Market Day Ideas: 90+ Ideas for Students, Guardians, and Teachers

As parents and teachers, we all want our children to learn and develop essential life skills that go beyond textbooks and classrooms. One such skill is entrepreneurship, and school market day is an excellent platform to introduce kids to it.

A school market day is a fun event where children get to showcase their creativity, innovation, and business insight by setting up stalls and selling products they make or source.

Organizing a school market day can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to coming up with exciting and profitable ideas.

As a result, we've compiled over 90+ school market day ideas for kids to make this task easier for you. From arts and crafts to food and beverages, there is something for every child's interest and skill level.

Before showing you the 90+ ideas for market day at school, let's discuss-

School Market Day and Its Impact on Students' Lives

School market day has many positive outcomes. By participating in school market day, children not only learn valuable entrepreneurial skills but also develop their communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

“As a young entrepreneur, I learned the importance of hustle and creativity through school market day. It was my first taste of business and taught me valuable lessons about supply and demand, marketing, and customer service that continue to impact how I approach entrepreneurship today.”

– Mark Cuban, American businessman and investor.

Let's find out a few reasons why school market day is important:

a) Develops Entrepreneurial Skills

School market day provides children with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills, such as product development, marketing, and financial management. It helps them understand the process of creating and selling a product, which is a valuable skill in the real world.

b) Fosters Creativity and Innovation

School market day encourages children to think creatively and innovatively. It allows them to explore their interests and come up with unique ideas for their products, which helps them develop their problem-solving skills.

c) Enhances Communication and Social Skills

School market day provides an excellent opportunity for children to interact with their peers, negotiate prices, and communicate with customers. It helps them develop their communication and social skills, which are essential for success in any field.

d) Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

School market day allows children to take ownership of their products and take pride in their work. It helps them build confidence in their abilities and boosts their self-esteem, which is crucial for their personal and academic growth.

School market day is a great way for students to develop their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Also, they can learn how to run a business. It can also be a fun way to involve the community in supporting the school and its students.

Now let us show you 90+ market day ideas for you. We have prepared this list, especially for the kids. Each of these ideas is easy and fun to implement. So, let's explore these ideas and choose a few of them that seem most attractive to you:

• Market Day Ideas for Elementary Schools
• Market Day Ideas for High School Students
• School Market Day Ideas for Food Items
• School Market Day Ideas for Daily Appliances
• School Market Day Ideas for Pets Items
• School Market Day Ideas for Gardening
• School Market Day Ideas for Fashion Items
• Market Day Ideas for 3rd Grade Students
• Other Popular DIY School Market Day Ideas

Market Day Ideas for Elementary Schools

1. Homemade Soap

Homemade soap is a natural and chemical-free soap that is made with different oils, fragrances, and additives. This idea can be implemented by researching different recipes and ingredients to create soap that is gentle and nourishing for the skin. You can also experiment with different shapes, colors, and scents to make your soap unique and appealing.

2. Painted Rocks

Painted rocks are small rocks that are painted with colorful designs or inspirational quotes. You can implement this idea by collecting rocks of different shapes and sizes and painting them with acrylic paints or markers. You can also add varnish or glitter to make them more attractive.

3. Tie-Dye Clothing

Tie-dye clothing is a colorful and fun clothing style that involves twisting, folding, and tying fabric before dying it with different colors. To implement this idea, you will need plain white T-shirts or other clothing items. Then you will have to use tie-dye kits or natural dyes to create unique and vibrant designs.

4. Personalized Keychains

Personalized keychains are small accessories that can be customized with initials, names, or favorite designs. You can build personalized keychains with plain keychains and use markers, paints, or stickers to personalize them.

5. DIY Slime Kits

DIY slime kits are sets that contain all the ingredients and instructions for making slime at home. You can use materials like glue, activators, and coloring, and package them in a kit with instructions.

6. Scented Candles

Scented candles are candles that contain fragrance oils that release pleasant aromas when burned. You can create scented candles by using wax, wicks, and fragrance oils, and using molds or jars to create candles.

7. Painted Picture Frames

Painted picture frames are frames that have been decorated with paint or other materials to make them more attractive. This idea can be implemented by purchasing plain wooden or plastic frames and using acrylic paints or markers to decorate them with different designs or patterns.

8. Personalized Bookmarks

Personalized bookmarks are fun to implement. You can use different materials like paper, ribbon, or beads. You can personalize them with names, quotes, or photos.

