Are you a parent of a child looking for ways to earn money? In this article, I’ll assume you’re the parent wanting an answer to the following question. How can your child make money? Of course, if you’re a kid or a teenager determined to make money, asking your parents for help before you begin would be best. That’s because you can lean on your parent’s experiences.
Let’s face it: The benefits of children starting a money-making hobby are incredible. For example, they learn how to save and spend money, be responsible, and use it wisely. Thanks to the internet, the world has given everyone, young or old, a fair chance to make money.
How I Made Money as a Kid
Growing up, my parents weren’t wealthy. My father worked long hours while my mother cared for my brother and me at home. As I got older, perhaps 10 or 11 years old, I realized I couldn’t have everything I wanted. For example, if we were shopping at the mall, I’d often gaze in the storefront windows, only to be told “next time” when I asked to buy it. My concept of money wasn’t entirely developed yet.
As a kid, a friend asked me if I could help him with his paper route. It was in the middle of winter, just after Christmas, perhaps around 1988. I agreed, and my friend showed me the ropes. I woke up at 4:30 am on day one to prepare for “on-the-job training.” It was probably -20C outside, and there was snow everywhere. Anyone who knows me knows that cold weather is my enemy! It took just one morning to learn how the paper route works. And in the following days, the newspaper manager taught me how to collect money for the subscriptions.
Eventually, I worked my way up to three full routes. It took about two hours every morning to complete, and as a teen, this was how I made money to pay for the everyday things I wanted. It also set the stage for my future entrepreneurial spirit. Yes, like many business owners, I had a hunger for more. Throughout my career, I’ve learned many lessons I learned as a child.
To be sure, my story isn’t unique. The ideas in this article are for both kids and teenagers. It doesn’t matter if your kid is 12 years old. They, too, can learn to make money. Most of these tasks are online jobs, and only a few need the child to leave home.
So, if you are ready to discover ways to earn money, let’s get started.
27 Jobs Kids and Teenagers Can Do to Start Making Money
Here’s a chart that outlines each job and the suggested minimum age; then, below, I’ll explain how each job could work.
| Job | Minimum Ideal Age |
| Babysitting | 14 |
| Sell Baked Goods | 10 |
| Lemonade Stand | 8 |
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | 12 |
| Reviewer | 13 |
| Blogging | 13 |
| Online Surveys | 13 |
| Product Flipping | 14 |
| YouTube Channel | 13 |
| Photography | 14 |
| Lawn Care Service | 12 |
| Web Development | 15 |
| Tutoring Services | 15 |
| Craft Sales | 12 |
| Garage Cleaning Service | 12 |
| Recycling for Cash | 10 |
| House Sitting | 15 |
| Car Washing/Detailing | 12 |
| Gift Wrapping Service | 14 |
| Create Online Course | 13 |
| Personalized Products | 13 |
| Gaming Coaching | 16 |
| Social Media Management | 16 |
| Errand Running Service | 14 |
| Pet Photography | 14 |
| Yard Decorators | 15 |
| Virtual Assistant | 16 |
Babysitting
In most cities, if your child is over 14, they can make money babysitting. Indeed, since adults are busy with their lives, it’s no wonder they want a little time to themselves in the evening. However, kids who want to get a babysitting job must prove themselves.
If you want to win a client, consider babysitting the first time for free. And, if you exceed their expectations, adults will be more likely to recommend you to other people, such as friends, neighbors, and family. Also, ask your parents for help and vouch for you as a reference.
Sell Baked Goods in a Farmer’s Market
Kids as young as 10 or 11 who are interested in making money can consider selling baked goods, like cookies and cupcakes at a farmer’s market. For example, if your child can bake, he or she can pack ten cupcakes and twelve cookies in a box.
Kids can accept cash or have their parents sign up for a Square account to collect money. Regarding marketing, parents can help their kids promote their hustle on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Also, kids can create a free website on wix.com to complement their offerings. But remember, the photos must be beautiful, so customers will line up to buy the goods!
