In the case of learning about different ways for kids to earn money, Learning to make money as a kid is an essential step towards financial responsibility and independence. It’s never too early for kids to start thinking about ways to earn money. When parents work to find ways for kids to earn money, they instill essential values and teach necessary financial skills for the future.
The benefits of teaching kids how to make money are plenty. The most obvious is that kids learn the value of a dollar and what it takes to earn money. They also develop a strong work ethic, which will benefit them greatly as they enter adulthood. In addition, kids who earn their own money are less likely to spend recklessly or take on excessive debt.
Technology has created many opportunities for children to make money. Unlike old-fashioned methods of racking up money earned, such as mowing lawns or setting up a lemonade stand, kids today can use the internet to find ways to make money.
You can lead by example and start your side hustle. If interested, check out this video-
30 Money-Making Ideas Kids Can Start Right Away
This blog post will explore 30 different ways for kids to earn money. Each one is a great opportunity for kids to learn about financial responsibility and develop essential money-management skills.
#1 Blogging
If your child is a natural writer, they can start a blog and generate income from advertisements or sponsored posts. Blogging is a great way for kids to share their interests and perspectives with the world. It’s also an opportunity to teach them about SEO, social media marketing, and other digital marketing skills.
Remember a few things if your child is interested in starting a blog. First, they’ll need to choose a niche or topic they’re passionate about. This will make writing content much easier and more enjoyable. Second, they should know the time commitment required to maintain a successful blog. Third, they’ll need to be patient to start generating a significant amount of traffic and income.
If your child is serious about starting a blog, help them choose a catchy name and design a professional-looking website. You can also assist with brainstorming ideas for posts and connecting them with brands or businesses interested in sponsoring their content.
#2 Writing Article for Others
If your child enjoys writing but doesn’t want to commit to maintaining a blog, they can write articles for other websites or publications. This is a one of the great ways for kids to earn money and also get their work published simultaneously. To get started, encourage your child to pitch article ideas to websites or magazines they’d like to write for. If they don’t hear back immediately, remind them that the publishing process can take some time.
In addition to writing articles, your child can also earn money by editing and proofreading articles written by others. This is a great way for kids to improve their grammar and attention to detail while also making extra cash.
Many websites offer opportunities for kids to write articles and get paid. A quick internet search will reveal a long list of possibilities. Before your child signs up for any of these sites, research to confirm the opportunity’s legitimacy.
#3 Working at the Family Business
If your family owns a business, this is a great way for kids to earn money and learn about running a company while also earning money. Children can do many tasks to help in the family business, such as answering phones, filing paperwork, or stocking shelves.
Your child’s work will depend on their age and the type of business you own. If your child is old enough and you feel comfortable, they could take on managerial responsibilities, such as handling customer complaints or training new employees.
Working at the family business is a great way for kids to learn about different aspects of running a company. They’ll also develop important work skills, such as responsibility, time management, and teamwork.
#4 Coordinating and Holding a Garage/Yard Sale
This is a great way for kids to declutter their bedrooms and earn extra cash. To get started, help your child go through their belongings and decide what they want to sell. Once they’ve sorted everything, they can start pricing items and setting up the sale.
Your child can hold the sale at your house if you have a large enough yard. If not, they can rent a space at a local flea market or community garage sale. To attract customers, your child can promote the sale on social media or distribute flyers in the neighborhood.
Running a garage sale is a great way for kids to learn about pricing, marketing, and customer service. They’ll also get experience handling money and making changes.
#5 Watering the House Plants
This is a great way for kids to get outside and earn extra cash if you have a garden. To get started, help your child choose which plants they’ll be responsible for watering. They can also help you determine how often the plants need to be watered and what type of water (e.g., rainwater, tap water) is best.
In addition to watering plants, your child can also earn money by weeding the garden or planting new seeds. This is a great way for kids to exercise and learn about the plant life cycle.
Many families are looking for someone to water their plants while on vacation. If you know someone going out of town, ask if your child can water their plants while they’re away.
#6 Doing Chores Around the House
This is a great example of ways for kids to earn money while helping out around the house. To get started, sit down with your child and list chores they can do to earn money. You can also set a price for each chore, such as $0.50 for taking out the trash or $1.00 for vacuuming the living room.
In addition to regularly scheduled chores, you can also offer your child bonus opportunities, such as an extra $10.00 for cleaning the garage or $20.00 for mowing the lawn. This is a great way to motivate kids to do chores they might not normally enjoy, such as cleaning the bathroom or car washing.
