School’s out but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Taking a break from the classroom is a good opportunity to inch your child closer to the real world by hosting a sale. Your child can discover his inner entrepreneur and learn some essential money management skills in the process. Plus it could be a ton of fun for kids! Remember, kids love doing adult work.
So what can kids sell this summer (besides lemonade)? I would argue that half the appeal of the lemonade stand is the stand itself. When passersby purchase a cup of lemonade that’s usually too sour and watered down, it’s because they feel supportive and nostalgic for what’s come to represent a child’s first attempt to learn the rudimentary ropes of entrepreneurship. So why not think outside the box and try selling some other useful summer items or service? Here are 10 suggestions to start.
1. Ice-cold water. During a hot summer day, pedestrians and drivers alike may appreciate and even prefer ice-cold water to lemonade. Operationally, this would be much simpler to execute. If you wanted get fancy, you could even sell water that’s been infused with cucumber or some fruit.
2. Snow Cones. The appeal of snow cones to customers in the summer is obvious. But snow cones are also a great item to purvey because there’s not a lot of ingredients that go into making them. All you need is a sturdy ice machine and a couple of flavors.
3. Popcorn. Another easy item to sell, popcorns can be adorned with toppings like chocolate, caramel and sprinkles.
4. Baked Goods. If your child loves to bake, this is a great way to empower your child’s inner baker.
5. Hot chocolate. When the day begins to cool, a cup of hot chocolate can be a nice way to wind down the day.
6. Face Painting Station. Skip the birthday party. If your child is old enough, he can host his own face painting station.
7. Tattoo Station. If your child is too young to face paint, he can always display a variety of tattoos and adhere the tattoo for customers.
8. Puppet Show. For the child who loves to perform, why not put on a puppet show for neighbors, friends and family? He could script his own show and stage his own production.
9. Toy Sale. If you’ve missed your spring clean, summer can present a nice opportunity to clear out clutter before a new school year. Whatever toys that don’t get sold can be donated, which will teach your child to be socially conscious as well.
10. DIY Crafts.
Whether it’s making hair bows, soaps, candles, or your own slime, your child learn to package her product sell them. There’s no validation like having someone pay for your creations.