Kids can create and sell digital products to earn money while learning business skills. These products are easy to make, require minimal costs, and can be sold repeatedly online. Here are seven options:
- Printables: Downloadable files like coloring pages, planners, and worksheets. Tools like Canva and platforms like Etsy make it simple to start.
- eBooks: Short guides or stories on topics they enjoy. Free tools like Google Docs and Kindle Direct Publishing help with creation and sales.
- Online Courses: Teach skills like drawing or playing an instrument. Platforms like Teachable or Udemy handle hosting and payments.
- Digital Art: Sell illustrations or designs. Tools like Procreate and platforms like Gumroad are great for beginners.
- Templates: Create school planners, chore charts, or social media templates. Canva is a popular tool, and Etsy is a good marketplace.
- Music and Audio Files: Record jingles, sound effects, or learning songs. Use GarageBand or Audacity to create and sell on sites like AudioJungle.
- Stock Photos and Videos: Capture everyday moments and sell on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
These ventures teach kids about product creation, marketing, and financial management, all while turning their hobbies into income.
How a 6 year old made $87 with her online shop
1. Printables
Printables are downloadable digital files that customers can print at home. These include items like coloring pages, planners, worksheets, party decorations, or wall art - offering a fun and creative way to dive into business skills.
Easy for Kids to Create
Making printables doesn’t require fancy software. Kids can use basic tools like word processors, spreadsheets, or free design platforms such as Canva and GIMP. For more detailed designs, tools like Photopea or GIMP provide advanced options for creating intricate artwork or illustrations.
Once the designs are ready, it’s time to explore platforms and tools to launch a printable business.
Tools and Platforms to Get Started
There’s no shortage of free resources to help with design and creation. Kids can use free stock images from websites like Pexels or Unsplash to enhance their printables.
For selling, platforms like Etsy are popular for digital downloads. If the focus is on educational materials, Teachers Pay Teachers is a great marketplace to consider. Other options, like Sellfy, Gumroad, or Payhip, allow young creators to establish their own online stores for selling digital products.
Earning Opportunities
Printables offer a great way to earn ongoing income since they can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs. Whether it's educational worksheets, party decorations, organizational tools, or seasonal designs, success lies in understanding customer needs and creating products that are both practical and visually appealing.
Connecting with the Audience
Parents, teachers, and craft enthusiasts are always on the lookout for customizable printables to make their lives easier. Kids who can tap into the interests of their peers or the needs of adults can create products that solve everyday problems while adding a touch of creativity. Selling printables also gives young entrepreneurs hands-on experience with everything from product design to customer service.
2. eBooks
eBooks are digital books that kids can write, design, and sell online. These can range from short stories and poetry collections to how-to guides and educational content. Unlike physical books, eBooks don’t require printing or shipping, making them a perfect option for young entrepreneurs. Just like printables, eBooks offer an affordable way to dive into digital entrepreneurship.
Ease of Creation for Kids
Creating an eBook is straightforward and requires just a little creativity and some free tools. The first step is picking a topic they’re excited about or know well. This could be pet care tips inspired by their own pets or gaming strategies they’ve mastered through hours of play.
Kids can use basic word processors to get started. Keeping the eBook short - 20 to 30 pages - is ideal for holding readers’ attention. They can focus on topics they’re familiar with, like origami instructions, beginner coding guides, or even reviews of their favorite books. The key is to write about something they enjoy and understand.
Required Tools or Platforms
The tools needed to create an eBook are simple and often free. Writing can be done in Google Docs or Microsoft Word. For designing the cover and formatting, Canva’s free eBook templates are a great starting point, or they can use GIMP for more customization. Once everything is ready, the file can be exported as a PDF, which works on most devices.
When it comes to selling eBooks, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing give young authors access to millions of readers. For niche topics or educational content, Etsy is a great choice. Platforms like Gumroad and Payhip also allow kids to set up their own digital storefronts without needing to pay monthly fees.
Potential Earning Opportunities
Once published, eBooks can bring in passive income, as they can be sold repeatedly without additional effort. Most eBooks are priced between $2.99 and $9.99, but specialized guides can often sell for more.
The earning potential increases when kids create a series of related eBooks or update their content periodically. Building an email list of interested readers can also boost future sales and create a loyal audience.
Appeal to Target Audience
Kids bring a unique voice and perspective that resonates with both their peers and adults. For example, a 12-year-old writing about managing school stress offers a level of authenticity that adult authors might struggle to match.
Educational eBooks written by kids for kids tend to do especially well. Topics like "Study Tips That Actually Work" or "How to Make Friends at a New School" address real challenges that young readers face every day.
