20 Best Things To Sell Online Today – Forbes Advisor

Starting an online business often feels less about finding the right platform and more about knowing what to sell. With thousands of options out there, it helps to know which products already perform well and which ones are gaining momentum right now. 

This guide covers 20 of the best things to sell online today based on Google search volume. Some are tried-and-true categories with consistent demand while others are newer trends with strong growth potential. Whether you’re a first-time seller or someone looking to add another revenue stream, you’ll find ideas you can start testing quickly. 

1. Print-on-Demand Apparel

Google search volume: 2,240,000 

T-shirts, hoodies and hats remain a favorite online purchase because people want clothing that feels personal. With print-on-demand, you can design for niche interests without holding boxes of inventory in your garage because your manufacturer dropships orders directly to your customers. The sellers who do best focus on a specific audience, whether that means fandom-inspired designs (make sure you’re licensed if you’re selling anything using intellectual property that doesn’t belong to you), clever slogans or original art that speaks directly to one group. Regular new releases give customers a reason to return again and again. 

2. Home Office Supplies

Google search volume: 1,600 

Remote work shifted from temporary to permanent for many people, which means they now pay closer attention to how their spaces look and feel. Products like ergonomic chairs, desk organizers or even simple cable holders can transform a room from cluttered to comfortable. Once a customer improves one part of their setup, they often return for matching pieces that bring the entire office together. 

3. Books (physical and digital)

Google search volume: 3,350,000 

Selling books online has existed since the earliest days of e-commerce, yet it continues to thrive. Readers never stop buying, whether they are looking for rare editions, used finds or self-published work. I know this because self-publishing my own books changed everything for me. In less than two years of publishing, I started making a full-time income without running any ads. Selling your words, your story or even curating stories from others has the power to reach thousands of readers at once while still feeling intimate. 

4. Beauty and Skincare

Google search volume: 1,830,000 (beauty) and 2,740,000 (skincare) 

Skincare has become one of the most powerful categories in e-commerce. Serums, masks, and natural cosmetics are always in demand because people want results they can see in the mirror. Shoppers are quick to try products that feel fresh or offer something unique, whether that’s clean ingredients or bold packaging. The sellers who build trust through tutorials and real-world reviews often find their products turning into repeat purchases. 

5. Subscription Boxes

Google search volume: 60,500 

People love the idea of a surprise showing up at their door each month. Subscription boxes make shopping feel personal and exciting, whether the theme is beauty, snacks, books or a smaller niche like plants or stationery. What makes this model appealing for sellers is the recurring revenue. Once a customer signs up, you can focus on delighting them month after month rather than chasing single sales. 

6. Online Courses

Google search volume: 368,000 

Education has moved online in ways that go far beyond universities. If you know how to teach a skill, you can build a course that students will pay for. The up-front work is heavier, but once a course is finished, it can generate revenue long after it’s launched. Subjects tied to professional growth or creativity often perform best because students see the purchase as an investment in themselves. 

7. Digital Downloads

Google search volume: 673,000 (templates), 33,100 (digital planners), 2,900 (digital art prints) 

Few products match the instant gratification of a digital download. Templates, planners, art prints and guides are inexpensive to create and cost nothing to deliver. Buyers love that they can get what they want the moment they click purchase. This model works really well for creators who enjoy designing around seasons or trends, since new releases can be added to a shop quickly. 

8. Handmade Jewelry

Google search volume: 165,000 

There is something magnetic about jewelry made by hand. Shoppers are drawn to the individuality of each piece, whether it’s resin earrings, clay charms or precious metal rings. When you tell the story behind your craft, you give buyers a reason to connect beyond the product. Photography matters here too, since jewelry shines best when it’s shown in natural light or styled on real people. 

9. Eco-Friendly Products

Google search volume: 90,500 

Reusable goods and low-waste swaps attract shoppers who want purchases that align with their values. From beeswax wraps to biodegradable cleaners, these products offer a way to reduce environmental impact while still being practical. Packaging makes a big difference in this space. Sellers who use recycled or compostable materials often see customers sharing their purchases online, which creates word-of-mouth growth. 

10. Pet Supplies

Google search volume: 201,000 

People rarely hesitate to spend money on their pets, which keeps this category thriving. Toys, collars and quirky accessories sell quickly, but functional items like feeders and beds remain steady sellers too. Pet owners often fall in love with brands that speak directly to their type of animal, which makes niches effective. Creative packaging and subscription treat boxes also give this category long-term potential. 

