Kids in 2025 have more ways to earn money than ever before. Forget chores - now you can start a small business, learn new skills, and even turn hobbies into cash. Here are 7 fun and simple ideas to get started:
- Slime Business: Use kits to make and sell slime. One kid earned $100 in an hour!
- Crafts: Create and sell items like jewelry or cards at events.
- Tech Help: Assist neighbors with apps, devices, or typing tasks.
- Pet Care: Walk, groom, or watch pets for neighbors.
- Homemade Treats: Bake cookies or mix snacks to sell.
- Sales Stand: Sell crafts, baked goods, or art at local events.
- Content Creation: Teach, tutor, or sell artwork online.
Why it’s worth trying: These ideas teach skills like money management, problem-solving, and confidence while being age-appropriate and easy to start. Parents can help with supervision and guidance to ensure safety.
| Business Type | Startup Cost | Skills You’ll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Slime Business | $39.95+ | Creativity, basic marketing |
| Crafts | Low (materials) | Creativity, design |
| Tech Help | Minimal or free | Problem-solving, communication |
| Pet Care | Low to moderate | Responsibility, time management |
| Homemade Treats | Low to moderate | Organization, attention to detail |
| Sales Stand | Low to moderate | Customer service, money handling |
| Content Creation | Low (basic equipment) | Digital skills, strategy |
Pick what matches your interests, schedule, and skills. Whether you’re selling slime or walking dogs, these ideas are fun, flexible, and a great way to start earning!
BUSINESS IDEAS FOR KID ENTREPRENEURS
How Kids Benefit from Starting Businesses
Starting a business gives kids more than just a way to earn money - it helps them develop important life skills like confidence, financial know-how, and problem-solving. These abilities can turn small projects into real opportunities.
Boosting Confidence and Resilience
By facing challenges and setbacks, kids learn to adapt and grow. This builds their confidence and helps them think creatively when solving problems.
Learning About Money
Managing a business gives kids hands-on experience with money. Sam X Renick, co-creator of Sammy Rabbit, highlights this: "Without a working knowledge of money, it is extraordinarily difficult to do well in life." This is crucial, especially since 83% of parents with kids aged 8–14 wish they had learned more about money when they were younger.
Sharpening Critical Skills
Running a business helps kids develop practical skills through real-world experience. These include:
- Problem-solving: Finding creative solutions to challenges
- Goal setting: Creating and achieving objectives
- Taking initiative: Acting without being told
- Empathy: Understanding and addressing customer needs
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a key role in guiding young entrepreneurs while keeping them safe. They can:
- Help with pricing and managing money
- Oversee online activities and transactions
- Assist with marketing and promotion
- Offer advice but allow kids to make decisions independently
With this guidance, kids gain the tools they need to succeed in their ventures.
Starting a business offers a deeper learning experience than traditional chores. While chores teach responsibility, running a business equips kids with a broader set of skills that prepare them for success in any path they choose. Up next, explore seven kid-friendly business ideas that put these lessons into action.
7 Ways Kids Can Make Money
Here are seven fun and creative ways for kids to earn some extra cash while learning valuable skills.
1. Start a Slime Business
Kids can dive into the slime craze with the My Lil Startup Slime Business Kit ($39.95). This kit comes with 20 pre-made slimes, decorations, marketing flyers, and a sales tracker. For example, Chloe managed to earn $100 in just an hour by selling slime at a local stand. This activity is a great way to build confidence and learn money management.
2. Make and Sell Crafts
Crafting simple items like jewelry, greeting cards, or painted rocks can be a fun way to make money. These can be sold at school fairs or local community events with the help of a parent. It’s an excellent way to tap into creativity while practicing customer service skills.
3. Help Neighbors with Technology
Tech-savvy kids can assist neighbors with tasks like:
- Testing apps and games for bugs
- Entering data into spreadsheets or lists
- Setting up devices or troubleshooting basic issues
- Showing off their typing speed
These tasks encourage problem-solving and improve communication skills.
4. Care for Pets
Pet care is another great option. Kids can walk, groom, or watch pets for neighbors. Setting up a schedule and deciding on fair rates helps them learn responsibility and time management.
