Top 10 Thriving Online Businesses for Kids to Start Today

John J Peterson
3 days ago
3 min read

Starting a business at a young age can teach kids valuable skills like responsibility, creativity, and money management. The internet has opened up many opportunities for children to launch their own ventures from home with minimal investment. This post explores ten online businesses that kids can start today, offering practical ideas that are fun, educational, and profitable.

Eye-level view of a colorful home workspace with a laptop, notebooks, and craft supplies — A kid’s creative workspace ready for an online business

1. Handmade Crafts Store

Many kids enjoy making jewelry, friendship bracelets, or simple art projects. Selling handmade crafts online through platforms like Etsy or a personal website allows them to turn their hobby into a business. This teaches product creation, pricing, and customer service.

Example: A 12-year-old selling beaded bracelets with unique patterns.
Tips: Start with a small inventory, take clear photos, and write simple product descriptions.

2. Personalized Greeting Cards

Creating custom greeting cards for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions is a popular online business. Kids can design cards digitally or by hand, then sell printable versions or ship physical cards.

Example: A child designing digital birthday cards and selling them on Etsy.
Benefits: Encourages creativity and graphic design skills.

3. Online Tutoring or Homework Help

Older kids who excel in subjects like math, reading, or science can offer tutoring sessions online. This business builds confidence and reinforces their own knowledge while helping peers.

Example: A teenager tutoring younger students in basic math via video calls.
How to start: Use free video platforms and advertise services on local community boards or social media with parental supervision.

4. YouTube Channel or Podcast

Kids with a passion for storytelling, gaming, or educational content can create a YouTube channel or podcast. Monetization comes from ads, sponsorships, or merchandise once the channel grows.

Example: A child sharing science experiments or book reviews.
Important: Follow platform age guidelines and ensure adult supervision.

5. Digital Art and Design

Children skilled in drawing or graphic design can create digital art to sell as prints, stickers, or downloadable files. Websites like Redbubble or Society6 allow artists to upload designs and earn royalties.

Example: A kid designing fun animal illustrations for stickers.
Tools: Free apps like Canva or drawing tablets can help create professional-looking art.

6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Coordination

While the service itself is offline, kids can run the business online by creating a website or social media page to connect with pet owners. This teaches marketing and scheduling skills.

Example: A child managing bookings and payments online for local dog walking.
Safety: Always have adult supervision and clear communication with pet owners.

7. Baking and Selling Treats

Kids who love baking can sell cookies, cupcakes, or other treats by taking orders online. A simple website or social media page can showcase products and handle orders.

Example: A young baker selling homemade cookies for neighborhood events.
Note: Follow local food safety regulations and involve parents in preparation and delivery.

8. Book or Toy Reselling

Buying used books or toys and reselling them online can be a profitable business. Kids learn about sourcing products, pricing, and customer service.

Example: A child sourcing popular children’s books from garage sales and selling them on eBay.
Advice: Research market prices and condition requirements before listing.

9. Custom T-Shirt Printing

Using print-on-demand services, kids can design custom t-shirts and sell them online without holding inventory. This business combines creativity with e-commerce.

Example: A child creating fun slogans or drawings for t-shirts sold on platforms like Teespring.
Getting started: Use simple design tools and promote through friends and family.

10. Virtual Event Planning for Kids

Organizing virtual birthday parties, game nights, or craft sessions can be a unique business idea. Kids can help plan activities, send invitations, and host events online.