Lemonade Stand (Yes, it still works)
The good old lemonade stand still works, even today. People are often generous and would like to support a kid’s business, regardless of age. So, they happily buy a cup of lemonade. Take the opportunity to sell lemonade to the neighbors or people walking by. And to supercharge your sales, think of a gimmick. In no time, kids can earn upwards of $20 a day in profit doing this job.
However, the parent should confirm that selling lemonade is permitted within the city’s regulations. That way, they aren’t shut down on day one.
Pet Sit or Walk Dogs
I never met a dog owner who wasn’t concerned about their pet. Indeed, most dog owners treat their dogs like family members or loyal friends. However, dogs need to get the proper attention and care.
People are busy with their lives, but the dogs still need care. As a result, dog owners will often willingly hire other people to help them walk their dogs. If your kid wants to earn money fast, and likes dogs, this could be a great option to make a quick $1000 over the summer.
Pet care websites can help kids and teens find clients who need such services. For example, Care.com offers precisely this service. However, teens will need a parent to vouch for them.
Another way to get clients is to create flyers and spread them around the local dog parks or to people walking their dogs. Expect to charge $10+ for a 30-minute walk.
Become a Reviewer
Another way a kid can make money during his/her free time is to become a reviewer. With this task, the child will give feedback on clothing and music to get paid.
The music and clothing industries need reviews before releasing goods to the public. Sites like Slice the Pie make it happen. Therefore, an opinion will help record labels, brands, and artists decide.
Moreover, your child can earn more money by encouraging more friends to sign up through a referral link. They will use the unique link when signing up, enabling the child to earn an additional 20% for a review.
Blogging
If writing comes naturally to your kid or teen, blogging can make it easy for them to make money. An advantage of blogging is that the child will improve their writing skills over time. Therefore, starting a blog may be the best thing for a young person to do at home. But before your child approaches this option, they should be passionate about what they’ll write about.
For example, many kids and teenagers love playing video games. Because they come across many games, you can help them create a review site. The child can review the newest games they’ve been playing on the site. Ideally, your kid/teen can include videos of playing the games.
Free screen recording software lets children capture and share their gameplay on blogs or social media, enhancing their reviews of the newest games. This showcases their gaming skills and helps develop their digital literacy skills as they learn to manage and edit digital content effectively.
If video games aren’t your kids’ favorite, another excellent example could be a sports blog. For instance, a football blog would be ideal if your child loves to play football. Indeed, there’s a near-endless slate of topics to write about.
Kids can make money blogging in the following ways:
- Sponsors – The kids get paid to advertise a business similar to ads, but this is specific.
- Ads – You know the annoying little ads popping up? Google Adsense will pay your kids for clicks. Well, sort of; Adsense required a parent to sign up for people under 18.
- Affiliate sales – When readers buy something through your link, children can earn through affiliate programs.
- Sponsored posts – when someone writes about a product or service on your kids’ blog, your kids will get paid for it.
To start blogging, you’ll first need to buy a domain name. It should be short and straightforward. Secondly, you need a hosting provider. Bluehost may be the ideal host as they give you a free domain and are generally cheap to host.
Online Surveys
Kids or teens can make money with online surveys to help brands deliver better products or services. These brands will then compensate you with cash or gift cards. And considering your child can do this in their spare time, it could be an excellent opportunity for a kid to make money.
Some of the best websites to sign up for online surveys include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. If you sign up with Swagbucks, teens can expect to earn between $1 and $5 daily. However, to make good money, you need to do a LOT of surveys; thus, your earnings depend on the effort you put in. And while most survey sites are for Americans, there are Canadian survey websites, too! Also, to supercharge your experience, check out the Swagbucks Referral program!
Flip Products Online
Product flipping can be easy for a kid with an entrepreneurial spirit to make money. Moreover, it would be something fun to do during the summer. And, it can be something with parents you trust. For example, with flea markets, children can make a good income by buying stuff from yard sales or Craigslist and reselling them on eBay or Amazon.
For product flipping, you don’t need much money to start. A parent can help their child begin with $20 to $50. After some time, with a small investment, it’s possible to grow it into a 6 figure business.
Start a YouTube Channel
Many kids are taking this opportunity to make money. In fact, starting a Youtube channel is a way for anyone and at any age to make $1000, $10,000 or more! Ryan’s World recently earned the 7-year-old kid a cool $22 million!
