Kid entrepreneurship: Selling homemade pipe cleaner crafts

Whether it's running lemonade stands or car washes, some kids are naturally inclined toward entrepreneurship. If your child has a knack for business or a keen interest in money, try turning pipe cleaner crafts into a mini-business venture.

Grasping the concept of entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is about converting a simple idea into a lucrative business. And yes, even kids can learn and benefit from these skills. Taking on a “business” instills a sense of responsibility, hard work, and a better understanding of money. It’s a great way to teach kids how money makes the business world go round.

Make a pipe cleaner crafts business plan

Every successful business starts with a plan. But for kids, keep it simple. 

1. Decide which types of pipe cleaner crafts to create and sell. Encourage creativity and unique ideas.

2. Identify the target market. Brainstorm your potential customers and where to reach them, whether it’s a neighborhood yard sale, a local craft fair, or an 

3. Figure out the price. Talk about how to strike a balance between making a profit and pricing to sell. 

How to jump-start craft ideas for kids

You need basic materials like pipe cleaners, glue, and decorations for pipe cleaner crafts. The options are limitless, from adorable animals to shimmering jewelry.

Try these craft ideas for different age and developmental levels.

• Preschool (age 3-5): Go with simple, fun shapes like pipe cleaner flowers, stars, and butterflies. Sell them as magnets or ornaments.

• Elementary school (age 6-10): Step it up with googly eyes and glitter to craft pipe cleaner animals and insects, like caterpillars or ladybugs. This age group can also experiment with finger puppets or bubble wands.

• Middle school (age 11-13): Encourage individual style with pipe cleaner jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. They make great gifts!

• High school (age 14+): Challenge teens with advanced techniques to create more intricate designs like ornate jewelry, 3D animal phone charms, or sculptures. Market them as custom-made gifts and unique works of art.

Section 4: Promoting their crafts

How will people find out about these little gems? Time to teach the magic of marketing. Work with your child to create a buzz in the community. Hang posters at local stores, showcase them at the school’s holiday boutique, or host a pop-up shop at local fairs or flea markets.

And let's not forget online. Introduce e-commerce by safely showcasing crafts on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram. 

Growing through experience

Running any business is full of twists, turns, and invaluable lessons along the way. Much like sports, entrepreneurship gives kids real-world experience in creative thinking, planning, responsibility, and overcoming challenges. It’s also a fantastic way to practice earning and money management.

Teach smart spending with the Greenlight debit card and app, the safe way to raise money-savvy kids.