Ever thought your hobby could be your next paycheck and earn you a sustainable income?
In 2025, DIY small business ideas are more than side gigs; they can be scalable businesses. If you love crafts, beauty, or fashion, there's a low-cost DIY business idea for you.
This article breaks down low-cost DIY business ideas that are profitable and easy to start. We’ll also show you how to monetize them using POD platforms, Etsy, and other online stores.
Why DIY Businesses Are Booming in 2025
DIY businesses are growing fast because they give you the freedom to work on your schedule. With low startup costs and real income potential, there’s plenty of room to grow.
Moreover, online tools and platforms have made it easier than ever to earn from your creative skills. With tools like Canva and Etsy, it’s easy to start a POD business or carry out handmade business ideas.
The Rise of Creative Ecommerce
Creative entrepreneurs are no longer limited to craft fairs or local markets. Ecommerce platforms like Etsy and Podbase make it easier to sell handmade and digital products.
In fact, Etsy alone had 8 million active sellers and 95 million buyers in 2024. That shows just how fast this creative ecommerce market is growing.
With access to global buyers and built-in tools, even niche crafts can grow into full-time businesses.
Low Startup Costs With High Profit Potential
Most DIY businesses are low-cost business ideas that need minimal upfront investment. That means lower risk and faster profits. It’s easier to test your ideas, build momentum, and start earning without major risks.
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Best DIY Business Ideas That Actually Make Money
These DIY small business ideas are low-cost, beginner-friendly, and profitable. We've grouped them by category so you can find what fits your skill and interest.
Here are some profitable DIY small business ideas you can start today:
Crafts to Make and Sell
These handmade business ideas are always in demand and work well for local markets:
Custom Candles
They’re easy to make and in demand. They’re perfect for home decor or gifting.
Here’s what you need:
- Soy or beeswax
- Fragrance oils
- Candle jars
- Color dyes
You can start with $50 or less and sell themed sets on Etsy. You can also offer custom labels for weddings or birthdays, like Anatolian Arts Design:
Handmade Jewelry
People want unique, handmade pieces they can’t find in usual stores. From polymer clay earrings to beaded necklaces, handmade jewelry is a flexible DIY small business idea. You just create the jewelry and sell it.
You’ll need this for a start:
- Beads
- Wire
- Pliers
- Clasps
- Chains
Here’s an example of a unique, profitable handmade jewelry on Etsy that you probably won’t find anywhere else:
Resin Art
People love customized coasters, trays, and keychains. You can make resin art and sell it on your online store.
To start, you’ll need:
- Epoxy resin
- Hardener
- Silicone molds
- Mixing cups
- Gloves
- Dyes
- Glitter
Selling resin art is an easy and customizable Etsy shop idea. You can offer custom gift sets or sell wholesale to local shops. This custom resin set is an example of a profitable, handmade DIY small business idea you can start:
Macramé Wall Hangings
This DIY small business idea is perfect for boho lovers. You can sell macramés or digital patterns on Etsy to make money.
Here’s what you need to make macramés:
- Cotton cord
- Wooden dowels or rings
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Here’s an example of a macramé wall hanging design by a DIY small business:
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Home Decor and Accessories
The following DIY home business ideas make great home decor and personalized gifts:
Print-on-Demand Wall Art
Selling wall art is an easy DIY small business idea. With POD, it’s even easier because you get to sell your designs without managing inventory.
Here’s what you need:
- Canva
- High-resolution artwork
- Printer or print-on-demand platform
To make money on Etsy, you can sell printable downloads or create seasonal art packs for sale. You can start today on Podbase and set up a store to sell print-on-demand wall art:
Ceramic Mugs
Ceramic mugs are fun to design and easy to personalize. They’re great for gifting or everyday use.
You’ll need:
- Plain ceramic mugs
- Sublimation printer or vinyl cutter
- Mug press
- Design templates
You can sell ceramic mugs on Etsy with custom text or bundle them as themed sets. The image below shows a creative example with matching stickers and prints.
Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are cozy and popular in every season. They also make thoughtful home gifts. With reliable POD platforms, they’re even easier to sell since you don’t hold inventory. You only fulfill orders after payment, keeping costs low and risk minimal.
You can sell themed pillows with custom text like this:
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DIY Beauty and Wellness
Here are some of the best DIY small business ideas for beauty and wellness:
Natural Soaps
This DIY small business idea is beginner-friendly and great for skincare lovers. Soap bars are affordable and simple to personalize. They’re also popular as gifts or everyday self-care products.
To start, get:
- Melt-and-pour soap base
- Essential oils or fragrances
- Molds and colorants
- Labels and packaging
You can sell handmade soaps on Etsy in themed gift boxes, such as calming or seasonal blends:
Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are easy to make and sell as well as gifts, spa kits, or self-care treats. They’re also trending on TikTok, making them perfect for visual marketing.
