10 Handmade Products that WILL NOT Sell in 2026

Do you ever wonder why some handmade products seem to completely flop even when they’re well made and you see a lot of other makers selling them? 

You created product and listed it in your shop, then the listing just sits there, staring back at you, collecting digital dust?

And recently I made a video about 10 Handmade Products to make that will Actually sell in 2026, in it we looked at the trends and stats behind why those products could be your next best seller in your shop.

So I thought it’d only be fitting to follow that up with 10 handmade products that won’t sell in 2026. And of course as always, it will be also be backed by real stats and looking at the trends and hopefully can help you to know where to pivot your energy away from and prevent you from creating a product that’s a flop. 

We’re going to go through what’s slowing down, why customers are losing interest, and what you can make instead that actually has selling power next year.

If you’re new here, Hi my name is Sterling and I’m the artist here behind Cactus Lady Creation. Every week I share my journey as an artist and insights of running a handmade business, so if you are into any and all of those things make sure to give this video a like and subscribe to join me each week. 

And a lot of these products are still “nice to make of course,” but the problem I find is that they are either falling out of trend and or not selling out in the way that they used to. Alright let’s get into it!

 

 

Product #1 - Basic Boho Macramé

So the first product that is not selling like it used to, and I’m really saddened by this because I used to make a lot of these when I first got started with my small business, and that is macramé plant hangers. 

Macramé had an absolute boom in 2017 and 2018.  And while some macramé styles still remain popular, search interest for many “classic macramé” terms has absolutely dropped. 

According to Google Trends, the search interest for "macrame plant hangers" dominated global trends, peaking at 70 in November 2024 and 69 in December 2024, before declining to 45 by May 2025. However there were seasonal spikes that correlated with holiday shopping (in November–December 2024) and the post-holiday recovery (in February–March 2025). Accio+2Accio+2

Also Amazon Trends do point at some of the reasons why we are seeing interest dip, with “the term Boho Macrame Wall Decor" having fluctuating search volumes. Positive reviews highlighted affordability (11.8%) and cute designs (70%), while negatives focused on cheap materials (64.9%) and poor adhesives (18.4%).

Although the global macrame market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% (2023–2031), driven by DIY culture and sustainability trends, the key challenges include competition from mass-produced alternatives and limited awareness in emerging markets.

So the reasons why macramé plant hangers could be a flop in 2026 are:

• Over-saturation: oversaturation of the market, there are already many makers that are flooding this niche, so that’s what makes it less special. 
• Changing Tastes: Also interiors are shifting and buyers may want more minimal, modern, or sustainable-looking decor rather than vintage and traditional boho/macrame decor
• Seasonal/fad-driven demand: Also the fact that interest spikes around the spring and holiday periods and then fades at other times, can cause inconsistent or unpredictable sales. 

So from all this we can take away that macramé is not dead at all, but if your pieces are very basic, that style is definitely losing steam.

Instead there is  demand for customizable, eco-friendly macrame products, and this will rise by 20% annually through 2026, driven by Gen Z and Millennial consumers. So if you are a macramé artist and designer, you can lean to customization and sustainability niches, also embrace unique or modern design styles for your pieces. 

 

Product #2 - Basic Jewelry

Alright the next product on our list is the overly minimal and basic jewellery styles. So for example this includes basic pom-pom earrings, evil eye jewelry, dainty bracelets, cuff earrings, and pieces like that— that ‘minimalist style’ vibe has ruled the last few years. But according to Kunstplaza, in 2026 the minimalist style of past seasons is increasingly giving way to more expressive designs. 

The overall global handmade-jewellery market is still growing fast, and according to custom market insights, the handmade jewelry market is projected to grow from 157.5 billion USD in 2024 to 482.2 billion by  Custom Market Insights+2Market Research+2

But within that big growth, consumer tastes are shifting sharply. According to Elle Magazine and Harpers Bazaar, what’s trending now are bold statement pieces, vibrant gemstones, elevated beaded jewelry, bulky but classy bangles, and soft and organic shapes as well as other irregulars forms like natural pearls and molten metals.

So overall the simpler trend-based jewelry that has been thriving over the last few years aren’t showing as strong, stable demand. 

So unless your jewelry brings something extra such as a unique voice, sustainable materials, some kind of story or emotional hook, plain trend-based pieces are likely to get lost in the noise in 2026. 

