Calling all kids 8-12. Discover 37 fantastic ways to earn money and make your dreams come true. From traditional jobs to creative side hustles, this guide has it all. Start your financial journey today!
1. Lemonade Stand
One of the most classic ways for kids to make money is by setting up a lemonade stand. It’s easy and fun! All you need are some lemons, sugar, water, and a pitcher. Find a spot with lots of foot traffic, like a busy street corner or park, and set up your stand. Make signs to advertise your refreshing lemonade, and don’t forget to have a friendly smile and great customer service!
2. Yard Work
Offer your services to neighbors for yard work like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or pulling weeds. This is a great way to earn some cash while getting some exercise and fresh air. Be sure to let people know you’re available and discuss pricing upfront. You can even create flyers to hand out in your neighborhood.
3. Pet Sitting or Walking
If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a perfect job for you. Many pet owners are willing to pay kids to take care of their furry friends while they’re at work or on vacation. You can offer to feed, play with, and exercise pets for a set fee or hourly rate.
4. Bake Sale
Put your baking skills to the test and host a bake sale! Whip up some delicious treats like cookies, cupcakes, or brownies, and set up a table in your neighborhood or at a local event. Be sure to follow food safety guidelines and let people know if any items contain nuts or other allergens.
5. Garage Sale
Have a garage sale to sell toys, books, clothes, and other items you no longer need or use. This is a great way to declutter and make some money at the same time. Advertise your sale in advance, and be sure to price items reasonably.
6. Tutoring
If you’re a whiz at a particular subject, like math or reading, offer your tutoring services to younger kids or your classmates. You can charge an hourly rate or a flat fee per session. Just be sure to get your parents’ permission and let them know where you’ll be tutoring.
7. Selling Crafts or Art
Are you creative and artistic? Consider selling your handmade crafts or artwork! You can make things like friendship bracelets, paintings, or origami sculptures to sell at local craft fairs or online (with your parents’ help, of course).
8. Recycling
Collect recyclable items like aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and paper, and turn them in for cash at your local recycling center. Not only will you be making money, but you’ll also be helping the environment!
9. Chores for Family and Friends
Offer to do extra chores for family members or friends in exchange for a fee. This could include tasks like washing cars, cleaning houses, or running errands. Just be sure to discuss the expectations and payment upfront.
10. Online Opportunities
With your parents’ permission and supervision, you can explore online opportunities for making money, such as taking paid surveys, doing small tasks or “gigs” through websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk, or even starting a blog or YouTube channel (just be mindful of any age restrictions).
11. Car Washing
Offer to wash cars for neighbors or family members for a small fee. You’ll need some basic supplies like soap, sponges, and towels, but it’s a great way to earn money while providing a useful service.
12. Shoveling Snow
In areas with snowy winters, offer to shovel driveways and sidewalks for neighbors after a snowstorm. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash while helping others and getting some exercise.
13. Running Errands
Offer to run errands for busy parents or elderly neighbors. This could include tasks like picking up groceries, dry cleaning, or other items. Just be sure to get permission from your parents and agree on a fair price upfront.
14. Babysitting
If you’re responsible and good with kids, babysitting can be a great way to make money. Start by offering your services to family members or friends, and once you have some experience, you can advertise in your neighborhood or through local parenting groups.
15. House Sitting
While families are away on vacation, you can offer to house sit for them. This could involve tasks like watering plants, bringing in mail or packages, and keeping an eye on the property. Just be sure to get permission from your parents and agree on any specific duties and payment upfront.
16. Selling Handmade Jewelry
If you’re crafty, you can make and sell handmade jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. You can use materials like beads, charms, or even recycled items like bottle caps or buttons. Sell your creations at local craft fairs or online with your parents’ help.
17. Window Washing
Offer to wash windows for neighbors or family members. It’s a simple task that can earn you some extra cash, especially during spring cleaning season.
18. Selling Homemade Greeting Cards
Get creative and make your own greeting cards to sell. You can use materials like construction paper, markers, stickers, and other craft supplies to design unique cards for birthdays, holidays, or other occasions.
