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16 Free Things To Sell On Etsy (Yes, Really!)

If you’re looking for things to do in order to make some extra money, you may want to consider looking for free items to sell on Etsy.

You’d be surprised at how many things you can find for free if you know where to look.

Etsy is a great platform for people who are looking to sell handmade or vintage items.

And you don’t have to be super crafty or spend a lot on supplies to have things to sell. 

With a little bit of effort, you can easily find items to sell on Etsy that will earn you a profit. 

In this article, we will show you some awesome things that you can get for free and sell in your own Etsy shop. 

free things to sell on Etsy

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What Is Etsy And How Does It Work?

Etsy is an online marketplace that allows people to sell handmade, vintage, and unique items.

Etsy is a great platform for artists and crafters to sell their products.

It is also a great way for people to find unique gifts.

If you are interested in seriously starting an online business in this space, it is important know the best things to sell on Etsy to make money.

And those things are even better if you don’t have to pay for them in the first place!

The Benefits Of Selling On Etsy

When it comes to selling on Etsy, there are a number of benefits that make this marketplace stand out.

For starters, Etsy has a built-in audience of passionate and engaged shoppers who are looking for unique and one-of-a-kind items.

This is a great fit for sellers who offer handmade or vintage items.

In addition, It is an easy-to-use platform with all the tools and resources you need to get start your Etsy shop successfully. 

And finally, listing your items on Etsy is not expensive at all, it’s 20 cents per listing (although if you open your shop through this link, you’ll get 40 listings free) and then you only pay a small fee when your item sells.

So if you’re thinking about giving Etsy a try, keep these benefits in mind as you get started.

With a little effort and creativity, you can be on your way to success in no time!

How To Get Things For Free To Sell On Etsy

There are a number of ways to get free items to sell on Etsy.

One way is to look for items that are being given away for free on Buy nothing groups and Craigslist.

Another way is to ask family and friends if they have any unwanted items that they would be willing to give you.

One of the best ways to find free things to sell on Etsy is to look outside your front door.

There are so many things in nature that you can use in crafts and projects and then sell on Etsy.

Bear in mind that just because you have gorgeous fall colors where you live, doesn’t mean every one does. 

Likewise, you might take that sandy beach for granted but it could be making you money for just a little effort! 

If you’re looking for cheap items to sell on Etsy, consider checking out thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales.

15 Free Things To Sell On Etsy

free things to sell on Etsy
Below you will find the best Etsy shop ideas that don’t involve you spending any money at all!

All you need to do is pick one and start making money. 

1. Printables

free things to sell on Etsy

Selling printables on Etsy can be a great way to make some extra money. And, best of all, it’s totally free to get started!

All you need is a computer, some free software and some creativity! 

Printables are digital downloads that you create as PDFs or Jpegs then sell on Etsy.

Your buyer will then print them off at home. 

You can make all different kinds of printables to sell on Etsy such as journals, meal planners and homeschooling worksheets. You can also create invitations to sell too! 

To get started, simply create a design that you think people would like to buy.

You can use a free program such as Canva to do this. 

Once you’re happy with your design, upload it to Etsy and start selling!

To read more about starting your Etsy printables business, read my in depth guide. 

Successfully shops that sell printables include  Plancontent (journals and planners) and Tweet Party Printables (invitations and party decor).

2. Recycled Crafts

free things to sell on Etsy

There are many things you can do with recycled materials to make crafts.

This is a great way to find things to sell on Etsy for free or super cheap. 

You can make wreaths to sell out of items scraps of fabric or natural items. 

Another idea is to create jewelry using recycled metal or glass.

You can also make coasters out of recycled tile. 

There are endless possibilities for what you can create, and most likely you will be able to find everything you need for free.

Check out this list of 26 Recycled Crafts To Sell for even more ideas and tutorials. 

Once you have made your craft, you can sell it on Etsy or at a local craft fair for a profit! 

3. Simple Artwork

free things to sell on Etsy

This sounds so simple that you might not actually believe it is a thing.

Lots of people like farmhouse style decor that includes artwork with sayings or refrains on it.

Forah Prints is an Etsy shop that is doing this very successfully. 

You can easily make your own using a software program like Canva or even using Word. 

Sell your artwork as printable sheets that your Etsy buyer can download and print professionally. 

4. Pinecone Crafts

free things to sell on Etsy

Pinecone crafts are a great way to make some extra money.

With a little creativity, you can turn pinecones into beautiful decorations that can be sold on Etsy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Pinecone wreaths are always popular, like the ones in Accidental Farm Girl Co’s Etsy shop, during the holiday season.

You can make them using real, dry pinecones, and add some ribbon or other festive embellishments.

For something a little different, try making pinecone bird feeders.

These are easy to make and will add some charm to your yard or garden.

Even pinecones by themselves can be sold on Etsy for a nice sum if they are large or special in some way.

Check out my list of 16 Pinecone Crafts To Sell For A Profit for more ideas. 

5. Pressed Flowers

free things to sell on Etsy

There are many things you can get for free and sell on Etsy, but one of the most unique items you can sell are pressed flowers.

Pressed flowers crafts are a beautiful and delicate way to add a touch of nature to anything from bookmarks to wall art.

Etsy shops like Mariaela are killing it with their beautiful jewelry and artwork made with pressed flowers. 

You can press your own flowers and turn them into crafts or sell them in bundles to crafters.

Either way, they make for a beautiful and easy-to-sell craft.

6. Sand Messages

THINGS YOU CAN GET FOR FREE & SELL ON ETSY

If you’re looking for some quick and easy things to sell on Etsy, look no further than your own backyard!