 

Product #3 - Generic Resin Trinkets 

Alright product number 3 is generic resin keychains and resin trinkets like decorative trays and coasters. These absolutely exploded between 2020 and 2022, but the trend has cooled dramatically. 

According to Business Insider, resin enthusiasm has leveled-put since its early-pandemic boom, which matches what makers have been seeing across Etsy and TikTok. (Source: Business Insider Resin Coverage)

With tags like #antiresin on TikTok - some users complain about resin art’s environmental impact and potential safety concerns.

Even on this channel when I’ve mentioned resin art many of you have expressed your concerns about the safety of using resin and the health issues it can cause which is concerning.

According to the California Department of Public Health, inhaling the chemicals emitted from uncured epoxy resin or some of the other solvents used in the curing process can cause lung irritation and in some cases the development of lung diseases like asthma which is deeply troubling. 

However, the epoxy resin market is still growing and was valued at 13.5 billion USD in 2024 and is expected to reach 21.37 billion USD by 2032. (Paint and Coatings Industry)

So the biggest shift is what buyers want resin for. Market insights show demand moving toward meaningful or functional resin products: memorial keepsakes, dried-flower art, ocean resin pieces, wedding bouquet preservation, and customizable resin items. 

Generic glitter shapes and alphabet letters just don’t align with what shoppers are searching for anymore.

Sustainability is another major force working against this category. Pinterest’s 2025 trend coverage highlights a rise in nature-focused aesthetics, earthy color palettes, heirloom-inspired craftsmanship, and eco-conscious materials — all of which contrast sharply with inexpensive, mass-produced-looking resin trinkets. The trend reports point toward craftsmanship and longevity, not quick novelty pieces. 

Resin keychains in particular are oversupplied because the materials are easy to get and everyone uses the same molds. That drives prices down so low that the majority of sellers can’t stay profitable. 

So resin itself isn’t going anywhere — but generic resin pieces like keychains, coasters, decorative trays, and glittery pieces definitely are.   (Uncommon Necessities)

The makers who still succeed in this medium are the ones who niche down: customized memorial art, floral preservation, functional resin, or statement pieces with clear artistic style and creators who focus on bio-based resins and low VOC or volatile organic compound formulations are also important. 

 

Product #4 - Soy Candles / Simple Jar Candles

And the next product that you are definitely not going to want to make and sell in 2026 is simple soy candles. And these are the plain jar candles with standard labels and basic scents that flooded Etsy and handmade shops during the cozy-home boom during 2020. They used to be a safe bet. But heading into 2026, they’re becoming a risky choice if you don’t differentiate them.

The global candle market was estimated at 15.3 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to grow to 25.9 billion USD by 2034. As consumers are interested in stylish decor for their living spaces and the rise of wellness trends into daily routines has positioned aromatherapy candles as a staple in personal care and self-care rituals. The top 5 companies in the global candle industry are Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works, Candle lite, WoodWick and Paddywax which all contributed to only 17% of the market in 2024 according to GM Insights.

So there is plenty of room in the candle market as it is definitely growing but the basic the plain amber-jar, soy-wax, standard-scent candles are becoming heavily saturated. Low-cost mass-produced competitors plus a flood of handmade candle shops have squeezed the space, making it harder for handmade sellers to compete on price or visibility.

At the same time buyer tastes are shifting. Consumer-preference reports and trend roundups highlight that buyers now gravitate toward artisan or design-forward candles — ones with strong scent stories, aesthetic containers, novelty shapes, or eco-conscious materials. Simple jar candles with generic scents don’t stand out anymore, which means it’s harder to make them feel worth buying.

So overall we can see that soy candles aren’t dead. But, the generic, no-frills jar candles are a shrinking lane. If you want to sell candles in 2026, you’ll need to bring something extra: a unique scent story, a strong visual aesthetic, eco-conscious materials, or a memorable brand vibe. 

 

Product #5 - Hair Bandanas

Another product you’re definitely not going to want to make in 2026 because it is really oversaturated and it is hair bandanas. They used to be a staple accessory from casual to festival wear, and of course they still have a dedicated following because fashion is personal and people them despite whether they are in or out. But the reality is, in 2026, they’re a crowded space.

The main challenge is market saturation. Etsy, Amazon, and handmade marketplaces are flooded with hair bandanas in all colors, prints, and fabrics. Many sellers offer nearly identical designs at low prices, which makes it hard for a handmade creator to stand out or charge a premium. Even if your quality is high, buyers often default to the cheaper, familiar options. 

