Summer parties are in full swing, and the hunt for the perfect gift is on. As for Etsy sellers, it’s time to tap into the sunny season and boost your sales with standout handmade items.

But which ones will sizzle and which ones will fizzle?

From pool party gifts to BBQ garden presents, there’s plenty to explore on the platform.

In the following sections, we explore the top three best and worst summer party gifts to offer this year on Etsy.

The top summer party gifts to offer

Planning your summer portfolio requires an in-depth understanding of the peculiarities of the season, consumers’ demands, and rising trends.

When it comes to summer parties, these three product categories never disappoint.

Personalized drinkware

Without a doubt, imagining a good summer party without catchy drinkware is merely impossible.

Personalized drinkware gifts combine practicality with a touch of personal flair.

Think of customizable options such as engraved tumblers, wine glasses, and reusable water bottles – products that are not only trendy but also immensely useful.

These items are perfect for keeping drinks cool during hot summer days and make great conversation starters at any gathering. Plus, presented as gifts, they make a lasting memory.

Most importantly, they offer diversity and room for creative solutions for Etsy artisans. With a vast array of product types and characteristics to choose from, you can offer a number of different items.

As a result, you can attract more traffic, land more sales, and quickly grow your Etsy shop to new heights.

Here are a few specific examples you can explore:

• Personalized mason jars – These can be engraved with names, initials, or fun summer motifs, making them perfect for refreshing iced drinks.
• Custom wine glasses – Adding a name or a special date to wine glasses can help you attract shoppers interested in offering a cherished keepsake that guests can use at the party and beyond.
• Insulated tumblers – Tumblers with fun summer designs or witty quotes are also creating waves on Etsy, enabling artisans to tap into this promising niche.

These are just a few examples of product types you can consider.

By using business intelligence tools like Sale Samurai, you can identify a ton of additional sub-niches with promising potential for profitability.

Outdoor еntertaining еssentials

Summer is synonymous with outdoor gatherings, and items that enhance these experiences are always appreciated.

Our research on Etsy reveals that gifts that can be used immediately at the party or for future events are particularly valued.

Some of the most popular examples include:

• Picnic blankets – Stylish and comfortable picnic blankets are perfect for beach outings, park visits, or backyard lounging.
• BBQ tools – A high-quality set of BBQ tools can elevate any grilling session, making them a practical and appreciated gift.
• Outdoor games – Fun games like cornhole sets or giant Jenga can keep guests entertained for hours and are great for all ages.

When optimizing your listings in this space, it’s important to emphasize the durability and portability of your products.

Creating bundles, such as a picnic blanket with a matching tote or BBQ tool sets in a personalized case, can dramatically increase their appeal.

Handmade jewelry

Another must-have summer party gift for Etsy shoppers is handmade jewelry.

Handcrafted bijou pieces are unique and often carry sentimental value, making them a standout gift choice.

These items can add a special touch to summer outfits and can certainly boost your performance as an artisan with an Etsy shop.

Just like in the previous two categories, the diversity in the jewelry realm is infinite.

Here are a few ideas for attractive handmade creations:

• Beaded anklets – These are a summer must-have piece and add a boho-chic vibe to any party look.
• Shell necklaces – Perfect for beach lovers, these necklaces bring a touch of the ocean to everyday attire.
• Colorful earrings – Vibrant and eye-catching, statement earrings can elevate any outfit and are great for adding a pop of color to your party.

If you plan to penetrate this market, remember to highlight the craftsmanship and uniqueness of your jewelry.

Offering customization options, such as choosing the color or adding initials, can make your pieces even more attractive for party organizers.

The worst party gifts to offer

Believe it or not, there is also an extensive chart featuring the worst party gifts to offer as an Etsy seller.

These items are likely to remain unsold in your shop, creating revenue losses and accumulating wasted resources.

Generic gift cards

While gift cards are undeniably useful at any special event or casual party, they often lack the personal touch that makes a gift special.

For a celebratory occasion like a summer party, they can feel impersonal and uninspired.

For example, imagine the standard generic options from large retailers. These items don’t show much thought or effort and can be seen as a last-minute or lazy choice.

Instead, consider more personalized options like a themed gift card that aligns with the recipient’s interests or a message that’s linked to the theme of the party.

Highly personal items

Another product category to avoid is that of highly personalized products.

In most cases, party organizers and hosts browse for gifts that add a touch of customization, but are never too personal.

Items that require specific knowledge of the recipient’s tastes and preferences can be risky, especially for large parties with tens or hundreds of guests.

These items can easily miss the mark and end up unused.

Some of these examples include aroma-related items like perfumes or skincare, hobby supplies, and others.

Opt for more universally appealing gift products that don’t require intimate knowledge of the recipient’s likes and dislikes. This will increase your chances of selling to a wider audience and generating a more fruitful profit.

Large, impractical gifts

When creating your portfolio of summer gifts as a seller, always put yourself in the shoes of the consumer.

Bulky items can be a hassle for the gift recipients to transport home and may not see much use, making them less ideal for summer party gifts.

Some of these examples include furniture gift pieces, kitchen appliance gift sets, and other large items.

A better alternative would be to choose compact, portable gifts that are easy to carry and use, enhancing the party experience without adding inconvenience.

How to select the right summer party gifts to sell as an artisan

While there are plenty of opportunities to consider when it comes to party gifts, not all will result in the profitability you’re after.

When evaluating your options, it’s key to assess several crucial components.

The following metrics will dictate whether the summer party gift ideas you’ve set your eyes on offer promising financial returns:

• Keyword search volumes – analyze the number of searches niche-specific keywords generate on a monthly basis. A higher search volume indicates that more Etsy users are interested in a given product, guaranteeing high traffic and potentially – sales.

• Competition levels – most importantly, make sure the keywords associated with the market you’ve chosen are not highly competitive. Such phrases can be extremely difficult to rank for, therefore compromising your visibility.
• Customer reviews – check what Etsy shoppers who’ve purchased summer party gifts have to say. Are they happy with their choices or are there other products they would have preferred to invest in? These discoveries can help you craft the perfect sales strategy with the right products to offer.
• Pricing – last but not least, don’t forget to assess the pricing in the market. This can help you forecast your profitability per sale.

Implementing these research best practices into your seller approach can help you make data-based decisions for maximum results.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to get your Etsy summer shop rolling, we recommend investigating some of the three niches we uncovered above.

Throughout your journey, take advantage of Sale Samurai and its powerful features and capabilities.

With real-time market insights, you can outperform others on the platform and scale your Etsy side gig to the next level.