Print-on-demand (POD) has become a thriving segment on Amazon’s marketplace, spanning everything from apparel and accessories to home decor and books. Amazon’s own Merch on Demand program (formerly Merch by Amazon) now offers a wide range of products, and many third-party sellers use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or their own shipping (FBM) to sell custom-printed goods. In 2024 and 2025, certain product types have emerged as clear winners in terms of sales and demand. This article breaks down the top-performing POD product categories on Amazon, backed by sales data, trends, and examples, to help sellers target the most promising opportunities.
If you're just starting out, we have a beginner-friendly guide on how Amazon Merch on Demand works. It's a great place to start. If you're interested in FBA, check out our detailed guide on platforms that integrate with Amazon. This information will be useful if you decide to explore that option.
T-Shirts: The King of Amazon POD
T-shirts remain the best-selling POD product on Amazon, anchoring the apparel category with year-round demand. In fact, t-shirts are “without a doubt, the largest product category on Amazon Merch on Demand”, consistently generating substantial sales for sellers. Top-performing t-shirt listings have impressively low Best Seller Ranks (BSRs) – averaging around 27,000 in Amazon’s clothing category. (By comparison, lower BSR means higher sales.) An average BSR of ~27k indicates very strong velocity: for context, Amazon sellers note that roughly 1 sale per day translates to about a 100,000 BSR in apparel. Thus, a shirt holding a 27k BSR is likely selling multiple units daily, and the very best shirts often have BSRs in the low thousands (signifying dozens of sales per day).
Market data confirms t-shirts’ dominance: Over 260,000 shoppers search for print-on-demand t-shirts on Amazon each month, from general queries like “funny t-shirts” to niche interests. Successful t-shirt niches are incredibly diverse. Evergreen humor designs (sarcastic quotes, puns), hobby and fan-based shirts (gaming, pets, sports), and seasonal/holiday themes (Christmas family tees, Halloween graphics) tend to dominate the best-seller lists. For example, current trending niches in 2024 include catchy slogan tees, retro and vintage designs, wedding and family event shirts, pet-themed art, LGBTQ+ Pride apparel, and even maximalist graphics. These reflect how emotions and identity drive t-shirt sales – shoppers love shirts that let them express humor, beliefs, or belonging to a group. Sellers should tap into these trending themes while also targeting evergreen interests (jobs, hobbies, sports, etc.) to maximize sales.
Actionable Insight: Competition in t-shirts is high, but so is the reward. To succeed, focus on unique niches or combinations of trends (e.g. a funny saying + a specific hobby or profession) and optimize your design’s keywords for Amazon search. T-shirts offer relatively low prices (around $18–20 average) and slim margins, so volume is key – aim to create designs that can rank well organically. With high demand year-round, a few winning shirt designs can generate steady passive income.
Mugs: Giftable and Consistently Popular
Coffee mugs (especially novelty and personalized mugs) are another top POD product category on Amazon. Mugs have perennial appeal as gift items – they’re affordable, universally used, and easy to customize with witty text or graphics. During peak gifting seasons (Q4 holidays, Mother’s/Father’s Day, etc.), funny or sentimental mugs often surge to the top of Amazon’s Kitchen & Dining rankings. For example, a popular novelty mug might rank in the top 100 of the “Mugs” subcategory, translating to a Kitchen & Dining BSR in the low tens-of-thousands (indicative of hundreds of units sold per month). Shoppers flock to mugs with relatable jokes (office humor, aging jokes, etc.), profession-themed slogans (“#1 Teacher” mugs), and heartfelt messages for family or friends.
Qualitatively, mugs are a POD staple because of their giftability. Many Amazon sellers do well by marketing mugs for specific niches or occasions – e.g. “Funny Engineer Coffee Mug,” “Mother of the Bride mug,” or holiday-specific designs. Personalized mugs (with custom names, dates, or photos) are a growing segment too, aligning with the broader trend that personalized gifts are among the top-selling POD products heading into 2025. Industry reports note that customized holiday gifts are driving significant POD growth, and mugs are an easy entry point for personalization.
