The handmade industry is growing!
By 2030, experts think the global handmade market could be worth $983.12 billion! That’s a big jump from where it is now, growing at 4.7% each year from 2023 to 2030. Places like Etsy and Amazon Handmade are a big part of this growth. In 2022, Etsy had 90 million people buying and 70 million people selling on their site.
If you’re looking to get started selling handmade items, or looking to pivot your current business, it’s important to know what’s happening in the industry. In 2024, the handmade industry is expected to be worth $387.07 billion, up from $357.40 billion in 2023. By 2034, it could reach $1,050.53 billion, growing at 10.5% each year.
Let’s look at the big trends for 2024 and what might happen in 2025.
TLDR:
Growth: The handmade industry is big, and getting bigger.
Promote Sustainability: Show off how eco-friendly your products are. Lots of people care about this.
Customers want: personalization, home decor, and self care goods.
Trends: Pet supplies, kids crafts, personalized products, handmade jewelry.
2024 Product Trends
Etsy reports strong sales in custom jewelry, with a 106% year-over-year increase in searches for gold charm necklaces. Personalized velvet jewelry boxes have also seen a significant 4,304% increase in searches.
Amazon Handmade has seen rising demand for handcrafted home decor items made from sustainable materials like bamboo and reclaimed wood, as well as artisanal kitchenware such as handmade ceramic plates and wooden utensils.
Increased Search Traffic Data for Specific Products/Keywords
Highlights of several product categories with notable search traffic increases on Etsy, including:
- Custom dog gifts: 18% year-over-year increase
- Kid crafts: 250% year-over-year increase
- Couple hoodies: 14% year-over-year increase
- Boho wall art: 50% year-over-year increase
These trends reflect growing consumer interest in personalized pet accessories, DIY activities for children, matching couple apparel, and bohemian-inspired home decor.
Design Styles and Aesthetics in Demand
In 2024, the handmade industry favors designs that blend functionality with aesthetics. Key trends include:
- Sustainable Materials: Products made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled materials.
- Minimalist Designs: Clean lines and simple shapes, especially in home decor and jewelry.
- Vintage and Retro Styles: Nostalgic items, particularly in fashion and home accessories.
- Natural and Earthy Tones: Muted colors and earth-inspired palettes, with Etsy’s 2024 Color of the Year being “Berry.”
- Textured Fabrics: Handmade textile products featuring chunky knits, macramé, and woven designs.
Data-Driven Insights for 2024
Specific Product/Keyword Trends from Google, Etsy, and Amazon
- Google Trends Data:
- Shows a significant increase in searches for sustainable craft-related products over the past year.
- Etsy Trends:
- Personalized Cutting Boards: +65% year-over-year.
- Handmade Face Masks: +20% demand increase.
- Custom Pet Portraits: +80% searches.
- Amazon Handmade Trends:
- Handmade Jewelry, Personalized Gifts, and Home Decor categories have seen significant sales growth.
2025 Predictions
Overall Market Growth Projections
The handmade sector is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. According to Grand View Research, the worldwide handmade market is expected to reach USD 983.12 billion by 2030.
Emerging Markets and Opportunities
- Asia Pacific: This region dominated the handmade market, with a revenue share of around 35% in 2022. Countries like India, China, and Bangladesh are seeing a rise in handmade and crafted item production.
- Middle East & Africa: This region is anticipated to witness the second-fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030. Countries like Turkey, Morocco, and Iran are known for their handwoven textile offerings.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly crafts: An increasing demand for handmade made from sustainable materials presents new opportunities for artisans focusing on eco-friendly production methods.
Anticipated Shifts in Consumer Preferences
- Personalization: Consumers are increasingly looking for customized and personalized handcrafted items, a trend that is predicted to continue until 2025.
- Artisanal home decor: With an increasing emphasis on house aesthetics, handmade home décor products are expected to gain popularity.
- Wellness and self-care goods: Handmade wellness items, such as natural skincare and aromatherapy products, are predicted to become more popular.
- Tech-integrated crafts: The incorporation of technology into traditional crafts, such as smart home décor or tech-enabled accessories, is a growing trend.
General Handmade Industry Trends and Statistics
Focus on Etsy and Amazon Handmade Platforms
- Amazon Handmade:
- Steady growth since its 2015 launch.
- Expanded to over 14 product categories, benefiting from Amazon’s vast customer base and logistics network.
- Etsy:
- 95.1 million active buyers and 7.5 million active sellers as of Q3 2023.
- Gross merchandise sales (GMS) of $3.0 billion in Q3 2023, a 1.2% year-over-year increase.
- Significant growth in categories like personalized gifts, home decor, and wedding-related items.
Overall Market Size and Growth Rates
The global handmade market has significant potential for future growth:
- Market Size (2022): USD 678.24 billion.
- Growth Projections: Expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 983.12 billion by 2030.
- Key Growth Categories: Sustainable products, personalized items, and home decor.
Key Demographics of Handmade Buyers
- Age: Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly drawn to handmade products, valuing uniqueness and sustainability.
- Gender: While traditionally female-dominated, the market is seeing increased interest from male consumers, particularly in categories like handmade leather goods and artisanal home decor.
- Income level: Handmade products appeal to a wide range of income levels, with high-end artisanal goods attracting affluent consumers and more affordable handmade items appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.
- Geographic location: While North America and Europe have traditionally been strong markets for handmade goods, there’s growing interest in Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern countries.
- Values: Consumers who prioritize sustainability, ethical production, and supporting small businesses are key demographics for handmade products.
Buyers love unique, eco-friendly, and personalized stuff. Highlighting these qualities in your products can set you apart from mass-produced goods. Don’t forget to share the cultural importance of your items and work with local artisans – it’ll make your brand stand out.