This kid’s parents started his YouTube account when he was only 4. During that time, he loved watching toy reviews on YouTube. To his luck, one video went viral, and, as they say, the rest is history.
Starting a YouTube channel doesn’t need a new concept to succeed. Follow Ryan’s steps and bring your spin to the track. However, this may not be a way for a kid to make money fast, but sticking with it allows them to make significant money.
Photography
If your kid likes to take pictures, photography can be an option for him/her to make money. As a kid, getting a high-paying gig was a challenge. But with a good eye and a camera, kids can get hired for well-paying gigs for parties, events, and even profile pics. However, to gain experience, you can start as a photographer’s assistant.
Kids can also sell their photography on sites like Shutterstock and iStock.
Lawn Care Service
Lawn care is another way kids can start making money. Think about mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and trimming hedges. These are some of the easy tasks kids can start, weather permitting.
And depending on where you live, shoveling snow may be another service kids, or teens can offer.
Cutting grass can cost up to $30, which means lawn care services could be an excellent way to make money.
Make Websites
Almost anyone of any age can make a website. However, many people hire someone else to do it for them, perhaps thinking it’s complicated. Teenagers can start a web development business at home with very little startup money. And WordPress is a free, easy-to-use web development tool that allows users to install WordPress themes and plugins. It’s no wonder WordPress powers more than 43.3% of the internet’s websites.
Teens can sell these websites to local stores or organizations that want an inexpensive online presence. And as you gain experience, the more money you will make.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring is a fantastic way for kids and teenagers to earn money, especially if they excel in math, science, or English. Teens can leverage their academic strengths by offering tutoring services to younger students or peers who need extra help while making a difference. Tutoring can be done in person or online through Google Meet or Zoom, making it accessible and convenient. Parents often seek affordable tutoring options for their children, and having a peer tutor can be a more relatable and engaging experience for younger kids.
Teens can advertise their services through school bulletin boards, social media, or word of mouth in their community. Tutoring not only helps students improve their grades but also allows the tutor to reinforce their knowledge, making it a mutually beneficial endeavor. Plus, it’s a flexible way to earn money while maintaining a busy school schedule.
Craft Sales
For creative kids and teenagers, selling crafts is an excellent way to turn a hobby into a money-making venture. Handmade items like jewelry, candles, or artwork are always in demand, especially if they are unique or personalized. Kids can sell their crafts at local craft fairs, farmer’s markets, or online through platforms like Etsy, which is well-known for promoting handmade and vintage items.
Crafting allows kids to explore creativity while learning business basics like pricing, marketing, and customer service. Social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest are great for showcasing their work and reaching a broader audience. Selling crafts helps kids earn money and builds their confidence and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a rewarding way to turn passion into profit, providing valuable life skills that can be used in future business endeavors.
Garage Cleaning Service
Offering a garage cleaning service is a practical way for kids and teenagers to earn money, especially during spring and summer when many people are focused on home improvement projects. Cleaning out a garage can be daunting for busy homeowners, and this is where motivated kids can step in to help. By advertising their services in the neighborhood or through local online community boards, teens can find clients willing to pay for this often-overlooked chore.
This job teaches responsibility, hard work, and the importance of organization. It also allows teens to learn basic business skills like customer service and time management. Additionally, kids can offer add-on services like organizing tools or setting up storage systems to increase their earnings. This service helps homeowners declutter and gives teens a sense of accomplishment as they see the results of their hard work.
Recycling for Cash
Recycling is an eco-friendly way for kids and teenagers to make money while contributing to environmental conservation. Collecting recyclable materials like aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass containers can turn waste into cash when taken to a recycling center. Many communities offer redemption programs where recyclables are exchanged for money, making this an opportunity for kids.
This activity teaches kids the value of sustainability and the importance of caring for the planet. It also encourages physical activity, as collecting recyclables often involves walking around the neighborhood or participating in community clean-up events. Parents can help their children set goals for how much they want to earn and track their progress. By making recycling a regular activity, kids can learn about the benefits of environmental responsibility while steadily earning money over time. It’s a simple yet impactful way to boost their income.
