What to Sell to Make Money in 2025: Smart Ideas and Tools for Sellers

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I sell to make money?” — you're far from alone. Whether you're a teenager looking to earn a bit at school, a student trying to build a small business on the side, or someone exploring what to sell online after retirement, 2025 offers more options than ever. From Etsy to Amazon and even marketplaces like eBay, you can sell creative things, digital tools, and everyday products that solve simple problems — all with little to no budget.

The goal isn’t just to find things to sell to make money fast, but to discover items you enjoy working with and that have long-term potential. Let’s explore how you can turn that question — “what are the best things to sell to make money?” — into a practical and profitable path.

The beauty of selling as a kid or a teenager is that no one expects perfection. What matters most is originality and effort. That’s why handmade and low-effort items often work best at school fairs, small markets, or even Instagram stories.

Take handmade scrubs, for example. With just sugar, coconut oil, essential oils, and some creativity in packaging, you can create gifts people actually want to buy. Or think about custom stickers and decorated tote bags — both popular among students who want something fun, personal, and affordable.

Phone charms, resin jewelry, or clay accessories also fall into the category of easy things to make and sell for money. These projects require low upfront costs and can be sold directly in schools, on social media, or through local pop-ups. Even better, this approach builds entrepreneurial confidence early — an invaluable asset.

And if you’re wondering what are the most valuable items boomers can sell to make money? — it’s often about going the opposite way. Vintage decor, books, or collectibles from the 70s and 80s often sell well on eBay, where nostalgia drives prices.

Selling physical products doesn’t always mean competing in saturated markets. While generic kitchen utensils or basic stationery may seem overdone, there’s still room for creative things that solve real problems — especially when presented in a new way.

Think niche. Instead of just “notebooks,” consider customized planners for ADHD students or study kits for medical school applicants. Or imagine launching a line of space-saving desk organizers for tiny dorm rooms. These are the kinds of things to sell to make money as a teenager or student that feel original but don’t require heavy manufacturing.

The key is avoiding the “red ocean” — overly crowded categories with massive sellers. A simple trick is to take your product idea and search it on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Are the top results all big brands with thousands of reviews? If yes, that’s a sign to pivot. But if you find quirky, independent shops in the mix, that means there’s space to carve out your niche.

This applies even to more traditional items. Gift bundles, personalized pencil cases, or thematic school supplies for seasonal launches can thrive — especially when marketed locally or through micro-influencers.

Amazon can seem intimidating at first, but it remains one of the most effective answers to “how to sell things online and make money.” Unlike Etsy, where handmade and vintage dominate, Amazon rewards simplicity and volume. You don’t need to start with your own brand — testing a product in small batches is a smart way to begin.

Start by identifying a lightweight, durable product in a clear niche: silicone travel bottles, reusable produce bags, lunch accessories for school, or small kitchen tools. These items don’t take up warehouse space and aren’t fragile in transit. Perfect for beginners.

Before you go all in, you’ll want to evaluate demand. That’s where tools like Jungle Scout Sales Estimator come in.

How to use Jungle Scout Sales Estimator:

This tells you if the item is worth entering or if the niche is too small. Combine it with AMZScout, Helium 10 or Jungle Scout for keyword data, historical trends, and profitability calculators. These are essential for anyone asking how to sell things online and make money reliably..”

Finding things to sell to make money is just the beginning. The next step is keeping the momentum — especially when early sales are slow or unpredictable.

Packaging matters. Buyers connect with visuals, so invest in your product presentation. Whether it’s a handmade item or a planner template, make sure your photos are clear, your branding is cohesive, and your offer is easy to understand.

Even more important: consistency. Uploading one sticker sheet or two scrubs isn’t enough. Add more variations, bundle items, or try new angles. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon favor active sellers who update regularly.

Don’t forget follow-up. Create a simple card to include in every shipped item or a thank-you message for digital buyers with a discount code. These small touches increase repeat purchases and boost visibility through reviews.

And perhaps most overlooked — give yourself time. Many successful sellers started small: one product, one channel, one customer. Don’t aim for perfection. Focus on progress.

In 2025, learning how to sell things on Amazon and make money, or testing digital templates on Etsy, isn’t limited to professionals. Anyone — from teenagers to boomers — can find easy things to sell to make money by following a few clear steps.

Begin with your interests. Use tools like Jungle Scout to validate them. Start with small batches or digital files. Sell at school, online, on eBay, or on niche marketplaces. Scale what works.

Because whether it’s your first sale or your hundredth, the core question stays the same: What can I sell to make money — and actually enjoy doing it? When you answer that honestly, the rest becomes a lot easier.