14 Emerging Print-on-Demand Business Ideas to Get Started with Right Now

Do you dream of running your own online store but feel stuck when it comes to deciding what products to sell?

We’ve handpicked 14 bestselling print-on-demand products that thrive in today’s market. And the best part? Each idea can be customized for different age groups, interests, and styles, making them a fantastic fit for any print-on-demand (POD) business.

Dive in to discover the top print-on-demand niches and product ideas that could turn your business dream into a reality!

Print-on-demand business ideas

Using print-on-demand services is a way to build a scalable and flexible business. With POD, you’re free from inventory management and hefty upfront costs. Your products are made only once a customer purchases from your online store. A print-on-demand company will fulfill and ship your products, while you focus on product design, marketing, and sales for your business.

Consider these print-on-demand ideas as a source of inspiration, but ultimately, pick products that align with your own brand.

1. Posters and art prints

With more people working from home and companies reimagining office spaces, there’s a growing demand for wall art. People crave unique pieces to make their environments both cozy and inspiring.

And there’s market validation for this print-on-demand business idea: the global wall art market size is anticipated to grow from $61 billion in 2023 to $97.7 billion by 2030.

Custom niche posters and personalized designs (with names, family members, and pets) are a particularly popular segment, with high levels of customer satisfaction. 

Plus, you can refresh your store with seasonal, holiday-inspired designs to boost sales throughout the year.

Custom wall art

As a print-on-demand service, Printful offers an array of wall art products including posters, framed posters, canvases, and glossy metal prints. 

This ready-to-become art is fade-resistant and can be customized with your preferred size, frame, and finish (glossy or matte).

• Canvas (in)

• Enhanced Matte Paper Poster (in)

• Glossy Metal Print (in)

• Premium Luster Photo Paper Framed Poster (in)

• Framed Canvas (in)

Wall art business ideas

• Vacation-inspired wall art

• Posters for a baby’s room

• Art for the kitchen

Valuable read: How to Sell Prints on Etsy in 8 Steps

2. Drinkware

Launching a print-on-demand business selling drinkware items means you can offer personalized mugs, water bottles, and tumblers—perfect for birthdays, weddings, or holidays. 

Enamel mugs, for instance, are a hit among outdoor enthusiasts due to their durability and rustic charm, making them ideal for camping trips. Meanwhile, branded water bottles are increasingly popular for corporate gifting, helping businesses promote their brand in a practical, eco-friendly way.

To maximize sales throughout the year, consider launching themed seasonal collections—like festive Christmas mugs, spooky Halloween drinkware, or even tumblers for bachelorette parties.

Custom drinkware

Drinkware items are a lot of fun to personalize. Mugs are always a crowd favorite, but why stop there? Expand your drinkware product line with custom glasses for cold beverages, fun tumblers, and durable water bottles.

Learn how to make an awesome customized mug using print-on-demand services in this blog post: Brew-tiful Creations: How to Design Your Own Custom Mug.

• White Glossy Mug

• White Ceramic Mug with Color Inside

• Enamel Mug

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle

• Rocks Glass

• Wine Tumbler

• Stainless Steel Tumbler

Drinkware business ideas

• Funny, sarcastic mugs
• Personalized tumblers with playful vacation designs
• Rocks glasses with classy monograms for home bar enthusiasts

3. Tote bags

Tote bag sales are on the rise, with the global market valued at $69.9 billion. So, why not leverage this and start your own online store specializing in customized tote bags?

Tote bags are suitable for grocery shopping, carrying books, hitting the gym, or simply as accessories. These versatile carry-alls can be folded up and stashed away with ease, which is convenient for customers.

Tote bags are also easy on your wallet. This makes them accessible to more customers and ideal for budget-friendly gifts. Plus, businesses often use them for promotional events and merch, which can lead to bulk orders.

And let’s not forget that tote bags are alternatives to single-use plastic bags, helping us all to minimize the use of plastic.