All you need is:
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Essential oils
- Colorants
- Molds
- Mixing bowls
- Gloves
This screenshot shows different bath bomb sets you can sell on Etsy for birthdays, holidays, or custom gifts:
Lip Balms
People love keeping a balm in their bag for everyday use. Additionally, they’re low-cost and easy to brand.
To make one, you’ll need:
- Beeswax or soy wax
- Flavor oils or essential oils
- Lip balm tubes
Lip balms are also easy to bundle with soaps or bath bombs for spa-style gift boxes. You can also sell them as singles or sets on Etsy with custom scents or labels.
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Paper Goods and Printables
These products are easy to design and produce. This makes them perfect for selling online:
Notebooks
They’re great for students, writers, and gift-givers. You can create designs for any niche with:
- Canva or any design software
- Spiral binding tools
- Templates or themed designs
You can sell personalized notebooks on Etsy using POD or handmade options.
Wedding Invitations
Couples love modern, printable invites that they can edit and download. It saves time and money. To start, you need:
- Design software like Canva or Adobe Express
- Templates for invites, RSVP cards, and menus
- Print-ready files or POD printing
Sell editable templates on Etsy for weddings and events, or offer bundles and matching themes like these ones:
Digital Planners
Digital planners are eco-friendly, customizable, and in demand. They’re perfect for students, professionals, or creatives.
List them on Etsy as instant downloads. You can also offer bundles or themed sets for added value:
Also Read:
- Best Print-on-Demand Niches: How to Find Profitable Ideas
- Money-Making Hobbies That Can Earn You Money This Year
Apparel and Fashion
If you love fashion, these DIY small business ideas might just be for you:
T-shirt Printing with POD
Custom t-shirts are always trending, and you don’t need inventory to start. You only print a shirt when someone buys one.
You’ll need:
- Any design tool
- POD platform
- Cool quotes or graphics
Simply upload your designs to a print-on-demand platform, open a shop, and target niche buyers.
Crochet Accessories
Handmade crochet is trending again, especially among Gen Z. You can sell accessories for those who want to take up this hobby.
You can sell yarns, crochet hooks, kits or patterns, and other materials. The image below is a crochet hook set for sale:
Hand-Painted Shoes
Custom shoes feel personal and expressive. Customers love designs tied to music, pop culture, or color trends.
If you’re good with art, you can start with:
- Plain canvas shoes
- Fabric paints or markers
- Brushes
- Sealant
You can paint made-to-order shoes with names, characters, matching couple sets, logos, and more:
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Easy DIY Business Ideas You Can Start This Weekend
The following DIY small business ideas are simple and perfect to start this weekend:
Quick-Launch Etsy Crafts
These simple crafts are quick to make and easy to sell. With eye-catching packaging and a clear niche, they can help you make your first sale in no time.
You can sell the following quick-launch crafts on Etsy:
- Beaded bracelets
- Fabric bookmarks
- Mini soap bars
- Keychains
- Scrunchies
- Resin magnets
- Wax melts
Print-on-Demand Designs (Phone Cases, Laptop Sleeves, Mugs)
Design everyday tech accessories using tools like Canva or Procreate. Then, you can use POD platforms like Podbase to upload your designs, preview them on products, and start selling right away.
Subscription Boxes (Craft Kits, Candle Boxes)
Package small craft kits or self-care items into gift-ready sets for sale. Here are some popular subscription box ideas:
- Candle Kits: Include wax, scents, wicks, and jars
- Journaling Sets: Include a notebook, pen, washi tape, and stickers
- Craft Kits for Kids: Fun DIY activities with paper, stickers, and safe tools
- Spa Boxes: Bundle soaps, bath bombs, lip balms, and scented sachets
Profitable DIY Business Ideas for Long-Term Growth
These DIY small business ideas may take more time to set up but offer steady, long-term income:
Teaching DIY Classes
Teaching others is a great way to earn and grow online.
You can:
- Host live or recorded classes on platforms like Zoom or Skillshare
- Sell printable guides or patterns as add-ons
- Build a YouTube channel or online course library
Selling Craft Kits
Another smart way to make money is by selling craft kits. You can meet this need by selling craft kits for:
- Kids’ art
- Crochet
- Beading
- Macramé
- Painting
Additionally, each kit should include pre-measured materials and step-by-step instructions.
Building Your Own POD Brand
Building a profitable POD business model means having a brand around a specific niche. Instead of selling one-off designs, build a full brand for pets, hobbies, or wellness.
Saulius Meilutis is the CEO of Podbase, helping creators and entrepreneurs monetize their ideas with print-on-demand. He shares insights on eCommerce, growth, and building lean online businesses.
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