12 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Mums in the UK [2025]

Being a stay-at-home mum in the UK doesn’t mean you have to press pause on your goals. More and more stay-at-home mums across the UK are starting businesses from home that work around school drop-offs, nap times and busy family schedules.

With so many tools and platforms now available, it’s easier than ever to turn a skill or hobby into income. Some mums are getting crafty with baking, handmade gifts or kids’ clothes, while others are diving into digital work like blogging, tutoring or virtual assistance. There are also great service-based ideas, from pet care to party planning, that don’t need a huge investment to get off the ground.

This guide covers 12 of the best business ideas for stay-at-home mums UK wide, with simple tips to help you get started, find your first customers and keep your work and home life in balance.

1. Sell your products and services online

Selling products online is one of the easiest ways for mums to build a home business. You can start with something you already make, such as candles, soaps, or jewellery, or source products from suppliers to resell. Online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon Handmade make it simple to reach customers without a physical shop.

The key is to choose products that have a demand and are easy to ship. For instance, if you have a bit of free time while your baby naps, you can start by making crochet baby hats or patterns and offer them on Etsy.

How to get started:

• Pick a niche that excites you and research what’s trending (for example, eco-friendly packaging or handmade skincare).
• Take clear photos and write honest, engaging product descriptions.
• Start small with 3 – 5 products to test demand before expanding.
• Promote your shop on Instagram and TikTok where handmade products perform well.

❗UK tip: Always comply with UK safety regulations for cosmetics, skincare, or toys if you sell those categories.

2. Become a virtual assistant

Businesses, from startups to busy professionals, are always looking for help with admin tasks. As a virtual assistant (VA), you might manage emails, schedule meetings, or handle social media. It’s flexible, can be done entirely online, and doesn’t require a big upfront investment.

How to get started:

• List your skills: admin, social media, bookkeeping, customer service.
• Create a LinkedIn profile or a simple portfolio site.
• Join VA Facebook groups and job platforms like Upwork or PeoplePerHour.
• Offer packages (e.g., 10 hours per week) to make pricing clear.

3. Work as a pet sitter or childminder

If you love caring for children or animals, this could be an ideal business. Pet sitting and dog walking are in high demand, especially in cities where owners work long hours. Childminding at home is also popular, provided you meet UK regulatory standards.

How to get started:

• For childminding, register with Ofsted, complete a DBS check, and take a paediatric first aid course.
• For pet care, set up profiles on Rover, Tailster, or Pawshake, and consider pet liability insurance.
• Build trust through reviews, photos, and strong communication with clients.

📌Extra tip: Offer extra services like pet grooming or after-school homework help to increase income.

If you need help naming your pet walking business, here are some ideas: 100+ Creative Dog Walking Business Names for Pet Lovers

4. Launch a blog or become a content creator

Blogging and content creation let you share what you know or love. For example, parenting tips, recipes, travel guides, and earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. The income takes time to build but can become a strong passive stream.

🔎 Stay-at-home mum business idea to learn from:

Honest Mum, founded by award-winning writer and filmmaker Vicki Broadbent, has become one of the most influential parenting blogs in the UK. The blog was born out of Vicki’s own experiences as a new mother, navigating the challenges of parenting while balancing her career ambitions.

Over time, Honest Mum has grown into a trusted platform where she shares candid reflections on motherhood, family life, self-care, and career development. Her content often blends personal storytelling with practical advice, making it relatable to a broad audience of parents seeking authenticity rather than perfection.

How to get started:

• Choose a niche you enjoy and where there’s an audience.
• Build your site with WordPress or Wix, and use social media to promote posts.
• Learn the basics of SEO to attract traffic from Google.
• Monetise later through affiliate links (Amazon Associates is a good start) or brand collaborations.

📌 UK tip: Register as a sole trader with HMRC if you earn over £1,000 annually from blogging.

5. Offer tutoring or online classes

Tutoring can be a rewarding way to use your skills, whether it’s helping kids with maths or teaching adults a foreign language. You can also offer hobby classes, such as baking, crafts, or music, online or in-person.

Demand for online tutors skyrocketed post-2020, and parents are happy to pay for personalised help.

How to get started:

• Decide what subject or skill you’ll teach and at what level.
• Register on UK tutoring platforms (Tutorful, Superprof) or create your own website.
• Offer a free 15-minute session to attract clients.
• Create engaging lesson plans that keep students motivated.

6. Become a freelance writer

Freelance writing is a perfect business idea for stay-at-home mums with strong writing skills. You can write blog posts, website copy, social media content, or even eBooks for businesses. This job is highly flexible and can fit around childcare schedules.

How to get started:

• Create 2–3 sample articles to showcase your style.
• Pitch to UK blogs, agencies, and brands that hire freelance writers.
• Join platforms like Contently, ProBlogger, or PeoplePerHour.
• Set clear rates (start modestly, then increase as you gain experience).

📌 Niche down (for example, health, parenting, or tech) so you stand out in a crowded market.

7. Offer virtual event planning services

Events are no longer just in-person, because many companies host online conferences, webinars, and networking events. If you’re organised and creative, virtual event planning can be an exciting home-based business.