9. DIY Fairy Lights

Fairy lights can be used using different materials like string lights, paper lanterns, or mason jars. You can also add personal touches like painted designs or personalized labels to make them extra special.

10. Decorated Pencils

Another simple yet interesting item to implement for school market day. You can use washi tape or paint to decorate plain pencils. Then sell them in sets or individually as per your audience's needs.

Market Day Ideas for High School Students

11. Handmade Jewelry

Handmade jewelry can be an excellent idea for a school market day. Students can create their own unique pieces of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, using a variety of materials like beads, wire, and other decorative elements. These pieces can be sold on the market day to fellow students, teachers, and parents.

12. Origami Animals

This idea involves creating various animals using the Japanese art of paper folding called Origami. You can make different animals by following online tutorials or purchasing an origami book. To sell them, you can display them in a cute and creative way, like in a miniature zoo or forest.

13. Hand-Sewn Stuffed Animals

This idea involves making stuffed animals by hand-sewing pieces of fabric together. You can find patterns online or make your own. To sell them, display them on a table or shelf, and use creative props, like a miniature bed or playground, to show them off.

14. Decorated Tote Bags

Use fabric markers, paint, or other craft materials to create decorated tote bags. You can create different designs or personalize them with names or quotes. To sell them, display them with other accessories or use creative props, like a beach or shopping scene.

15. DIY Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are a very popular item for house decoration. Materials like shells, beads, and string are used to create wind chimes. To sell them, display them with other outdoor decor or use creative props, like a garden or patio.

16. Homemade Bath Bombs

Make bath bombs using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. You can create different scents or shapes and package them in cute and creative ways to attract your potential customers.

17. Embroidered Patches

Use fabric, thread, and a needle to create embroidered patches. Display them with other accessories or use creative props, like a denim jacket or backpack to attract your target audience.

18. Personalized Christmas Ornaments

This idea is perfect for the holiday season. Students can create unique Christmas ornaments using materials like felt, beads, or clay. They can add personal touches like names, dates, or special messages to make them extra special.

19. Personalized License Plate Frames

You can create personalized license plate frames using different materials like cardboard, foam board, or paint. You can also add personal touches like names, initials, or special messages to make them extra special.

20. Personalized Canvas Art

Students can create personalized canvas art using different materials like canvas, paint, or markers. They can add personal touches like names, initials, or special messages to make them extra special.

21. Decorated Christmas Stockings

Similar to the personalized Christmas ornament idea, students can create unique Christmas stockings using different materials like fabric, paint, or stickers. They can add personal touches like names, initials, or special messages to make them extra special.

22. Personalized Wall Art

Create custom wall art by painting or printing on canvas or using frames to display different designs or messages. These pieces of art can be personalized with different names, quotes, or symbols and make great gifts or decorations for any room.

School Market Day Ideas for Food Items

23. Homemade Popcorn

Who doesn't like popcorn? You can sell your favorite snack at the school market day. Make homemade popcorn and sell them in small bags. Offer different flavors such as butter, caramel, or cheese.

24. Homemade Granola Bars

Make homemade granola bars using oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Package them in small bags and sell them as healthy snacks.

25. Homemade Apple Cider

Apple cider is a very healthy drink for all ages people. Make homemade apple cider using fresh apples and spices. Sell them in small bottles.

26. Homemade Lemonade

Lemonade is a tasty drink for everyone. If it's a sunny day, you'll get lots of orders. You can make homemade lemonade using fresh lemons and sugar. Sell them in small cups or bottles.

27. Homemade Candy

Create your own candy recipes using ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup, chocolate, and nuts. These homemade treats can be packaged in small bags or boxes and sold in different flavors and varieties.

28. Homemade Cheese

Cheese is a delicious item to eat, right? Also, it can be easily prepared at home. Students can create different types of homemade cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or brie, and package them in small containers or bags. Then sell it to different age groups.

29. Homemade Ice Cream

Students can create different flavors of homemade ice cream, such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, and sell them in small cups or cones. They can also experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create different variations.

30. Homemade Marshmallows

Students can create different flavors of marshmallows, such as vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate, and package them in small bags or containers. They can also experiment with different shapes and sizes to make them more interesting.

31. Homemade Jam

You can create different flavors of homemade jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry, and package them in small jars or containers. You can also add personalized labels or tags to make them extra special.