5. Sell Homemade Treats
For kids who love cooking or baking, turning snacks into a small business can be a rewarding venture. They can bake cookies, cupcakes, or mix up trail mix. Just be sure to label ingredients and follow local health regulations. This teaches organization and attention to detail.
6. Set Up a Sales Stand
A modern sales stand doesn’t have to be limited to lemonade. Kids can sell crafts, baked goods, or even their artwork at school or community events. Clear signage and a well-organized cash box or card reader can make the stand more professional. This is a fun way to learn financial skills.
7. Create Content or Teach Others
Kids who enjoy teaching or sharing their knowledge can:
- Tutor younger students in subjects like reading, math, or languages
- Post online tutorials or reviews
- Teach art, music, or crafts
- Offer how-to sessions for family and friends
For instance, Alex used a print-on-demand service in 2025 to sell their artwork on t-shirts, mugs, and stickers, earning about $200 per month. Along the way, they picked up website management and customer service skills. Parent supervision is key for any online activities.
My Lil Startup Slime Business Kit price and contents verified by company details.
Success story source: The4™ Studio
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Picking the Best Money‑Making Option
Now that you’ve got these seven side hustles in mind, here’s how to figure out which one suits you best.
Think about what excites you. If you’re into videos, creating content might be a great fit. If you enjoy making things, selling handmade goods could be your go-to.
Next, factor in your schedule. Between school, homework, and activities, pick something that works with your available time.
Make a list of what you’ll need to get started. Some ideas might require specific kits, like a Slime Business Kit, while others might need supplies, a workspace, or even a bit of help from your parents.
Lastly, consider your age and skills. Younger kids (6–12 years old) might find success with lemonade stands or crafting, while older kids (13–18 years old) might be ready for tutoring, pet sitting, or creating online content. Picking something that lines up with your interests, skills, and resources will set you up for a rewarding and fun experience.
Business Options Compared
Overview: Costs and Skills to Consider
| Business Type | Startup Cost | Skills You’ll Develop |
|---|---|---|
| Slime Business | $39.95–$99.95 (kit options) | Creativity, basic marketing |
| Crafts & Art | Low (materials) | Creativity, design |
| Tech Helper | Minimal or free | Problem-solving, communication |
| Pet Care | Low to moderate | Responsibility, scheduling |
| Homemade Treats | Low to moderate | Recipe planning, cost management |
| Sales Stand | Low to moderate | Money handling, customer interaction |
| Content Creation | Low (basic equipment) | Digital skills, content strategy |
Time Commitment
Some businesses, like content creation or pet care, require consistent effort throughout the week. Others, like sales stands, can fit neatly into weekends or school breaks.
Think about how much time you can dedicate, your budget, and what skills you want to pick up. Then, choose the option that fits your schedule and interests!
Safety and Success Guidelines
Always keep safety front and center in any side hustle.
Safety and Money Management
Help teens develop smart money habits by working together on payment tools designed for their age, supervising suitable hustles from the ideas mentioned earlier, and securely tracking their earnings. Parents should guide financial decisions to build a foundation for responsible spending and saving.
Balance and Interaction Safety
Set limits on work hours to ensure school and playtime remain priorities. Carefully review any online promotions and accompany kids during in-person sales activities. This approach protects both their digital and physical well-being while keeping education and fun in focus.
Next Steps for Young Business Owners
Once you’ve got safety and support covered, here’s how to get your business off the ground:
Take a look at the seven business ideas mentioned earlier and pick one that matches your interests and fits into your school schedule. Whether it’s making slime, crafting, or offering pet care, these steps will help you get started.
Talk to Your Parents
Share your business idea with your parents. Work with them to set clear rules and ensure they’re on board to guide and support you.
Get What You Need
Use tools like the My Lil Startup Slime Business Kit to jumpstart your business, or gather the supplies needed for the idea you’ve chosen.
Track Your Progress
Keep a daily record of your sales and expenses. This will help you figure out what’s working and where you can improve to grow your business.
With these steps, you’re all set to put your plans into action and start earning!
