Unique Print on Demand Products: Socks, Leggings, Towels, and Puzzles for Sales

 

Unique Print on Demand Products: Socks, Leggings, Towels, and Puzzles to Boost Your Sales

More sellers are turning to print on demand to stand out in a crowded e-commerce space. While shirts and mugs still sell, real profit often comes from offering something shoppers don't see every day. 

Socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles are all unique POD products with strong appeal—and they're shaking up the market.

This guide explores how switching up your catalog can help you attract new customers and increase order value. By focusing on less common items, you give your store an edge and give buyers more reason to buy from you over the big guys. 

Curious if these products really pay off? Check out this breakdown on print on demand profitability to see why sellers are making the switch. Let's look at which unique items belong on your list and how they can boost your sales.

Why Choose Unique Print on Demand Products?

Everyone's seen t-shirts and mugs when scrolling through online shops. Sure, they're classics, but let's be honest—how often do shoppers want to fill their carts with another basic tee? The market is full of copycats offering the same old staples. 

To really catch a customer’s eye (and fill your bank account), it’s smart to branch out into unique print on demand products. Socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles aren’t just “different.” 

They give you breathing room in a crowded market and help your brand stand out fast.

Photo by Hanawasthere

The Problem With Market Saturation

The print on demand industry has exploded, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. But here’s the rub: with all that growth comes headaches for sellers. 

If you're mainly selling shirts, hats, or mugs, you're up against a tidal wave of competition. 

According to one recent report, the print on demand market is set to reach nearly $103 billion by 2034 (source: 2025 Print-on-Demand Statistics and Trends). That’s a giant crowd of entrepreneurs, shops, and creatives, all pushing similar items.

So, what does this mean for a shop owner like you?

• Price wars: When dozens of similar listings pop up, sellers start chasing the lowest price—often at the expense of profit.
• Less visibility: Platforms like Etsy and Amazon end up flooded with the same products, making it harder for your shop to stand out.
• Repeat fatigue: Shoppers get bored of cookie-cutter designs, slowing down your sales and stunting your brand’s reputation.

This kind of market saturation is real, as described in Is Print on Demand Oversaturated in 2025?. 

The good news? Moving into less-common products like socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles helps you sidestep these issues and reach buyers looking for something refreshingly new.

Advantages of Diversifying Into Unique POD Products

Now, let’s talk perks. Adding unexpected items to your catalog pays off in more ways than one. 

Here’s why you may want to look beyond the basics:

• Lower competition: Fewer sellers means your creative designs have a better shot at ranking higher and attracting attention.
• Higher perceived value: Unique items feel special to buyers. Scarcity and novelty make people more likely to buy—sometimes at a higher price.
• Creative freedom: Socks, towels, and puzzles open up more space for designs and themes you can't squeeze onto a mug or tee.
• Bundling potential: Unique products are easier to bundle for gifts, holiday promotions, and custom orders, driving up your average order value.
• Broader customer appeal: These products tap into different markets, like fitness fans (leggings), families (puzzles), or travel lovers (custom towels).

If you're weighing the pros and cons, you can see even more about the unique advantages of this model in this overview of print on demand advantages and disadvantages.

Keep Your Brand Fresh With Innovation

Staying relevant is all about offering what competitors aren’t. Unique print on demand products become your signature—almost like a secret ingredient. 

Imagine a store that sells only wild, custom-designed socks or eye-popping beach towels. 

That kind of angle sparks curiosity, keeps people coming back, and leads to word-of-mouth marketing you just can’t buy.

If you want numbers to back it up, check out advice on maximizing your profits in this detailed guide, Is Print on Demand Profitable?. With unique products, you’re not just following trends—you’re starting them. 

And that, for print on demand, is the ultimate power move.

Top Unique POD Products to Consider

Exploring fresh product choices in print on demand expands your shop's appeal beyond the usual suspects. 

The beauty of offerings like socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles is that they’re everyday items, but with your unique designs, they become eye-catching and memorable. 

Let’s break down what makes each one a strong candidate for your POD lineup, how to approach designs, and ways to tap into customer interests for solid sales.