Parents are another key audience for kid-authored eBooks. Content that helps parents connect with their children’s interests or provides family-friendly activities often sells well. Think of eBooks covering science experiments, art projects, or outdoor games - these appeal to families looking for fun, screen-free ways to spend time together. This type of content also opens doors to other exciting digital ventures.
3. Online Courses
Online courses are a fantastic way for kids to share their skills and knowledge while earning money. These courses provide a structured learning experience through video, audio, or text, allowing young creators to reach students from anywhere. Like printables and eBooks, they’re a great digital product that helps kids develop important business skills.
How Kids Can Create Online Courses
The process starts with picking a skill they’re already good at - like playing guitar, practicing soccer drills, or drawing cartoons - and breaking it down into simple, easy-to-follow lessons. By organizing the content into clear steps, kids can create a course outline that’s easy to follow. Recording lessons is straightforward with tools like a smartphone or webcam. Free editing software like OBS Studio or iMovie can help polish the videos, but even unedited lessons can work well if the teaching is engaging and clear.
Tools and Platforms to Get Started
The tools needed are simple: a smartphone with decent video quality, good natural lighting, and clear audio. For computer-based tutorials, free screen recording software does the trick.
When it comes to hosting and selling the courses, platforms like Teachable and Thinkific make the process simple by offering tools for managing students and payments. Udemy is another option, giving access to a large audience of potential learners. For kids who want more control over sales, Gumroad is a flexible platform that works well for selling courses alongside other digital products. Most of these platforms handle payments automatically and even provide basic analytics so creators can focus on their lessons.
Income Potential
Online courses can generate ongoing income, especially when creators build a library of topics. Earnings depend on factors like the course subject, its quality, and how much demand there is for the material. Once the course is live, it can continue bringing in students over time. Some young creators even add one-on-one coaching sessions as premium extras to boost their earnings.
Connecting with the Audience
One of the biggest advantages of kids creating online courses is their ability to connect with their peers. Kids teaching kids makes learning feel natural and relatable. Parents often appreciate courses designed with young learners in mind, especially when they align with their children’s interests. The energy and fresh perspective that young creators bring can make even tricky subjects more approachable and fun to learn. This relatability is a key factor in making these courses a hit with their audience.
4. Digital Art and Designs
Digital art and design open up exciting opportunities for kids to channel their creativity into a potential business. Whether it’s custom illustrations or logo designs, young artists can turn their artistic talents into income while gaining valuable experience in both art and entrepreneurship. The beauty of digital formats lies in their scalability - create once and sell repeatedly, without worrying about inventory or shipping. This makes it an affordable and accessible way for kids to dip their toes into the world of digital business.
Accessible and Fun for Young Creators
Digital art is incredibly approachable for kids. Many start with simple sketches on paper, snapping photos of their work, and then enhancing it with digital tools. Kids often pick up these techniques quickly, thanks to their natural ease with technology.
Unlike traditional art supplies that can run out or be expensive, digital tools allow endless experimentation. Kids can play with colors, effects, and styles without any added cost. The ability to undo mistakes, duplicate elements, or save multiple versions of a project encourages experimentation and helps young artists refine their unique style faster.
Tools and Platforms to Get Started
Getting started in digital art doesn’t require a huge investment. A basic tablet with a stylus - or even a smartphone with a drawing app - can deliver impressive results. Free apps like Procreate Pocket, Adobe Fresco, and Canva offer plenty of creative tools. For those using computers, programs like GIMP and Krita provide professional-grade features at no cost.
As their skills grow, kids might choose to upgrade to tools like an iPad paired with an Apple Pencil or a drawing tablet connected to a computer. But many successful digital artists began with simple setups and upgraded only as their earnings allowed. The focus should always be on honing skills, not chasing the latest gear.
When it comes to selling their creations, platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Creative Market make it easy to set up a digital shop. These platforms handle payment processing and file delivery, letting young artists concentrate on what they do best - creating.
Earning Potential in Digital Art
Digital art offers plenty of ways to earn money. Custom pieces can fetch anywhere from $25 to $200, depending on the complexity and the artist's skill level. Pre-made designs, on the other hand, can generate passive income over time. For example, custom illustrations, character designs, and personalized artwork often command higher prices, while simpler designs can be sold repeatedly.
Many young artists find success by focusing on specific niches. Gaming-inspired art, cute animal illustrations, and motivational quote designs are particularly popular. Social media graphics, like Instagram story templates or YouTube thumbnails, are also in high demand as more people create online content.