Custom tote bags

Tote bags offer a large canvas for creativity. You can customize tote bags with direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, or all-over print designs. Discover our 7 unique tote bags to find the right print-on-demand product for your business. 

You can choose from organic cotton for eco-conscious style, trendy denim for fashion enthusiasts, and practical pocketed totes. There are also some classic options in black, brown, and white.

• Eco Tote Bag | Econscious EC8000

• All-Over Print Tote

• Large Eco Tote | Econscious EC8001

• All-Over Print Large Tote Bag w/ Pocket

• Organic Denim Tote Bag | Mantis M196

• Organic Fashion Tote Bag | EarthPositive EP75

• Cotton Tote Bag | AS Colour 1001

Tote bag business ideas

• Tote bags with food art

• Tote bags for social causes

• Tote bags for dancers

Valuable read: Tote-ally Awesome Tote Bag Design Ideas

4. Throw pillows and blankets

With the growing popularity of remote and hybrid work, people increasingly want to make their homes a pleasant space to be in. This makes it a great opportunity for you to sell cozy and decorative items like throw pillows and blankets.

Pillows and blankets are a lucrative print-on-demand business idea because you can create themed or seasonal designs. Customers love decking out their spaces for the holidays and always cherish personalized blankets as gifts for special occasions like housewarmings. 

To boost sales, think about offering coordinated pillow and blanket sets that add charm to any room and entice shoppers to purchase more.

Custom pillowcases and blankets

Explore our range of all-over print pillowcases—basic and premium. They differ in fabric and feel. These print-on-demand pillowcases are machine washable and have hidden zippers. 

As for the snuggly blankets, we have 2 options for you. One is lightweight and soft, and the other is heavyweight with an extra-soft touch.

• All-Over Print Basic Pillow Case

• All-Over Print Premium Pillow Case

• Throw Blanket

• Embroidered Premium Sherpa Blanket | Port Authority BP40

Homewear business ideas

• Seasonal throw pillows and blankets

• Pet-themed pillows and blankets

• Minimalist throw pillow and blanket collections

5. Athleisure

The athleisure market is booming thanks to wellness trends and athleisure transitioning into everyday wear. After spending more time at home during the pandemic, people have grown to love the comfort and practicality that athleisure offers, making it an essential part of their wardrobes.

The demand for athleisure shows no signs of slowing down, with market projections estimating it will exceed $3.2 billion by 2032. This sustained growth presents a prime opportunity for a print-on-demand business looking to sell custom products.

Plus, collaborating with fitness influencers or yoga instructors could give your brand an extra boost. So if you’ve been eyeing the athleisure space, there’s no better time to jump in!

Custom athleisure apparel and accessories

Athleisure includes a range of clothing, custom shoes, and accessories used in athletics and leisure activities. You should also consider offering niche, high-quality products like custom yoga mats that fit with the growing interest in mindfulness and stress relief.

In this category, you’ll find something for everyone, catering to kids, teens, and adults. From bestsellers to trendy print-on-demand products, you can browse sportswear, loungewear, and workout accessories.

• Unisex Fleece Sweatpants | Cotton Heritage M7580

• All-Over Print Duffle Bag

• Women's Racerback Tank Top | Next Level 6733

• Women's Cropped Sweatshirt | Bella + Canvas 7503

• All-Over Print Recycled Unisex Mesh Shorts

If you want to create custom products for yoga enthusiasts, here are the print-on-demand products to look into.

• Yoga Mat

• All-Over Print Yoga Leggings

• All-Over Print Yoga Shorts

Athleisure business ideas

• Yoga mat designs with artistic prints

• Unisex athleisure sets

• Matching workout sets for families

• Astrology-themed and spiritual yoga mats

• Bag collections inspired by fashion decades

6. Bucket hats and caps

Stylish and practical, hats remain in high demand thanks to the fusion of fashion and weather. Hats are a popular niche in fashion because they’re practical, collectible, and always in season.

You can design hats as custom fashion accessories and merchandise. Or, create hats with a logo to boost your own brand recognition. With customized hats, you can cater to niche markets and specific interests, from sports enthusiasts and hobbyists to fans of particular pop culture icons.