Doing chores around the house is a great way for kids to learn about responsibility and the value of hard work. They’ll also develop important life skills, such as time management and organization.
#7 Running a Classic Lemonade or Hot Chocolate Stand
This is an example of one of the great ways for kids to earn money in the warmer months. To get started, help your child set up a table and chairs in your front yard. They can decorate the stand with posters or streamers to attract customers.
Your child will need to make a sign listing the prices of their lemonade or hot chocolate. They can also offer customers free refills or cupcakes for an extra charge. Your child can promote their stand on social media or distribute flyers in the neighborhood to attract customers.
Have your child set up the stand and feature a sign briefly explaining why they are trying to earn money. Maybe they are trying to save money for a trip or a special item. People love to help out kids, and they are likely to buy from them if they believe it will help them reach a particular goal.
#8 Monetizing YouTube Channel
YouTube channels are one of the great ways for kids to earn money by doing something they love. To get started, have your child choose a topic for their channel. They can create videos about their favorite hobby, game, or activity.
Your child must film and edit their videos and develop creative ways to keep their viewers engaged. They can also use their channel to review products or promote businesses.
YouTube channels are a great way for kids to learn about video production, editing, and marketing. They’ll also develop important communication and presentation skills. Your child can also earn money by partnering with sponsors or promoting affiliates.
#9 Selling Items Online
You don’t have to hold a garage sale or yard sale to sell that unwanted stuff around your house. Simple ways for kids to earn money online is to sell unwanted items on websites like eBay.
Depending on your child’s age and tech level, this one will likely involve some parental involvement. Be aware that eBay’s terms of use require a user to be at least 18 years of age or older to open an account, so you may need to create an account on their behalf.
Your child can create listings for any personal items they don’t want anymore and are willing to sell. Be aware that video games, trading cards, and vintage or collector’s items can command money. As your child becomes more skilled at online selling, they might consider branching out and flipping items. There are many opportunities to find valuable merchandise to sell online at garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores.
#10 Selling Their Handmade Creations
If your child has a special knack for jewelry design and creates artwork or some other item or craft, there may be a market for them to sell their creations online via websites like Etsy. Not only will this serve as a fantastic creative outlet for your kid, but it can also allow them to make some money.
Like eBay, Etsy requires users to be 18 years old, so you must create an account on their behalf. Once your child has decided which products they wish to offer, they can create listings with images of their products and set up an Etsy shop in no time.
Here’s a list of some items that children can make and sell in their Etsy shop:
- Jewelry
- Handmade Artwork
- Homemade Dog Treats
- Homemade Soaps
- Homemade Bath Bombs
- Holiday Decorations
- Elastic Headbands
- Birdhouses
#11 Earning Money with a Fiverr Account
If your child has a special skill or talent, they can sign up for a free account on Fiverr and offer their services to customers worldwide. Fiverr is an online marketplace where people can find creative services starting at just $5.
Some examples of services include:
- Graphic design
- Writing and Editing
- Video editing
- Voice-overs
- Animation
There are many other services that your child can offer on Fiverr. They need to create a gig, set their price, and wait for customers to come to them. Once they complete a gig, they will receive their payment.
Fiverr is a great way for children to learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, and customer service. They can also use Fiverr to build their portfolio and gain exposure to their talents.
#12 Earning Money as a Baker
If your child loves to bake, they can make money by starting their own baking business. They can take orders from friends, family, and neighbors for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
Your child can also sell baked goods at local farmers’ markets or craft fairs. They’ll need to get a permit from the health department and set up a booth. They can also sell their goods online via a website or social media.
Baking is a great way for children to learn about math, science, and measuring ingredients. They’ll also develop important business skills like customer service, marketing, and bookkeeping.
#13 Growing and Selling Veggies
If your child loves to garden, they can make money by growing and selling vegetables. If you have the space, you can even allow your child to grow their veggies in your backyard. They can learn about gardening and also different ways for kids to earn money without leaving home. They can sell their veggies at a farmers’ market, roadside stand, or online.
This is a great way for children to learn about plant growth, gardening, and marketing. They’ll also develop important business skills like customer service and bookkeeping.
Your child needs to find a suitable location to grow their veggies to get started. They’ll also need supplies like seeds, soil, and gardening tools. Once their garden is up and running, they can start selling their produce.
#14 Recycling Bottles and Cans
If you live in a state with a bottle deposit law, your child can make money by recycling bottles and cans. They can collect bottles and cans from neighbors and local businesses. Once they have a sufficient amount, they can take them to a recycling center to get paid.