19. Plant or Vegetable Selling
If you have a green thumb, you can grow and sell plants or vegetables from your own garden. This could include things like flowers, herbs, or produce like tomatoes or cucumbers.
20. Delivering Newspapers or Flyers
Check with your local newspaper or advertising companies to see if they need help delivering newspapers or flyers in your neighborhood. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash while getting some exercise.
21. Selling Handmade Candles
Learn how to make candles and sell your creations. You can experiment with different scents, colors, and even unique containers like jars or tins.
22. Selling Handmade Soaps or Bath Products
If you’re interested in crafting, you could make and sell handmade soaps, bath bombs, or other bath products. You can experiment with different scents, colors, and even add natural ingredients like oatmeal or essential oils.
23. Selling Holiday Decorations
Get creative and make holiday decorations to sell during different seasons. This could include things like wreaths, ornaments, or even festive baked goods.
24. Selling Handmade Jewelry Boxes
If you’re handy with woodworking or crafting, you could make and sell handmade jewelry boxes. These can be simple or elaborate, depending on your skill level.
25. Selling Handmade Greeting Card Boxes or Holders
Create unique greeting card boxes or holders to sell. You can decorate them with paint, stickers, or other embellishments to make them one-of-a-kind.
26. Selling Handmade Coasters or Trivets
Make and sell handmade coasters or trivets using materials like tiles, corks, or even pressed leaves or flowers.
27. Selling Handmade Bookmarks
Create unique bookmarks using materials like beads, tassels, or even pressed flowers. You can sell them individually or in sets.
28. Selling Handmade Hair Accessories
If you’re crafty, you could make and sell handmade hair accessories like headbands, barrettes, or hair clips.
29. Selling Handmade Keychains
Create unique keychains using materials like beads, charms, or even recycled items like bottle caps or buttons.
30. Selling Handmade Magnets
Make and sell handmade magnets using materials like tiles, bottle caps, or even photos or artwork.
31. Selling Handmade Candle Holders
Create unique candle holders using materials like Mason jars, tin cans, or even recycled glass bottles.
32. Selling Handmade Planters or Vases
If you’re crafty, you can make and sell handmade planters or vases using materials like terra cotta pots, Mason jars, or even recycled containers.
33. Selling Handmade Photo Frames
Create unique photo frames using materials like popsicle sticks, shells, or even recycled items like bottle caps or buttons.
34. Selling Handmade Decorative Pillows
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you could make and sell handmade decorative pillows using fabrics, trims, or even recycled materials like old t-shirts or jeans.
Here are the remaining ways to make money as a kid:
35. Selling Handmade Dreamcatchers
If you’re crafty, you could make and sell handmade dreamcatchers using materials like hoops, yarn, feathers, and beads.
36. Selling Handmade Tie-Dye Items
Learn how to tie-dye and sell your creations like t-shirts, socks, or even tapestries.
37. Selling Handmade Friendship Bracelets
With some embroidery floss and a little patience, you can make and sell handmade friendship bracelets in a variety of colors and patterns.
| Job/Opportunity | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Lemonade Stand | $5-$20 per day |
| Yard Work | $5-$15 per job |
| Pet Sitting/Walking | $5-$15 per visit |
| Bake Sale | $10-$50 per sale |
| Garage Sale | $20-$100+ per sale |
| Tutoring | $5-$20 per hour |
| Selling Crafts/Art | $1-$20 per item |
| Recycling | $0.05-$0.10 per item |
| Chores | $2-$10 per chore |
| Online Opportunities | Varies |
| Car Washing | $5-$15 per car |
| Shoveling Snow | $5-$20 per job |
| Running Errands | $2-$10 per errand |
| Babysitting | $5-$15 per hour |
| House Sitting | $10-$30 per day |
| Selling Handmade Items | $1-$20 per item |
Remember, it’s always important to discuss any money-making opportunities with your parents or guardians first and to be safe and responsible when working or handling money.
With a little creativity and effort, you can find plenty of ways to earn some extra cash as a kid!
