labeled “Relax & Unwind” with lavender sprigs.

Hand-Lettered Quote Prints

Turn inspiring words into frameable art with simple markers.

Total material cost per item: $0.20 (paper + ink)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$20 (digital) or $10–$30 (printed); 2000%+ margin (e.g., cost $0.20, sell $10 for $9.80 profit)
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Cardstock paper ($10), brush pens ($15), scanner ($20 if needed for digitals)
Where it sells best: Etsy for downloads, craft fairs for physical prints, Shopify for bundles
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Write “Dream Big” on paper with varied lettering styles—scan and print!
2026 trend boost: Personalize with hybrid digital overlays for interactive prints.
Photo description: Black-and-white script “Be Kind” on textured paper, framed on a gallery wall.

Macramé Plant Hangers

Knot cord into boho hangers for indoor greenery.

Total material cost per item: $2 (cotton cord)
Average selling price & profit margin: $15–$40; 650%+ margin (e.g., cost $2, sell $20 for $18 profit)
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Macrame cord ($15 for bundle), wooden ring ($5), scissors ($5)
Where it sells best: Etsy for custom lengths, plant shops on consignment, markets for eco decor
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Knot a basic spiral with 4 cords around a ring—hang a small pot!
2026 trend boost: Eco-friendly recycled cords for sustainable living trends.
Photo description: White cotton hanger suspending a succulent, against a minimalist wall.

Beaded Jewelry (Earrings, Bracelets)

String beads into trendy accessories.

Total material cost per item: $1 (beads + wire)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$30; 900%+ margin (e.g., cost $1, sell $15 for $14 profit)
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Assorted beads ($20), jewelry wire ($10), pliers ($10)
Where it sells best: Etsy for custom colors, jewelry markets, Shopify for sets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Thread 10 beads on wire, loop ends for earrings—ready in 5 minutes!
2026 trend boost: Personalized birthstone options with AR try-on features.
Photo description: Colorful beaded earrings dangling from a model’s ear.

Digital Planners (Printable PDFs)

Design organizational tools for instant downloads.

Total material cost per item: $0 (digital)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$20; near 100% margin after creation
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Design software like Canva (free tier), PDF converter ($0)
Where it sells best: Etsy for downloads, Shopify for bundles
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Use free templates to create a weekly planner page—export as PDF!
2026 trend boost: Hybrid with app integration for interactive planning.
Photo description: Digital planner open on a tablet, showing colorful weekly spreads.

Resin Keychains & Coasters

Pour resin for glossy, durable items.

Total material cost per item: $1 (resin + mold)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$15 (keychains), $10–$25 (coasters); 800%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Resin kit ($20), silicone molds ($15), pigments ($10)
Where it sells best: Etsy for customs, gift markets, Shopify for sets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Mix resin, pour into keychain mold with glitter—cure for 24 hours!
2026 trend boost: Eco-resin for sustainable personalization.
Photo description: Sparkly blue resin keychain with embedded stars.

Tie-Dye T-Shirts & Totes

Twist and dye for vibrant apparel.

Total material cost per item: $3 (blank shirt + dye)
Average selling price & profit margin: $15–$35; 400%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Tie-dye kit ($15), blank shirts ($20), rubber bands ($5)
Where it sells best: Etsy for customs, summer markets, Shopify for bundles
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Twist a shirt, apply dye bands—rinse after 8 hours!
2026 trend boost: Eco-dyes with personalized patterns.
Photo description: Rainbow spiral tie-dye tee on a mannequin.

Embroidered Bookmarks

Stitch quotes onto fabric strips.

Total material cost per item: $0.50 (floss + fabric)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$15; 900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Embroidery floss ($10), fabric scraps ($10), hoop ($5)
Where it sells best: Etsy for book lovers, literary markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Stitch “Read More” on fabric—add tassel!
2026 trend boost: Personalized with reader quotes via digital embroidery.
Photo description: Floral embroidered bookmark in a novel.

Painted Rock Mandalas

Dot-paint intricate designs on stones.

Total material cost per item: $0.50 (rock + paint)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$20; 900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Acrylic paints ($15), dotting tools ($10), rocks (free/foraged)
Where it sells best: Etsy for decor, garden markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Dot a simple circle pattern on a smooth rock!
2026 trend boost: Eco-friendly paints for mindfulness trends.
Photo description: Colorful mandala on a palm-sized rock.

Crochet Scrunchies

Yarn-wrap hair ties for retro vibes.

Total material cost per item: $0.50 (yarn + elastic)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$10; 900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Yarn ($10), crochet hook ($5), elastics ($5)
Where it sells best: Etsy for sets, beauty markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Crochet around an elastic in 15 minutes!
2026 trend boost: Personalized colors with eco-yarn.
Photo description: Pastel crochet scrunchie on a ponytail.

Sublimation Mugs

Print designs on mugs for daily use.

Total material cost per item: $2 (blank mug + ink)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$25; 400%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Sublimation blanks ($20), printer ink ($20)
Where it sells best: Etsy for customs, gift shops
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Print and press a quote on a mug!
2026 trend boost: Personalized with AR previews.
Photo description: Motivational quote on a white mug.