Actionable Insight: For POD sellers, mugs present a high-opportunity product, especially if you target gift niches. Leverage Amazon’s keyword trends – for instance, terms like “gift for [occupation]” or “[Year] graduation mug” often spike in searches. Aim for designs that resonate emotionally (make someone laugh, feel appreciated, or nostalgic). Also, consider seasonal surges: launching new mug designs a couple of months before major holidays can pay off big. While the mug market is competitive, a clever, well-targeted mug can become a steady seller with relatively low fulfillment cost. Many top Amazon mug sellers use FBM with print-on-demand partners to maintain flexibility in designs and inventory.
Phone Cases and Tech Accessories: High Demand, Youth-Driven
It might surprise some, but phone accessories are among Amazon’s best-selling POD items. In particular, printed phone cases (especially for iPhones) and PopSocket grips (the stick-on phone holders) have shown huge sales volumes on Merch on Demand. According to market research, iPhone case designs on Amazon average a BSR around 46,000, far outperforming Samsung phone cases (average BSR ~221,000) in sales velocity. This suggests that iPhone cases sell much better than other phone models, likely due to the popularity of iPhones and the fashion aspect of frequently swapping case designs. In fact, when ranked by overall market size on Merch on Demand, phone accessories hold top spots – PopSocket grips are the #2 product type (just behind t-shirts) and iPhone cases rank #3. PopSockets stand out with an average BSR of ~28,700 – nearly as low (good) as t-shirts – which indicates extremely high demand.
The types of designs that do well on phone cases and grips often mirror general pop culture and aesthetic trends. Think cute or edgy graphics, memes, inspirational quotes, fandoms (movies, music, gaming), and stylish patterns (floral, marble, tie-dye, etc.). Many buyers – especially younger consumers – treat phone cases as a personal style accessory, switching them out to match outfits or seasons. For example, a case featuring a trending meme or a popular TV show catchphrase can shoot up in sales if timed well. Similarly, PopSockets with funny sayings or attractive art have a broad appeal (and their lower price ~$15 makes them impulse buys). One of the most-searched keywords in this category is literally “popsockets” – over 250,000 monthly searches – showing the huge shopper interest.
Actionable Insight: To capitalize on this category, focus on iPhone first (design for the latest iPhone models, as they yield the most sales). Use trending aesthetics: for example, if a particular style (retro Y2K, cottagecore, vaporwave, etc.) is popular in fashion and online communities, incorporate that vibe into your case designs. Timing is crucial too – tying designs to trending memes or events (while they’re hot) can lead to a quick spike in sales. Keep in mind that competition is fierce, so use keywords wisely (include phone model names, design theme, and target audience in the title/bullets). Also, ensure your product mockups look professional – customers want to trust the quality of a case. With the right niche (e.g. “cute anime iPhone 14 case” or “motivational quote PopSocket”), sellers can ride the wave of this high-demand product type.
Wall Art & Home Decor: Growing Niche for Aesthetic Shoppers
Wall art – such as canvas prints, posters, and decorative signs – represents a growing POD category on Amazon, bridging the gap between art and home decor. As home makeovers and personalized spaces trend (fueled by social media décor inspiration), consumers increasingly turn to Amazon for affordable art prints. Print-on-demand makes it possible to offer thousands of art designs (from inspirational quote posters to watercolor-style canvas prints) without holding inventory. In 2025, industry analysts identified home decor items like canvases, posters, and even pillows as trending POD product categories, driven by demand for unique and customizable decor.
On Amazon, wall art sales have been climbing, though this category is still a bit more niche compared to apparel or phone accessories. Best-sellers in wall art often coincide with popular interior design themes. For example, sets of minimalist botanical prints, boho-style canvas art, vintage travel posters, or motivational quote frames tend to rank well. A top canvas print listing can achieve a respectable BSR in Home & Kitchen – often in the low five-figures, depending on season – and niche art pieces may see spikes when they align with trends (e.g. world map posters during travel surges). During Q4, decorative holiday-themed art (like Christmas wall signs or Halloween posters) also see significant sales uptick.
One reason wall art is promising is the higher price point. A large canvas might sell for $30–$50+, which means even moderate sales can generate healthy revenue. Sellers using POD fulfillment (through integrated services like Printful/Gelato) can list a wide range of artwork: from personalized family name signs to abstract art. Personalization is a strong angle here too – for instance, custom star map posters (showing the night sky of a special date) or personalized pet portraits have been breakout hits in the past couple of years on various platforms. Shoppers love getting decor that feels one-of-a-kind.
