If you're a kid (or a parent of one) and you’re wondering how to make money without waiting until you're older — you're in the right place.
Kids can absolutely make money, develop real-world skills, and even begin building financial independence before hitting adulthood.
Whether you’re saving for a new game, a bike, a gift, or just want to learn responsibility — this guide covers smart, age-appropriate ways to earn money and build confidence doing it.
Let’s dive into how to make money as a kid — step-by-step!
Why It’s Great to Start Early
Learning how to earn and manage money early helps you:
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Understand the value of hard work
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Develop budgeting and saving habits
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Build entrepreneurial thinking
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Learn how to set and reach goals
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Gain confidence and independence
Many of today’s most successful entrepreneurs started with small side hustles when they were kids — lemonade stands, lawn care, crafts, and more.
And with a little creativity, you can too.
How to Make Money as a Kid (12 Proven Ideas)
These options vary by age, skill level, and safety — but all are real ways to start earning today:
1. 🍋 Start a Lemonade or Snack Stand
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Best for ages: 7–12
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Why it works: Simple, classic, and teaches sales, pricing, and communication
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Bonus tip: Offer bottled water or cookies too to boost income
2. 🐶 Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
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Best for ages: 10+ (with parental support)
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Why it works: Pet owners love reliable help, and kids love animals
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Earn: $10–$30 per visit or walk
3. 🌿 Lawn Care or Snow Shoveling
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Best for ages: 10–15
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What to do: Offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, pull weeds, or shovel driveways
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Earn: $15–$50 per job depending on size
4. 🧼 Car Washing
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Best for ages: 8+
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How to start: Set up in your driveway with buckets, soap, and towels
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Pro tip: Offer “interior vacuuming” as an upsell!
5. 🧁 Sell Baked Goods or Crafts
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Best for ages: 8+ (with adult baking help)
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Great for: Birthdays, holidays, neighborhood events
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Earn: $1–$5 per item (cupcakes, bracelets, art)
6. 🖥️ Create a YouTube Channel
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Best for ages: 10+ (with parental guidance)
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Topics: Toy reviews, book talks, gaming, crafts, learning tips
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Earn: Through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links (after meeting platform rules)
7. 📚 Tutoring or Homework Help
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Best for ages: 12+
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What to offer: Help younger kids with math, reading, or spelling
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Earn: $10–$25/hour depending on age and subject
8. 🛍️ Resell Old Toys or Clothes Online
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Best for ages: 10+ (with adult assistance)
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Platforms: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or neighborhood groups
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Great for: Clearing clutter and making money
9. 🎨 Make Digital Art or Stickers
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Best for ages: 10–16
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Use tools like: Canva, Procreate, or free drawing apps
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Sell on: Etsy, Redbubble, or at school events
10. 🛒 Run Errands for Neighbors
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Best for ages: 11+
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What to offer: Grocery pickup, package drop-off, watering plants
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Earn: $5–$20 per task
11. 📦 Help with Moving or Organizing
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Best for ages: 12+
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Tasks include: Packing boxes, labeling, carrying light items
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Good for: Friends, family, or neighbors
12. 🧾 Help Parents with Small Business Tasks
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Best for ages: 10+
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Ideas: Organize receipts, package products, post flyers
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Bonus: Learn how real businesses operate
Tips for Parents: Keeping It Safe & Smart
If you’re a parent helping your child earn money:
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✅ Ensure all activities are age-appropriate and safe
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✅ Supervise online interactions and sales
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✅ Teach about saving, budgeting, and giving
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✅ Help them set simple goals (e.g., “Save $100 for a bike”)
Want to teach them the basics of how money grows? Try this free tool:
📊 Compound Interest Calculator
What to Do With the Money You Earn
Once you start earning, it’s time to manage your money wisely:
| Income | What to Do |
|---|---|
| $ Spend | Buy small treats or items you care about |
| 💰 Save | For bigger goals or emergencies |
| 📈 Invest | Ask a parent to help open a savings or custodial investment account |
| ❤️ Give | Donate a portion to a cause or community |
You can also start learning about investing early — and why that’s so powerful in Why Investing Is a More Powerful Tool to Build Long-Term Wealth Than Saving
Final Takeaway: Kids Can Build Wealth, Too
Learning how to make money as a kid isn’t just about pocket cash — it’s about learning life-long skills:
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Entrepreneurship
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Work ethic
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Communication
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Money management
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Independence
No matter your age, you can take the first step today.
Because smart financial habits don’t have to wait until adulthood — they can start with a lemonade stand, a lawn mower, or a great idea and a little hustle.