6. Love and family
Love and family will always provide beautiful inspiration for any design—and makes for a great niche idea. This subject matter evokes deep feelings and helps forge strong connections with customers on a personal level. At the same time, it opens up a range of sub-niches, including those geared toward celebrating all different types of families.
Single parents, same-sex marriages, and families without children are just a few examples of the beautiful variations that exist. By recognizing and embracing these diverse families, your print-on-demand business can help represent an important segment.
Source: TheDoodleBoxShop on Etsy
Product suggestions:
Wall art
Pillows
Blankets
Embroidered shirts
Hoodies and sweatshirts
7. Music
The rise of streaming music platforms has transformed how people consume and discover tunes, amplifying the impact of music merch. This shift has opened up a world of possibilities for artists and fans alike, offering a vast playground to explore a variety of print-on-demand niche ideas on this topic.
Imagine designing custom t-shirts featuring sheet music for classical music lovers, creating posters showcasing famous album artwork from the disco era, or crafting accessories that pay homage to legendary rock bands. The possibilities are as diverse as the music itself.
Just to give you an idea of how lucrative this market is, in August 2022 the rapper Travis Scott sold $1 million of merch at his two concerts in London, breaking the record that had, until then, belonged to BTS.
Source: Travis Scott's official store
With low revenues coming from streaming services, some experts believe merch could save the music industry, and not only for stars at Scott’s level. Just take a look at our customer RAIGN and her lucrative merch journey.
Product suggestions:
T-shirts
Hoodies
Hats
Beanies
Bucket hats
Shoes
Earphone cases
8. Faith and mysticism
Faith and mysticism are part of pop culture these days and young people use them as powerful means of self-expression through social media and the products they choose to purchase. That’s the reason why this is a growing market and an exceptional POD niche.
By offering print-on-demand products that align with this spiritually-inclined audience, you can connect with this niche’s expanding potential. Create custom-designed items that feature symbols related to astrology, craft spiritual artwork, or produce merchandise that conveys messages of hope and enlightenment.
Source: Nirvana Threads
Product suggestions:
Flags
Candles
Stickers
Tumblers
Flip-flops
T-shirts
Dresses
Robes
9. Social causes
Social media has brought social movements to the forefront and provided a platform for people to express their support for different causes like global warming, human rights, animal welfare, a vegan lifestyle, etc.
This is particularly evident among younger audiences. Global data from public relations and research firm Edelman shows that 70% of Gen Zers are involved in social or political movements.
To authentically convey their support, consumers are actively seeking products that align with their values. By exploring this niche, you’ll not only have the support of believers in your chosen cause, but you’ll establish a deep connection that will cultivate long-term customer loyalty and foster meaningful engagement with your brand.
Plus, selling products that advocate for specific social and political movements is a way of positioning your brand as a conduit for individuals to showcase their commitment to the causes they believe in. Do it through thought-provoking designs, impactful slogans, or symbols of unity, and use your print-on-demand business to amplify the voices of consumers who want to make a positive difference in the world.
Source: RadicalButtons1 Etsy
Pro tip: research and understand the causes you plan to support, making sure that your messaging is always respectful and accurate.
Product suggestions:
Pins
Patches
Shirts
Phone cases
Postcards
Flags
Temporary tattoos
10. Hobbies
Whether we’re immersed in playing games, indulging in romantic novels, or binge-watching our favorite reality shows, hobbies create connections and bring a sense of lightness to our lives. They can also serve as the perfect inspiration for discovering the ideal niche for your print-on-demand business.
Not convinced? Think about the fact that a growing number of ecommerce platforms are dedicated to arts and crafts. Or, that regardless of geographical location, music, cooking, and creative endeavors consistently rank among the most popular interests.
Not even the pandemic could derail the global ecommerce market for toys, hobbies, and DIY supplies—it remained resilient. While numerous other industries experienced downturns, this particular market not only weathered the storm but held its own, and is poised to continue its upward trajectory with sustained growth in the years to come. That surely makes hobbies a particularly interesting POD niche to consider.
Custom ornaments for book lovers. Source: Bonafide Bookworm
Product suggestions:
Puzzles
Socks
Stickers
Robes
Posters
Glasses
Coloring books
Playing cards
Bottle openers
Oven mitts
11. Travel and tourism
Traveling is a hobby that deserves a section of its own. Most of us love the rush of visiting another place, and discovering new destinations around the globe has never been easier—or more popular. In fact, according to Mastercard Data & Services, traveler spending on experiences is up 65% as of March 2023, as compared to 2019.
