10 Hot Business Ideas Aimed at Children

Could your product be the next Silly Bandz? Invented by a Japanese design team in 2002, these colorful silicon bands shaped like animals, trees, planets, and everything else are considered the hottest collectible since Beanie Babies. Think it can't be done? Don't tell that to Robert J. Croak, the multimillionaire president of BCP Imports (Brainchild Products) in Toledo, Ohio, and, more important, the manufacturer and distributor of Silly Bandz. This list of 10 hot product and service trends -- for everyone from babies and toddlers to tweens and teens -- should provide inspiration for entrepreneurs and existing small businesses alike. Just don't wait too long to get started building your child-oriented business -- those kids grow up fast! -- Kathy Chin Leong