Learning the value of money and how to make money are essential life lessons for children. The sooner they begin, the more successful adults they’ll be. But it can be tough to find legitimate ways to help your kids learn about entrepreneurship and how to work hard. 

One of the best ways to do this is by giving them a job. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to make money online and in person, and many of them offer great experiences that will help them in the future.

Check out our list of 50+ ideas on how to make money fast as a kid. The list covers physical jobs (like babysitting), teaching jobs (like tutoring), and many make-money-online ideas. 

You can help them choose what’s right for them to start making money and learn that important life lesson. 

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1. Etsy 

Selling printables on Etsy can be an excellent way for kids to make money, especially if they are creative and flare for design!

Those printables (like habit trackers, birthday cards and etc.) are fun to make, require a minimal upfront cost, and sell extremely well. 

With Etsy, it only takes a few minutes to set up a shop. Then, your child needs to fill up the shop with high-quality printables to make money. The products also need to be marketed well and provide excellent customer service as a shop owner.

I took this epic course to help me set up my own Etsy shop. I hope this will help your child too. 

In addition to selling printables on Etsy, starting a t-shirt business on Etsy is a smart option for kids as it requires little effort. Here are 30+ best things to sell on Etsy. 

2. Website Building

For those tech wizzes, building a website and selling it for a higher profit is an excellent way of making money online. It teaches kids about business, marketing, and technology simultaneously.

Building websites is fun. As it requires some technical skills, this is more appropriate for 13 years old or above. 

There are a few things that your child will need to get started building websites:

• A computer with internet access.
• They’ll need a domain name, which is the address of their website (ex. www.example.com).
• A web hosting account, where their website will live on the internet.

Once your child has all these things, they can start building their website business, show clients what they can achieve, and then replicate.

As this is something on the technical side, I highly recommend investing in a course. This Niche Site Academy is the best in the industry. I can vouch for that from my personal experience. 

Check out this FREE video series to learn more. 

3. Youtube

Being a Youtuber is one of the appealing money making ideas for kids. With a decent phone, camera, and ring light, anyone can start a Youtube channel and make Youtube video regularly.

Once your child has built a significant and engaged following, they can look for partnerships and sponsorship to start earning some cash.

You might have heard Ryan’s Toy Review – a perfect example of how a kid made his multi-million dollar fortune through making videos while playing with toys. 

4. Make Money Playing Video Games

This one could be tough for parents, but becoming a skilled gamer and entering tournaments could be a way for your kids to earn money. 

It takes a lot of skill and practice to be good enough to make regular cash, but my guess is many of them already spend plenty of time practicing. 

If the full-on gamer path is not one you want them to take, look at alternative game apps that pay instantly to Paypal. Maybe one for 18 years old or above.

5. Playlists

Kids can make money by creating and managing playlists for people. They need a music app where they can share playlists or add collaborators for 24 hours, good listening skills to understand the clients, and some music knowledge and awareness.

They can create playlists for people’s weddings, parties, or just for everyday listening. They can also create custom playlists for businesses to use as background music or marketing purposes.

6. Picture Scanning

There are a few ways to make money from picture scanning. One way is to sell scanned pictures, either in person or online.

Another way is to offer a picture scanning service. Your kids would scan pictures, make digital copies for people, store them in a shared cloud or thumb drive, and charge them a fee for the service.

Finally, you could create a picture scanning business where they would set up a website or online store for people to order picture scanning services.

You will need a scanner and some pictures to scan to get started. You can find photos by going through old photo albums, taking photographs at events, or seeing pictures online. Once you have some pictures to scan, you can sell them or offer your scanning services.

Your kids will need to be creative and provide a high-quality service to make money from picture scanning. Picture scanning can be a great way to earn money, especially if they have an eye for a good picture!

7. Podcasting

Podcasting is another great way for older kids to make money. 

To get started, your child will need to create a podcast and upload it to a hosting platform like iTunes or SoundCloud. Once their podcast is live, they can start promoting it and making money!

To make money podcasting, your child will need to create high-quality content and market their podcast well. They will also need to be able to build a following and engage with their listeners. Building a successful podcast business can take time and might not be the fastest way to get cash.

Podcasting can be an excellent way for kids to make money, especially if they are passionate about a particular topic!

8. Blogging

I have included this as many people would be surprised if it weren’t on the list, and yes, kids can make money by blogging.

But I don’t see this as one of the best ways to earn money fast. Blogging can be a slow burner and gets pretty involved in getting your post ranked on the first page of google.

However, it can be great fun and help with writing, communication, tech skills, and earning!

9. Set Up and Manage Social Media Accounts

While kids live and breathe in social media these days, the skills to work these accounts and gain followers are in high demand, especially for small businesses. 

Your child can make money by providing services to set up social media accounts like Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok for businesses or even further assistance to manage the accounts on an ongoing basis. 

Helping others manage their social media platforms is a great way to gain project management skills and can be an excellent experience for them to become virtual assistants in the future.

10. Computer Clean Ups

Computer clean-ups or servicing is a great business idea for kids to earn money, especially if they know people who are not confident enough to do it themselves. 

There are many simple tricks to clean up computers and tablets, and even free extensions and apps to help you do it. Just make sure to use trusted ones like the free version of CCleaner.

11. Surveys

Completing online surveys could be an option to earn some extra cash. You may need to help your kids register and select surveys. They can quickly get gift cards or money paid to Paypal doing this. Just remind them to take the answers seriously and answer consistently to ensure they don’t get refused future surveys.

Check out my list of the best app that pay real cash, including the best survey sites.