Some kids build entire libraries of artwork, offering hundreds of designs that bring in steady monthly income. By continually adding new pieces, they can grow their earnings while building a diverse portfolio.
Connecting with the Audience
Digital art created by kids often has a special appeal, especially to their peers and parents. Young artists have a natural understanding of trends, popular characters, and the aesthetic preferences of their generation. This insider perspective helps them create designs that feel fresh and relatable.
Parents, in particular, enjoy supporting young entrepreneurs, often buying digital art for school projects, bedroom decor, or as thoughtful gifts. Knowing that the artwork comes from a young, talented artist adds an emotional connection that many customers value. Social media further amplifies this appeal, as buyers love sharing work created by inspiring kids.
The energy and originality that young artists bring to their creations often result in standout designs that grab attention in crowded markets. Their willingness to experiment with bold ideas and colors helps them carve out a unique space, building loyal customer bases and strong personal brands. Along the way, they also develop business and tech skills that can serve them well in any future digital endeavor.
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5. Templates and Tools
Templates and tools are some of the easiest and most practical digital products kids can create and sell. From school planners and chore charts to social media templates and organizational tools, these products help solve everyday problems for families, students, and even young entrepreneurs. What makes templates so appealing is their reusable nature - customers can download, customize, and use them over and over again. For kids, creating these products is not just a way to earn money but also a chance to develop essential business skills.
Easy for Kids to Create
The great thing about templates is that they don’t require advanced technical skills. Kids can use free, user-friendly platforms like Google Docs, Canva, or Microsoft Word to design their templates. The process often begins with identifying everyday challenges, like forgetting homework or managing chores, and turning those struggles into simple, effective tools.
For instance, a 10-year-old who struggles with organizing chores might create a colorful chore chart, while a middle schooler juggling multiple assignments could design a detailed homework planner. By drawing from their own experiences, kids can create templates that are both functional and relatable. This mix of creativity and practicality makes their products stand out in the digital marketplace.
Tools and Platforms to Use
Platforms like Canva offer a wide range of design features and are perfect for customizing templates. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for kids to create polished designs without needing graphic design expertise.
For those ready to take on more advanced tools, Adobe Creative Suite provides professional-grade options, though it does come with a steeper learning curve. Other accessible tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides are surprisingly flexible and remain popular choices for template creation.
When it comes to selling these templates, platforms like Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Gumroad make the process seamless. These sites handle digital delivery automatically, sending download links to customers after a purchase. With a setup time of under 30 minutes and low fees (usually a small percentage of each sale), these platforms allow kids to focus on creating while generating passive income.
How Much Can They Earn?
Earnings from templates can vary depending on their complexity. Simple templates generally sell for $2–$5, while bundled packs - offering several related templates - can go for $15–$30. Bundles are especially popular, as customers often prefer purchasing multiple templates in one go.
Educational templates are particularly popular. Items like study planners, reading trackers, and project organizers appeal to students and parents alike by helping improve academic organization. Social media templates are another strong category. Designs for quotes, birthday announcements, or achievement celebrations are in high demand, particularly among young influencers looking for fresh, eye-catching graphics.
Connecting with the Audience
Templates created by kids have a certain charm that resonates with both their peers and adults. Young creators naturally understand current trends, popular colors, and the aesthetic preferences of their generation. This makes their templates feel modern and relatable rather than outdated or overly formal.
Parents often love supporting young entrepreneurs, especially when the products solve practical problems like family organization. A savings tracker or weekly activity planner designed by a child not only provides helpful tools but also inspires both the customer and the young creator.
The peer-to-peer connection is another key factor. A homework planner designed by a fellow student feels more relatable and engaging to other kids than one created by an adult. This relatability often leads to higher customer satisfaction and stronger engagement.
School communities are also great starting points for young template creators. Word-of-mouth within classrooms and friend groups can quickly boost sales, especially when teachers notice the positive impact these tools have on their students' organization. These small networks can grow into a loyal customer base, making templates a fun and rewarding venture for kids.
6. Music and Audio Files
Music and audio files open up an exciting avenue for young creators to turn their musical skills into digital products. From catchy jingles and sound effects to background tracks for videos and podcast intros, there’s a growing demand for original audio content. Once created, these files can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs, making it a great way for kids to explore digital entrepreneurship.
Ease of Creation for Kids
Thanks to free and budget-friendly software, creating music and audio files is more accessible than ever. Kids don’t need a professional studio setup to get started. Tools like GarageBand (free on Apple devices) and Audacity (free for PC users) offer simple recording and editing capabilities that are perfect for beginners.