Custom Socks: Standout Small Accessories

Socks might seem tiny, but they pack a huge punch when it comes to branding and consumer appeal. 

The print quality on socks today can capture vivid colors and sharp details, thanks to advanced sublimation techniques. 

This means your bold patterns, quirky characters, or elegant minimalism won’t just look good—they’ll pop.

Popular sock patterns tap into nostalgia and trend cycles. You’ll often find geometric shapes, stripes, and polka dots making a comeback, inspired by the flashy 70s and 80s styles. 

Seasonal collections work well too—think spooky Halloween motifs, cozy winter knits, or vibrant summer florals.

From a branding vantage point, socks offer an affordable way to present your logo or theme in a wearable, eye-catching format. 

They’re easy impulse buys, great as gifts, and appeal to nearly everyone. Custom socks don’t just add variety to your catalog—they bring personality and flair in a small, wearable package.

For a deeper dive on sock design trends and business tips, check out this guide on building a thriving print on demand socks business.

Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki

Leggings: Fashion Meets Functionality

Leggings have exploded in popularity as athleisure became a wardrobe staple. Their versatility is a massive asset for print on demand. 

Not only can you create eye-catching, all-over prints, but you’re also tapping into markets ranging from yoga and fitness lovers to those who want stylish daily wear.

Designs here can play with bold abstract prints, nature-inspired motifs, or sleek minimalist patterns. Consider the lifestyle of your audience—yoga fans often favor calming, nature-based themes, while fitness enthusiasts might lean toward energetic, dynamic patterns. 

Sizing is critical since customers expect comfort and a perfect fit. Offering a broad range of sizes and ensuring stretchy, durable fabric will keep them coming back.

Leggings also allow you to experiment with color blocking and panel designs that accentuate physique, adding to their appeal. 

These produce excellent repeat customers because shoppers often buy multiple pairs for different looks.

If you’re ready to jump into leggings, this comprehensive print on demand leggings guide will help you craft your best line yet.

Towels: Everyday Essentials with Flair

Towels are more than just functional—they’re a canvas ready for bold, vibrant customization. 

Print on demand towels come in handy at the beach, gym, or home, making them ideal for multiple audiences. 

Whether it’s a sunny tropical print for beach towels or sleek monochromes for the gym crowd, customization possibilities are wide open.

Great material choices, like plush microfiber or organic cotton, ensure your designs don’t just look good on screen—they feel luxurious and stand up to washing. Color vibrancy is key; bright, lasting prints catch eyes and satisfy customers who want their towels to shine.

These make fantastic gift items as well. Personalized towels for birthdays, weddings, or company swag can sell well year-round. Gift bundles pairing towels with other products are a smart upsell strategy.

Learn more about what goes into successful custom towels and branding by checking out this resource on custom beach towels and monogram techniques.

Puzzles: Entertainment and Gifting Potential

Custom puzzles have gained traction as a delightful way for families to bond and for people to give something truly personal. 

Puzzles offer a wide area to showcase your designs—from detailed landscapes to quirky illustrations, or even personalized photo collages.

Image quality here is non-negotiable. Sharp resolution and vibrant colors make the difference between a forgettable puzzle and one that gets framed after assembly. Packaging also matters—attractive, sturdy boxes keep your puzzles premium and gift-ready.

The gifting potential is huge. Holidays, anniversaries, or special occasions call for unique, personal presents, and puzzles hit that sweet spot. Plus, they generate repeat orders since people enjoy collecting puzzles with different themes.

For inspiration on producing standout custom puzzles, browse puzzleYOU’s custom photo jigsaw puzzles and see how packaging and design come together beautifully.

These unique print on demand products open doors to niche audiences and creative freedom. 

Each one offers distinct ways to connect with customers beyond traditional items, building a memorable brand that stands out in a packed marketplace.

Ready to make your mark? Start by focusing on quality, vibrant designs, and understanding what your buyers really want to wear, use, and gift.

How to Successfully Market and Sell Unique POD Products

Breaking into print on demand with unique products like socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles is one thing. 

