$1.17 trillion
U.S. arts and cultural economic activity
Arts and cultural production accounted for 4.2% of U.S. GDP in 2023, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, released April 2, 2025A handy reference for writers, makers and gift lovers
U.S. handmade, craft & gift market statistics.
Clear, citable numbers about the creative economy, gift retail and online handmade marketplaces. Last updated November 11, 2026.
Jump to sources ↓What these numbers cover
There is no single U.S. government measure for every handmade item sold online, at markets or through independent shops. This reference brings together the closest dependable public figures for the creative economy, gift retail, craft work and a major online marketplace.
Each figure names its source and date, so it can be checked before it is quoted. The goal is a useful starting point, not a shortcut around the original research.
At a glance
+6.6%
Real growth in arts and cultural production
Inflation-adjusted arts and cultural economic activity grew 6.6% in 2023, compared with 2.9% growth across the wider U.S. economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023 data released April 2, 2025$18.27 billion
Gift-store sales and revenue
U.S. gift, novelty and souvenir stores reported $18.274697 billion in sales, shipments or revenue in the 2022 Economic Census.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census14,656
Gift, novelty and souvenir businesses
The 2022 Economic Census counted 14,656 U.S. firms in this retail category, operating 19,546 establishments.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census86.5 million
Active Etsy marketplace buyers
Etsy reported 86.5 million active buyers on its marketplace at December 31, 2025. This is one marketplace, not a measure of the full handmade sector.
Source: Etsy, Inc. 2025 annual report, filed February 19, 20265.6 million
Active Etsy marketplace sellers
Etsy reported 5.6 million active marketplace sellers at December 31, 2025, alongside $10.5 billion in Etsy marketplace gross merchandise sales during 2025.
Source: Etsy, Inc. 2025 annual report, filed February 19, 202611,500
Craft artist jobs in the U.S.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 11,500 craft artist jobs in 2025. Its profile also notes that 58% of craft and fine artists were self-employed.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 employment dataFor a story, report or roundup
How to cite this page.
Grannies Craft Barn. “U.S. Handmade, Craft & Gift Market Statistics.” Updated November 11, 2026. https://granniescraftbarn.com/handmade-craft-gift-statistics
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