32. Homemade Brownies

Who doesn't love a delicious chocolate brownie? Students can bake and package their own homemade brownies to sell on the market day. They can experiment with different ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or frosting to create different flavors and variations.

33. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

This is a mix of cocoa powder, sugar, and other ingredients that can be added to hot milk to make hot chocolate.

34. Homemade Pickles

These are pickles made from scratch using cucumbers, vinegar, and spices. They can be sold in jars and are a popular snack.

35. Homemade Salsa

You can make your own salsa from fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, and sell it in small jars or containers. Homemade salsa can be a delicious and healthy snack or condiment and can be customized to suit different tastes.

School Market Day Ideas for Daily Appliances

36. Personalized Phone Cases

Use a phone case printer or create custom designs using stickers or paint. You can sell them for popular phone models.

37. Personalized Water Bottles

This is the most-hyped market day idea for school. This idea involves personalizing water bottles using vinyl stickers or paint. You can create different designs or personalize them with names or quotes.

38. Decorated Flip Flops

Everyone likes flip-flops, right? It is easy and fun to design. This idea involves decorating plain flip-flops using paint, markers, or other craft materials.

39. Homemade Lip Balm

You can make lip balms using natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils. Package them in cute little containers and sell them for a reasonable price.

40. Decorated Mason Jars

Buy plain mason jars and decorate them with paint, glitter, or ribbons. You can sell them as vases, pen holders, or even drinking glasses.

41. Decorated Lunch Boxes

This idea involves decorating lunch boxes with various designs, stickers, or personalization to make them unique and appealing to kids or adults. This idea is great for those who want to add a personal touch to their lunch boxes or want to create a special gift for someone.

42. Handmade Dream Pillows

Create soft and colorful pillows filled with different herbs and scents that promote relaxation and better sleep. These dream pillows can be sold in different sizes and scents and make great additions to any bedroom.

School Market Day Ideas for Pet Items

43. Homemade Bird Feeders

You can create bird feeders using simple materials like pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. You can make them in different shapes and sizes and sell them with instructions on how to use them.

44. Homemade Dog Treats

This idea involves making healthy and delicious treats for dogs using simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and bananas. You can find recipes online or create your own. To sell them, package them in cute and creative ways, like in a dog-shaped box or a bone-shaped container.

45. Hand-Painted Birdhouses

Hand-painted birdhouses can be created using different materials like acrylic paint, stickers, or decoupage paper. You can create different designs or patterns that appeal to different interests or themes.

46. Handmade Pet Carrier

A pet carrier is important while carrying pets from one place to another place. You can easily create a pet carrier, for example, a cat carrier with ease. Collect fabrics, plastic bins, and towels to make pet carriers.

School Market Day Ideas for Gardening

47. Decorated Flower Pots

Decorated flower pots are small containers that are decorated with paint, stickers, or other materials to make them more attractive. This idea can be implemented by purchasing plain terracotta pots and using acrylic paints or markers to decorate them with different designs or patterns. You can also add plants or flowers to make them more appealing.

48. Miniature Gardens

Miniature gardens are small gardens that are created in containers and contain miniature plants, figurines, and accessories. You can use small containers, soil, plants, and miniature decorations like fences or statues to create a unique garden.

49. Decorated Planters

Create decorating plain planters using paint, markers, or other craft materials. You can create different designs or personalize them with names or quotes. To sell them, display them with plants inside or use creative props, like a mini garden or balcony.

50. Hand-Painted Plant Pots

Create painted plant pots using paint or markers. To sell them, display them with plants inside or use creative props, like a mini garden or windowsill.

51. Hand-Painted Plant Markers

Use acrylic paints to create cute plant markers for herbs or small plants. People love to buy plant markers for their gardens. At the same time, it's very easy to make.

52. DIY Butterfly Gardens

You can create small butterfly gardens using different plants and flowers that attract butterflies. You can also add personal touches like painted designs or personalized labels to make them extra special.

53. Hand-Painted Garden Signs

Create custom garden signs by painting on wooden boards or using chalkboards for a more rustic look. These signs can be personalized with different messages or designs and make great additions to any garden or outdoor space.

54. DIY Succulent Planters

You can create small succulent gardens in pots or mason jars using different types of succulents and decorative stones. You can also add personal touches like painted designs on the pots or personalized labels.