But marketing and actually selling these items takes a smart approach. You need to cut through the noise and convince customers that your designs belong in their cart. 

The good news? Unique POD products give you plenty of creative angles to attract attention and build loyal fans. Here’s how you can make them fly off your virtual shelves.

Leverage Social Media Smartly

Social media is the powerhouse for selling print on demand products, especially unique ones. You want to show off your designs in action, not just as static images. 

For socks, consider short videos of people wearing quirky patterns. Leggings get a win with lifestyle posts showing stretch and comfort during yoga or workouts. 

Towels are great for vibrant beach-scene shots, while puzzles work best in cozy family moments or gift-unwrapping clips.

Here’s a quick rundown for social wins:

• Use Instagram Reels and TikTok with catchy, relatable content that shows your products’ benefits.
• Leverage Pinterest for creative pins that link back to your shop, targeting gift-givers and planners.
• Use hashtags wisely to reach niche audiences (like #quirkysocks or #puzzlelover).

A friendlier, authentic vibe works best. People guess product quality by how it feels visually, so invest time in dynamic visuals. 

For deep insights, check out this post on print on demand marketing tips for detailed guidance.

Team Up With Influencers and Communities

Partnering with micro-influencers or niche bloggers can boost your reach without breaking the bank. 

These influencers bring trusting audiences who value their recommendations. 

Look for those into fitness if you’re selling leggings or puzzle enthusiasts if your products cater to families. 

Influencers can showcase your unique items authentically, providing honest reviews and styling tips.

To start:

• Offer free samples to influencers with clear creative freedom.
• Collaborate on giveaways to build engagement.
• Encourage unboxing videos that highlight the tactile and visual experience of your product.

Getting community shoutouts on platforms like Reddit or Facebook groups also builds credibility and sparks word of mouth.

Focus on Unique Product Photography

Forget the dull white backgrounds typical for POD listings. You want photos that tell a story or show your product’s personality. 

For example:

• Show socks worn by someone tapping toes in a comfy setting.
• Capture leggings in motion during a workout.
• Photograph towels in sunny beach or poolside environments.
• Present puzzles partly assembled on a coffee table surrounded by family.

Use bright, natural light and multiple angles to give customers confidence they’re getting quality. 

Including size references helps too, especially for puzzles and leggings where fit matters.

A simple trick is styling your products with props that match your design’s theme—like tropical decor for beach towels or seasonal accents for socks.

Optimize Your Product Listings for Search

Your marketing doesn’t end on social media. Craft product titles and descriptions packed with specific keywords customers might use. 

For example, instead of just “custom socks,” try “funny print on demand socks for men.” Include details about materials, special features, or target uses.

• Use bullet points that focus on benefits and quality.
• Add customer-friendly info about sizing, care, and shipping.
• Incorporate keywords naturally without stuffing.

Google and marketplaces like Etsy reward clear and relevant copy. 

To get this right, tracking your keywords and using tools to find synonyms or long-tail phrases helps keep your listings fresh and visible.

Use Bundles and Seasonal Promotions

Bundle your unique POD products to boost order size. For instance:

• Pair leggings with matching socks.
• Offer towel + puzzle combo gift sets for holidays.
• Create limited-edition seasonal designs to spark urgency.

Seasonal sales and themed designs make customers more likely to pick something special. Promote these via email marketing or push notifications to previous buyers for repeat business.

By crafting thoughtful social campaigns, working with the right influencers, investing in quality photography, and fine-tuning your listings, you position your unique print on demand products for steady growth. 

This mix of creativity and practicality is what makes your shop stand out and sales thrive.

Photo by RDNE Stock Project

Tips for Launching and Scaling Your POD Business with Unconventional Products

Diving into print on demand (POD) with unique products like socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles offers great opportunity, but it also calls for a fresh approach. 

These unconventional items can set you apart, but success depends on how well you launch and grow your operation. 

You want to avoid common pitfalls while capitalizing on the distinct appeal of your products. 

Let’s cut through the noise with clear, actionable tips on starting out, sourcing quality, pricing smartly, and scaling your POD business.