Actionable Insight: To succeed in wall art on Amazon, research what’s trending in home decor. Monitor the top sellers in categories like “Home Wall Art” – you’ll notice patterns in style (e.g. lots of neutrals and boho designs lately, or the enduring popularity of vintage pop art prints). Consider offering personalizable options if possible (some sellers list an item and ask buyers for input like names or dates via Amazon messaging). Optimize your listings with decor-related keywords (“canvas wall art for living room,” “set of 3 boho posters,” etc. – note the high search volumes for terms like “throw pillows for couch” and similar decor phrases). While not every art piece will be a hit, those that tap into popular aesthetics or gift-giving themes can become steady sellers. Also, leverage Amazon’s visuals – use high-quality images or lifestyle mockups that show the art on a wall to help shoppers visualize the product.
Books & Notebooks (KDP Low-Content Publishing): Quietly Profitable
Many people don’t realize it, but custom notebooks, journals, planners, and other “low-content” books are a form of print-on-demand product that thrives on Amazon. Through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), sellers create notebooks with custom covers (and often simple interiors like lined or blank pages) – effectively print-on-demand paperbacks. The competition is huge (thousands of new notebooks appear daily), but so is the potential: Amazon’s book marketplace is massive, and a single hit notebook can sell extremely well. For example, one recent niche bestseller – a kids’ handwriting practice notebook – achieved a BSR around 8,000 in the Books category, corresponding to an estimated ~415 sales per month. Another case study noted a themed composition notebook with an average BSR ~16,000, which translated into excellent monthly sales as well (likely a few hundred units). These numbers highlight that print-on-demand books can rank high and generate steady income if they fill a demand.
Popular POD notebook niches in 2024–2025 include:
- Journals and planners for specific audiences or hobbies (fitness log books, gratitude journals, budget planners, etc.).
- Kids’ workbooks or activity books (handwriting practice pads, cursive writing books, simple math workbooks).
- Composition notebooks with unique covers (back-to-school designs, trendy patterns like tie-dye or galaxy print).
- Niche logbooks or record books (wine tasting journals, baby feeding log, password logbooks – notably, password notebooks have been a top niche, with relatively low BSRs in their category).
Sellers often find success by targeting a niche community or need – for instance, a fishing trip logbook or a Dungeons & Dragons campaign journal – where dedicated buyers will search for that exact item. Since KDP handles printing and shipping, there’s no upfront cost, but effective keyword use is crucial (your book’s title and description must match what people search). Quality of content matters too: even in a low-content notebook, having a helpful interior layout or an attractive cover can lead to good reviews and strong repeat sales.
Actionable Insight: If you have design skills or content ideas, don’t overlook KDP as a POD avenue. It’s saturated, yes, but there are still goldmines in specific niches. Use keyword research tools (or even just Amazon autocomplete) to spot underserved topics – e.g. is there a 2025 “Garden Planner Journal” trending? If not, you could publish one. Keep prices competitive (most notebooks sell for $5–$7), and focus on eye-catching covers since that’s what grabs attention in search results. Also, pay attention to seasonal opportunities: a surge in “2025 planner” searches in late 2024, or “graduation autograph book” in spring, for example. Many KDP sellers are making a nice side income from notebooks, proving that paper isn’t dead – it’s just printed on demand!
Tote Bags & Throw Pillows: Emerging Categories to Watch
Amazon Merch on Demand expanded in recent years to include tote bags and throw pillows, signaling Amazon’s interest in home and lifestyle POD products. So far, these categories have lower sales volume compared to shirts or phone cases, but they show significant potential. The search volume is certainly there – for example, the keyword “tote bag” gets over 232,000 monthly searches on Amazon, and “throw pillow” over 280,000 monthly searches. Consumers are clearly interested in these items; however, current sales on POD tote bags and pillows are modest, likely because many searchers end up buying non-POD alternatives or because the market is still developing.
