31 Winter Crafts for Adults to Make and Sell for Extra Holiday Cash

Winter has a way of slowing everything down. The days feel shorter, the air sharper, and suddenly there’s more time spent indoors. It’s the season for blankets, candlelight, and creative projects that make the cold feel a little softer.

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to earn extra money or use up your craft supplies, winter is a good time to start. Handmade items always do well this time of year, especially when they’re cozy, thoughtful, and easy to gift.

This list is full of winter crafts for adults to make and sell. Most can be made in small batches and don’t require fancy tools or expensive materials. Just honest, handmade things that bring warmth to the season and a little extra cash to your pocket.

Candle & Wax Crafts

There’s nothing cozier than a candle glowing on a cold night. These wax crafts are simple, soothing to make, and always in demand through winter.

1. Soy Candles in Thrifted Mugs

Soy candles are a classic winter craft that never loses its charm.

Thrifted mugs make great containers and give each candle a cozy, one-of-a-kind look. Choose ceramic or stoneware mugs without cracks or chips.

Melt soy wax, add your favorite scent, and pour it carefully into each mug with a wick in place. Let them cool before trimming.

Vanilla, pine, and cinnamon are timeless winter scents that sell well. Add a simple tag or twine tie for an easy handmade finish.

2. Botanical Wax Sachets

Botanical wax sachets look beautiful and smell amazing, which makes them an easy win for winter markets or online shops.

Melt soy or beeswax, stir in a few drops of essential oil, and pour into silicone molds. Before the wax cools, add dried flowers, herbs, or pine sprigs for a natural look.

Once they harden, pop them out and thread twine through a small hole for hanging.

They’re low-cost to make, lightweight to ship, and a lovely alternative to candles for anyone who prefers flameless fragrance.

3. Cinnamon or Vanilla Tealights

Tealights are quick to make and ideal for selling in sets.

Use soy or beeswax and pour into small metal or glass cups. Add a few drops of cinnamon, vanilla, or clove essential oil for a cozy scent.

Bundle them in groups of four or six with a paper sleeve or small box. They make simple, affordable gifts that always sell well during the holidays.

4. Minimalist Candle Tins

Candle tins have a clean, modern look that appeals to almost everyone.

Choose tins in neutral colors and create simple labels for a polished touch. Stick with two or three signature scents so your shop feels consistent.

They’re sturdy for shipping, easy to batch-make, and great for anyone starting small with candle crafts.

Paper & Printables

Paper crafts are light, affordable, and easy to personalize. They’re also great for digital sellers who want low-cost products with high visual appeal.

5. Printable Wall Art

Printable art sells all year, but does especially well during the holidays. Create seasonal quotes, minimalist illustrations, or soft winter landscapes.

Offer multiple sizes for easy framing and include clear printing instructions for buyers.

These are quick to design and can become a steady source of passive income.

6. Hand-Drawn Greeting Cards

Handmade cards always feel personal. Start with blank cardstock and simple line drawings, pressed flowers, or watercolor details.

Bundle them in sets and tie with twine or a small ribbon for a cozy finish.

Cards are affordable, easy to mail, and perfect for shoppers who love sending handwritten notes.

7. Pressed Flower Bookmarks

Pressed flower bookmarks are delicate, inexpensive, and quick to make. Use recycled paper and real dried petals for a natural, winter-inspired look.

Laminate them for durability or leave them textured for a rustic finish.

They make great low-cost add-ons for markets or Etsy shops.

8. DIY Notepad Sets

Cut recycled paper into small stacks and bind them at the top with glue or a binder clip. Add a printed cover or decorative backing for extra charm.

Notepads are practical, easy to package, and can be sold in small sets for gifts or stocking stuffers.

9. Knit or Crochet Mug Cozies

Mug cozies are quick to make and a great way to use up leftover yarn. Stick with soft neutrals, simple stitches, and textures that feel cozy to hold.

