Big Ideas Start Small: Fun Business Ideas for Kids
Sometimes the hardest part of starting something new is knowing where to begin. The truth? You don’t have to wait until you have the perfect plan—you just have to start. Sit down with a notebook, draw on a whiteboard, or grab some markers and brainstorm. What sounds fun? What’s something you already love doing? Even if your idea feels too big to pull off right now, there may be one piece you can take out and turn into the perfect booth item to sell.
The point isn’t perfection—it’s creativity. To help spark some inspiration, here are a few directions kids can explore for their own business:
Hands-On Creations
A new spin on classic playdough
Custom Lego kits with themes or challenges
3D-printed trinkets or tools (many libraries have maker spaces)
DIY posters with bright designs (print at the library or through a friend’s office)
If you’re the kind of kid who loves building, shaping, or crafting with your hands, this is your lane. You could make your own playdough recipe and add special touches like glitter, fun colors, or even scents—think pumpkin spice for fall or peppermint for the holidays. Lego lovers could create themed kits or design build challenges for other kids (just make sure you check what’s publishable or original).
Do you like technology? Many public libraries have maker spaces with 3D printers you can use at little to no cost. Imagine designing your own keychains, ornaments, or tools that people can take home from your booth. Or if you’re artistic, you could design and print your own posters with positive messages, cool designs, or quotes—printing them at the library or through a family friend’s office keeps costs low.
Eco-Friendly or DIY Fun
Bird feeders made from simple supplies
Creations from cardboard, cans, or plastic bottles
Holiday kits (ornaments, crafts, or treats in a bundle)
Greeting cards—handmade or repurposed with your own flair
Love helping the planet? Try creating products from items most people throw away. Bird feeders made from simple supplies like milk cartons or plastic bottles are fun to decorate and useful for backyards. Cardboard, cans, and jars can all be turned into creative storage containers, organizers, or décor with just a little paint and imagination.
Another great route is making holiday kits. Imagine selling a “decorate your own ornament” kit in December, a Valentine’s card-making set in February, or a spring craft bundle in April. People love activities they can do with their kids or grandkids, and you’d be making their lives easier by putting everything together in one package. Greeting cards also never go out of style—whether handmade from scratch or created by repurposing old cards with new designs, they make a booth feel welcoming and creative.
Digital & Creative
Digital downloads (like coloring sheets, planners, or designs—a mini Etsy shop!)
Fun artwork or sketches turned into prints or stickers
Not everything you sell has to be physical. If you enjoy drawing, designing, or writing, you can turn your ideas into digital downloads. Coloring sheets, planner pages, inspirational quotes, or even fun checklists could all be things families would buy to print at home. Think of it like running your own mini Etsy shop—only at Lemonade Lane, your “shop” is your booth!
If you like art, you could turn your sketches into stickers, postcards, or small prints. Many local print shops offer bulk printing at affordable prices, and even a small investment can give you a table full of products to sell.
Bonus: 10 Quick-Fire Business Ideas for Kids
Need a little extra inspiration? Here are some simple ideas that could make great booth items:
Slime kits or premade slime in fun colors
Handmade jewelry or friendship bracelets
Pet treats or pet toys
Tie-dye shirts or socks
Mini plant pots or succulents
Homemade candles or soaps
Bookmarks, stickers, or magnets
Trail mix or snack packs
Painted rocks or kindness stones
DIY craft kits for other kids
Where to Get Inspiration
Scroll Pinterest boards for endless creative sparks
Ask your friends and family what they’d love to buy or see
Grab paper and doodle, or use a whiteboard to let your ideas flow
Give a quick search for creators on Instagram
Check out your local farmer’s market
Ideas are everywhere—you just have to look for them! Pinterest is full of simple DIY projects that can spark creativity. Ask your friends what they’d love to buy or try—sometimes your best idea is something they need. Or, sit down with paper and doodle or brainstorm on a whiteboard. Seeing your ideas in front of you can help you connect the dots and discover what excites you most.
Finding Seed Money
Of course, even small businesses need a little money to get started. The good news? You don’t need much. Sometimes just $50 or $100 can make all the difference. Here are a few ways to gather those first dollars:
Crowdfunding: Ask a handful of friends or family members to chip in. If 10 people give $10, you suddenly have $100 to launch your idea. That’s epic seed money!
Trading: Instead of asking for money, trade your time or skills. Maybe you can mow a neighbor’s lawn, babysit, or do chores in exchange for supplies. Every little bit helps.
Remember, starting small teaches you how to grow. You might not have the fanciest booth or the most products, but what you do have is your creativity, effort, and energy—and that’s exactly what makes Lemonade Lane so special.
Every big business started small. Your idea doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be yours. The Lemonade Lane Kids Market is the perfect place to try it out, learn, and have fun along the way.
Ready to give it a go? Join an upcoming info chat to learn more and download our free resource below — “7 Questions to Help Your Little Lemon Brainstorm”. Market dates are coming soon!
