Invent a Product Pitch

Your teen invents a product that solves a problem they actually notice, then builds a short pitch explaining what it is and why it matters. They plan it on their own, then present it to the family, who gets to ask real questions about the idea.

How to do it

1. Ask your teen to think of a problem or everyday annoyance, something that bugs them, a friend, or the family, and invent a product that could fix it. Any kind of invention counts, such as a gadget, an app, a game, a tool, or something wearable. There is no single right answer here.
2. Have them sketch what the product looks like on paper and jot down what it does, using pens or markers. Encourage them to give it a name.
3. Have them plan the pitch using index cards, one card each for the problem, how the product solves it, and why someone would want it. Let them choose whatever pitch style suits them, such as a straightforward explanation, a mock commercial script, a comparison to something that already exists, or a simple prop demonstration built from scrap materials. The format is theirs to pick.
4. Give them a few quiet minutes to practice saying the pitch out loud on their own, timing it if they want, until it feels natural rather than memorised.
5. Gather whoever is home and willing as the audience and have your teen deliver the pitch. Afterward, ask a genuine question about the idea rather than a critique, like "what made you think of this?" or "who would use it first?"
6. Let your teen decide afterward if they want to keep developing the idea, retire it, or save it for the next pitch.

What you need

• Paper
• Pens or markers
• Index cards
• Timer
• Prop materials

Make it yours

Younger end, 12-13 years: Keep the pitch to a single index card covering all three parts together, and if a full family audience feels like too much, present to just one family member instead. Older end, or more independent: Add a rough cost estimate or a "how they'd actually make it" section to the pitch, and have them field two or three real follow-up questions from the audience afterward. Siblings: Each sibling invents and pitches their own product. A younger sibling who isn't ready to invent one yet can still be part of the audience asking questions. No index cards on hand: Use a single sheet of paper divided into three sections instead, or list the three parts as a numbered list