Crafts for Men/Boys
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
United States
November 26, 2007 12:24pm CST
Much of the items made by crafters are for females. I seel my items online, but have been asked recently (quite a number of times, actually) if I had any items for men or boys.
Other than scarves and some knit hats, I found I didn't and I'm not even equipped to offer any male-type items. I'vee thinking about making soap and I know some sellers have done well selling what they call "beer-soap", but I don't want to compete with them doing soaps (I just don't think men care all that much about bath/beauty items... 1 or 2 items for the holidays is okay, but after that they don't want any more)
Anyone with any ideas of handmade gift items for men and or boys?
3 people like this
4 responses
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
14 Dec 07
I've had the same problem and even had a man at the last craft show we exhibited at complain that everything was for women. I think he was just a complainer though because I've sold 1 dream catcher and 2 afghans to men (the afghans were gifts for a mother and a great-neice). I also do handpainted candle holders and have included several that I think would be attractive to 'men' (deer, mozaic, a mountian scene and a farm scene) I haven't sold any of those though.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
14 Dec 07
Sports related ornaments are a great idea - I didn't think of ornaments until after our last show where most of what I saw selling (other vendors) were Christmas decorations so have started getting ideas for next year.
1 person likes this
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
14 Dec 07
I've had women comment that there's very little for men, but never a male. At some shows I do sell prints and have prints of deer, athletes, etc, but my jewelry is for females and so are most of my knitted items.
Earlier in the holiday season, I did make a few ornaments in the local professional sports team's colors and they sold quickly. I wanted to make more, but somehow never got back to it.
Thanks for the response!
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
5 Dec 07
If you can I think soaps can work.
You could try candles if done right.
Other ideas
- Drink holder (or designed coaster)
- Mugs, Cups
- Plates, Bowls
- Pencil/Pen Holder
- Stickers/Decals
- Handkerchief
- Washcloth
- Small but bold plant arrangement (fake or real... and a maybe)
- Lighted Potpourri or regular potpourri jar
- Snack Jar
- Their name carved in wood or metal (either as jewelry or a desk item)
- Wood carvings of an animal (I'd say a hawk or something along his interests)
1 person likes this
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
9 Dec 07
I like the wood carving idea and to a point, I think soaps will work! But more than 2 or 3 soaps/bathroom products and they start getting weird about them.
@nancygibson (3736)
• France
26 Nov 07
What country are you in? You may not be able to make soap legally for sale in many areas including Britain and Europe without having the recipe certified by a comsetic chemist. I'm not sure what the laws are in other countries. Don't let that put you off as such, but its worth remembering that it can be an expensive excercise to launch a range of soaps.
On a brighter note, felt covers for various gadgets and games can go down well with men who appreciate more artistic things, also 'tidies' for remote controls etc. Depends on what materials you work in, but these can be made very suitable for a masculine audience.
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Thanks. I've read an awful lot about what soap makers have to go through in Europe to be able to retail thir soap.
I'm from the USA, where it isn't as tough. However, men aren't really into soaps and bath/beauty items. One or two bars is okay with them, but after that they would be just as happy with a few bars of Ivory soap...lol.
I do like the idea of "tidies" for game controllers and game units.
Thank you for the idea!!
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Very good idea. I think they would do very well, especially at craft shows. I did have a couple scarves last year that resembled Philadelphia Eagles colors and they sold quickly. It wasn't until much later that I realized why (and totally had forgotten the idea until I read your post)
Thanks, for the idea!