Start Strong by Choosing the Right Suppliers

Picking the right supplier can make or break your POD venture, especially with unique items. 

With socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles, quality varies widely, and printing techniques differ. 

You want vivid colors that last, soft fabrics that feel good, and puzzles that don’t fall apart after one assembly.

Here’s what to watch for when sourcing:

• Sample orders: Never trust catalog photos alone. Order samples to check print quality, fabric feel, and puzzle sturdiness.
• Printing technology: Look for sublimation printing for bright, all-over designs, especially on fabric items.
• Supplier reliability: Check fulfillment times and reviews to avoid angry customers waiting weeks.
• Return and refund policies: Understand how suppliers handle damaged or poor-quality goods.

Taking this step seriously upfront will save headaches later and keeps your brand reputation strong.

Plan Your Pricing Strategy Carefully

Pricing can be tricky with unique products. You need to cover production costs, platform fees, shipping, and still offer customers a compelling price. 

Here’s a straightforward way to approach it:

1. Know your base costs including product, printing, and fulfillment fees.
2. Research competitor pricing for similar unique POD products within your niche.
3. Add a reasonable profit margin—aim for at least 30-50%, but adjust based on customer willingness to pay.
4. Factor in shipping costs—some bulky products like towels and puzzles can be expensive to ship.
5. Offer tiered pricing or bundles to encourage larger orders without cutting profits sharply.

Don’t undervalue your product just to compete on price; unique POD items often command premium pricing because of their novelty and quality.

Use Focused Marketing to Reach Your Ideal Audience

Marketing unconventional POD products means understanding who buys them and why. Socks and leggings attract fitness and fashion enthusiasts. 

Towels appeal to beachgoers, gym users, and gift buyers. 

Puzzles draw families, hobbyists, and people seeking personalized gifts.

Here’s how to make your marketing count:

• Showcase lifestyle use to connect emotionally: yoga in leggings, beach days with your towel, cozy family game nights with puzzles.
• Leverage social media videos and influencer partnerships that feel natural and trustworthy.
• Build an email list for exclusive offers and seasonal promos (like holiday puzzle bundles or limited-edition socks).
• Use clear, keyword-rich product descriptions to improve search visibility.

If you’re new to launching, this resource on How to Start Print on Demand Business offers a step-by-step path that covers many of these essentials.

Scale Your Operation with Smart Automation and Outsourcing

Once you have a steady flow of orders, the next step is growth. Scaling unusual POD products requires smoothing out your workflow and expanding reach without burning out.

To scale well:

• Automate order processing and inventory tracking using POD platforms that integrate with your store.
• Delegate routine tasks like customer service or social media scheduling to freelancers or virtual assistants.
• Test new designs and limited runs to keep your catalog fresh and tap into trends quickly.
• Experiment with paid ads on platforms where your buyers hang out, monitoring ROI closely.
• Work with artists or designers to expand your product range with unique, exclusive artwork.

For more strategies on growing your POD operation successfully, check out this guide on How to Scale Your Print-on-Demand Business.

Starting and expanding your POD side hustle into a profitable business with socks, leggings, towels, or puzzles takes focus on quality, pricing, and targeted marketing. 

But with the right foundation and smart scaling, your unique products can capture attention and build lasting customer loyalty.

Photo by RDNE Stock Project

Conclusion

Unique print on demand products like socks, leggings, towels, and puzzles offer clear benefits for sellers ready to move beyond the basics. They help you stand out in a crowded market, attract niche audiences, and create fresh opportunities to showcase your designs in new ways. 

With lower competition and higher perceived value, these items can boost your sales and improve customer loyalty.

If you’re serious about growing your print on demand business, exploring these less common products is a smart next step. Take time to focus on quality, targeted marketing, and clever pricing strategies to make the most of your efforts. 

To deepen your understanding, check out this introduction to print on demand and learn more about using social media for print on demand for sales boosts.

Ready to build a unique brand that stands apart? These product ideas could be the edge you need. Thanks for reading—now it’s your turn to take action and shape a print on demand business that truly stands out.