What does this mean for print-on-demand businesses? That individuals are ready to invest in items that make their trips unforgettable. When you think about creating custom designs for this niche, remember that there are different types of travel. For example: luxury, adventure, low-cost, etc. all won’t be attracted to the same kinds of products.
Source: Pinterest
Product suggestions:
Bags
Passport holders
Luggage tags
Travel pillows
Posters
Travel cases
Travel journals and notebooks
Stickers
Fanny packs
Magnets
12. Vintage and retro
The massive buzz surrounding the highly anticipated 2023 Barbie movie serves as undeniable proof of the immense profitability of the vintage and retro niche. Products that transport people back in time hold a special allure, particularly for Millennials who yearn for nostalgic experiences.
The marketing campaign surrounding the pinkest production of all time provides us with so many compelling examples, from scrunchies and skates to themed apparel and fits, all with a gloriously retro ’90s vibe.
Source: The Pink News
Product suggestions:
Scrunchies
Fanny packs
Sweatshirts and sweatpants
Posters and canvas prints
Embroidered patches
Bomber jackets
Visors
Scarves
13. Pop culture
The pop culture market is a thriving industry that attracts a diverse audience with a vast array of products, merchandise, and experiences. From the universe of movies, TV shows, and music to the immersive worlds of video games, comics, and anime, this dynamic market brings so many of us together through shared interests and passions.
This expansive industry has the potential of transcending boundaries and creating a sense of community among individuals who are united by their love of varied iconic content. If this niche is the one for you, don’t forget to use social media trends in your favor.
Source: EutingAssociates on Etsy
Product suggestions:
Slides
Slippers
Posters
T-shirts
Postcards
Keychains
Laptop sleeves
Stickers
Pro tip: if you decide to follow a trend related to TV shows, movies, or books, be careful not to violate intellectual property rights. Don’t use photos or branding without previous authorization. Fan art is usually a good solution to that problem. Read more about this in our article Can I Print That? Copyright and Trademark 101.
14. Home goods
The home & living market has witnessed remarkable growth in the past decade. Driven by factors like the increased time spent at home during pandemic, we’ve all been more inclined to take a page out of interior design magazines and spruce up our living spaces of late. And this is great news for the print-on-demand market.
Choosing this niche means offering unique, personalized items that help people reflect their style and personality in their home decor. This makes it even more relevant to remember who you’re selling to, rather than just thinking about the products themselves.
Source: @robinlinerart on Instagram
Product suggestions:
Throw blankets
Pillows and pillow cases
Candles
Posters and canvas prints
Flags
Drinkware and coasters
Doormats
Aprons
Towels
Cutting boards
Hand and body wash
Shower curtains
Valuable read: Home Decor Market: Trends and Opportunities
15. Parenting and baby products
Few print-on-demand niches are as emotionally charged as parenting and baby products. From first smiles to milestone celebrations, parents are eager to mark every moment with thoughtful, personalized items. It’s no surprise the global baby products market size reached $320 billion in 2023. No stopping the baby fever either—the market will leap into 2030 at a steady 6.5% CAGR.
What drives this in-demand niche? Beyond practicality, parents are seeking products that tell a story—soft blankets embroidered with their baby’s name, charming onesies with witty parenting quotes, or nursery art that reflects their family’s personality. It’s a market where sentimentality meets functionality, making it an ideal choice for a print-on-demand business.
Source: Etsy
Trends in this space reflect the values of modern families. Gender-neutral designs in pastel hues cater to minimalist tastes, while inclusive themes ensure all types of families feel seen. Humor plays a big role, too—designs that capture the chaos and joy of parenting resonate with overwhelmed yet proud caregivers.
Product suggestions:
Baby onesies
Bibs
Blankets
Swaddle wraps
Nursery wall art
Burp cloths
Pillows and pillowcases
Loungewear
Toys
Photo albums
Diaper bags
16. Gaming
Gaming has transformed from a niche hobby into a cultural phenomenon, with a market expected to reach $504 billion by 2030. Gamers span all demographics, from casual mobile players to hardcore PC enthusiasts, creating a thriving print-on-demand niche.
