Simple Product Businesses Kids Can Run During Summer Break

Simple product businesses kids can run during summer break offer opportunities for growth and independence. When children transform their creativity into a summer enterprise, they build valuable life skills while staying productive. With a little planning and support, they can turn their talents into thriving mini-enterprises.

Instead of spending hours on screens or saying “I’m bored,” children can channel their energy into making and selling products that interest them. These business ideas provide natural opportunities to learn about customer service, basic accounting, and time management – all while earning money for special purchases or savings goals.

Each business idea below requires minimal startup investment and basic supplies most families already have at home. Parents can guide their children through the process while letting them take ownership of their small enterprise.

Summer Business Ideas Your Child Will Love

1. Custom Friendship Bracelets

Creating friendship bracelets combines artistic expression with basic weaving skills. Children select their own color combinations of embroidery floss, practice different braiding patterns, and develop consistent techniques to create high-quality products.

Beyond the creative aspects, this business teaches children about managing a supply inventory, pricing based on design complexity, and building relationships with customers who might want to order specific color combinations. A small basket of supplies can transform into dozens of unique bracelets.

2. Handmade Bath Products

Children can create simple bath items like scented soaps, bath bombs, and shower melts using natural ingredients. The process involves measuring ingredients precisely, understanding chemical reactions, and testing products for quality and safety.

This business venture allows children to experiment with different scent combinations, learn about proper labeling and packaging, and understand the importance of clear product instructions. They’ll also gain experience in sourcing materials and calculating costs to ensure their prices cover expenses while remaining competitive.

3. Painted Garden Stones

Transforming ordinary stones into beautiful garden decorations combines outdoor exploration with artistic skills. Children learn to select appropriate stones, prepare surfaces properly, and use weather-resistant materials to ensure their creations last.

The business aspects include understanding seasonal demand, creating themed collections, and developing painting techniques that make each piece unique. Children can offer personalized stones for special occasions or create sets of plant markers with hand-painted vegetable and herb names.

4. Custom Button Pins

Button pin creation introduces children to basic design principles and equipment operation. Using a button-making machine, children can produce wearable art featuring their original drawings, positive messages, or custom designs requested by customers.

This business teaches children about working with templates, maintaining consistent quality, and managing production time efficiently. They’ll also learn about creating themed collections for specific events or holidays, which can increase sales opportunities.

5. Pet Treat Bakery

Making homemade pet treats teaches children about food safety and quality control. Using pet-safe ingredients, they can create bone-shaped biscuits, training treats, and special occasion cookies for four-legged friends.

This enterprise introduces children to recipe scaling, proper storage techniques, and understanding ingredient costs. They’ll learn about creating attractive packaging and providing clear ingredient labels for pet owners who want to know exactly what they’re feeding their animals.

6. Seasonal Plant Sales

Growing plants from seeds requires patience and attention to detail. Children learn about proper growing conditions, watering schedules, and plant nutrition while producing healthy seedlings for sale.

The business side involves timing production to match seasonal demand, creating care instruction cards, and understanding why some plants thrive better than others. Children can specialize in easy-to-grow vegetables, flowering plants, or herbs to build their expertise.

7. Handcrafted Greeting Cards

Card making combines paper crafting skills with creative writing and design. Children can create cards for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions using techniques like stamping, collage, and hand lettering.

Operating this business teaches children about maintaining a variety of designs while managing material costs. They’ll discover how to create efficient production systems and develop specialized collections for different celebrations and seasons.

8. Custom Bookmarks

Bookmark creation allows children to make practical items that appeal to readers of all ages. Using techniques like paper marbling, pressed flowers, or original artwork, they can create unique designs that stand out.

This business introduces concepts like material durability, protective finishing techniques, and creating themed collections. Children learn about targeting different age groups with appropriate designs and materials while maintaining consistent quality.

9. Decorated Study Supplies

Transforming basic school supplies into personalized items combines creativity with practical products. Children can embellish notebooks, pencil cases, and folders using techniques like decoupage, painting, or appliqué.

The business aspects include understanding school supply seasons, creating sample displays, and developing signature design styles. Children learn about selecting durable materials and finishes that will withstand daily use.

10. Summer Snack Packs

Creating themed snack combinations teaches portion control and food handling safety. Children can assemble balanced combinations of shelf-stable treats, package them attractively, and market them for summer activities.

Running this business introduces children to food safety regulations, packaging requirements, and allergen awareness. They’ll learn about sourcing ingredients in bulk and creating appealing combinations that meet different dietary needs.

11. Customized Hair Accessories

Designing hair accessories introduces basic sewing and assembly skills. Children can create bows, headbands, and clips using ribbons, fabric, and embellishments while learning about current style preferences.

This business teaches children about securing materials properly, creating consistent sizes, and developing coordinated collections. They’ll gain experience in product testing to ensure their accessories stay in place comfortably.

12. Nature Art Collections

Creating artwork from pressed flowers, leaves, and natural materials teaches children about preservation techniques and artistic composition. They learn proper collecting methods, pressing procedures, and how to create lasting displays.

This business helps children develop an eye for natural beauty, understand preservation methods, and create professional presentations. They’ll learn about selecting materials that press well and creating arrangements that maintain their appearance over time.

Make This Summer Count

A summer product business gives children more than just spending money – it provides real-world experience in planning, creating, and selling. By choosing an idea that matches their interests and abilities, children can develop entrepreneurial skills while enjoying their summer break. These small enterprises often grow into lasting interests and valuable learning experiences that extend far beyond the summer months.

Starting small and learning along the way helps build confidence and business sense naturally. By autumn, your child might discover they’ve developed much more than just a profitable summer venture.