Whether you're a first-time vendor or a seasoned craft fair pro, one question comes up more than any other: what actually sells? We surveyed vendors, analyzed booth trends, and compiled real data from thousands of craft fairs to bring you the definitive list of best-selling items in 2026.
Top 15 Best-Selling Craft Fair Items
1. Candles & Wax Melts
Candles consistently rank as the #1 seller at craft fairs across the country. Customers love hand-poured soy candles, beeswax candles, and wax melts β especially when they can smell them in person. The sensory experience of shopping candles at a fair is something online stores can't match.
- Price range: $8β$28 per candle
- Why they sell: Impulse buys, gift-friendly, consumable (repeat customers)
- Pro tip: Offer a wax melt sample pack at $5β$8 as a low-barrier entry point
2. Handmade Jewelry
From beaded bracelets to sterling silver earrings, jewelry is a craft fair staple. The key is offering a range of price points β affordable pieces under $15 for impulse buys and premium items for customers willing to invest.
- Price range: $5β$150+
- Why they sell: Wearable, unique, easy to gift
- Pro tip: Display pieces on models or bust forms so customers can visualize wearing them
3. Soaps & Bath Products
Handmade soaps, bath bombs, and body care products are consistently strong sellers. Like candles, the ability to smell and touch products drives sales. Customers love sets and bundles for gifting.
- Price range: $5β$25 per item
- Why they sell: Consumable, gift sets, sensory appeal
- Pro tip: Create pre-wrapped gift sets at $20β$30 β they fly off tables during holiday fairs
4. Art Prints & Photography
Original art may have a limited audience, but prints and photography are accessible at lower price points. Local scenes, nature photography, and pet portraits are especially popular.
- Price range: $10β$50 for prints, $100+ for originals
- Why they sell: Affordable art, local appeal, home dΓ©cor
- Pro tip: Offer multiple sizes and frame options
5. Pottery & Ceramics
Mugs, bowls, planters, and decorative ceramics attract customers looking for functional art. Handmade pottery has a premium feel that justifies higher prices.
- Price range: $15β$80
- Why they sell: Functional, unique glazes, artisan appeal
- Pro tip: Mugs are the gateway β once someone buys a mug, they often come back for a full set
6. Wood Crafts & Cutting Boards
Custom cutting boards, serving boards, wooden signs, and turned bowls are perennial favorites. They appeal to both men and women, making them versatile sellers.
- Price range: $20β$100
- Why they sell: Durable, functional, great gifts for men
- Pro tip: Offer laser engraving or custom names for a personalization premium
7. Pet Products
Bandanas, treats, toys, and custom pet portraits tap into the $150B+ pet industry. Pet owners love finding unique items they can't get at big box stores.
- Price range: $5β$40
- Why they sell: Emotional buying, huge market, repeat purchases
- Pro tip: Display photos of dogs wearing your products β instant conversation starter
8. Baked Goods & Specialty Foods
Cookies, jams, honey, sauces, and other food items often outsell everything else by volume. Check your state's cottage food laws before selling β most states allow home-made food sales with some restrictions.
- Price range: $3β$15 per item
- Why they sell: Everyone eats, low price point, impulse buys
- Pro tip: Offer free samples β it's the most effective sales technique at fairs
9. Stickers, Pins & Small Art
Low-cost items like stickers, enamel pins, and magnets are perfect for younger audiences and impulse purchases. They also make great add-ons to bigger purchases.
- Price range: $1β$12
- Why they sell: Affordable, collectible, low commitment
- Pro tip: Create bundles (3 stickers for $10) to increase average order value
10. Seasonal & Holiday DΓ©cor
Wreaths, ornaments, and seasonal decorations sell especially well at fall and holiday fairs. Time your inventory to match the fair season.
- Price range: $10β$75
- Why they sell: Seasonal urgency, home dΓ©cor, gifting
- Pro tip: Start making holiday inventory in summer β you'll need more than you think
11. Clothing & Accessories
Hand-dyed fabrics, screen-printed tees, crocheted hats, and hand-sewn bags attract fashion-conscious shoppers. Sizing can be a challenge, so focus on one-size-fits-most items.
- Price range: $15β$60
- Why they sell: Wearable, unique, self-expression
- Pro tip: Scarves, headbands, and tote bags avoid sizing issues entirely
12. Resin Art & Crafts
Resin jewelry, coasters, trays, and keychains have exploded in popularity. The shimmery, customizable nature of resin appeals to a wide audience.
- Price range: $8β$45
- Why they sell: Eye-catching, customizable, trending
- Pro tip: Live demonstrations at your booth attract crowds and drive sales
13. Plants & Succulents
Potted succulents, propagations, and plant accessories (cute pots, macramΓ© hangers) are increasingly popular. They appeal to the plant-parent demographic.
- Price range: $5β$30
- Why they sell: Living gifts, trendy, affordable
- Pro tip: Include care cards with every purchase β it builds trust and reduces returns
14. Children's Items
Handmade toys, baby blankets, hair bows, and children's clothing sell well at family-friendly fairs. Parents (and grandparents!) love finding unique items for kids.
- Price range: $5β$40
- Why they sell: Grandparent effect, baby shower gifts, unique finds
- Pro tip: Make sure everything is safety-tested and labeled for the appropriate age group
15. Custom & Personalized Items
Anything that can be customized β name signs, monogrammed items, custom portraits β commands premium prices. Customers pay more for something made just for them.
- Price range: $15β$100+
- Why they sell: One-of-a-kind, emotional connection, gift-perfect
- Pro tip: Offer on-the-spot customization at fairs with a Cricut or laser engraver
How to Pick What to Sell
The best-selling item at a craft fair is one that meets three criteria:
- You're passionate about making it β Craft fairs are a grind. If you don't love your product, burnout comes fast.
- There's demand for it β Check what sells at fairs in your area. Visit as a shopper first.
- Your margins are healthy β Price your products to cover materials, time, booth fees, and still make a profit. If you're not sure how, read our pricing guide.
Pricing Strategy: The $20 Sweet Spot
Most craft fair impulse buys happen in the $10β$25 range. This is where the majority of your sales volume will come from. But don't leave money on the table β always have a few premium items ($50+) for customers willing to spend more.
A solid pricing strategy looks like:
- Entry items ($5β$12): Stickers, samples, small items β get people to your booth
- Core items ($15β$30): Your bread and butter β what most customers buy
- Premium items ($40β$100+): Statement pieces, custom work, gift sets
What NOT to Sell at Craft Fairs
Some items consistently underperform:
- Mass-produced goods: Customers come for handmade β they can tell the difference
- Fragile items without packaging: If it breaks on the way home, you lose a customer
- Items requiring explanation: If your product needs a 5-minute pitch, most people will walk by
- Overpriced basics: A $40 bar of soap is a tough sell when handmade soaps typically go for $8β$12
Find Your Next Fair
Ready to test your products? Browse craft fairs near you on TheCraftMap to find the perfect event. Use our filters to find affordable fairs to minimize risk, or check fairs happening this weekend to scout events as a shopper before you apply as a vendor.
New to vending? Start with our guide on how to apply to your first craft fair and our packing checklist so you don't forget anything on the big day.
π οΈ Tools for Craft Fair Vendors
- TheCraftMap β Find and compare craft fairs near you
- WickSuite β Candle business management (costs, inventory, recipes)
- Soaply β Soap recipe calculator and lye calculations
