Selling handmade wooden toys online has never been easier, thanks to a variety of platforms designed specifically for artisans and small businesses. If you specialize in safe, natural wooden toys for infants and toddlers—such as teething rings and musical rattles—choosing the right platform can help you reach more parents who prioritize safety, quality, and sustainability. This guide explores the best platforms for selling your handmade wooden toys, considering factors like audience, fees, ease of use, and product suitability.
1. Etsy
Why It’s Popular: Etsy is the top choice for handmade products, attracting millions of buyers who seek unique and artisan-crafted items. It’s an ideal marketplace for selling wooden baby toys, as many parents actively search for natural, chemical-free, and Montessori-inspired toys on Etsy.
Key Features:
- Large audience: Etsy provides instant access to parents looking for high-quality handmade toys.
- Ease of use: Simple shop setup and listing process, even for beginners.
- SEO benefits: Etsy’s search function helps your products get discovered easily.
Fees: $0.20 per listing + 6.5% transaction fee per sale + payment processing fee.
Best for: Artisans selling wooden teething toys, rattles, and other safe, natural baby toys who want exposure to a large customer base.
2. Shopify
Why It’s Popular: Shopify gives you full control over branding, design, and customer experience. Unlike marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify lets you create your own dedicated website, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale.
Key Features:
- Customizable storefront: Reflect your brand identity with personalized themes and features.
- Multi-channel sales: Sell through your website while integrating with Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon.
- Scalability: Ideal for businesses that plan to grow beyond marketplaces.
Fees: Monthly subscription starting at $29, plus transaction fees if using third-party payment processors.
Best for: Businesses wanting full control over branding and a dedicated online store for wooden baby toys.
3. Amazon Handmade
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade allows artisans to tap into Amazon’s vast customer base while selling in a dedicated section for handcrafted goods. If you want to scale and offer fast shipping, this platform is a great option.
Key Features:
- Massive audience: Sell to millions of potential buyers worldwide.
- Prime eligibility: Use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to offer fast, Prime shipping.
- Trusted brand: Amazon’s reputation for reliable customer service enhances buyer trust.
Fees: No listing fees, but a 15% referral fee per sale. Professional seller subscription costs $39.99/month (may be waived for Handmade sellers).
Best for: Sellers looking for global reach and the ability to scale through Amazon’s fulfillment network.
4. Big Cartel
Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is a simple and budget-friendly platform, perfect for small-scale artisans who want an independent shop without the complexity of Shopify or Etsy.
Key Features:
- Free plan: List up to five products with no monthly fee.
- Simple setup: Easy for those new to eCommerce.
- Minimalist aesthetic: Clean and customizable store design.
Fees: Free for up to five products; paid plans start at $9.99/month. No transaction fees beyond payment processing.
Best for: Small-scale artisans looking for a low-cost, simple online store for wooden toys.
5. Folksy (UK-Based)
Why It’s Popular: If you are selling from or to the UK, Folksy is an excellent marketplace dedicated to handmade products. It connects local artisans with buyers who value British craftsmanship.
Key Features:
- UK-focused: Ideal for sellers targeting the UK market.
- Support for makers: Community-driven platform with resources for artisans.
- Easy to use: Simple shop setup with minimal learning curve.
Fees: £0.15 per listing + 6% commission per sale. Unlimited listings with “Folksy Plus” at £5/month.
Best for: UK-based artisans who want a local, niche marketplace for wooden baby toys.
6. Zibbet
Why It’s Popular: Zibbet lets you manage multiple storefronts from one dashboard, making it ideal for artisans selling across multiple platforms like Etsy, eBay, and their own websites.
Key Features:
- Multi-platform selling: Syncs with Etsy, eBay, and other marketplaces.
- Low fees: No listing or transaction fees; instead, a flat monthly fee.
- Customizable shop: Offers a clean and modern online storefront.
Fees: $5 per month per sales channel used.
Best for: Artisans who sell across multiple platforms and want to streamline their operations.
7. Madeit (Australia-Based)
Why It’s Popular: Madeit is Australia’s top handmade marketplace, catering specifically to Australian makers and buyers.
Key Features:
- Local appeal: Connects Australian artisans with customers who prefer locally made products.
- Community support: Encourages small makers and independent brands.
- Curated marketplace: Focuses on high-quality, handcrafted goods.
Fees: Starting at AUD $5/month + 4% commission per sale.
Best for: Australian artisans looking to sell handmade wooden baby toys in a niche, local market.
Conclusion
Choosing the best platform to sell your handmade wooden baby toys depends on your business goals, target market, and how much control you want over your shop.
- If you want instant visibility and a built-in audience, Etsy is the best option.
- For those looking to build a brand and scale their business, Shopify offers complete control.
- If you need global reach and fulfillment support, Amazon Handmade is a strong choice.
- Big Cartel and Zibbet are great for small artisans and multi-platform sellers.
- If you’re selling in the UK or Australia, Folksy and Madeit provide excellent niche marketplaces.
By selecting the right platform, you can connect with the right customers, grow your brand, and turn your passion for handmade wooden toys into a thriving online business.