Wrap them around thrifted mugs or package them in small sets with tea bags for a thoughtful gift idea.

They are lightweight, easy to batch-make, and photograph beautifully for online listings.

10. Fleece Hand Warmers

Fleece hand warmers are simple, practical, and always sell well at winter markets. Cut small squares of fleece or flannel, fill them with uncooked rice, and sew around the edges.

They are reusable and easy to heat in the microwave for quick warmth on cold mornings.

Tie them in pairs with twine or stack a few in a small cloth bag for a neat handmade set.

11. Fabric Scrap Garlands

Garlands are a lovely way to use up leftover fabric. Cut or tear strips and tie them onto twine for a soft, rustic look.

Mix plaids, creams, or faded pastels for a calm winter palette.

They are light, easy to ship, and perfect for anyone decorating with a cozy or cottagecore style.

12. Embroidered Ornaments

Embroidered ornaments are personal, timeless, and easy to customize. Use felt, linen, or cotton and keep the designs simple. Snowflakes, stars, and initials always work.

Sew a small loop of ribbon at the top and package them in sets of three for gift-ready bundles.

They sell well because they feel nostalgic and handmade without taking hours to create.

Nature & Rustic Crafts

Natural materials are affordable, beautiful, and easy to find. These rustic projects celebrate the quieter side of winter and appeal to anyone who loves simple, earthy décor.

13. Dried Orange Garlands

Dried orange garlands bring a soft, natural glow to winter spaces. Slice oranges thinly, bake at a low temperature until dry, and thread them onto twine.

Add cinnamon sticks or wooden beads between slices for texture.

They look lovely on mantels, windows, or Christmas trees and sell well at winter markets.

14. Pinecone Fire Starters

Pinecone fire starters are cozy, useful, and fun to make. Collect clean, dry pinecones and dip them in melted wax.

Add a drop of essential oil or sprinkle dried herbs for a natural scent.

Wrap each one in kraft paper with twine and label it as a fire starter. They make practical gifts that feel handmade and warm.

15. Twig or Wooden Bead Ornaments

Simple wooden bead ornaments are easy to make and fit any décor style. Thread beads onto string, tie them into small shapes, and add a sprig of greenery.

Twigs work too. Arrange them into stars or trees and tie with thin cord.

They are lightweight, affordable to make, and always popular for rustic holiday decorating.

16. Recycled Jar Lanterns

Glass jars make beautiful lanterns when given a little care. Coat the inside with white paint for a frosted look or wrap the outside with lace or twine.

Place a tealight or small LED candle inside for a gentle glow.

These are perfect for night markets or as part of a cozy winter gift set.

Bath & Body Gifts

Handmade bath products feel luxurious without being complicated to make. These small self-care items are perfect for gifting, packaging in sets, or selling at local markets.

17. Sugar Scrubs in Glass Jars

Sugar scrubs are quick to mix and look lovely in simple jars. Combine sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil for scent.

Try vanilla, orange, or peppermint for winter. Add a sprinkle of dried herbs or flower petals for texture.

Label each jar with a simple sticker or tag and remind buyers to stir before using.

18. Natural Lip Balm Sets

Homemade lip balms are practical and always in demand during cold weather. Melt beeswax, shea butter, and a carrier oil together, then pour into small tins or tubes.

A few drops of peppermint or vanilla extract give them a cozy scent.

Bundle three or four together with twine for a sweet, handmade set.

19. Herbal Bath Tea Sachets

Bath tea sachets are simple to make and smell wonderful. Fill small muslin bags with dried herbs, flowers, and Epsom salts.

Chamomile, lavender, and rose are calming choices for winter baths.

They feel indulgent but only take a few minutes to prepare, making them ideal for markets or gift boxes.

20. Hand Lotion Bars

Lotion bars are solid moisturizers made from beeswax, cocoa butter, and oil. Melt everything together, pour into silicone molds, and let them cool.

