Kids Markets
Kids Market – Where It All Begins
The Kids Market is the beating heart of what we do. It’s a place where young entrepreneurs take centre stage — designing products, setting prices, decorating stalls, and proudly selling to real customers.
It’s not just about making sales — it’s about:
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Building confidence and communication skills
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Learning financial literacy in a fun, hands-on way
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Discovering the joy of earning, saving, and sharing
Every stall tells a story, and every market is an opportunity to grow.
Through our Kids Market, we aim to:
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Build confidence and communication skills
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Teach the value of money and smart saving
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Encourage creativity, innovation, and responsibility
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Provide a safe space for children to explore business ownership
Parents and the local community play a supportive role, coming along to shop and cheer on our young stallholders. The market is not just an event—it’s a movement that helps shape the next generation of financially capable, community-minded young leaders.
How our Markets Work
🧒 Participation
Kids aged 7–17 can take part in our kids/youth markets! Each young entrepreneur gets to manage their own stall and experience running a mini business.
👨👩👧 Parents
Parents help with setup—but then step back! Kids run their stalls solo while adults watch and cheer from the sidelines.
📋 Register
Our markets often sell out fast. Be sure to register online to secure your child’s spot. No refunds or waitlists are available.
⛺ Booths
Each stall includes a 1.8m trestle table space. Families are responsible for bringing their own table, signage, and display setup. Some venues do provide tables and chairs—this will be clearly communicated ahead of time.
🏷️ Products
Stallholders can sell handmade crafts, second-hand goods, toys, or even offer services. If it’s kid-made or kid-approved, it’s welcome! Remember, selling food requires a food license.
💰 Selling
Kids are in charge! They handle the sales, money, and customer service. It's a great way to build independence and confidence.
Market Guidelines
Yay! We're so glad you're looking to join our Kids Market and help grow your child’s entrepreneurial spirit. Kids at this age have such a fresh perspective—bursting with energy, tech-savvy, and often tapped into the latest trends. It’s the perfect time to explore new ideas and build confi dence!
Getting involved in a market day can be an amazing experience for kids:
● Creativity and self-expression: Crafting and selling handmade items allows kids to express their individuality and explore their creative side.
● Entrepreneurial skills: They’ll learn about pricing, budgeting, marketing, and customer service—real-world business skills in action.
● Confi dence building: There’s nothing like the feeling of someone buying or admiring their work—it’s a big boost to their self-esteem.
● Family bonding: Many of these projects can be created with help from parents, turning it into a fun, quality time activity.
What Can Be Sold?
There are no strict rules around what can be sold—kids are free to sell almost anything they like! The focus is on exploring entrepreneurship, so it's up to each young stallholder to decide what to create, buy, or resell.
We encourage creativity and initiative! However, we kindly ask that all items be safe, appropriate, and legal (no dangerous items or sharp tools).
Options to Get Started (Even If They Don’t Have a Product Yet)
● Buy or Sell on Commission: We can supply stock—such as hair accessories, stationery, and keyrings—for your child to sell and earn a commission on each item. This is a fantastic way to get started and see whether they’d like to continue or eventually create their own products. We partner with small businesses to help provide opportunities for those wanting to start. If you’re supporting your child by providing products, remember that this is a buying and selling experience. Be sure to help them set clear markups and understand their costs, pricing, and potential profi ts. It’s a valuable chance for them to learn about earning, managing money, and making smart business decisions.
● Service-Based Stalls: If your child isn’t interested in selling products, they could offer a service like face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon twisting, or a creative drawing station. These are perfect for kids who enjoy hands-on interaction and can be supported by a parent or guardian on the day. Let us know if you’re interested and we could possibly hire you for the day!
● Pre-Made Starter Kits: We can help you source or put together kits for items like lip balm, slime, baking packs, or bracelets. This option involves minimal prep and gives kids a sense of ownership and creativity.
● Pre-Loved Goods: Selling second-hand toys, books, or clothes is a wonderful way to practice sustainability and money handling. You don’t need a lot—just a few good-quality items to start with.
If your child is excited to join Kids in Business but you’re concerned about start-up costs or not having a product ready to sell, we’re here to help! Just email us at info@kidsinbusiness.co.nz, and we’ll connect you with resources and opportunities to get started. If one idea doesn’t work out, there’s always another to try next time. Every tamaiti deserves the chance to shine—sometimes the most important thing is simply to start.
Parent Rules
This day is all about the kids — they are the boss!
Our goal is to teach children valuable business skills by giving them the chance to run their own stalls. That means this day is truly theirs to shine.
OUR RULES!!
You are there as a support person only. Your job is to drive, carry, and say YES — just for two hours!
We want to see kids taking full ownership of their stand while you proudly step back.
So........
LET THEM set up their stall however they like!
If they want to pile everything high — LET THEM!
If their sign is upside down — LET THEM!
Set up the night before to avoid any morning stress or arguments at the market.
Frequently asked questions
How often are events?
Markets are held throughout the year (plus online opportunities) and the Awards gala is held annually (dependent on Sponsors)
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes, you can cancel your membership. It runs for one year from sign-up, and you'll receive all the kit and access for that year. Cancellation can be made after your one-year subscription.