Clay Fridge Magnets
Shape tiny rainbows, fruit, animals and initials from air-dry clay, paint them and add a magnet on the back.
- Ages
- 7–12
- Startup budget
- $112–$212
- Time per week
- About 3 hours
- Parent involvement
- Moderate
- Preparation
- Easy start
- Type
- Product
- Where to sell
- In person & online
- Time to start
- 2 weekends (clay needs a day or two to dry)
About this idea
Clay magnets are small, cheap to make and easy to sell in sets. Kids sculpt shapes from air-dry clay (no oven needed), paint them in bright colors and glue a magnet on the back.
It’s a great way to practice a repeatable process: make a batch, dry, paint, seal, glue, package. Customers love buying three as a little gift.
A great fit for
- Kids who love sculpting and small details
- Patient makers who can wait for clay to dry
- Families who want a low-cost first product
What you’ll need
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Air-dry clay (5 lb tub)Makes well over 100 small magnets | $15 |
| Round craft magnets (pack of 100) | $11 |
| Acrylic paint set (12 colors) | $12 |
| Mod Podge gloss sealer (8 oz) | $5 |
| Strong craft glue (like E6000)An adult should use this one | $9 |
| Backing cards and small bags | $5 |
| Subtotal | $57 |
Assumes: Enough for about 60–100 magnets. Uses a rolling pin, toothpicks and cookie cutters you already have.
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Market table feePer event. Kids’ markets typically charge $10–50; some are free | $25 |
| TableclothA bright color makes the table stand out | $10 |
| Display stand or risersGives products height so customers notice them | $15 |
| Sign and price cards | $5 |
| Pop-up tentOptionalOnly for outdoor markets without shade. Borrowing one works too | $100 |
| Subtotal (without optional) | $55 |
Bring about $20 in small bills and coins for change. You get it back, so it isn’t counted as a cost. Selling to family and friends first? You can skip these until your first market.
Total to start selling at a market
$112$212 with optional extras
What parents do
Parent involvement: ModerateRegular help with some steps, printing or online sales
- Buy the clay and supplies
- Handle the strong glue step
- Drive to markets and help at the table
Your child: about 3 hours a week making, selling and planning once it’s up and running.
Step by step
Pick a theme
Choose 3–4 shapes you can make well: rainbows, fruit, hearts or little animals. A clear theme looks great on a table.
Shape and dry
Keep pieces about 1/4 inch thick so they dry without cracking. Let them dry for 24–48 hours, turning them over once.
Paint and seal
Paint the shapes, add faces or details, then brush on a coat of gloss sealer.
Attach the magnets
An adult glues a magnet to the back of each piece. Let the glue cure overnight before packaging.
Package in sets
Put three matching magnets on a small card in a clear bag. Sets look like ready-made gifts.
Costs & pricing example
Cost to make one magnet
$0.62
Example price
$4
Profit per magnet
$3.38
How we worked out the cost of one magnet
- Clay$0.15
- Magnet$0.11
- Paint and sealer$0.15
- Glue$0.09
- Card and bag$0.12
If your child sells 30 magnets at $4, that’s $120 in sales and about $101.40 profit after materials. The $112 startup cost, including a first market table, is earned back after about 34 magnets.
Sets of three for $10 sell well. Custom magnets, like a pet or a name, can be $6–8.
These numbers are illustrative examples, not guaranteed earnings. Prices vary by supplier and location.
Where to sell
Children’s markets and craft fairs
The best place to start: shoppers love meeting young makers.
Family, friends and neighbors
Great for first sales and honest feedback.
School or community events
Ask the organizer first; some require permission or a small table fee.
A parent-run online shop
Online marketplaces require an adult account holder.
Skills your child will build
- Sculpting and fine motor skills
- Following a process
- Costing and pricing
- Packaging and presentation
Common challenges
- Cracks while drying
- Try this: Smooth cracks with a wet finger as soon as you see them, and dry pieces slowly away from heat.
- Magnets falling off
- Try this: Use strong craft glue, rough up the back with sandpaper first and let it cure fully.
Safety & parent notes
- Adult supervision
- Small parts
- Handles chemicals
- Magnets and small pieces are dangerous if swallowed. Add “Not for children under 3” to your cards and keep supplies away from younger siblings.
- Strong craft glue has fumes. An adult should use it in a ventilated room.
A note for parents
Air-dry clay is forgiving, so let your child experiment. Handle the glue yourself, and help them see the process as a little production line.
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