House Sitting
House-sitting is a reliable way for responsible teens to earn money, particularly during vacation seasons. When neighbors go out of town, they often need someone trustworthy to watch over their house, water plants, collect mail, and ensure everything is secure. Teens can offer their house-sitting services in the community through direct referrals or by posting on local community boards and social media.
This job is ideal for responsible and detail-oriented teens, as it requires attention to detail and the ability to handle small tasks independently. House sitting provides a low-stress way to earn money while giving teens a sense of responsibility and trust from their clients. It’s also an excellent opportunity for teens to build their reputation for reliability, which can lead to more job opportunities in the future. Plus, it’s a flexible job that can easily fit into a teen’s busy schedule.
Car Washing and Detailing
Car washing and detailing are classic ways for kids and teenagers to earn money, especially during the warmer months. Setting up a car wash in the neighborhood or offering mobile services to wash cars at people’s homes can be highly profitable. Teens can charge extra for detailing services like waxing, interior cleaning, and tire shining, which adds value for customers.
This business teaches kids the importance of hard work, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. They can advertise their services by distributing flyers, using social media, or simply going door-to-door. Car washing is also a great way to encourage teamwork, as friends can work together to wash more cars and split the earnings. It’s an active job that keeps kids moving and engaged while providing a steady income stream. Plus, customers appreciate the convenience of cleaning their cars without leaving home, making it a win-win.
Gift Wrapping Service
Offering a gift-wrapping service during the holiday season can be a lucrative way for kids and teenagers to earn extra money. Many people enjoy shopping for gifts but find wrapping them time-consuming and challenging. By offering professional-looking gift wrapping, teens can cater to busy individuals who want beautifully wrapped presents without the hassle.
This service can be offered in the community, at local markets, or through partnerships with local businesses. Teens can promote their services through social media, community boards, or word of mouth. This job allows kids to express their creativity and attention to detail and learn about pricing and customer service.
Offering custom wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags can increase their earnings. The holiday season provides a perfect opportunity for kids to make money while helping others prepare for the festivities, making it a rewarding and festive job.
Create an Online Course
Creating an online course is an innovative way for tech-savvy kids and teenagers to earn money while sharing their knowledge with others. If your child is an expert in a particular area, such as drawing, coding, or playing an instrument, they can create a course and sell it on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Developing an online course involves creating videos, worksheets, and quizzes that help students learn a new skill.
This process teaches kids how to organize and present information and helps them build confidence in their abilities. Online courses can reach a global audience, providing a potentially lucrative income stream. Kids can also use social media and YouTube to promote their courses, driving more traffic and sales. This venture allows kids to turn their passions into a profitable business while gaining valuable experience in digital content creation and marketing.
Personalized Products
Selling personalized products is a creative and profitable way for kids and teenagers to make money. With tools like Cricut machines or screen printing kits, kids can create custom t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and other items with unique designs, names, or messages. Personalized products are always in demand, especially for gifts or special occasions. Teens can sell their creations at local markets, online through platforms like Etsy, or directly to friends and family.
This business idea allows kids to explore their artistic side while learning about product development, pricing, and customer service. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are excellent for showcasing personalized products and reaching a wider audience. By offering custom designs, kids can differentiate themselves from mass-produced items, attracting customers looking for something special. This venture teaches kids the basics of running a small business while allowing them to express their creativity in a fun and profitable way.
Gaming Coaching
Offering gaming coaching services can be a fun and profitable way for kids who excel at video games to earn money. With the rise of competitive gaming and eSports, many younger players are eager to improve their skills in popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, or Call of Duty. Teens can offer one-on-one coaching sessions, teaching strategies, techniques, and tips to help others succeed in the game. Gaming coaching can be done online through platforms like Discord or Twitch, making it accessible to a global audience.