With just a smartphone and an affordable microphone, young creators can produce high-quality audio. Whether they’re playing an instrument, recording nature sounds, or experimenting with spoken word narrations, these projects are not only fun but can also be sold. Many of these tools come with built-in tutorials, helping kids learn the basics quickly and independently.
Tools and Platforms to Get Started
For those looking to advance their skills, programs like FL Studio and Reaper provide more professional-grade features while remaining affordable. These tools cater to kids who want to dive deeper into audio production as they grow more confident.
When it comes to selling their creations, platforms like AudioJungle, Pond5, Zapsplat, and Etsy make it easy. These sites handle digital delivery and customer service, allowing young creators to focus on making music. To improve sound quality without spending a fortune, starting with a USB microphone and using household items for soundproofing can make a big difference.
Potential Earning Opportunities
Simple sound effects often sell at lower prices, while more complex projects like background tracks or custom jingles can command higher fees. Some platforms even offer royalty-based earnings through subscriptions, creating the potential for steady, ongoing income.
Seasonal content is a smart way to boost sales. Holiday-themed tracks or sounds connected to school events often see predictable spikes in demand. Planning a content calendar around these trends can help maximize earnings.
Reaching the Right Audience
Young music creators have a unique ability to craft sounds that connect with their peers. This natural understanding often results in audio that feels fresh and relevant.
Parents and educators also make up a key audience. Products like phonics songs, music-based learning tools, or calming study soundtracks appeal to families looking for engaging ways to support learning. Audio created by kids often carries an authentic charm that resonates with both children and adults.
Beyond that, the growing content creator economy offers even more opportunities. YouTubers, TikTok creators, and podcasters are always on the lookout for unique background music and sound effects. Local small businesses may also need custom jingles or hold music, opening doors for young producers to build rewarding, ongoing collaborations.
7. Stock Photos and Videos
Stock photos and videos are an excellent digital product for young creators to explore. Thanks to modern smartphones, capturing high-quality, relatable visuals has never been easier. These tools provide a gateway for kids and teens to create content that resonates with buyers seeking authentic imagery, making it a natural fit for budding digital entrepreneurs.
Ease of Creation for Kids
With today’s technology, producing stock content is surprisingly straightforward. Modern smartphones can deliver professional-grade photos and videos, and kids only need to grasp the basics of composition and lighting to get started. Everyday moments - like playing with pets, family gatherings, or seasonal activities - often make for timeless and marketable content.
Free editing tools, such as iMovie or CapCut, let young creators refine their work without needing expensive equipment. This low-cost setup empowers kids to turn simple ideas into polished products.
Tools and Platforms to Get Started
Starting out doesn’t require much - just a smartphone, good natural lighting, and a free editing app. As kids gain confidence, adding small upgrades like a tripod or an external microphone can elevate their content quality.
For selling stock content, platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images are popular choices. However, since many of these platforms require contributors to be 18 or older, parental involvement is essential. Alternatively, families can explore Etsy to sell digital downloads directly to customers. Understanding the specific guidelines and technical requirements of each platform is key to getting content accepted and reaching potential buyers.
Earning Potential
While a single download may only bring in a small amount of money, building a large library of stock photos and videos can lead to steady passive income. Seasonal themes - like back-to-school, Halloween, or holiday celebrations - tend to attract more buyers, making them a smart focus for shoots. Video content often commands higher prices than photos, and creative formats like time-lapse or stop-motion can help a creator’s work stand out in a crowded market. The bigger the collection, the greater the earning potential.
Connecting with the Audience
Young creators have a unique ability to capture genuine and relatable moments that resonate with families and peers. Content featuring everyday activities, natural expressions, and authentic interactions is especially appealing in markets that value sincerity - such as educational and family-focused content. Teachers, homeschooling parents, and educational websites often look for visuals of kids learning and exploring. Similarly, social media marketers prefer content that feels real and unpolished, as it often drives better engagement and builds long-term interest. These authentic moments can be a powerful draw for buyers across various platforms.
How My Lil Startup Builds Business Skills for Digital Entrepreneurship
Success in the digital product world starts with mastering key entrepreneurial principles. My Lil Startup's Slime Business Kit takes a hands-on approach, teaching kids essential skills that can seamlessly transition into digital entrepreneurship.
The kit's components are designed to nurture a business mindset. The detailed instruction guide introduces kids to systematic thinking, much like the process of creating digital products. By following precise slime-making steps, they develop the discipline needed for tasks like planning content structures, organizing resources, and maintaining quality - skills that are critical in the digital space.
