Discover awe-inspiring (and affordable!) essentials from this year’s A-list, then vote for your favorites today.
Wow, what’s that? A dandelion-shaped lamp that glows when you blow on it? A wavy glass bangle fashioned to jazz up any outfit? A giftable ceramic mug with a glazed doughnut handle? Sounds like the 2023 Etsy Design Awards finalists are officially here! And as usual, the prize-worthy pieces from Etsy’s annual creative competition are a welcome reminder that we can—and should!—find joy in the objects we use every single day.
To get you excited for this year’s highly desirable lineup, we pulled together a sample of some awe-inspiring and affordably priced pieces made to bring moments of delight to your daily life. Crafted with purpose and a whole lot of personality, they’re just a few examples of the magic that happens when intelligent design meets imaginative style. Read on to discover 15 fun, functional takes on everyday staples, then explore the full list of 150 finalists, and vote for your top picks by adding them to your favorites. The seller whose listing gets the most hearts between now and June 28 will receive the People’s Pick Etsy Design Award—a $5,000 prize.* Then, don’t forget to check back in July, when the Grand Prize and Category Award winners—selected by judges Sarah Jessica Parker and Dayna Isom Johnson—will be revealed!
And now, (drumroll, please), introducing some of the most creative finds of 2023:
A his and hers accessory
Cloud bolo tie from Minima Maxima Shop, $74 | 2023 Finalist: Accessories
If you haven’t yet discovered the versatility of a bolo tie, allow this contemporary take on the cowboy-chic classic to open your eyes. Featuring a playful pendant inlaid with a soothing cloudy blue sky, this charming unisex accessory serves as a stylish swap for both necklace and necktie, and can easily be dressed up or down thanks to subtly luxe touches like its black velvet cord and bright brass tips.
Hang-anywhere art
Abstract stained-glass suncatcher mobile from Multiple Shapes, $150 | 2023 Finalist: Art
Whether you opt to dangle it in a sunny window so you can watch its colors dance (daytime disco, anybody?) or hang it high above a table as a captivating centerpiece, the abstract shapes on this meticulously crafted stained-glass stunner are guaranteed to catch the light in interesting ways. (Pro tip: It also makes a dazzling gift for any Art Deco-loving decorator or modern art enthusiast!)
Flexible furnishings
Fläpps folding chair from AMBIVALENZ Design, $441 | 2023 Finalist: Furniture
Who would’ve thought an item as commonplace as a folding chair could be such a colorful conversation piece? With its sunrise-inspired pastel palette and one-touch collapse-and-carry design, this sophisticated ombré seat certainly deserves a permanent place at the table. Plus, the chair’s clever cantilevered construction gives it a slight spring that makes it super comfortable to sit in. Win-win!
An all-season wreath
Wooden wreath from Anna Wiscombe, $89 | 2023 Finalist: Holiday
True, it’s intended to be hung for the winter holidays, but the dainty wooden berries and lively buds that encircle this cheerful wreath come in hues so rosy and welcoming, it’d look great greeting guests on any festive occasion, be it a springy Easter feast or a summer solstice celebration. Bonus: Because this beauty is laser cut from birch plywood, its flora will stay "in bloom" through multiple seasons of use.
An all-purpose decorative textile
Geometric “Glaciers” tapestry from Tawa Threads, $65 | 2023 Finalist: Home Decor
Talk about a multi-purpose piece! Inspired by dramatic patterns in nature—in particular the shifting shapes of glaciers—this block-printed cotton textile boasts a bold geometric design that looks equally mesmerizing hung on the wall as a tall tapestry, laid across a table as a lightweight runner, or draped along the back of a couch for a pop of color.
An ahead-of-the-curve bracelet
Wavy glass bangle from Sarah Dingwall Glass, $77 | 2023 Finalist: Jewelry
For the avid accessorizer who can’t resist a statement piece, this painstakingly flameworked glass bangle has a little bit of everything: a trendy squiggle shape that’s designed to make waves, a shimmery reflective surface that’s bound to attract many an admirative gaze, and a smooth translucence that makes it a clear match for all manner of outfits, from your everyday errand ensemble to your most glam event getup. A true wardrobe winner!
A toy that’ll grow with your kiddo
Wooden whale pencil organizer from Bee and the Bear, $78 | 2023 Finalist: Kids
Equal parts functional and fanciful, this wood-carved, whale-shaped art supply organizer is a smart solution for keeping your wee one’s creative corner tidy. Simply fill the bounty of blowholes with your choice of paintbrushes, colored pencils, or felt-tipped pens and it’s orderliness ahoy! The best part? Once your petite Picasso graduates to grade school, this decorative desk accessory makes a great place for stashing scissors, highlighters, and more.