Minimalist street-style caps and whimsical, quirky bucket hats are all the rage now, and they’re here to stay—for both men and women.

Custom hats

Whether you’re in need of lightweight hats for those breezy spring and summer evenings or thicker, insulated choices to combat the fall and winter chill, we’ve got you covered. Select your preferred style and color to create the best print-on-demand hats.

When it comes to hat designs, you can opt for the timeless sophistication of embroidered designs.

• Organic Bucket Hat

• Denim Hat | Otto Cap 18-204

• Corduroy Hat | Beechfield B682

• Knit Beanie | Otto Cap 82-480

• Waffle Beanie | Richardson 146R

Hats business ideas

• Video-game-inspired caps

• Sports-themed caps

• Beach-inspired bucket hats

• Hats with positive-vibes designs

Valuable read: What is a Bucket Hat—History, Definition, and Product Inspo

7. Hoodies

It’s pretty clear a lot has changed with the rise of remote work (and more flexible office dress codes!). In line with the athleisure boom, hoodies have become the go-to attire for many professionals. In fact, the hoodie market is expected to reach $40 billion globally by 2032.

The demand for hoodies has also been impacted by the younger generations’ growing interest in unique yet comfortable clothing. Hoodies have become a wardrobe staple for many of us.

This is your chance to impress customers with custom hoodies!

Custom hoodies

Hoodies come in various styles, including pullovers, zip-ups, or hoodies with pockets. They’re comfy, cozy, and stylish. There are lightweight options for spring and summer evenings and thicker, warmer hoodies for fall and winter. You can customize a hoodie’s color, size, and the placement of your design on the garment. For hoodie designs, you can choose between direct-to-garment printing or embroidery.

Find out more about popular hoodies in this blog post: The 6 Best Quality Hoodies for Printing. And here are some great options:

• Unisex Fleece Pullover | Cotton Heritage M2475

• Kids Fleece Hoodie | Cotton Heritage Y2550

• All-Over Print Recycled Unisex Sweatshirt

• Unisex Eco Hoodie | Stanley/Stella STSU824

Hoodie business ideas

• Hoodies for gamers

• Streetwear-inspired hoodies with urban designs

• Hoodies for matcha and coffee lovers

• Couples hoodies

8. T-shirts

T-shirts are a tried and true POD business idea—which means you’ll be facing stiff competition. However, there’s always room for innovative ideas in the world of tees. If you choose your focus right, there’s definitely space to succeed.

T-shirts are canvases for celebrating different interests, styles, and social causes. For example, you can create statement tees with slogans and custom illustrations that tap into pop culture references. 

Another way to stand out? Eco-friendly options. Consumers demand high standards from brands when it comes to environmental impact. Think about customizing ethically-manufactured t-shirts made from responsibly-sourced organic cotton or recycled materials.

If you’re considering a custom t-shirt business, check out our blog post on t-shirt industry statistics. It covers market value, printing methods, sustainability, and more, and will be a valuable resource for you.

Custom t-shirts

For t-shirts, you have the biggest selection out of all print-on-demand products. You can create the perfect t-shirt for your print-on-demand business by selecting the customization method, sizes, colors, and design placement. 

There’s also an option to add custom labels, reinforcing your brand identity and providing a more professional look.

Start with these blog posts to find the best print-on-demand t-shirt for your own store: Top 7 Quality T-Shirts for Your Store and Best Types of T-Shirts to Boost Your Apparel Business.

T-shirt business ideas

• T-shirts made in collaboration with artists

• Plant-lover t-shirts

• Retro-themed t-shirts with designs from different decades

• T-shirts for science enthusiasts

Valuable read: Surprisingly Creative Merch Ideas + Examples

9. Beachwear

Beachwear evokes the spirit of vacation and relaxation but isn’t limited to summer sales. Expand your reach by offering a wide range of products—like swimsuits, beach towels, and flip-flops—that cater to indoor pools and tropical winter getaways. 

