What do you think of these ideas?

[Savvysavermum]

I’m trying to think of some business ideas - not massive money makers, but reasonable second income as a single parent. Have alternative weekends and half the holidays without childcare issues.

• Kids party prep business:

providing themed decorations, set up, party bags, themed craft area and doing tattoo/ glitter tattoos (not face painting trained) or support for the event with games etc. Profit vs effort involved would be quite low, unless have a few scheduled in the same weekend. In time could possibly stretch to catering too, such as food boxes with a set price per child as an add on only. if successful next stage of expansion could be to offer balloon arches and backdrops, and also an unmanned bouncy castle - would require a van.

Community centre stay and plays in a very large hall- this is a well off/mc area:

Lego (a relative is a reseller so could purchase or hire reasonably). Rows of tables and chairs with large bowls of mixed lego all lined along and a base plate each. Separate duplo area for under 4s. Parents to stay and strict disclaimers about supervision etc.

Arts and crafts: paper, character print outs, clay or salt dough shapes to colour in (although I suspect the paper trail needed for this one may be large) , pens, pencils, crayons, paint sticks and glue sticks. Feathers, gems, stickers, safety scissors.

Maybe a separate area with beads, scoobies or diamond art for older children.
No set activities just free play. Charge about £3 per child. hire the room for a whole day and host 3 2 hour sessions on half terms. Could maybe do one after school session on Fridays it’s close to multiple schools.
I am aware of different insurance requirements plus dbs.

I think a lot of that Lego will disappear, TBH.

Why would I pay for a Lego play session, where I have to stay and supervise?

I can do the same at home for free.

Unless you you are focused on very high end customer base, I don't think the kids party planning will be a goer, in this climate I wouldn't pay for that for a kids party at home, I'd go to Asda and pick up all the bits and bobs you are offering.

My local libraries all offer free lego sessions every weekend exactly as you describe so I wouldn't pay for those.

Yes I would have to factor in theft.

There are lego parties already available which attract the same rates as entertainers, or an option to hire by the kilo online.
A church in the next town also offers similar in the summer holidays without much advertising and for a donation which proves very popular. Petrol plus parking or bus fare would cost more for local parents.
It’s a good idea for play dates outside of the home so kids can meet up with friends etc and access to more variety.

Most characters and themes aren’t available in Asda but between all supermarkets, Amazon, eBay and Temu you are correct. At home parties aren’t popular here though, it would be targeting the hall party demographic. About 50% in my experience. I would try to market it as a slightly lower cost than usual with extra help.

your kids party - it isn't the buying of the themed bits and bobs which is worth paying for, it is someone who runs all the games and runs the afternoon.
Loads of effort, but not hard if you can control a group of kids. I am a teacher and so loved running kids parties, because I coudl. I noticed that many mums hated this part and struggled which is why going to soft play etc is popular.

So I would offer a package - pirate party - come dressed up, but have paper hats and eye patches for all. Bring decorations for pirate theme. A set of 8 games with pirate themes, including a treasure hunt. Finish with birthday tea provided by parent. Provide simple take home bags with gold chocolate coins, pirate themed pencil and rubber etc.
Same for James Bond /Spy party
Traditional party games party
and so on.

Not sure how much you can charge, and if it is worth it. Your decoration etc will set you back approx £5 per child, so you need to charge enough on top of that.

Your stay and play doesn't sound workable unless you have a lot of supervising adults, and in this context, no, I would not trust the parents to be the supervisiong adults, and you will lose all the lego etc into peoples pockets.
In my experience, that craft table with get trashed. With an adult sitting there and supervising it will go fine.

It is very hard to keep little ones out of older area (and parents are not necessarily helpful with this)
Cost of hall hire can be pretty high, and most places you will not get all day as they have regular bookings eg clubs on Saturday.

sorry, hadn't seen your latest message.

You could do some research. If these things are working in your area.

Hand out some quick questionaires at the school gate, get them to rank 4 things 1st to 4th and then say how much would be pay for 2 hours, and offer them some cost choices.

Thinking of your lego party.
I'd be tempted to keep it focussed.
lego stay and play, just lego.
But have optional mini competitions - prize today for the most unusual car / best builing for the moon etc. And get them to show off their crations at the end.
Encourage photograph and post on social media.