55. DIY Herb Gardens

Anyone can create small herb gardens in pots or mason jars using different herbs like basil, mint, or parsley. They can also add creative touches like personalized labels or painted designs on the pots.

School Market Day Ideas for Fashion Items

56. Beaded Bracelets

Use different colors and styles of beads to make unique bracelets. This is a cool school day idea. You can sell them to your friends, teachers, and even guardians as well.

57. Decorated Hats

To sell decorated hats on your school market day, first, you have to buy some hats from your nearby market. Then decorate them with fabric paint, patches, or embroidery.

58. Decorated Sunglasses

Buy plain sunglasses and decorate them with paint, stickers, or rhinestones. It's a cost-effective and easy-to-implement idea. Also, it has appeal to young kids.

59. Decorated T-Shirts

Use fabric markers, paint, or iron-on transfers to decorate t-shirts with different designs, slogans, or logos. These t-shirts can be sold to students, parents, and fans and can be personalized to represent different sports teams or school events.

60. Decorated Hats

Use fabric markers or paint to decorate hats with different designs, patterns, or logos. These hats can be personalized to represent different sports teams or school spirit and can be sold to students, parents, and fans.

61. Decorated Aprons

Decorated aprons are useful items to sell on a school market day. Students can decorate aprons using different materials like fabric markers, paint, or iron-on patches. They can create different designs or patterns that appeal to different interests or themes.

62. Handmade Hair Accessories

We all are familiar with handmade hair accessories, right? You can create handmade hair accessories using different materials like ribbons, beads, or fabric. Then it can be sold especially to your female friends.

63. Decorated Bandanas

You can use fabric markers or paint to create unique designs on plain bandanas. You can create different designs that appeal to different interests or themes, such as sports teams, animals, or music.

64. Decorated Baseball Caps

Similar to the decorated bandanas idea, students can use fabric markers or paint to create unique designs on plain baseball caps. They can create different designs that appeal to different interests or themes.

65. Decorated Jean Jackets

Use fabric markers, patches, or embroidery to decorate jean jackets with different designs, slogans, or symbols. These jackets can be sold to students, parents, and fans and can be personalized to represent different sports teams or school events.

66. Decorated Canvas Shoes

Similar to the decorated sneakers idea, students can use fabric paint, markers, or iron-on patches to create unique designs on plain canvas shoes. They can create different designs that appeal to different age groups or interests.

67. Decorated Sneakers

Students can use fabric paint, markers, or iron-on patches to decorate plain white sneakers. They can create different designs or patterns that appeal to different age groups, such as cartoon characters, sports teams, or inspirational quotes.

Market Day Ideas for 3rd Grade Students

68. Handmade Greeting Cards

We use greeting cards for different purposes like religious purposes, birthday celebrations, and new year celebrations. Use cardstock paper and decorate them with drawings, stickers, or calligraphy to create greeting cards and sell them on your school market day.

69. Decorated Photo Frames

Buy plain photo frames and decorate them with paint, glitter, or other materials. You can sell them in different sizes and styles.

70. Hand-Painted Stepping Stones

You can paint colorful designs on stones and sell them as decorations for gardens, patios, or pathways. They can use various designs, such as flowers, animals, or inspirational messages, to appeal to different customers.

71. Personalized Backpacks

This is an excellent idea for students who want to make their backpacks stand out from the rest. Use a backpack printer or create custom designs using patches or embroidery. You can personalize backpacks with names, initials, or favorite designs.

72. Homemade Trail Mix

Make homemade trail mix using nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips. Package them in small bags and sell them as a snack.

73. DIY Terrariums

Terrariums are very attractive gifts. You can create small terrariums using succulents, rocks, and moss. Sell them as desk decorations or gifts. People will love it.

74. Personalized Notebooks

Personalized notebook is a very common idea among young kinds. It's a very easy idea to implement. Use a notebook printer or create custom designs using stickers or paint. Sell them for different age groups.

75. Hand-Painted Flower Pots

This involves painting small flower pots with various designs or patterns to create unique and attractive decor items. These flower pots can be used to hold small plants or flowers, or even as pen holders on a desk

76. Personalized Stickers

You can create custom stickers with various designs or messages, which can be used to decorate laptops, water bottles, notebooks, or any other item. Personalized stickers are a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to everyday items.

77. Decorated Water Bottles

Decorate reusable water bottles with various designs or patterns to make them unique and appealing. Decorated water bottles are a great way to encourage people to stay hydrated while also adding a personal touch to their water bottles.

