Being frugal can also mean trying to supplement your 9-5 income, especially if job stability and economic pressures like a recession could cause your day job to suddenly not exist.
Here are 33 great ideas for a home-based business.
A lot of people are doing these home based companies, so my suggestion is to see if any of these exist around you, and then try to fill a gap in the market. Ie: If there are 3 homemade soap makers in your town, its probably not a good idea to start another, but if there is no one local making hot sauce, that may be your ticket! But remember, as a side gig you should also have fun, so pick something that you really want to master and become the local guru on it.
All of these businesses do require some research, marketing and testing, but you can easily learn a skill with youtube, test the product with friends and family and look for local craft/farmers markets that you can get into once ready. Most of those markets are cheap to become a vendor, and all you really need is a sign and your product.
Good luck and remember to have fun!
Food & Beverage
- Hot Sauce – Unique blends or local ingredient-based sauces.
- Coffee Bean Roasting – Small-batch artisanal roasts.
- Homemade Jam or Preserves – Seasonal fruit spreads with interesting flavor profiles.
- Baked Goods – Cookies, breads, or pastries (gluten-free, vegan, etc.).
- Spice Blends or Rubs – Custom spice mixes for grilling, cooking, etc.
- Kombucha or Fermented Drinks – Flavored kombucha, kefir, or shrubs.
- Pickled Goods – Pickles, kimchi, or other fermented snacks.
- Gourmet Popcorn – Flavored or candied popcorn varieties.
- Nut Butters – Almond, cashew, or flavored peanut butters.
- Herbal Teas – Homegrown or blended loose-leaf teas.
Health & Beauty
- Soap – Natural or scented bars, often with niche packaging.
- Bath Bombs & Salts – Aromatherapeutic or colorful soaks.
- Beard Oil or Balms – For the growing men’s grooming market.
- Lip Balm – Made from beeswax, essential oils, etc.
- Face Masks or Scrubs – DIY skincare using natural ingredients.
- Candles – Scented, soy, beeswax, or novelty candles.
- Essential Oil Blends – Wellness-oriented oil mixtures.
Home & Decor
- Handmade Pottery or Ceramics – Small planters, mugs, or decorative pieces.
- Wall Art Prints – Digital or physical art from home.
- Custom Embroidery or Cross-Stitch – Personalized or themed designs.
- Knitted or Crocheted Items – Hats, scarves, blankets, etc.
- Macrame – Wall hangings, plant holders, or jewelry.
- Handmade Furniture or Decor – Small pieces like shelves or trays.
- Recycled Material Crafts – Upcycled home goods with an eco-focus.
Pets
- Homemade Pet Treats – Organic or dietary-specific snacks.
- Pet Toys – Handmade chew toys or puzzles.
- Pet Accessories – Collars, bandanas, pet beds, etc.
Lifestyle & Accessories
- Custom T-Shirts – Print-on-demand or handmade designs.
- Tote Bags – Hand-printed or sewn reusable bags.
- Jewelry – Beaded, clay, resin, or wire-wrapped styles.
- Stationery or Stickers – Printed designs for planners or journaling.
- Handmade Journals or Notebooks – With custom covers or recycled paper.
- Digital Products – Printable planners, templates, or artwork (requires almost no physical cost). Just find a niche that doesn't have 100 other creators in it.