Marketing is another cornerstone of the kit. Through the included marketing flyers, kids learn how to highlight product benefits and attract customers. By identifying their target audience and crafting messages that resonate, they build foundational skills for writing persuasive product descriptions, creating engaging social media posts, and designing effective email campaigns.
The sales tracker introduces them to basic data analysis. From monitoring sales to calculating profits, kids gain an understanding of how to evaluate performance - an ability that’s directly applicable to analyzing digital marketing metrics or managing e-commerce platforms. This knowledge becomes invaluable when launching digital products or running online courses.
Customer service is another area where the kit shines. Selling slime face-to-face helps kids develop interpersonal skills that are easily transferable to online interactions. The included thank-you cards emphasize the importance of showing appreciation, a practice that translates well to managing online reviews, responding to inquiries, and fostering customer loyalty.
The three-tier bundle structure - Starter Kit ($39.95), Growth Bundle ($59.95), and Mogul Bundle ($99.95) - teaches kids how to scale their offerings and provide value at different price points. This approach gives them a clear framework for developing digital product lines, from basic templates to comprehensive packages, and growing their business step by step.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the kit is the confidence it builds. Seeing tangible results, like running a successful slime business and earning profits, reinforces the entrepreneurial mindset. Kids learn that true business success comes from serving customers effectively, not just having a clever idea.
Through these practical experiences, young entrepreneurs gain the skills and insights they need to thrive in the digital world.
Conclusion
The digital world offers a fantastic playground for young entrepreneurs to turn their creativity into a source of income. Whether it’s designing printables, writing eBooks, creating online courses, or crafting digital art, kids have a variety of options to explore based on their unique interests and talents. These seven digital product ideas make it easy to step into entrepreneurship with minimal upfront costs, all while teaching valuable lessons about running a business.
Creating and selling digital products helps kids learn essential skills like content creation, marketing, customer service, and even financial management. Watching their ideas evolve into products that generate income not only boosts their confidence but also equips them with the tools to grow their ventures over time.
Starting small is key. Kids can begin with simple projects like printables or templates and gradually move toward more complex offerings, such as in-depth online courses or professional-level digital art. Each step introduces new lessons - from understanding customer needs to navigating digital sales platforms - offering plenty of room to grow and adapt.
Parents play a crucial role in this journey by providing guidance on quality, technical aspects, and online safety, ensuring a positive and secure experience.
Whether your child leans toward digital art, writing, or design, the digital marketplace is full of opportunities for both creative expression and practical business learning. By starting with what excites them most, kids can gradually build skills that will benefit them for years to come.
These early ventures teach children an important lesson: success often comes from using their talents to help others. By diving into digital entrepreneurship, kids gain a head start in a world that values creativity and business know-how. Begin with small steps, keep learning, and let their imagination lead the way.
FAQs
How can kids balance running their digital business with school and other activities?
Helping kids juggle their digital business, school, and other activities starts with a well-structured daily schedule. Make sure to carve out specific blocks of time for schoolwork, business tasks, and relaxation. This not only keeps things organized but also prevents them from feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
It’s also important to encourage regular breaks from screens. Suggest offline activities like playing outdoors, reading a book, or hanging out with friends. These breaks help create a healthy balance between work and play. Setting clear boundaries around screen time - like no devices during meals or right before bed - can also go a long way in supporting their overall well-being.
Above all, remind them that school and personal growth should always come first. Celebrate their entrepreneurial milestones, but also help them prioritize their education and enjoy the simple joys of childhood.
How can parents keep their kids safe and protect their privacy when selling digital products online?
Parents can take meaningful steps to protect their kids' safety and privacy online. Start by keeping an eye on the information your child shares and adjusting privacy settings to control what’s visible to others. Teach them to avoid sharing personal details like their full name, address, or phone number. It’s equally important to explain the dangers of interacting with strangers online, cautioning against sharing personal photos or meeting anyone they’ve only spoken to on the internet.
Another critical step is understanding laws such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This law ensures websites must get parental consent before collecting data from children under 13. Make online safety a regular topic of conversation and stay involved in your child’s online activities. This hands-on approach can help create a safe and supportive environment as they navigate the digital world.
What are some effective ways kids can market their digital products and connect with their audience?
Kids can promote their digital products successfully by focusing on colorful, eye-catching visuals and using playful, straightforward messaging that resonates with their audience. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for sharing their creations, hosting contests, and connecting with parents and families in a friendly way.
Teaming up with family-friendly influencers can also help them reach a larger audience. Plus, encouraging safe, creative family activities tied to their products not only builds trust but also makes their brand more relatable - all while keeping the process enjoyable and age-appropriate.