Bath Bombs & Soap Bars

Mix fizzies for spa-like baths.

Total material cost per item: $1 (baking soda + citric acid)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$15; 400%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Bath bomb mold ($10), ingredients ($20)
Where it sells best: Etsy for sets, wellness markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Mix soda and acid, mold into balls—dry overnight!
2026 trend boost: Eco-ingredients with personalization.
Photo description: Colorful bath bombs in a gift box.

Wooden Sign Quotes

Paint sayings on wood planks.

Total material cost per item: $2 (wood slice + paint)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$30; 400%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Wood slices ($15), paints ($15), brushes ($10)
Where it sells best: Etsy for homes, decor markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Stencil a quote on wood—paint and seal!
2026 trend boost: Personalized with digital fonts.
Photo description: “Home Sweet Home” on rustic wood.

Fabric Scrunchies & Headbands

Sew trendy hair accessories.

Total material cost per item: $0.50 (fabric scrap + elastic)
Average selling price & profit margin: $5–$10; 900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Fabric scraps ($10), sewing kit ($15)
Where it sells best: Etsy for sets, fashion markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Sew a tube from fabric, insert elastic!
2026 trend boost: Eco-fabrics with custom prints.
Photo description: Patterned scrunchie set on a wrist.

Greeting Card Sets

Design cards for every occasion.

Total material cost per item: $0.20 (cardstock + ink)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$20 per set; 4900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Cardstock ($10), printer ink ($20)
Where it sells best: Etsy for bundles, stationary markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Print quotes on folded cardstock!
2026 trend boost: Personalized with digital elements.
Photo description: Set of colorful thank-you cards.

Pom-Pom Garlands

String fluffy balls for decor.

Total material cost per item: $2 (pom-poms + string)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$25; 400%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Pom-poms ($15), yarn ($10)
Where it sells best: Etsy for nurseries, party markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Thread 20 pom-poms on string!
2026 trend boost: Eco-wool for sustainable decor.
Photo description: Rainbow pom-pom garland draped on a wall.

Clay Earrings

Sculpt lightweight statement pieces.

Total material cost per item: $0.50 (clay + hooks)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$25; 1900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Polymer clay ($15), earring hooks ($10)
Where it sells best: Etsy for fashions, jewelry markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Shape clay, bake, add hooks!
2026 trend boost: Personalized shapes with digital previews.
Photo description: Geometric clay studs on an ear.

Upcycled Jar Terrariums

Layer plants in recycled jars.

Total material cost per item: $1 (soil + plants)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$30; 900%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Jars (free/upcycled), pebbles ($10), mini plants ($20)
Where it sells best: Etsy for greens, eco markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Layer pebbles and soil in a jar, add succulent!
2026 trend boost: Eco-upcycling with personalization.
Photo description: Mini ecosystem in a mason jar.

Heat Transfer Vinyl Tees

Iron designs onto shirts.

Total material cost per item: $3 (blank tee + vinyl)
Average selling price & profit margin: $15–$35; 400%+ margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): HTV sheets ($15), iron ($20)
Where it sells best: Etsy for customs, apparel markets
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Cut vinyl quote, iron onto tee!
2026 trend boost: Personalized with digital hybrids.
Photo description: Quote-emblazoned tee on a hanger.

Printable Wall Art Bundles

Create digital decor for downloads.

Total material cost per item: $0 (digital)
Average selling price & profit margin: $10–$30; near 100% margin
Startup tools needed (<$50 total): Design software (free)
Where it sells best: Etsy for bundles
Quick “make your first one today” tip: Design a quote poster in Canva—bundle three!
2026 trend boost: Interactive digital art.
Photo description: Gallery wall with printable abstracts.

How to Price for Maximum Profit

Factor in materials, time ($15/hour minimum), and fees. Use: Cost x 3-5 for retail. Test bundles for higher averages. Monitor 2026 trends like sustainability to justify premiums.

Best Platforms to Sell in 2026

Etsy: For customs (60% sales). Markets: Impulse buys. Shopify: Subscriptions.

Free Craft Profit Calculator Printable

Download our PDF calculator to track costs and margins—link in bio.

FAQs – Cheapest Crafts to Make

What crafts have the highest profit margins?

Digital products like planners top at 95%+ margins.

Can beginners really make money with crafts?

Yes—with under $50 startup, focus on trends.

What crafts sell best on Etsy?

Personalized items like stickers and candles.

How do I price handmade crafts?

Cost x 4-5, adjust for platforms.

Are bath bombs profitable?

Yes—$1 cost, $10 sale.

What’s the easiest craft to start selling?

Vinyl stickers—quick and cheap.

Do digital prints sell well?

Bundles average $20 with zero costs post-creation.

How to scale to six figures?

Bundle, personalize, use trends like eco-materials.

Conclusion

Pick one craft, make 10 items this weekend, list them—and watch the profits roll in. Your side hustle goldmine awaits!