Although it isn’t going to bring in a lot of money, recycling is a great way for children to learn about environmentalism and the importance of recycling. They can also make money collecting empty printer cartridges from area businesses, friends, and relatives and using websites like InkRecycling.com and TonerBuyer.com.
Your child will need a recycle bin or bag to get started. They can collect bottles and cans from your home, neighbors, and local businesses. Once they have a sufficient amount, they can take them to a recycling center to get paid.
#15 Selling T-Shirts Online
If your child is creative and has a flair for fashion, they can make money by selling t-shirts online. They can create their designs or use someone else’s with permission. Once they have their design, they need to find a printing company to print the shirts.
Many online t-shirt companies allow you to sell your designs on their website. Your child can also sell their t-shirts on social media or a personal website. This is a great way for children to learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, and customer service.
Your child will need to create their design or find one to use with permission. Once they have their design, they need to find a printing company to print the shirts. They can sell their t-shirts on social media or through a personal website.
#16 Start a Tutoring Business
If your child is a math or science whiz, they can make money by starting a tutoring business. They can offer their services to classmates, friends, and family. Once they have some experience, they can advertise their services online or through word-of-mouth.
Tutoring is one of the best ways for kids to earn money. Many tutoring opportunities are available among your child’s peers, for younger students in the neighborhood, and even online. If your teenager excels in a particular subject, like English, math, or financial literacy, they might be able to make money tutoring.
Your child will need to create a tutoring plan and price. They can offer their services to classmates, friends, family, and online. Once they have some experience, they can advertise their services to a wider audience.
#17 Creating Games
If your child is a Roblox fan, they have the potential to earn money creating their own Roblox games.
Creating your own Roblox game requires almost no coding knowledge and is pretty easy, especially for tech-savvy kids. The amount of money a child can make creating a Roblox game will depend on the game’s overall popularity.
Encourage your child to identify the Roblox games that have already gained popularity. It’s an excellent way to develop ideas for their own game. The minimum age to create a Roblox account is 13 years old.
#18 Teaching Musical Instrument Lessons
If your child is musically inclined, they can make money by teaching musical instrument lessons. They can offer their services to classmates, friends, and family. Once they have experience, they can advertise their services online or through word-of-mouth.
This is a another one of the ways for kids to earn money and share their love of music with others. It’s also great for them to develop their teaching and customer service skills.
If your child can come up with lesson plans and instructions and can follow through as an instructor, they can charge $20 or more per hour for this service.
#19 Giving Sports Lessons
If your child excels in a particular sport, they can make money by giving sports lessons. They can offer their services to classmates, friends, and family. Once they have experience, they can advertise their services online or through word-of-mouth.
This is another example of one of the great ways for kids to earn money and share their love of sports with others. It’s also great for them to develop their teaching and customer service skills.
Most adults spend their entire lives looking for a career that lets them earn money doing something they love, so why not let your child experience that money in real life skills in early stage of life?
#20 Starting a Dog-Walking Business
If your child is an animal lover, a great way to earn decent money is to start a dog-walking service. Dog walkers are often in high demand, especially if you live in a neighborhood where dog owners work away from home all day. It won’t be hard to find one or two customers who appreciate having a responsible kid walk their pet for them when they cannot.
A kid can also branch out into full-service pet sitting so neighbors won’t have to pay for boarding if they are away from home. Children can be responsible for popping in a few times each day, ensuring that the animals are fed, have water, and are let outside. This can be a great opportunity for children to learn about animal care and responsibility.
Of course, the key is always being safe when handling other people’s pets. If your child shows they can be trusted with this responsibility, you may have found a way for them to make some decent money.
#21 Mowing Lawns
Mowing lawns is a summertime classic for kids and earning money. It’s a great way for kids to exercise while also bringing in a little extra cash.
There are many different ways for kids to earn money. If your child is too young to operate a push mower, they can still rake leaves and do other yard work to earn money. As they get older and more responsible, they can graduate to using power tools like a lawn mower.
The amount of money your child can make will depend on the size of the lawns they are mowing and how much they charge per hour or job. You can also encourage them to upsell their services by offering to trim hedges or do other lawn care tasks for an additional fee.
#22 Babysitting
Babysitting has been a staple moneymaker for teens for decades. Younger teens can get their start by babysitting for family friends for short periods. When they gain experience, they can turn their babysitting service into a lucrative business.