The passionate audience, eager to express their love for their hobby, makes this one of the most profitable niches for customized products. Retro gaming, fueled by nostalgia, remains a key trend, with designs inspired by vintage consoles and pixel art.
At the same time, the rise of esports and streaming platforms has driven demand for team-based merchandise, gaming slang apparel, and fan gear for influencers.
Source: Printful
Inclusivity is also shaping this market segment, with products celebrating diverse characters and gaming communities. What used to be a male-dominated and often gatekept community now welcomes everyone and has developed safe spaces for all.
Product suggestions:
T-shirts
Hoodies
Mousepads
Laptop sleeves
Wall art
Gaming chair covers
Phone cases
Water bottles
17. Books and literature
Books and literature have always held a special place in culture, offering readers a sense of connection, imagination, and escape. Thanks to online book clubs and communities, the demand for not just books but related merchandise is on the rise.
For instance, Miu Miu’s “Summer Reads” pop-up events in eight countries distributed feminist literature curated by Mrs. Prada, attracting significant attention and long queues of eager participants.
Additionally, the resurgence of independent bookstores is linked to their diversification into merchandise. A study by Harvard Business School professor Ryan Raffaelli found that offering book-related products contributed to the revitalization of bookstores.
Source: Page & Needle
From literary quotes on apparel to artistic depictions of beloved characters, this niche offers endless creative opportunities. With book clubs, author fan communities, and the rising popularity of reading challenges on social media platforms, this target audience is both engaged and growing.
Contemporary trends include minimalist designs featuring iconic book covers, artistic renderings of classic quotes, and genre-specific themes like fantasy worlds or cozy mysteries. Products that celebrate self-expression and foster connection within book-loving communities resonate deeply in this niche market.
Product suggestions:
Tote bags
Literary quote posters
Mugs
T-shirts
Bookmarks
Journals
On-the-go book sleeves
Ereader covers
Bonus: seasonal products
No matter which niche you choose, venturing into the world of seasonal print-on-demand products can prove to be a lucrative business endeavor. And you can easily experiment with different ideas and designs without having to worry about unloading excess inventory when the season is over.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that strategic planning is key to fully capitalizing on these opportunities. By preparing in advance, you can conduct comprehensive niche market research, create original, compelling products, and promote them effectively with a sound marketing strategy.
Source: RoseGoldRebel on Etsy
Here are some events and occasions that you should explore:
Summer vacation
Back to school
Halloween
Christmas
Valentine’s Day
Easter
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
Product suggestions:
Beanies
Towels
Swimwear
Backpacks
Ornaments
Stationery items
Pillows
Blankets
Be prepared for holiday and seasonal opportunities. Download The Ultimate Ecommerce Holiday Calendar for free.
How can you choose?
Engaging with people you already know well is unquestionably easier than approaching an unfamiliar audience. With that in mind, create a list of your own interests and the communities or social media groups you actively participate in.
Once you have this list, it’s time to do some niche market research to gauge the potential of your chosen niche. Thankfully, there are free online tools at your disposal.
Google Trends, for instance, enables you to explore the search volume and intent for your niche in recent years. This will help you determine whether or not the subject matter you’re interested in has demonstrated consistent or growing interest. Additionally, platforms like Trend Hunter can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences.
Valuable read: Print-on-Demand Statistics and Trends You Can’t Miss
Example of Google Trends research for the term “mental health.” Source: Google Trends
The best print-on-demand niche will align with your interests and has a large enough audience to ensure the long-term sustainability of your business.
Read more: Profitable Dropshipping Niches in 2024: How to Find Them + Top Picks
A good example of this was the impact of Netflix’s series, The Queen’s Gambit, which ignited a surge of interest in chess throughout 2020 and beyond. Notably, chessboard sales skyrocketed by an impressive 87% in the United States following the show’s release.
Also, the monthly searches for search queries like “Chess” spiked by a remarkable 189% as compared to the average for the 11 months prior to the show’s launch. This was an extraordinary opportunity for chess enthusiasts and brands focused on the niche to showcase their expertise and profit from it.
Source: erinsdrawings on Etsy
When it comes to seeking out low-competition niches, don’t hesitate to dive into highly specific segments. To illustrate this point further, take the previous example. Rather than targeting a broad audience of “people who play chess,” you could try a more specific demographic, like “young female chess players.”
By narrowing your focus, you position yourself uniquely within the market, allowing your business to connect more intimately with your target audience and cater to their specific needs and interests.
