Do you get a thrill planning your kid's parties every year? Turn your fairy-godmother skills into a work-at-home job as a party planner.
Income potential: Terri Reynolds started her children's party hosting business Just Imagine Parties in Saint Helena, Calif., after planning her oldest daughter's fourth birthday party.
Reynolds offers two-hour, hosted parties with fairy-tale and pirate themes, starting at $600. She works from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week and on weekends, when she hosts parties. Most children's party planners can make yearly incomes of $35,000, says Reynolds.
Investment required: Startup costs vary, depending on the party and whether you own equipment such as tables, chairs, linens and costumes.
"Startup costs can run up to $40,000, depending on how high-end you would like to go," says Reynolds.
Pros: This business thrives on word-of-mouth marketing from parent to parent.
Cons: Most parties take place on the weekend, taking away from family time, Reynolds says.