How to get started:

• Learn tools like Zoom, Hopin, or Microsoft Teams for hosting events.
• Offer packages (event setup, guest coordination, live support).
• Build a simple website showcasing past events or testimonials.
• Reach out to small businesses that lack an in-house event team.

8. Try dropshipping with trending products

Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without storing inventory. When customers order, the supplier ships items directly to them. This is low-risk, but success depends on good marketing and choosing products that actually sell.

How to get started:

• Choose a niche with steady demand (home gadgets, kids’ toys, fitness gear).
• Use platforms like Shopify and connect with dropshipping suppliers (e.g., via DSers or Spocket).
• Create strong product descriptions and branded packaging where possible.
• Test ads on Facebook and TikTok to see what works.

9. Start a home baking or cooking business

If you’re already the go-to person for birthday cakes or special dinners, turning your skills into a business makes sense. Home-based baking businesses are popular in the UK, especially for custom cakes, cookies, and celebration treats.

🔎 Stay-at-home mum business idea to learn from:

Fiona Scarborough began "Butterwick Bakery" as a stay-at-home mum making celebration and wedding cakes from her home in the Midlands. High demand, especially for her creative treats, soon led to her husband joining the business.

They quickly scaled up: from a home kitchen to opening their own bakery shop and launching a delivery service in Corby. Their story is a classic example of building a baking business from the kitchen table to a high-profile, community-favourite bakery.

Fiona attributes much of their early success to strong local connections and growing side-hustle demand, especially via social media and word-of-mouth.

How to get started:

• Register as a food business with your local council (required by law).
• Complete a Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety course.
• Decide on a niche, such as celebration cakes, brownies, or healthy meal prep.
• Use Instagram and local Facebook groups to showcase your creations.

📌 Offer seasonal specials (e.g., Valentine’s gift boxes, Christmas cookies) to keep orders flowing year-round.

10. Open an online kids’ clothing store

Parents constantly shop for stylish, affordable kids’ clothes. Selling online allows you to target this market with curated products or your own handmade line.

How to get started:

• Decide whether to source wholesale, dropship, or create your own designs.
• Comply with UK product safety standards for children’s clothing (flammability, labeling).
• Use Shopify or Etsy to sell online and build a strong Instagram presence.
• Offer bundles (e.g., matching sets) to increase average order value.

📌 Tap into micro-trends, such as gender-neutral styles or organic cotton, to stand out.

11. Sell graphic design services

If you have a creative eye and some design software skills, graphic design is a lucrative stay-at-home business for mums. Businesses constantly need logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials.

How to get started:

• Build a portfolio with a few sample projects (mockups work too).
• Offer services on freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.
• Specialise in a niche (e.g., branding for small businesses, Etsy shop visuals).
• Upsell clients with design packages rather than single tasks.

12. Launch a subscription box business

Subscription boxes are trending across the UK, covering everything from snacks to self-care kits. They provide recurring income and attract loyal customers.

For example, Letterbox Gifts is a UK-based subscription gift service that offers beautifully hand-wrapped, letterbox-friendly gift sets delivered directly through the recipient's letterbox. Their offerings focus on original, quality gifts sourced from ethical British companies. The subscriptions are available for various occasions, such as birthdays, pregnancy ("Mum to Be"), new mothers, pampering, beauty, and wine, and typically last for 3, 6, or 12 months with free UK delivery.

How to get started:

• Choose a niche, whether beauty, wellness, kids’ crafts, or eco-friendly goods.
• Source unique products or create your own.
• Use Cratejoy or Shopify to easily manage subscriptions.
• Offer tiered pricing to accommodate various budgets.

Tips for balancing business and home life

Running a business from home while raising a family can be both rewarding and challenging, as it requires a delicate balance. The lines between “work time” and “family time” can blur quickly, leaving you feeling like you’re always on the clock.

So, finding a rhythm that works for you is key.

Here are some practical ways to keep the balance:

• Set clear working hours – Even if they’re flexible, define when you’re “at work” and when you’re not. Let clients know your availability to avoid late-night emails creeping into family time.
• Create a dedicated workspace – It doesn’t have to be an office; even a tidy corner can signal “this is where work happens.” When you leave that space, you mentally switch off.
• Use tech to your advantage – Automate what you can: schedule social posts, use invoicing tools, and set reminders for deadlines. The less you have to remember, the less stress you’ll feel.
• Get help when needed – Outsource small tasks (like admin or bookkeeping) or ask family for support during busy periods. Trying to do it all often leads to burnout.
• Take real breaks – Step away from the laptop, have lunch with your kids, or go for a quick walk. These pauses help you stay focused and energised.

📌 Balancing both worlds is about permitting yourself to slow down where possible and investing your energy where it matters most.

From a business idea for a stay-at-home mum to reality with ANNA

Starting your own business as a stay-at-home mum is more than just an income stream. It is also a way to create something that’s yours while still being present for your family.

It won’t always be easy, but with a clear plan, a supportive routine, and the right tools, you can build a business that fits your life, not the other way around.

💫 Ready to take the next step?
Set up your business the smart way with ANNA. Register your company, open a business account, and manage your finances with tools built to save you time (and stress). It’s fast, simple, and designed to help small businesses grow.

👉 Get started with ANNA today and take control of your business journey from day one.