Wrap each bar in parchment paper or slide them into small tins for a clean finish.

They’re long-lasting, mess-free, and a great plastic-free alternative to bottled lotion.

Kitchen & Edible Crafts

Winter food crafts are comforting to make and easy to sell as gifts. They bring warmth to the kitchen and look beautiful when packaged with care.

21. Hot Cocoa Jars

Hot cocoa jars are a classic winter seller. Layer cocoa powder, sugar, and mini marshmallows in glass jars for a cozy, ready-to-gift mix.

Add a small tag with directions and a handwritten note for charm.

They look lovely on holiday tables and are quick to batch-make for markets.

22. Spiced Sugar or Salt Blends

Infused sugars and salts are simple but feel special. Mix sugar with cinnamon, vanilla bean, or orange zest, or blend salt with herbs and dried garlic.

Spoon into small jars and label them for easy gifting.

They are affordable to make and last a long time, making them great for winter foodies.

23. Simmer Pot Mixes

Simmer pot mixes bring cozy scents into a home without chemicals or sprays. Combine dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a small bag or jar.

Add a tag that says “simmer with water for holiday fragrance.”

These are low-cost to make and sell beautifully at winter fairs.

24. Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract feels like a luxury but is incredibly simple. Fill small glass bottles with vodka and add a few split vanilla beans.

Seal tightly and store for at least a month before selling or gifting.

It is slow to make but adds a premium item to your winter craft lineup.

Eco-Friendly & Upcycled Crafts

Eco-friendly crafts appeal to shoppers who want something beautiful and sustainable. These projects give new life to old materials while keeping waste to a minimum.

25. Sweater Mittens

Old sweaters can easily become soft, warm mittens. Trace your hand on the fabric, cut two pieces for each mitten, and sew them together inside out before turning them right side out.

Wool or fleece sweaters work best. Add a small button or patch for a handmade touch.

They feel rustic and cozy and can be sold individually or in small sets.

26. Reusable Gift Wrap Sets

Reusable wraps are a thoughtful alternative to paper. Use fabric squares, ribbons, or cloth ties to create simple furoshiki-style wrapping sets.

Choose neutral or seasonal patterns that can be reused all year.

They look elegant, photograph well, and appeal to anyone who wants a low-waste holiday season.

27. Beeswax Food Wraps

Beeswax wraps are useful and surprisingly easy to make. Brush melted beeswax onto cotton fabric, then let it cool until it stiffens slightly.

Trim the edges and stack a few wraps together with a paper band or tag.

They make practical gifts and sell well with eco-conscious shoppers.

28. Tin Can Planters

Save clean tin cans and give them a quick update with paint or fabric. Add drainage holes and small plants or herbs for a simple handmade planter.

They are great for kitchen windowsills or small gifts.

This is a creative way to upcycle while adding a bit of green to the winter months.

Quick Tips for Selling

Selling handmade crafts doesn’t have to feel complicated. Start small and focus on what you enjoy making most.

Photograph your products in natural light with simple, neutral backgrounds. A cozy setting, like a wooden table or soft fabric backdrop, helps your crafts stand out.

When pricing, include your materials, time, and packaging. Leave enough room to make a profit without undercutting your effort.

If you sell online, keep your listings consistent. Similar colors, lighting, and photo styles make your shop feel polished.

At markets, display items in small groups and add small touches like handwritten price tags or samples people can touch.

Above all, focus on connection. People often buy handmade because it feels personal and warm, not perfect.

Winter Crafts You Can Make and Sell

Making and selling crafts in winter is about more than extra income. It is a way to slow down, stay creative, and bring a little warmth into shorter days.

Whether you make candles, cards, or cozy textiles, each piece carries something personal. It holds a bit of care that people can feel.

Start with one or two ideas that excite you. See what works, adjust as you go, and let the process stay enjoyable.

The best part of handmade work is how it connects you to others. Every craft that leaves your hands brings a little light to someone else’s season.