Selling custom beachwear on your print-on-demand store means you can offer themed collections (like exotic fruit!), and align with current market trends. Plus, designing beachwear collections for families caters to those looking for matching outfits for their next beach vacation.

Consider tapping into the eco-friendly swimwear market and selling products made from recycled materials. This way, you’ll also appeal to environmentally-conscious shoppers.

Custom beachwear products

All-over printing dominates in the beachwear category. This printing method creates durable, long-lasting products that don’t shrink and crack after being washed or worn in water.

• All-Over Print Recycled Padded String Bikini Top

• Sublimated Towel

• All-Over Print Women’s Rash Guard

• All-Over Print Youth Rash Guard

• All-Over Print Recycled Swim Trunks

• Sublimation Flip Flops

• All-Over Print One-Piece Swimsuit

Beachwear business ideas

• Luxe, elegant beachwear

• Exotic-fruit-inspired beachwear collections

• Beachwear designed with underwater shots (you can collaborate with photographers)

• Vibrant, fun mermaid-core beachwear

• Beachwear inspired by iconic beach destinations

10. Baby clothing

In 2024, the baby apparel market generated $44.02 billion in revenue worldwide. Are you ready to tap into this booming market and bring in sales for your print-on-demand store?

The baby clothing market is evergreen, with a continuous influx of new parents looking for comfortable and stylish clothing for their little ones. Parents prioritize product quality and comfort when choosing baby clothing. That’s why soft, delicate, and breathable cotton dominates the baby apparel market.

Another reason why including baby clothing in your POD business is a great idea is the popular trend of coordinating outfits for siblings, parents, or friends. This has increased the market demand for unique, matching baby garments. You can create custom fits for the whole family!

Baby clothing also makes for fantastic baby shower gifts. Your print-on-demand company can cater to shoppers looking for special, thoughtful presents.

Custom baby clothing

With baby clothes, comfort is so important. That’s why Printful’s baby clothing is predominately made from cotton or cotton jersey, with some colors available in poly-cotton. The sizes range from 3–18 months. 

Sell custom products with direct-to-garment prints for larger, detailed designs and embroidery for dainty, elegant, or cutesy designs.

• Baby Short Sleeve One Piece | Bella + Canvas 100B

• Baby Short Sleeve Bodysuit | Rabbit Skins 4400

• Organic Cotton Baby Bodysuit | Babybugz BZ10

Baby clothing business ideas

• Gender-neutral baby clothing

• Nature-inspired baby clothing

• Space-themed baby clothing

Read more: 11 Kidswear Business Ideas to Try

11. Socks

Over 400 million pairs of socks are sold in the US alone each year. That’s a whole lot of socks! In fact, the socks market, worth $47.08 billion in 2023, shows just how essential this staple really is.

This is great news for your print-on-demand company—just think of all the repeat customers wanting to replace worn-out pairs or snap up new designs! 

Beyond daily wear, socks make great gifts. Quirky novelty socks are perfect for specialty gifts, and branded, more minimalist socks make ideal corporate merch.

This year, socks are making a fashion statement when worn with sneakers, heels, and various shoe styles. White socks with little ruffles and dainty embroidery are especially popular. This trend is perfect for a POD business: design white socks with customized embroidery based on what’s trending.

Custom socks

You can customize socks with sublimation and embroidery. Sublimation creates high-quality, vibrant, prints while embroidery offers durability with a luxurious feel. Sublimation is done on white synthetic fiber products and covers the whole socks. For embroidery, you have crew socks with a selection of 3 colors.

• Black Foot Sublimated Socks

• Embroidered Crew Socks | SOCCO SC200

Sock business ideas

• Socks for pet lovers

• Matching family sock sets

• Socks with cities of the world

• Food-themed socks

12. Stickers

Customers love stickers for decorating or to express themselves, making them a consistently in-demand product. And the stats don’t lie: the global sticker market was valued at around $4.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to a whopping $7.1 billion by 2030.

