Any questions? Call us on 01494 887909
Christmas craft ideas to sell
December 5, 2023
If you’re looking to make extra money or diversify your business around the festive season, why not make or stock Christmas crafts to sell? Whether you offer them at fairs, online or in an existing store, it can be both profitable and fun to help people gift their loved ones or fill their homes with the warmth and charm of Christmas. Whether you’re an experienced artisan or dipping your toe into getting crafty, there’s undoubtedly always a market for Yuletide creations.
Once you’ve decided to share and spread joy through your creativity, you’ll want to settle on your niche or narrow down your products. If you’ve been to Christmas markets or fairs before, you’ll know there are many different things you can sell, aimed at a range of demographics. Whether you specialise in cards, woodwork, ornaments, or other festive crafts, you can tap into different audiences on various platforms and channels, for a successful seasonal business.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Christmas craft ideas to sell, with advice on current trends and how to approach the festive market.
Is it better to source or make Christmas crafts to sell?
Before you do anything, you’ll need to decide whether to source existing products or make Christmas crafts to sell. This depends on various factors, including your skills, resources, and business goals. Designing and producing your own crafts gives you the option of making unique, personalised products that reflect your creativity. This can set you apart in the market and build a brand identity. However, it will require time, effort, and a certain level of proficiency in craftsmanship. Aside from the business benefits, it’s also, of course, about whether you enjoy the making in and of itself.
The benefit of sourcing existing crafts is that it lets you be more efficient with your time. You can offer a bigger range of products and have more hours in the day for other aspects of your business, such as marketing. This is a good option if you lack specific crafting skills, while also giving you the opportunity to bulk price collections, potentially increasing profit margins.
Research market demand, competition, and your target audience. Handcrafted items often appeal to consumers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces, while sourced goods might cater to those looking for convenience and variety.
You might want to go for a hybrid approach, crafting signature pieces while supplementing your offering with sourced items. Striking this balance lets you increase your product range and appeal to a broader customer base, maximising your potential in the market. Regularly assessing customer preferences and market trends will guide your strategy for long-term success.
What crafts can I make and sell for Christmas?
There are numerous Christmas crafts you can make and sell, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The popularity of different items can vary from year to year. Anything personalised can add a touch more emotional connection and make people feel special.
Here are some ideas for Christmas crafts to sell at craft fairs, in stores or on online marketplaces.
Homemade Christmas cards
If you want something straightforward to produce yourself, cards are easy Christmas crafts to make and sell. Handcrafted Christmas cards are timeless yet still elevate this long-held tradition, with the huge rise of digital designs in recent years. This means unique and personalised designs offer a nostalgic point of difference.
Consider using traditional festive symbols or incorporating popular Christmas themes. Experiment with different techniques such as embossing, calligraphy, or incorporating small ornaments into the card design. Start early to ensure you have enough stock for the rush. Selling customisable options lets people add a personal touch.
Wooden ornaments
Woodwork crafts add a rustic, charming touch to tree decorations or rooms in the home. If you’re planning to make and sell wooden Christmas crafts, you could include classic holiday shapes like stars, snowflakes, reindeer or Christmas trees. Alternatively, you might want to sell gifts that can be used throughout the year, such as jewellery boxes and planters.
If you’re environmentally minded, give some thought to using or sourcing reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly twist. Whatever materials you opt for, they can be set apart with intricate details, painting or wood burning. Bundle your ornaments into themed sets to encourage customers to purchase multiple pieces, or personalise them with names and dates for a sentimental touch. Crafters’ platforms like Etsy are great for these kinds of products.
Festive wreaths
Wreaths are a staple in Christmas decor, so beautifully crafted designs help to set people’s homes apart for everyone to see. Experiment with different materials such as pine cones, berries, and ribbons. Offer a variety of sizes and styles to cater to different tastes.
You could also host wreath-making workshops to engage with your local community. Create a strong online presence through social media and a dedicated website to showcase your designs, while remembering traditional marketing to reach people offline, such as posters in local shops or cafes.
Personalised stockings
Add a personal touch to another Christmas tradition by creating bespoke, handmade stockings. Experiment with different fabrics, textures, and embellishments. Personalised stockings with names or monograms to make them extra special.
Offer a range of sizes and designs aimed at different preferences and age groups. You could also collaborate with local retailers or online marketplaces to expand your reach. You can sell stockings in sets with other festive items, such as candles to put around them on the mantlepiece, for a complete holiday package.
Candles and scented crafts
People love to bring evocative seasonal scents into their homes. Help them create that cosy Christmas ambience that’s so coveted this time of year, with handmade candles and scented crafts. Experiment with festive scents like cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread. Package candles in Christmas-themed containers, or create decorative wax melts for a unique twist.
There’s also the option to create gift sets with coordinating scents and candle sizes. Invest in striking packaging to elevate your products.
For inspiration on starting a candle making business read our short guide.
What are good craft show ideas?
Consumer tastes are ever-evolving, so you’ll have the best chance of success if you latch onto current ideas that bear the modern market in mind. Stay informed on emerging trends and tailor your craft range accordingly.
This year, you might want to consider something that falls within these areas:
- Sustainable crafts: Give purpose to your brand identity by creating sustainable crafts that minimise environmental impact. Emphasise eco-friendly, recycled materials and practices in your designs, reducing waste and educating people on how to protect the planet. An ever-increasing percentage of customers specifically seek out globally conscious retailers, so it makes good business sense. From upcycled ornaments to reusable wrapping paper, your creations can inspire others to embrace a more sustainable approach to holiday celebrations.
- Interactive workshops: Take your craft show experience a step further by offering live demonstrations or workshops, to engage attendees in hands-on creativity. From personalised ornament crafting to holiday wreath making, these workshops create an energised atmosphere, letting you connect with your audience. Sparking creativity and making lasting memories of your craft show booth provides an immersive experience that goes beyond shopping.
- Tech-integrated crafts: Transform traditional crafts with a tech-savvy twist by embracing augmented reality (AR), LED lights, or interactive elements. Seamlessly integrating technology into your creations gives a modern and innovative take on classic designs. From illuminated ornaments to interactive digital displays, captivate audiences with crafts that bridge the gap between tradition and cutting-edge technology.
- Personalised experiences: Allow buyers to customise their products, so they can take away something bespoke. You can let them do this in person at a fair, show or in-store. Alternatively, you can give people the option to go away and personalise items online after selecting their purchase from you, so that they have extra time to create something they love.
- Collaborative exhibits: Partner with other crafters for joint displays or interactive projects. Create a dynamic craft show experience by fostering collaboration with other artisans. Collaborative exhibits bring together diverse talents, resulting in interactive and visually stunning displays. From joint workshops to shared projects, these exhibits encourage a sense of community, providing attendees with a unique and enriching artistic experience that transcends individual creations.
Get Crafters Insurance with Protectivity
One of the core considerations of any commerce business should be getting the right insurance. It’s no different when it comes to crafts, as you’ll want to protect yourself and your products for professional longevity.
Protectivity’s Crafters Insurance is designed to give protection from customer or third-party claims, with Product Liability Insurance for the event of accidental damage to someone else. You can also opt for Craft Fair Insurance, specifically created for stallholders.
Find out more and get an instant quote tailored to the needs of your business. Get in touch if you have any queries at all.
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.