With a little creativity, you can turn beach sand into something beautiful.

A lot of people want to share a message written in the sand on social media.

For example, proposals and beach pregnancy announcements are really popular. 

There are Etsy shops such as Right To Your Light who offer all kinds of sand messages for sale. 

To get started, all you need is some sand, a few shells, and a bit of imagination.

First, choose a message or design that you want to create in the sand.

Next, use shells or a stick to spell out your message.

Finally, take a picture of your masterpiece and list custom versions of it on Etsy. 

Not only is this a fun activity to do on a sunny day at the beach, but it’s also a great way to make some extra cash. So go ahead and let your creativity flow!

7. Pressed Leaf Art

THINGS YOU CAN GET FOR FREE & SELL ON ETSY

 Pressed leaf art is easy to create and can be customized to fit any space. 

To create pressed leaf art, start by finding or pressing leaves.

Once you have your leaves, arrange them on a piece of paper or canvas.

You can use glue or tape to secure the leaves in place.

Then, frame your artwork or hang it on a wall using Command strips.

Pressed leaf art is a beautiful way to bring nature into the home.

It’s also a great way to show off your creativity and make money on Etsy.

8. Seashells

THINGS YOU CAN GET FOR FREE & SELL ON ETSY

If you’re looking for things to get for free and sell on Etsy, one option is to look for seashells.

You can find these at beaches, in the sand after a storm.

Once you have a good selection, set up a shop on Etsy and start selling!

Seashells make great decorations and can be used in all sorts of crafts, so there’s a good market for them.

If you live near a beach or frequently visit one, this can be a great way to get some extra money.

Just be sure to clean the shells before selling them, and offer a variety of sizes and types to appeal to different buyers.

9. Social Media Templates

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

If you are a whizz at social media and like creating fun posts, why not create an Etsy store selling templates for Instagram posts or TikTok videos?

You can make them for free on Canva and then sell them in your Etsy shop. 

They also sell great on sites like Creative Market too. 

10. Feathers

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

If you’re a fan of crafting with natural materials, you know that feathers can be pricey.

A great way to get free feathers is to go on a nature hike and look for molting birds.

You can also check your local pet store for discarded feathers from birds they sell.

Once you have a good supply of feathers, you can start selling them on Etsy!

Feathers are a popular item on Etsy, especially among crafters who work with natural materials.

If you have access to free or inexpensive feathers, you can start selling them and earning some extra cash!

Just create a listing and include photos of the different types of feathers available.

Be sure to describe the condition of the feathers (e.g., clean, gently used, etc.) and whether they’re suitable for crafting projects or taxidermy purposes.

11. Sand

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

If you live near a beach, you can score some free sand to sell on Etsy!

Just make sure to clean it before packaging it up for sale.

Customers love buying unique items like sand from all over the world, so be sure to list where your sand came from in the listing.

For example, Gigis Gifts From The Gulf sells pure white sand from Florida for around $5 for lb. 

If you want to get extra fancy, you can dye sand and sell it for use at weddings or party decor. 

With a little effort, you can easily find free sand to sell on Etsy and make a profit!

12. Wood Pallet Crafts

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

There are all sorts of free things to sell on Etsy. One popular item is wood pallets.

You can find pallets at construction sites, craft stores, or ask for them on Facebook marketplace.

Once you have a few pallets, you can create all sorts of crafts to sell on Etsy.

Wood pallet crafts are easy to make and there are endless possibilities for what you can create.

Some popular items include signs, planters, shelves, and wall art.

With a little bit of creativity, you can come up with some truly unique designs that will sell well on Etsy.

Another great thing about selling wood pallet crafts is that they are relatively inexpensive to make.

This means that you can price your items competitively and still make a good profit.

13. Scrap Metal Art

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

Sure, you can find plenty of things for free if you know where to look.

But what about things you can get for free and then sell?

If you’re an enterprising individual with an eye for art, then scrap metal art might be the perfect thing for you.

Scrap metal art is exactly what it sounds like – art made from scrap metal.

This can include anything from old car parts to discarded nails and screws.

If you have a knack for welding or other metalworking skills, then you can create some truly unique and interesting pieces of art.

Best of all, scrap metal art is relatively easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of expensive materials.

So if you’re looking for a creative way to make some extra money, scrap metal art might be the perfect option for you.

14. Wood Rounds

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

Natural wood rounds are a really popular item with crafters and people who love rustic home decor.

If you cut down a tree in your backyard, make sure to cut wood slices out of it to sell on Etsy!

We did this last year once we were done with our Christmas tree! 

It is a free way to make money with something you already have.

And if you are feeling really crafty, why not some cute wooden Christmas ornaments with your wood slices?

15. Wood Shavings

Things You Can Get For FREE To Sell On Etsy

Sticking with the wooden theme, another popular free thing to sell on Etsy are wood shavings. MyFabDesigns is a store that does just that. 

Wood shavings can be used for all sorts of projects such as crafting, box filler, product displays and rustic art projects. 

On the other hand, wood chips from certain kinds of wood are bought for use in smokers and BBQs. 

16. Vintage Furniture

The last thing on this list is something that you can possibly get for free on Craigslist or even on the curb on garbage day.

If you can find and refinish vintage furniture and household items, you can then sell them for a profit on Etsy. 

This kind of furniture flipping is a great way to make money without spending much in the first place and it can become quite a fun hobby too! 

If this interests you, make to to grab this free ebook on the 47 best household items to flip for a profit!

This will help you start your side hustle quickly and make the most amount of money fast. 

Click here to download the ebook

furniture flipping

Free things to sell on Etsy