How to Make Money as a Kid/Teen: 30 Great Ideas

The Importance of Learning to Make Money as a Kid Early

There are numerous advantages to teaching kids how to make money from a young age. It fosters independence, builds financial literacy, and helps them understand the value of hard work and saving. It also instills confidence, time management skills, and entrepreneurial thinking. As kids start earning money, they’ll learn important lessons about budgeting, saving, and the joy of reaching financial goals.

Let’s dive into 20 great ideas that can help kids start making money while having fun!

Creative Ideas for Making Money

Idea 1: Selling Handmade Crafts

Kids with a knack for creativity can turn their hobbies into a money-making opportunity. Handmade crafts are popular at local markets, online stores, or even among friends and family.

Idea 2: Creating Jewelry

Crafting homemade jewelry is a fun and rewarding way for kids to express their creativity and earn money. They can make beaded bracelets, necklaces, earrings, or friendship bands. With minimal supplies—like beads, string, and clasps—kids can create unique pieces and sell them at school events, to family members, or on platforms like Etsy.

Idea 3: Knitting or Sewing

Kids who are good with their hands can knit scarves, hats, or create sewn items like cushions or small pouches. Simple projects like hand-sewn tote bags or knitted headbands can be sold locally or online. Learning how to knit or sew also provides kids with a useful skill that can serve them well in the future.

Idea 4: Creating and Selling Artwork

For artistic kids, creating and selling artwork is an excellent way to make money. They can create paintings, drawings, or digital designs and sell them at local fairs or online marketplaces. Parents and friends often love to support budding artists, and with platforms like Redbubble or Society6, kids can even turn their art into products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters.

Idea 5: Writing Short Stories

Kids with a passion for storytelling can write their own short stories or children’s books. With the rise of self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it’s easier than ever to publish and sell e-books. Children can create stories for younger audiences, design their covers, and share them with friends or sell them online.

Idea 6: Comic Books

For kids who love both drawing and writing, creating a comic book is a perfect way to make money. They can combine their love for storytelling with their artistic talents to create fun, engaging comics. Comic books can be sold at school events, comic shops, or even published online.

Idea 7: Starting a YouTube Channel

With the explosion of content creation on platforms like YouTube, kids can start their own channels around topics they enjoy—whether it’s reviewing toys, showcasing hobbies, or providing educational content. While it takes time to build an audience, once a channel grows, kids can earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Idea 8: Making and Selling DIY Kits

Kids can create and sell DIY kits based on their favorite hobbies. For example, they can put together craft kits for other kids to enjoy, with materials and instructions included. Science kits, slime kits, or art kits can be packaged creatively and sold at local markets or online.

Service-Based Money-Making Ideas

Idea 9: Babysitting

Older kids who are responsible and enjoy spending time with younger children can earn money by babysitting. Babysitting is a common way for teens to make extra cash, and many parents are willing to pay for trustworthy childcare. Kids can take babysitting courses to learn first-aid and safety tips, which will also give them confidence in handling their responsibilities.

Idea 10: Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

If your child loves animals, dog walking or pet sitting is a great way to make money while spending time with furry friends. Many pet owners need help during the day to walk their dogs or care for their pets when they’re out of town. Kids can start small by helping neighbors or family friends and eventually grow their clientele by word of mouth.

Idea 11: Mowing Lawns

During the summer, lawn care services are always in demand. Kids can offer to mow neighbors’ lawns for a fee. With just a lawnmower and some basic knowledge, they can take on a few clients in the neighborhood and make money regularly.

Idea 12: Raking Leaves and Shoveling Snow

In the fall and winter, yard care opportunities don’t stop. Kids can offer services like raking leaves or shoveling snow from driveways and walkways. These seasonal jobs are not only a great way to make money but also offer good exercise.

Idea 13: Car Washing Services

Another service kids can provide is car washing. Many people don’t have time to wash their cars regularly, and offering a mobile car wash service to neighbors can be an easy way to earn money. All that’s needed is a bucket, soap, water, and some elbow grease.

Idea 14: Helping Neighbors with Errands

Kids can also help their neighbors with small tasks and errands like picking up groceries, collecting mail, or watering plants while they are away. This type of service helps kids build responsibility and trust within their community, and it’s a great way to earn extra cash during their free time.