11. Supplements

Google search volume: 550,000 (with specific supplements in the millions) 

Wellness is deeply personal, and supplements appeal to buyers searching for solutions that feel tailored to their needs. Protein powders, vitamins and functional blends continue to sell across every demographic. In this space, presentation matters. Clean design and professional branding help buyers trust the product, and many sellers succeed by focusing on one health angle rather than trying to cover everything at once. 

12. Kitchen Gadgets

Google search volume: 110,000, 135,000 (kitchen utensils), 60,500 (garlic press) 

Kitchen gadgets tend to succeed when they solve a small problem people never realized they had. A garlic press that saves time or a compact tool for slicing fruit can take off quickly once demonstrated in a short video. The best sellers keep their products lightweight, easy to ship and simple to explain. Bundling complementary gadgets together also encourages higher cart totals. 

13. Collectibles

Google search volume: 90,500 

Collectibles thrive on scarcity and nostalgia, which makes them resilient to trends. Trading cards, vinyl records or limited-edition figures pull in loyal buyers willing to pay a premium. Sellers who curate rare finds can build entire businesses around repeat customers. Others design original collectibles—pins, art cards, enamel charms—and create demand by releasing them in timed drops that encourage fast sales. 

14. Phone Accessories

Google search volume: 90,500, 450,000 (wireless headphones), 673,000 (phone cases) 

New phone models launch every year, which means accessories never stop selling. Cases, chargers and screen protectors are staples, but creative sellers push further with multiuse cases, beautiful designs or accessories that double as wallets. Your speed matters here. Sellers who react quickly to new device releases often catch the first surge of demand before the market floods. 

15. Children’s Toys and Games

Google search volume: 3,350,000 (toys), 83,100,000 (games) 

Parents are eager to buy toys that balance fun with learning. STEM kits, puzzles and interactive games fit that need while also holding up well as gifts. Safety and durability make all the difference in this category, so work with trusted manufacturers to create these. Handmade wooden toys or carefully sourced materials often perform strongly because buyers want peace of mind with every purchase. 

16. Furniture and Home Decor

Google search volume: 1,830,000 (furniture), 823,000 (home decor) 

Furniture can feel intimidating to ship, but smaller pieces and flat-pack items make online sales possible. Shoppers often start with décor because it feels like a low-commitment way to refresh their homes. Throw pillows, wall art and accent lighting perform well year-round. Sellers who keep collections cohesive encourage buyers to return and build on their original purchase. 

17. Sporting Goods

Google search volume: 450,000 

Hobbies and sports gear attract passionate buyers who treat their purchases as investments. Camping equipment, cycling gear or even newer sports like pickleball generate steady sales from communities that want quality and specialization. This category has seasonal highs, but discounts during quieter months can keep cash flow steady. Loyal customers often return for upgrades as their skills grow. 

Google search volume: 5,000,000 

Software carries some of the best margins online because there is no shipping, and one product can be sold countless times. Sellers either create their own tools or earn commissions through affiliate programs. The most reliable categories remain productivity, design and business management, since professionals and hobbyists alike are always searching for ways to save time or get better results. 

19. Seasonal Products

Google search volume: 368,000 (Halloween decorations), 165,000 (party supplies), 90,500 (school backpacks) 

Timing is everything. Products tied to events or holidays come with built-in demand. Holiday decorations, themed party supplies or back-to-school essentials spike predictably each year. Sellers who prepare listings months in advance give their products a chance to climb in search results before the season peaks, which often makes the difference between steady sales and missed opportunity. 

20. Niche Hobby Gear

Google search volume: 2,400 (cosplay props), 60,500 (knitting needles), 5,400 (bookbinding tools) 

Niche hobbies are fertile ground for online sellers because buyers are deeply invested in their passions. Knitting needles, drone parts, cosplay props or specialty board game accessories all have thriving communities behind them. These shoppers are often eager to spend on higher-quality gear that matches their obsession. Forums, Discord servers or even TikTok subcultures often guide what products are worth producing. 

Bottom Line: Choose the Right Product

Picking the right product is less about following a single trend and more about matching what sells with your skills, interests and budget. The 20 categories above are all profitable options, but the best choice for you will depend on how much time you can commit and what excites you enough to stick with it long-term. 

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