Handicrafts are objects that are made by hand using simple tools rather than mass production methods and equipment. They are designed for a specific function or use as well as being ornamental in nature. Handicrafts have their roots in the rural crafts of ancient civilizations, and many specific crafts have been practiced for centuries, while others are modern inventions or popularizations of crafts which were originally practiced in a limited geographic area.

Handicrafts can refer to the products themselves of such artisanal efforts, which require specialized knowledge, may be highly technical in their execution, require specialized equipment and/or facilities to produce, involve manual labor or a blue-collar work ethic, are accessible to the general public, and are constructed from materials with histories that exceed the boundaries of Western "fine art" tradition, such as ceramics, glass, textiles, metal, and wood.

Some examples of handicrafts include pottery, handwoven blankets, handmade jewelry, quilts stitched by hand, knitting, crocheting, and paper crafts. Handicrafts are often made for home use and decor, and if sold, they are sold in direct sales, gift shops, public markets, and online shopping.

In developing countries, handicrafts are sold to make a living, and tourist purchases may help to prevent poverty. However, crafters may have difficulty getting the necessary money and materials to make objects, and it may be difficult to find a large enough market for their products.

Overall, handicrafts are a way to create useful and decorative objects by hand, often using traditional techniques and materials, and can be a source of income and cultural preservation.