To celebrate the creativity of the Etsy community, we asked about some of your most unique purchases—and the responses blew us away!

Colorful custom family portrait
Photo by: Shapes and Faces

To uncover some of the most original pieces around from standout small businesses on Etsy, we asked real buyers to share some of their most memorable purchases. One shopper responded, “We love the variety on Etsy and we’re supporting small local businesses. What’s better than that?” We couldn't agree more—and we also loved learning about some of the specific pieces that left major impressions.

Think: a purr-fect pet portrait that captures a furry friend’s personality with amazing detail. Stylish-yet-comfy clothing tailored to your measurements. Delightful wall art that makes your living quarters feel like home. Whether shopping for a thoughtful present to celebrate a life moment or a singular piece to brighten your home or wardrobe, stumbling upon just the right thing can feel like a thrilling lightning bolt of discovery. "It's been my go-to for gift giving way before many people knew about it," writes one regular Etsy shopper. "I can find anything I can dream of."

Here we share responses from Etsy shoppers and let you in on their favorite finds. Read on to explore one-of-a-kind picks—and discover something that you’ll want to tell everyone about.

1. Art as unique as you are

Custom portrait of a coupleSHOP: Custom portrait from Shapes and Faces, $128

With more than 7 million talented Etsy sellers around the world pouring their passions into their creative pursuits, it's no wonder this is one shopper's favorite thing to buy on Etsy: "beautiful artwork."

Whether you're looking for a custom family portrait, a dreamy original landscape paintings, or cheerful posters and prints, discover eye-catching artworks sketched, painted, and designed to match your singular style.

2. Handmade flower pots

Ceramic Planter with Drip Plate | Castoe Pots Handmade Ripple Pots | Wavy Indoor Planter with Drainage Hole and Tray | Flower Pot SHOP: Ceramic planter with drip plate from Castoe Pots, $30

Calling all green thumbs! Two buyers recommend Etsy as a place to shop for "plants… plants… rare plants" and "handmade flower pots" to match.

To provide an ideal environment for your houseplants to flourish with a retro pop of color, Jenni Castoe, the maker behind the eponymous small-batch ceramics shop Castoe Pots, shapes these wavy, two-toned planters on her pottery wheel.

3. DIY cross-stitch patterns

Floral and alphabet cross-stitch samplersSHOP: Cross-stitch sampler pattern (PDF) from Curious Carrie Designs, $6

Looking for a creative outlet? This Etsy shopper has a suggestion: "beautiful cross-stitch patterns!"

With its soothing process and artful visuals, cross-stitching is as meditative as it is aesthetically pleasing. To begin, explore patterns and kits that suit your style and skill level. Then, thread your needle and start stitching!

4. Handmade end tables with midcentury style

Natural wood end tables by Crafted Glory SHOP: Handmade solid-wood end table from Crafted Glory, $1,100

Statement-piece seekers, take note. One Etsy buyer recalls this beloved purchase: "a beautiful end table that the crafter made himself. Real wood and midcentury modern style."

Woodworker Kwadwo Som-Pimpong from Crafted Glory, crafts sleek, earth-conscious furniture, including solid-wood end tables made from your pick of walnut, cherry, or maple. He says, “Sustainability is a critical part of Crafted Glory: from sourcing lumber, to managing waste, to our choice of finishes.”

5. A custom pet portrait pet

Two framed cat portraits SHOP: Custom watercolor pet portrait from LaulyCréations, from $42

A proud pet parent shared this memorable tribute to a favorite feline: “A beautiful watercolor painting of our cat hangs in our living room.”

To commission your own one-of-a-kind pet portrait rendered in watercolor, send a photo to LaulyCréations, an artist-run shop based in Normandy, France. They'll paint a custom portrait for you to display on your wall—or give as a thoughtful gift to an animal lover in your life.

6. A relaxing tea set

Tea pot pouring tea into a clear glass mug SHOP: Set of black and herbal teas from PluktTea, from $43

Want to unwind? This buyer recommends Etsy as a place to source soothing, self-care products, including "wonderful salves and teas."

To help you discover your favorite warming infusion, independent tea seller Plukt offers variety sets with a sampling of flavorful and aromatic teas to please the palate, including wild strawberry leaf, oregano, linden, and Nordic black teas. Cheers to that!

7. A memorable moisturizer

Handmade lavender lotion SHOP: Lavender whipped body butter from La Marcotterie, $32

Finding products you enjoy is essential for maintaining a skincare routine you'll stick to. And one satisfied shopper found just the thing on Etsy: "my favorite face lotion."

