And I figured that this would be a great place to start. There are some really great ideas here! I'll add to the list with some others. These are all "fun" ideas that probably wouldn't bring in tons of money, but could be great starters for someone who just wanted to make a couple extra hundred a month.
"Toys Inside" Business - We want our kids to be healthy, giving them healthy dinners instead of fast food meals. But those darn toys make it hard to compete! I'd think someone could create a whole business just taking little toys, bagging them up, and then creating stickers that said "Toy Inside!". Moms could then make up their own "fast food" meals and plop a toy inside, and stick a sticker on the outside. That could even be used for kids' lunches, "healthy" cereals, healthy snacks, etc.
Personalized Paper Dolls - I've always thought it would be great to have cute paper dolls that have my daughter's face on them, and maybe some with her family and friends on them. In this digital world, it'd be pretty simple for someone with graphic ability to make something like that.
Personalized Story Subscriptions - I've seen personalized letters and personalized books for kids. But what about creating a simple, one-page story with kids' names on them, print it on one of those cute decorative papers, and send them to kids once a month? It could be included in a bright colored envelope with 2 or 3 corresponding stickers that they could place on the story to decorate it.
Grab Bag Gifts - Take some cute little inexpensive toys, wrap them all up in pretty paper scraps, and sell a bucket of grab bag toys for busy moms. When moms are on the phone or want to reward their kids for a job well done, they can allow the kids to grab a toy and unwrap it. This could be used in conjunction with the "Toys Inside" business.
Pocket Crafts - This is actually something my mom does on the side with success. She takes pom pons, pipe cleaners, ribbons, etc. and puts them into a little candy baggie with a folded instruction sheet that's printed out, to create pocket crafts. They're sold as stocking stuffers, party favor gifts, packs for scout troops and church groups, in sets for babysitter helpers, sold to grandparents who want to send fun things to their grandkids in the mail, etc.
Gift Baskets (using unique containers) - Instead of offering gift baskets only, why not create fun gift basket themes in unique containers? For instance, a sports themed coffee cup, Sports Illustrated magazine, foam block to throw at the TV when your team loses, a fun felt pendant and snacks could be stuffed into a toy basketball hoop/net. Or a bunch of stamps, stickers, pencils, some aspirin, an apple puppet, a few gourmet coffee packets and some cookies could be put into a plastic organizer for a teacher gift. Or a phone card, some cookies, ramen noodles, aspirin, movie passes and a clif notes coupon could be put into a fun baseball cap for college students.
Teacher Gifts - Find products that would make excellent teacher gifts, from small little items for assistant teachers, therapists, administrative staff, etc. to larger items for the teacher or even for the classroom. A percent of each sale could go to a participating school of your choice.
"No Charge" Grocery Delivery - Offer to deliver groceries at no cost - but they have a minimum price and will pay full price for all items. You would use coupons and store cards, and you make whatever the difference is between your costs and the savings from those coupons and store cards.
Maybe one of those might help someone who wants to "start small".
Susan