78. DIY Bath Salts

This involves creating your own bath salts using Epsom salt, essential oils, and other ingredients, and packaging them in small jars or containers. DIY bath salts can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, and can also make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Other Popular DIY School Market Day Ideas

79. Personalized Hair Ties

These are hair ties with a person's name or a custom design printed on them. They can be sold individually or in sets.

80. Hand-Painted Garden Stakes

You can paint wooden garden stakes with colorful designs. They can be used to label plants in a garden. You can sell them to different age groups.

81. Decorated Phone Cases

Phone cases are very useful items for every smartphone owner. You will find a huge consumer list for this item. So, create decorated phone cases for your school market day with your own creativity. You can decorate them with paint, stickers, or other embellishments to make them unique.

82. Personalized Magnets

A personalized magnet is a fun item to sell on a school market day. These are magnets with a person's name or a custom design printed on them. They can be sold individually or in sets.

83. Decorated Canvas Bags

Similar to the personalized tote bags idea, students can create unique canvas bags using different materials like fabric, paint, or stickers. They can add personal touches like names, initials, or special messages to make them extra special.

84. Handmade Bookmarks

You can create unique bookmarks by using different materials such as cardstock, stickers, washi tape, and ribbons. You can also add personal touches like hand-drawn designs, favorite quotes, or messages of encouragement.

85. Homemade Fudge

Another delicious treat to sell on the market day. Students can make different flavors of fudge, such as chocolate, vanilla, or peanut butter, and package them in small boxes or bags.

86. Hand-Painted Wind Spinners

Students can use acrylic paint or markers to create unique designs on wooden wind spinners. They can create different shapes and patterns that appeal to different age groups, such as animals, flowers, or geometric shapes.

87. Personalized Picture Frames

Students can create unique picture frames using materials like cardboard, foam board, or popsicle sticks. They can add personal touches like names, dates, or special messages to make them extra special.

88. Handmade Dream Catchers

You can create beautiful dream catchers using materials like yarn, feathers, and beads. You can add personal touches like different colors or designs to make them extra special.

89. Personalized Mouse Pads

Anyone can create unique mouse pads using materials like foam board, fabric, or paper. You can add personal touches like names, pictures, or special messages to make them extra special.

90. Decorated Watercolor Prints

You can create unique watercolor prints and decorate them with different materials like glitter, stickers, or markers. They can create different designs or patterns that appeal to different interests or themes.

A Few Common FAQs on School Market Day Ideas

1. How do you celebrate market day?

Market day can be celebrated by creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere where students can showcase their entrepreneurial skills. This can include setting up a variety of stalls offering homemade crafts, baked goods, or other products.

To enhance the festive ambiance, you can incorporate music, games, and food stalls. Also, you may want to consider organizing interactive activities such as raffles, talent shows, or educational workshops to further engage the attendees.

2. How do you plan a market day?

Planning a successful market day involves several key steps. Firstly, it's important to form a planning committee comprising students, teachers, and parents to ensure diverse perspectives and contributions. The committee can then decide on the date, location, and logistics such as stall setup, safety measures, and waste management.

Encouraging students to come up with creative stall ideas and products to sell can add diversity and appeal to the event. Workshops focused on marketing, pricing, and customer service can also be organized to equip students with essential skills.

3. How can students effectively promote their market day stalls to attract customers?

Students can employ various strategies to effectively promote their market day stalls and attract customers. Utilizing social media platforms to create buzz and generate interest in their products is a popular and effective method.

Eye-catching posters and flyers strategically placed around the school and local community can also draw attention to their stalls. Offering promotions, such as discounts or special offers, can incentivize potential customers to visit their stalls.

Which School Market Day Idea Do You Like Most?

School market day is hugely popular, especially in the USA and Europe-based elementary schools. Gradually, it's gaining popularity in the Asia and rest of the world. So, if you are a teacher, student, or guardian, you can rely on our school market day ideas list and choose a range of ideas to host your school market day.

It's a proven way to introduce entrepreneurship skills to students when they are in the early stages of their lives. They can learn so many things simultaneously from a school market day like entrepreneurship, money management, public speaking, and so on.

So, now let us know which ideas you like most from our list. Also, you can feel free to comment if we missed your favorite school market day ideas in this list. We will include your favorite ideas in our next update!