Activity: Start a Mini Pop-Up Shop at Home or in the Garden

Perfect for: Indoors or outdoors (living room, driveway, garden, or local fair)

Best for: Kids aged 7+ (great for creativity, math, communication, and entrepreneurship)

Activity Description:

Let your child run their own mini business for a day by setting up a pop-up shop. Whether it’s selling crafts, handmade cards, painted rocks, mini art, snacks, or even a service like dog washing or plant care, this activity teaches kids how to create value, plan a business, and interact with customers—all while having fun.

1. Choose a Product or Service

Help them brainstorm what they’re good at or enjoy doing. Some great starter ideas:

• Painted bookmarks or mini canvases
• Handmade bracelets or slime
• Cookies, lemonade, or fruit cups
• Planting small flowers in decorated pots
• Cleaning or organizing toys for others
• Selling old toys/books as a second-hand stall

Let them name the business, like “Ella’s Earthy Art” or “Leo’s Lemonade Lab.”

2. Plan the Business Basics

Guide them through these simple but real steps:

• Materials: What do they need to create or deliver it?
• Pricing: What will they charge? How much does it cost to make?
• Signage: Make a poster with the business name, product list, and prices
• Setup: Use a small table, picnic blanket, or tray to display the items

3. Open the Shop

Invite family, neighbors, or friends to be customers.

• Practice greetings and explaining their products
• Make change (use play money or real coins under supervision)
• Offer deals like “Buy 2, get 1 free!”

4. Reflect Like an Entrepreneur

After the shop closes, talk about what went well and what could be better:

• “What did you enjoy most?”
• “What was your most popular item?”
• “What would you try differently next time?”
• “How did it feel to earn your own money?”

Let them keep their profits or set a small amount aside for a future “business reinvestment.”

5. Optional Add-On: Create a Business Journal

Start a little notebook where they jot down ideas, sketches of their products, or goals for future shops. This can help spark long-term entrepreneurial thinking.

This activity is exciting, confidence-boosting, and full of life lessons—giving kids a taste of planning, responsibility, and creativity in one joyful event. Type n when you’re ready for the next idea!