Stickers are a fun way to add a personal touch to almost anything—from laptops and water bottles to notebooks and phone cases. Plus, you can create designs for different niche audiences like travel lovers who want stickers of landmarks or small businesses needing branded stickers for packaging. 

Additionally, offering bundles or sheets with multiple designs can increase your average order value and help you grow your online business.

Custom stickers

When designing your sticker lineup, think about offering a mix of styles, including kiss-cut stickers and sticker sheets with themed designs. Made from high-quality vinyl, kiss-cut stickers are easy to peel, and their adhesive backing ensures durability. 

• Kiss-Cut Stickers

• Holographic Stickers

• Kiss-Cut Sticker Sheet

Sticker business ideas

• Holographic cyberpunk stickers for tech gadgets

• Bullet journal stickers

• Holiday-themed sticker sheets

• Stickers with iconic city landmarks for travel lovers

13. Tech accessories

It’s pretty clear that tech is super prevalent everywhere in our lives now. That makes tech accessories non-negotiables. 

What does this mean for print-on-demand? Some popular tech accessories right now are laptop sleeves and backpacks. Both of them combine protection and convenience for modern tech users.

Mouse pads are experiencing higher demand as well. The increasing numbers of gamers, the growing popularity of video games, and the return of desktop users are boosting the mouse pad market. How can you capitalize on this? Consider designing customized tech accessories for niche audiences like gamers.

Tech users, especially the savvy ones, have more than one gadget. This means you can offer a variety of tech gadgets on your online store and create collection bundles to sell more in one purchase.

With new and upgraded tech products entering the market each year, your POD business can capitalize on this growing demand.

Custom tech accessories

Laptop sleeves, mouse pads, and backpacks can be customized with sublimation, which is perfect for electric and bold prints, as well as muted and detailed designs. 

• Laptop Sleeve

• All-Over Print Minimalist Backpack

• Mouse Pad

• Gaming Mouse Pad

Tech accessories are also a popular dropshipping business.

Tech accessories business ideas

• Tech accessories with designs of vintage tech gadgets

• Tech accessories with fantasy and sci-fi designs

• Funny tech accessories for freelancers

• Tech accessories with botanical patterns for nature enthusiasts

14. Phone cases

Our phones go everywhere with us, making protective and stylish cases a must-have accessory. 

And custom cases are an excellent way to offer personalized designs that reflect current trends. Whether it’s designs inspired by pop culture, nature, or personalized art, phone accessories are in high demand for both practicality and self-expression.

Tech-savvy customers upgrade their phones regularly, so new designs can drive repeat sales. You can also create themed collections for different markets, including cases with minimalist designs for professionals or bold prints for a younger target audience.

Custom phone cases

When considering phone case designs for your POD business, remember that most people worldwide use either Apple or Samsung devices. Offering cases for the three to four latest models from each is a strategic way to appeal to a larger customer base. 

Because preferences vary widely, your product range should include options like tough cases for those who want extra protection, sleek snap cases for minimalists, and clear cases for those who love to show off their phone’s original design.

• Clear Cases

• Tough Cases

• Snap Cases

Phone case business ideas

• Cases with inspirational quotes 

• Artistic designs that double as conversation starters

• Cases with astrological or mystical patterns for spiritual enthusiasts

• Pet portraits for animal lovers

• Minimalist, monochrome line drawings

Start selling custom products

Now that you’ve discovered 14 print-on-demand ideas with specific trending products, it’s time to embark on your entrepreneurial journey. Build your online store, create designs, and test various product concepts to find what resonates with your target audience.

If you need help with fulfilling and shipping your print-on-demand products, we’ve got your back. By using print-on-demand services, you can spend more time focusing on what you do best—bringing great custom products to the market.

Ready to join other successful print-on-demand companies? Good luck!

Valuable read:

• How Much Does it Cost to Start a Print-on-Demand Business
• How to Start a Print-on-Demand Business in 9 Steps
• Profitable Ecommerce Business Ideas
• 11 Home-Based Business Ideas