A coffee cup with character
Porcelain doughnut cup from KOLOS Ceramics, $50 | 2023 Finalist: Kitchen & Dining
If, like us, you’re a firm believer that every morning mug of joe should come with a doughnut on the side, then you’re in luck. This playful porcelain cup features a handle fashioned after everyone’s favorite glazed pastry, with a sizable nibble off the top for an extra-realistic touch. Deliberately designed to look a little bit wobbly (aren’t we all before we’ve had our coffee?) with a creamy caramel-colored center, it's a genius way to start every day with a sweet pick-me-up.
A lamp that’ll light up your world
Dandelion table lamp from Mozi Dozen, $191 | 2023 Finalist: Lighting
Don’t we all deserve a daily dose of childlike wonder in our lives? Enter this extraordinary dandelion lamp, which turns on via a delightful trick: to set it aglow, all you need to do is softly blow on its fluffy seed pod! Thoughtfully designed to evoke fond memories of plucking puffballs from the earth and wishing them to the wind, this interactive light provides a warm and whimsical ambiance for both the young and the young at heart, and would make a marvelous addition to any dreamer’s bedside.
Patterned party pants
Patterned Ankara-print pants from Zanaani, $85 | 2023 Finalist: Men’s Clothing
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to establishing a well-rounded wardrobe, which is why we love this pair of personality-packed, pocketed, Ankara-print pants. Stitched from a hand-dyed, batik-patterned cotton fabric that’s so comfy and cool it’ll effortlessly take any dapper dude from party to PJs, these edgy red slacks are that feel-good pair he’ll reach for every time he gets dressed.
A pet bowl you’ll both drool over
Customizable pet plate from Sweet Sapling Studio, from $45 | 2023 Finalist: Pets
Feeding time has never been more fun! This hand-painted ceramic pet bowl comes customized with adorable little doodles of the quirks that make your kitten, canine, bunny, or bird such an irresistible mush. (Hello, tiny toe beans and heart-melting puppy dog eyes!) Along with their name, you can add three unique illustrations of your choosing that represent your precious pet, whether that’s their beloved catnip toy, their penchant for giving you soft, velvety kisses, or the treats that get them tail-wagging.
A practical, humor-packed present
Personalized leather dachshund bookmark from Grayphic Design, from $33 | 2023 Finalist: Personalized Gifts
Sometimes, it’s the littlest things that put the biggest smiles on our faces. Case in point? This squished sausage dog bookmark, which makes an amusing gift for book lovers, pup parents, or any fan of fun-loving, functional design. Not only can this good boy be hand-stamped with the name or short phrase of your choice, but you can customize the color of his fur and collar, too! Then all you have to do is slip it between the pages of your lucky recipient’s favorite dog-eared text, and let the chuckles ensue.
A top worth repeatedly showing off
Embroidered floral corset from Jordan de Ruiter, $298 | 2023 Finalist: Wedding Style
When it comes to wedding style, we’re obsessed with a good investment piece, and this showstopping top is just the type of party garment you’ll want to break out time and again. Embroidered all-over with a hand-appliqued bouquet of florals, this vibrant lace-up corset would look just as jaw-dropping paired with a poofy tulle skirt on your big day as it would matched with a high-waisted set of shorts and some heels on a tropical vacay.
Custom keepsake place cards
Pressed flower place cards from Bloom Page Wood, from $10 each | 2023 Finalist: Weddings & Celebrations
Perfect for a wedding, a garden party, or an intimate summer supper club, these personalized pressed petal place cards will instantly elevate any seated celebration, and can even double as fancy favors at the end of your special event. Featuring a singular selection of florals to match your party palette, they’d look particularly lovely repurposed as decorative nameplates for doors and desks!
A feel-good vintage ‘fit
Vintage polka-dot dress from Sideline Paradise, $50 | 2023 Finalist: Women’s Clothing
Consolidating your wardrobe to a few useful, quality pieces is a wonderful way to make sure you fully appreciate what you wear on a regular basis. But what if you want to keep it eco-chic while also embracing your inner fabulous fashionista? Easy! Add a vintage number—like this ultra-posh polka-dotted dress from the ‘70s—to your rotation, and you can strut your stuff feeling satisfied that you’re also making a more sustainable choice for the planet. Plus, with its ombré statement sleeves and flattering A-line frame, you’ll be runway-ready no matter where the day takes you!
*See the Submission Terms for more Etsy Design Awards information: https://etsy.me/edaterms2023