To keep your skin happy and hydrated, meet your moisturizer match on Etsy. Plus, explore a range of facial care products—like luxurious masks, exfoliating scrubs, and refreshing toners—to upgrade your daily, self-care rituals.

8. A personalized gift for a grad

Three gold paperclip necklaces with custom charms SHOP: Personalized paperclip necklace from NOLIAjewelry, from $113

As one chapter ended and another began, this Etsy buyer took the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with "a personalized graduation gift for my niece," they wrote.

Whether commemorating a commencement or another milestone, like a birthday, NOLIAjewelry will personalize a necklace to your specifications for a heartfelt handmade gift. Select a metal (gold or silver), chain length, and letters or symbols for a custom charm, and this small Utah-based team will take care of the rest.

9. An utterly charming charm bracelet

Gold chains and lots of charms SHOP: Build-your-own custom charm bracelet from Shop Charming Tea, $118

One Etsy buyer wrote that this was one of their favorite purchases: "My beautiful, handmade charm bracelet!"

To remember special moments or keep mementos of things you love close at hand, pick out your own unique charm bracelet adorned with tiny treasures. Or, if DIY is more your style, design your own with all the charms, findings, and jewelry-making supplies you'll need.

10. Made-for-you clothing

Gold-colored evening gown SHOP: Custom-sewn gold dress from CopiousFashions, $472

For one Etsy shopper, it’s all about made-to-measure clothing: “I have gotten my wedding dress, a semi-formal dress, and modest swim dress—all custom to my size.”

For your own made-to-order attire, Canada-based fashion designer Carissa McCaig, owner of Copious Fashions, sews her signature gold satin dress in custom sizes, so it fits your figure perfectly. With gorgeous details, like a keyhole neckline and handy pockets, this design works well as a wedding gown, bridesmaid's dress, or outfit for another special occasion.

11. A one-of-a-kind wedding cake topper

Custom Couple Figurine - Clay Figures - Couple and Dog Portrait - SHOP: Custom couple figurine from littleclayland, $98

“My customized wedding cake topper”—that's what tops one Etsy buyer's list of memorable purchases!

"I believe the people in our lives are worth celebrating," writes Lara Dreyer, the artist behind Little Clay Land, a custom, 3D portrait shop, "and I love using my clay to help people show their love to each other!" Commission your own hand-sculpted figures that'll take the cake on the big day.

12. Baby bibs

bandana bib, organic cotton knit dribble bib, your choice of color, reversible organic bandana bib, drool bib, inspiring dreams SHOP: Cotton bandana bib from lilybeangiggles, $13

When shopping for a little one, this buyer knows just the thing to purchase on Etsy: "awesome homemade baby bibs."

Dribbles, drool, and crumbs are no match for these snap-on, bandana-style bibs. And these super-cute bibs are reversible—so that means two styles in one!

13. A personalized sweatshirt

Sage green sweatshirt embroidered in cursive chain stitch SHOP: Custom yarn embroidered sweatshirt from LetterParty, from $27

Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, as the saying goes. But for this Etsy shopper, it's a matter of donning a proclamation of puppy love across their chest in the form of, as they wrote, "a sweatshirt with my dog’s name on it!"

Whether you opt for your pet's name or another special message, bespoke embroidery shop Letter Party will embellish sweatshirts (and other garments and gift items) in charming, chain-stitched lettering. Owner Jessica Penley notes, “Everything I embroider I've made totally with my hands, with a needle and thread or yarn."

14. Dapper dog collars

Cute pup wearing a patterned collar SHOP: Set of three dog collars from Puddle Jumper Pups, $57

"Our dog has a collar for every season and holiday," says one Etsy buyer. To prep your pup for any occasion, Puddle Jumper Pups offers 130 collar designs in an array of patterns and hues. With customization options for length, width, and type of hardware, these collars are crafted to comfortably fit dogs of any size.

15. Pet fashions

Gray, crocheted wizard hat for a catSHOP: Gray wizard hat for a cat from PurrsandStitches, from $25

One of the joys of a niche interest is finding others who share your enthusiasm. For one Etsy buyer that meant finding small shops that make pet outfits—specifically reptile fashions: “handmade outfits for our beardie!”

Whether shopping for runway-ready looks for a bearded dragon, a warm jacket or hoodie for a furry friend, or other pet accessories or costumes, find just the thing on Etsy.

Pale yellow banner with original art and text: Made, designed, or handpicked by an independent seller. From handmade glassware to meticulously shaped pottery, there are so many makers and extraordinary items on Etsy.