Ever wondered how to make your own money as a kid?
Whether you want to save for a new video game, buy a gift for someone special, or just enjoy the freedom of having your cash, this guide is for you.
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The best part? You don’t have to wait until you’re older. There are plenty of fun, safe, and creative ways for kids like YOU to make money. Let’s dive into it.
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Why It’s Awesome to Make Money as a Kid
Learning how to make money as a kid does more than give you spending power. It teaches you important life skills like:
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Responsibility
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Time management
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Creativity and problem-solving
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Saving and budgeting
Plus, it feels pretty cool to earn your own cash and treat yourself (or your family!) once in a while.
1. Sell Handmade Crafts or Art
Are you skilled at drawing, making bracelets, or crafting cool DIY projects?
You can turn your creativity into a source of income. Sell your art to family, neighbors, or even set up a stand with a parent’s help.
Kid Tip: Create cards for holidays like Christmas or birthdays. People love buying personal, handmade gifts.
Parent Help Needed For: Online platforms like Etsy or social media promotions.
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Sell them to family, friends, or neighbors, or get your parents to help you sell online.
Read More: How To Sell Handmade Crafts or Art
2. Offer Yard or Garden Help
If you live in a neighborhood, chances are someone nearby needs help with:
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Raking leaves
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Watering plants
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Pulling weeds
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Sweeping the porch
What You’ll Need: Gloves, a rake, and a friendly smile. Start by asking your neighbors politely if they need help.
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Start with your own family and work your way down the street offering help.
3. Start a Lemonade or Snack Stand
A classic way to make money as a kid! On hot days, a cold lemonade stand is always a hit. If you want to get creative, try selling:
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Homemade cookies
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Ice-cold drinks
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Healthy fruit cups
Money Tip: Keep your prices fair and clean your space. People are more likely to buy when things look nice.
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Set up in your front yard or at local events (with adult supervision).
Read More: How To Start a Lemonade or Snack Stand
4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Do you love animals? Pet owners sometimes need help when they go on vacation or are busy at work. Offer services like:
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Dog walking
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Feeding pets
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Cleaning small cages (like hamsters or rabbits)
Safety Tip: Only help people you and your family know. Always let your parent or guardian know where you are.
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Ask your parents to help you find people who trust your family.
5. Recycle Cans and Bottles
Depending on where you live, you can collect bottles or cans and exchange them for money.
It’s a great way to help the environment AND your wallet.
What You’ll Learn: This method teaches you about recycling and the importance of keeping the planet clean.
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It’s eco-friendly AND you earn money at the same time.
6. Sell Old Toys, Books, or Clothes
If your room is full of toys or clothes you don’t use anymore, sell them. Ask your parents if you can set up a mini garage sale or post items online together.
Bonus Tip: Take good pictures and clean items first. People love to buy things that look new.
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Ask a parent to help you set up a mini yard sale or post items online.
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7. Start a YouTube or TikTok Channel
If you’re into gaming, storytelling, crafts, or challenges, why not turn it into content?
With help from a parent, you can start a channel and grow followers. Once you hit enough views and subscribers, you can make money from ads or sponsors.
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Note: Always get your parents’ permission and help when posting online.
Read More: How To Start a YouTube or TikTok Channel
8. Do Odd Jobs for Family
Your family might pay you a small amount for extra tasks like:
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Organizing drawers
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Washing the car
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Cleaning the garage
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Helping with tech (yes, YOU can teach them!)
Make a chore chart, set prices, and offer to help during weekends.
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Make a price list and be consistent—your family will appreciate it
How Much Can a Kid Make?
While you won’t make adult-sized money yet, kids can earn between $5 to $50 a week (sometimes more!) depending on the job and effort.
It’s not about how much—it’s about building good habits and confidence.
Safety First: Important Tips for Kids
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Always tell your parents before starting any money-making activity.
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Never go to strangers’ houses alone.
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Don’t share personal info online without your parents’ okay.
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Save some of what you earn—don’t spend it all at once!
Smart Ways to Use Your Money
So now that you’re earning, what should you do with the money?
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Save: Open a kids’ savings account or use a piggy bank.
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Spend: Buy something special, but don’t blow it all.
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Share: Donate a small amount to help others (optional but awesome).
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Learn: Try budgeting your weekly earnings into categories.
FAQs: How to Make Money as a Kid
1. Can kids legally make money?
Yes! Kids can make money through small jobs, crafts, chores, or digital content as long as it’s age-appropriate and supervised by an adult.
2. What is the best way for a 10-year-old to make money?
Try a lemonade stand, pet-sitting, or selling crafts. These are fun, safe, and can be done locally with a parent’s help.
3. How can kids make money online safely?
Kids can make YouTube videos, sell crafts with a parent on Etsy, or take part in family-run blogs or shops. Always get adult permission and follow internet safety rules.
4. Do I need money to start making money?
Some ideas, like recycling cans or doing chores, require no startup cost. Others, like craft-making, may need a small investment, but you can ask your parents for help.
5. How can I save the money I earn?
Use a labeled jar system (Save, Spend, Share) or open a kids’ savings account. This teaches budgeting early.
Final Thoughts: You’re Never Too Young to Hustle
Learning how to make money as a kid is the beginning of becoming a confident, smart, and independent person.
You don’t need to wait to be a grown-up to do big things. Start small, be consistent, and always have fun doing it.
You’ve got this…