This job allows teens to turn their passion for gaming into a business, teaching them the value of their knowledge and skills. They can advertise their services on gaming forums, social media, or by word of mouth within their gaming community. Coaching not only helps others improve but also allows the coach to refine their skills, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Social Media Management
Teenagers skilled in social media can turn their expertise into a profitable business by offering social media management services. Many small businesses and local organizations struggle to maintain an active online presence, making this a valuable service. Teens can help by creating content, scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and managing social media campaigns on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
This job teaches teens about digital marketing, content creation, and customer engagement, all valuable skills in today’s digital world. By offering affordable social media management, teens can attract clients who need help growing their online presence but can’t afford a full-time manager. They can promote their services through local community boards, online job platforms, or by approaching small businesses directly. This venture provides teens with real-world experience in marketing and business, setting them up for future success in the digital economy.
Errand Running Service
Running errands is a practical and flexible way for teenagers to earn money, especially for those who can drive or bike around their neighborhood. Many busy adults need help with grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering packages but don’t have the time to do it themselves. Teens can offer to run these errands for them, providing a valuable service while earning money. An errand-running service is ideal for teens looking for a job that fits around their school schedule, as they can choose when and how often they work.
Teens can start by offering services to neighbors, family friends, or local businesses needing help with daily tasks. They can also advertise through community boards, social media, or local online groups. This job teaches teens about time management, responsibility, and customer service, all while staying active and engaged in their community. Additionally, it’s a great way to build relationships and trust with residents, which can lead to more job opportunities in the future. Whether picking up groceries or delivering items, an errand-running service is a straightforward way for teens to make money while helping others.
Pet Photography
Pet photography is a niche but lucrative way for kids and teenagers who love animals and photography to make money. Owners often want professional-quality photos of their furry friends, whether for keepsakes, social media, or even holiday cards. Teens with a good eye for photography and basic camera skills can offer pet photography services to friends, family, and neighbors. They can start by building a portfolio of pet photos to showcase their work and attract clients.
Offering mini photo sessions in local parks or at clients’ homes can be a great way to get started. Teens can also collaborate with local pet stores or grooming salons to offer their services to a broader audience. This job allows kids to combine their passion for pets and photography while learning valuable composition, lighting, and editing skills. It’s a fun and creative way to earn money, especially for animal lovers.
Seasonal Yard Decorations
Offering seasonal yard decoration services is a fun and festive way for kids and teenagers to earn money, especially during holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Many homeowners love decorating their yards but don’t have the time or creativity to do it themselves. Teens can step in by offering to design, set up, and take down holiday decorations for a fee.
This service can be marketed to neighbors, family friends, and local businesses looking to attract customers with festive displays. Teens can offer packages that include everything from basic decorations to elaborate setups with lights, inflatables, and themed decor. This job teaches kids about planning, budgeting, and customer service while allowing them to express their creativity. Seasonal yard decoration is a great way to spread holiday cheer while earning money, and it can be a repeat business year after year as clients return for each holiday season.
Virtual Assistant Services
Becoming a virtual assistant is an excellent opportunity for tech-savvy teenagers to earn money by helping small businesses or busy professionals manage their daily tasks. Virtual assistants perform various tasks, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling social media, and conducting research.
This job can be done from home, making it flexible and convenient for teens to balance with schoolwork. Teens can offer services to local businesses or professionals who need help but can’t afford a full-time assistant. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can also be used to find clients looking for virtual assistance. This job provides valuable experience in organization, communication, and time management, all essential skills in today’s workforce. By offering virtual assistant services, teens can gain real-world experience in the business world while earning a steady income, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Final Thoughts on Kids and Teens Making Money
Earning money as a kid or teenager is not just about making extra cash; it’s about building life skills, fostering responsibility, and developing a solid work ethic that will benefit them throughout their lives. Whether it’s through traditional jobs like babysitting and lawn care or modern opportunities like starting a YouTube channel or offering virtual assistant services, there are countless ways for young people to explore their entrepreneurial spirit. By choosing a money-making venture that aligns with their interests and strengths, kids and teens can enjoy the process while learning valuable financial literacy and time management lessons.
Encouraging your child to pursue these creative money-making ideas can help them gain confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the value of hard work. With the right guidance and support, today’s kids and teenagers have more opportunities than ever to turn their passions into profitable ventures. So, whether they’re tutoring, crafting, or flipping products online, there’s a money-making opportunity out there for every child, helping them to not only earn but also grow in ways that will serve them for years to come.