Data from Merch Informer reveals that these categories have the highest average BSRs (i.e. lowest relative sales) among Amazon’s POD line. Tote bags on Merch average around a 1.1 million BSR, and throw pillows around 900,000 BSR for top listings – indicating only a handful of sales per design per month on average. In fact, the number-one Merch throw pillow listing sells roughly 30 units a month, according to one analysis – a decent extra revenue stream but nowhere near the volume of shirts. The tote bag niche was described frankly as “minuscule sales” so far.
Why such a gap between interest and sales? It could be partly due to pricing and competition. POD pillows and totes often cost more than mass-produced ones, which can deter some buyers. Additionally, not every design that works on a shirt works on a pillow or tote – the product context is different (home decor vs. fashion). Successful designs in these categories tend to be those that complement a living space or outfit: stylish patterns, inspirational or funny text that looks good on a pillow, tote bag slogans that shoppers would carry in public. For example, popular pillow themes include cute and cozy sayings, decorative art (florals, boho patterns), and holiday themes (e.g. Christmas throw pillows do well in Q4). Tote bags often sell if they carry bold statements (environmental messages, book lovers’ quotes) or attractive designs, since people use them as a fashion cum utility item.
Actionable Insight: For sellers, totes and pillows represent a ground-floor opportunity. The sales are currently lower, but that also means lower competition to get on page one. If you have designs that would appeal in a home decor setting or as a reusable shopping bag, it’s worth uploading them. Optimize your pricing – one analysis suggests setting pillow prices around $19.99 to start (the average POD pillow price) to stay competitive. Focus on niches where the design truly fits the product: for instance, a throw pillow with a trendy boho pattern or a tote bag with a funny grocery shopping quote. Since Amazon’s algorithm rewards sales momentum, you might also consider small ad campaigns to jump-start visibility in these fledgling categories. The bottom line: keep an eye on pillows and totes in 2025. As sustainability and home personalization trends grow, these POD products could explode in popularity, and early movers with well-reviewed designs will reap the benefits.
Key Takeaways and Trends for 2024–2025 POD Sellers
In summary, Amazon’s print-on-demand ecosystem is maturing, and certain product types clearly outperform others. Here are the key trends and actionable observations to help POD sellers succeed:
- Focus on Proven Best-Sellers: T-shirts are the volume leader, and phone accessories (cases & PopSockets) surprisingly rival them in demand. Start with these high-demand products to leverage big search volume – but bring fresh niche ideas to stand out. Mugs are another safe bet, especially for gift themes, as they consistently rank among top sellers in Kitchenware.
- Leverage Trends and Seasons: Data shows personalized and holiday-themed items are booming. Plan your design calendar around major seasons (summer, back-to-school, Q4 holidays) and trending cultural moments. A well-timed funny design (e.g. a viral phrase on a shirt or mug) can become a quick bestseller.
- Optimize with Keywords and Data: Use tools or research to gauge demand – e.g. note that “funny throw pillows”gets ~4,000 searches a month, or that “hoodie hoodie” is oddly a popular search term (280k+ searches) on Amazon. Incorporate high-volume keywords naturally into your titles and tags to boost discoverability.
- Explore Emerging Categories Early: Don’t ignore new or smaller categories like totes, pillows, or low-content books. While current sales are lower, there is unmet demand (high search interest but few top sellers). By entering now with quality designs, you can secure foothold before the competition heats up.
- Quality and Design Matter: As the POD market grows, shoppers gravitate to designs that feel professional and unique. High-resolution images, good mockups, and positive reviews will increasingly determine which products win the Buy Box. It’s not just about slapping any graphic on a product – research your niche and invest in good design that resonates with your audience’s tastes.
By aligning your product offerings with these trends and data-driven insights, you can better position your Amazon print-on-demand business for success in 2024 and 2025. The market is dynamic – today’s hot niche might be tomorrow’s saturation – so stay agile, keep researching, and most importantly, listen to what the numbers and customers are telling you. Happy selling!
Sources: Recent Amazon market analyses and POD industry reports were used to support these insights, including Amazon Merch data on average BSRs, search volume statistics, and examples of estimated sales for various products. These figures provide a quantitative backbone for identifying the top POD product types on Amazon and underscore the qualitative observations about trends and niches driving sales.