Online Money-Making Ideas for Kids

Idea 15: Taking Online Surveys

Several child-safe websites allow kids to earn money by completing online surveys. Though the payouts are usually small, it’s an easy way for kids to make extra money during their free time. Always ensure that the survey platforms are appropriate and safe for children.

Idea 16: Playing Games for Cash or Prizes

Some online platforms allow kids to earn money or prizes by playing games. Sites like Swagbucks offer points for playing games, which can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash. It’s important to ensure these platforms are child-friendly and that parents oversee their use.

Idea 17:Selling Printable

Kids can design digital products like printable, coloring pages, or worksheets and sell them online. Platforms like Etsy make it easy to upload and sell digital files. This is a great option for kids with graphic design skills or those who love to create educational content for other children.

Idea 18:Selling Stock Photos or Graphics

Young photographers or graphic designers can sell their work as stock photos or graphics. Websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock allow creators to upload their images, which can be purchased by people for use in websites, advertisements, and social media.

Idea 19:Becoming a Kid Influencer

In today’s digital age, kids can become influencers by building a following on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. They can share content about their hobbies, favorite toys, or even life tips for other kids. Once they grow an audience, they can collaborate with brands for sponsorship deals, making money through partnerships.

Idea 20:Tutoring Online

Kids with special talents in music or art can teach others through virtual lessons. Offering piano lessons, drawing tutorials, or even craft sessions via Zoom or other platforms can be a unique way to make money from home.

Money-Making Ideas Through Recycling and Sustainability

Idea 21:Recycling Cans and Bottles

Many areas have recycling programs that pay for returned cans and bottles. Kids can collect recyclables from friends, family, or even around the neighborhood and turn them in for cash. It’s an eco-friendly way to make money while helping the environment.

Idea 22:Selling Old Toys or Clothes

Kids can earn money by selling old toys, books, or clothes they no longer use. Organizing a yard sale or using platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace allows them to clear out their room and make some cash. It’s a simple way to declutter and make money at the same time.

Idea 33:Starting a Community Compost Service

Kids who are passionate about the environment can start a compost collection service for their neighborhood. They can collect food scraps and yard waste from neighbors, compost it, and then sell the compost to local gardeners. This is an eco-friendly business idea that helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.

Idea 24:Repurposing Old Furniture

Older kids with a talent for DIY projects can repurpose old furniture and sell it for a profit. Whether it’s sanding and painting a chair or turning an old dresser into something new, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to transform old furniture into something valuable.

Idea 25:Organizing Eco-Friendly Fundraisers

Kids can organize eco-friendly fundraisers, like community clean-up events, and raise money through donations or sponsorships. They can help beautify their community while earning money for a cause they believe in.

Entrepreneurial Money-Making Ideas

Idea 26:Starting a Lemonade Stand

The classic lemonade stand is still a great way for kids to make money, especially during the summer months. With minimal investment in supplies—like lemons, sugar, and cups—kids can set up a stand in their neighborhood or at a local event. It’s also an excellent way to learn basic business skills like pricing, customer service, and marketing.

Idea 27:Selling Baked Goods

Baking is another creative and profitable way for kids to make money. Selling homemade cookies, brownies, or cupcakes to neighbors, friends, or at local events is a delicious way to earn cash. Kids can also take custom orders for parties or special occasions.

Idea 28:Growing and Selling Plants

Kids with a green thumb can grow plants or herbs in their backyard and sell them to neighbors or at local markets. This can include anything from flowers and potted plants to small herb gardens. Gardening teaches responsibility and offers kids a chance to connect with nature while making money.

Idea 29:Hosting a Garage Sale for Others

Kids can offer to help neighbors or family members organize garage sales, keeping a portion of the profits for their hard work. By helping set up, promote, and sell items, they can learn negotiation skills and earn money without needing to invest in products.

Idea 30:Customizing and Selling T-Shirts

Tie-dye t-shirts are always a hit among kids and teens. They can create unique, colorful designs and sell them at school events or online. This fun craft project is also an excellent way for kids to learn about managing supplies, marketing their products, and pricing their goods.