The national average hourly rate for a babysitter is $16.50 an hour. However, it is essential to remember that babysitting comes with incredible responsibility. It won’t be the best job option for every teenager.
If your teen is serious about earning money through babysitting, they should consider taking a Red Cross babysitting course. This will give them the skills and confidence they need to provide excellent care to young children.
#23 Participating in Online Surveys
Dozens of companies will pay children and teens to participate in online surveys. These companies use their feedback to help shape their products and marketing campaigns.
While completing online surveys won’t make your child rich, it can be a decent way to earn a little extra pocket money each month. Just make sure they only sign up for reputable survey sites to avoid getting scammed.
Most companies allow kids to earn points for taking surveys. Kids can redeem these points for gift cards and cash.
#24 Washing Cars
Washing cars is a great summer job for kids. It’s a perfect opportunity to get outdoors, and work independently, and also a fantastic way for kids to earn money. You can start by washing your family’s cars and then move on to your neighbors’ vehicles. Once you have a few regular customers, you can expand your business by advertising online or through word of mouth.
Teens can also get creative and offer additional services like vacuuming the interior or applying a coat of wax to the exterior. They can charge by car or by the hour. Most importantly, they should ensure they do a good job to continue growing their business.
Though this may be hard work, it will be worth it when your child sees their bank account growing.
#25 Renting Stuff
If your teen is an avid sports fan, there’s a good chance they have tons of gear, from bikes and skateboards to golf clubs and tennis rackets. And what do people do when they want to use something without buying it? They rent it!
There are now online platforms where people can rent just about anything, from textbooks and baby gear to party supplies and camping equipment. So, if your teen has some gently used items they no longer need or use, encourage them to list them on a rental site; they may be surprised at just how much money they can earn.
Of course, this option isn’t limited to sports equipment. Teens can also rent out their clothes, musical instruments, and more.
#26 Creating and Selling Artwork
Earning money as a kid is easy if your child is creative and enjoys making art. They can turn their passion into a profitable business. They can create paintings, drawings, jewelry, sculptures, or any other artwork and sell it online or at local arts and crafts fairs.
To get started, they can create a portfolio of their work to show potential customers. They should also set up social media accounts and/or a website to showcase their artwork and make it easy for people to buy from them.
Selling artworks are great ways for kids to earn money and express their creativity.
#27 Creating Online Courses
With the rise of online learning, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for courses on almost every topic imaginable. If your teen is an expert on a particular subject, they can create their own course and sell it online.
To get started, they’ll need to choose a platform to host their course. Once they’ve done that, they can create their course material, including videos, PDFs, and audio files. Finally, they can set a price and start selling their course to people worldwide.
Creating an online course allows teens to share their knowledge and make money simultaneously.
#28 Testing Apps/Games
Many developers are looking for people to test their apps and games before they release them to the public. This allows them to find and fix any bugs or errors. And, as a bonus, testers get to try out new products before anyone else.
There are a few different ways to get paid for app testing. Some companies will pay testers by the hour, while others will pay per test. And some will give you a free product in exchange for your feedback.
App testers can make decent money testing new products regardless of how they’re paid.
#29 Becoming a Mystery Shopper
If your kid is looking for something more exciting, they can become a mystery shopper. Mystery shoppers are paid to visit stores and restaurants and report their experiences. They may be asked to compare prices, try new products, or test customer service.
Mystery shopping agencies especially seek out families with young kids. That’s because they can provide valuable insights into how businesses cater to families with young children.
To get started, your teen can sign up with a mystery shopping agency and earn money for their next shopping trip.
#30 Entering Contests and Drawings
Your kid can enter all sorts of contests and drawings to win prizes. And, while they may not always win, the experience is fun, and it’s free to enter.
To find contests, your teen can do a simple Google search or check out websites like Contest Corner and Sweepstakes Lovers. Once they find a few they’re interested in, they can enter and cross their fingers.
Contests are fun ways for kids to earn money and prizes. And, who knows, they may get lucky and win big!
The Bottom Line
As children grow, it is only natural for them to want to earn money independently. That is a good thing that should be celebrated and supported! Thankfully, there are many ways for kids to earn money, with or without the Internet. All it takes is some creativity and a bit of hard work.
We hope this list has given you some ideas to help your child start earning money. Most importantly, we hope it inspires them to be creative and entrepreneurial. Who knows, they may even find themselves on this list one day!
Did we miss any ways for kids to earn money? Let us know in the comments below.