Bandanas tend to really peak around the Spring and especially Summer, and according to Pinterest Trends we can definitely see that they were even more popular in Summer of 2025 then Summer of 2024.

But as we head into 2026, personal style, uniqueness and storytelling is truly ruling all so generic prints or plain bandanas won’t create a strong enough reason for people to purchase especially when there are a never ending sea of other basic options. 

Handmade sellers who succeed in this category are the ones offering niche designs, limited editions, alt or aesthetic patterns, or use sustainable and upcycled materials.

So hair bandanas aren’t dead, but they’re a high-competition product. If you want to make them work in 2026, it’s good to focus on creating something unique, visually striking, or tied to a lifestyle or aesthetic.

Product #6 - Infinity and Keyhole Scarfs

Product number six is infinity scarves or keyhole scarves and these are the simple knit or crochet scarves that slip on, loop around, and get bundled on a neck. They used to be a reliable winter/seasonal accessory and are easy to make, lightweight to ship, and pretty popular during colder months. But going into 2026, this category feels a little shaky unless you really give it a twist.

And the main reason for it is, and say it with me this time, saturation.

So many shops offer scarves, and people love making them because they’re pretty straightforward to make - you need basic yarn, a standard pattern, and you're ready. That means that the market is flooded with similar scarves every season.

When buyers shop “crochet scarf” or “infinity scarf handmade,” they'll often find dozens of listings that look nearly identical — same colors, same yarn weights, same style. That makes it hard for one pair of hands to stand out in the crowd.

Also, in recent years there’s been a shift toward statement layering, unique silhouettes, mixed textures, or retro/vintage-inspired accessories rather than basic scarves meant purely for warmth. 

People browsing fashion platforms and social media seem more interested in how a piece looks and what kind of vibe it gives than just “keep me warm.” A plain infinity scarf isn’t doing much to speak to style trends unless it has striking colorwork, unusual yarn/fiber, or some kind of visual twist.

And also there is a lot of competition from mass‑market alternatives and fast fashion. Many retailers sell similar scarves that are machine knit, or with cheap fibers at a low price — and buyers may choose the convenience and low cost, especially if they don’t feel a handmade scarf offers that much extra value. 

For handmade sellers, that undercuts pricing and profit margins.

Overall infinity scarfs aren’t going anywhere though and are projected to potentially even reach high search terms on pinterest trends this December when compared to last year, especially among 18-24 year olds, but if you are a maker and seller right now going into 2026, you will find it difficult to really thrive with this product unless you really have a specific style and give them personality such as bold patterns, textured stitches, mixed fibers or a unique upcycled look and make them more than “just a functional scarf”. 

Or if you love scarfs and want to embrace the trends right now than maybe even explore making triangle scarfs instead, because they are really having their moment according to Pinterest this Fall and heading into Winter in 2026.  Or just explore and embrace your own unique spin on crochet scarfs in general because they are definitely not going anywhere. 

Product #7 - Concrete Planters

Product number seven is concrete planters — the kind of minimalist pots lots of makers started offering when the ‘plant parent’ craze was at its peak. At first, these sold well alongside boho decor and indoor gardening trends. But heading into 2026, the picture for plain concrete planters is less certain unless you give them something special.

One of the main reasons is because several maker-community trend roundups including this one from Made Urban explicitly flagged items like concrete planters among the craft or decor trends people are moving away from in 2025.

As buyers accumulate plants, they stop chasing new pots as frequently, and instead look for unique or personality-driven pieces rather than a basic concrete block. While global houseplant ownership remains high, many trend reports now emphasize stylistic variety over uniform “plant shelf” looks.

Also logistics and margins present a real challenge. Concrete is heavy and fragile compared with many other craft mediums, which increases shipping costs and breakage risk. For handmade sellers, this actually cuts into margins significantly, especially when competing with larger retailers that can offer cheap, light planter alternatives.

So overall concrete planters aren’t inherently bad products, but the generic, minimal concrete pots are becoming a tough sell in 2026. To make planters work, you need to elevate them — use unusual materials, bold forms, sustainable or up-cycled elements, or tailor them to a specific aesthetic or custom niche. 

Product #8 Generic Tote Bags

The next product to steer clear from in 2026 are plain canvas totes with minimal text designs, or basic graphic prints without a clear niche or aesthetic.

For a long time, tote bags felt like a perfect handmade product. They’re practical, easy to ship, and affordable for buyers. But heading into 2026, this category is becoming increasingly difficult to sell unless you’re doing something very specific and intentional.

The biggest issue here is oversaturation. Tote bags are one of the most crowded accessory categories across handmade marketplaces. Industry commentary and seller trend analyses consistently point to totes as a low-barrier product that thousands of sellers jump into, which leads to massive visual sameness. When buyers scroll through pages of nearly identical totes, the perceived value drops fast.

Trend forecasting supports this shift. Recent Pinterest Predicts and broader fashion-accessory trend reports emphasize bold, expressive, or multifunctional bags — things like oversized statement totes, up-cycled patchwork bags, embroidered or mixed-material designs. 

Vegan leather bags are getting popular too. This part of the market could be worth $89.6 billion around the world, as more bags are being made from recycled plastic. 

And according to Initi, the global tote bag industry could reach $5.84 billion with a steady 5.4% growth each year.

So overall trends suggest that while bags are still in demand, basic totes aren’t what’s driving buyer excitement.

 

Product #9 - Friendship Bracelets

Product number nine is the classic friendship bracelet — you know, simple woven or braided string bracelets without a niche aesthetic. These were really popular on Etsy and TikTok a few years back, but the trend has faded heading into 2026.

Friendship bracelets had a huge resurgence thanks to social media, nostalgia cycles, and pop-culture moments that pushed them back into the spotlight. But as we head into 2026, this is a category that’s starting to cool down because the trend has been fully absorbed.

One big factor is trend lifecycle burnout. Fashion and accessories trend commentary shows that once an item becomes extremely easy to make, widely copied, and heavily associated with beginner crafting, it tends to lose perceived value. Friendship bracelets are now everywhere — from handmade marketplaces to fast-fashion retailers to concert merch — which makes them feel less special.

Another thing to note is that according to Pinterest trends it seems that friendship bracelets peaked in Summer of 2024 and have been slowly fading since. 

Forecasts indicate growing interest in jewelry that has meaning, custom personalization, or features vintage styles, and  generic string bracelets just don’t resonate with buyers anymore because they don’t tell a story or offer unique value. 

In short, basic friendship bracelets aren’t inherently bad, but the plain, generic style is oversaturated. The sellers who succeed are the ones offering customization, meaningful charms, or bold, unique aesthetics that give buyers a reason to choose their bracelet over another.

Product #10 3D Printed Decor

Product number ten is generic 3D-printed decor. The kinds of items lots of makers used to upload because they’re easy to produce and look ‘handmade,’ even if they’re really just printed from a common file. 

These could be little figures, decorative shapes, novelty gadgets, or basic home decor pieces.

But heading into 2026, you might want to stay away from this kind of product. 

In 2025, Etsy updated its Creativity Standards to require that 3D-printed products must be based on original designs by the seller. That means if you’re printing someone else’s file — a downloaded model you didn’t personally design or customize — Etsy can no longer list it as handmade. Sellers discovered this mid-2025 and many were surprised because thousands of shops relied on shared 3D files for popular items like flexi dragons or simple decor pieces. (Tom's Hardware)

This change matters for several reasons. First, it signals marketplace platforms tightening rules around what counts as “handmade.” That makes it harder for sellers who’ve been offering generic 3D prints without unique original design work, especially if those items don’t have a meaningful handmade or artistic story behind them.

Also 3D prints are easy for anyone to copy, which has lowered perceived uniqueness and buyer interest. A trend that’s extremely easy to replicate tends to sag over time because buyers don’t see special value in it. Instead, people increasingly want items that show clear artistic intention or craftsmanship and things you designed yourself, not things generated by an online files.

So the takeaway here is this: 3D printing itself isn’t dead, but generic 3D-printed trinkets and decor without original handmade design are going to be a much harder sell in 2026, especially on platforms that are tightening what qualifies as handmade. If you’re going to make 3D-printed items, you’ll need to embed a real design voice — something you created from scratch.

And there you go, there’s 10 Handmade Products that won’t sell in 2026. If you want to thrive as a maker in 2026, it’ll be good focus on uniqueness, meaningful stories, niche aesthetics, and sustainable practices. Those are the products that capture attention and build loyal buyers.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to leave a comment below if you've enjoyed this post, and let me know your thoughts!

If you want to read everything I talked about in this video check out the link in the description box below to see the blog, and also check out the Artrepreneur playlist next for more videos like this. 

Well thank you for watching and I hope you’ll join me in the next one.