12. Website Testing

Sites like User Testing pay money for people to test websites. After registering and completing screening questions, you can be assigned test opportunities. Probably more for the teens’ group.

Earn $4 for every 5-minute test and $10 for every 20-minute test.

13. Product Testing

As well as user experience testing of websites, you can also get paid for product testing; again User Testing is an excellent place to start.

14. Tik Tok

Getting partnerships or being sponsored is how your kids can earn cash with Tik Tok. Although it is possible, it’s highly competitive and can take a long time to build enough presence to attract partnerships or sponsorship.

Your kids will need to be creative, distinctive, entertaining, and personable and find that golden content that leads to success.

15. Instagram Marketing

One way to make money through Instagram marketing is by partnering with brands.

Your child will need to create a strong Instagram profile and start publishing high-quality content to get started. They will also need to build a following and engage with their audience.

Your child can then reach out to brands they love and see if they’re interested in working together. 

16. Yard Work

Yard work can be a great way to make money all year round, not just summertime.

Many people are willing to pay someone to rake their leaves, trim their bushes, weed, or dig over. All you need is a few essential tools and some skills.

17. Fence Painting

While many people may think that painting a fence is an easy job, it can be tricky, meaning you can easily earn cash.

The key to becoming a successful fence painter is having good brushes or a spray and knowing the proper techniques. Get your karate kid on!

18. Mowing

Mowing grass can be an excellent way for kids to make some money.

Mowing lawns is a job that many kids take to make some extra cash. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun.

You get to be outside, stay active, move around, then get a nice, neat yard to show for it.

19. Car Wash

Washing cars is a great way to make money.

You need to know a few things to be successful at it. First, you need the right supplies. Like a suitable hose, bucket, car wash soap, and chamois cloths. You can even charge extra and offer a tire shine or a wax.

Wax on, wax off – wow, 2 Karate Kid gags in 1 post.

20. Boat Wash

If you’re looking for a fun and profitable summer job, washing boats may be ideal.

Boat owners are always looking for someone to clean their vessels, and it’s a job that can be done by just about anyone. Not quite as accessible as washing cars.

21. Bike Wash

Bike washing is an excellent way to earn extra cash, but probably not as high paying as cars or boats. Again charge a little more to add a little chain oil.

22. Watering

Watering plants is a job that most kids can do with ease. They can make the rounds in the local neighborhood offering the service for pots, baskets, and planters that need water every day, and it ends up being a chore for the owner by the end of summer.

23. Baby Sitting

Babysitting is an excellent way for kids to earn extra money, but it is also a perfect way to learn responsibility.

Babysitting can also be an excellent way for kids to know their neighbors and make new friends. Help them out by spreading the word with friends and people you know with kids around the age that need sitters.

Many people struggle to find good sitters, so your friends will thank you for this one.

24. Dog Sitter

People love their dogs, sometimes more than their children. That’s why dogs can help your kids earn cash.

People will gladly pay to make sure their pet is looked after and not alone if they need to leave for a longer than usual time.

Make sure you know the dog first and have spent time getting to know them before the first sit.

25. Dog Walker

Many people struggle to walk or exercise their dogs regularly and can’t wait to find someone to take their pup for a long walk or run.

I know dog walkers that are all fully booked with waiting lists, so this is an excellent opportunity if you love dogs and to get out in the open for some healthy exercise.

26. Dog Grooming

Keeping with the dog theme, see they are gold mines.

Dog grooming is another service to offer.

This one will be a bit wet and smelly as it’s impossible to wash a dog and not shake all over you.

27. Poopa Scooper

Ok, I think this is my last one and a stinker.

Poopa scooping in back yards is dirty work, but that’s where the saying comes from ‘there is money to be made in dirt and dirty jobs.’

28. House Chores

I think this was my first memory of a job to earn some extra pocket money.

I would offer to vacuum at the weekends, resulting in at least a 50% increase in my pocket money.

Not bad for whizzing around the house. Combine it with dusting for even more.

29. Cleaning

Like house chores, cleaning can be a good option for the slightly older kids, mainly due to the cleaning products involved.

Maybe time to switch to plant-based cleaners if your kids take this option.

30. Grout Cleaning

If you have tiles in your house, and most of us do, you know the grout is not looking that fresh anymore.

The spray cleaners on the commercials just don’t cut it – it needs scrubbing!

Floors are the worst, and the grout needs scrubbing while on your hands and knees – a perfect job for the kids!

31. Oven Cleaning

Another dirty job we avoid and don’t often do enough but kit out the kids with rubber gloves and decent cleaner and set them to it.

Again maybe for the slightly older kids.

32. BBQ Grill Cleaning

As above, just with your outdoor oven. I would love someone to keep mine grease and burnt stuff free.

It’s probably more of a summer opportunity, but Summer is a great time to make money while they are off school.

Check out these best summer part-time jobs for kids.

33. Errands

Running errands can be super rewarding, not just in earning cash but in helping others.

If you have older neighbors or those challenged with mobility, you can be a real help in their daily lives.

Just fetching a few groceries, a magazine, or paper can make a big difference.

34. Paper Delivery

It is less prevalent, with many papers moving online, but people still like to have the real thing in their hands over breakfast every morning.

Paper delivery can be a great regular source of income and exercise as needed every day.

35 House Sitter

House sitting is an excellent way for kids to make extra cash and get to know their neighbors.

Many people struggle to find good sitters, so your friends will thank you for this one.

House-sitting can also be an excellent way for kids to learn responsibility when your neighbors take a vacation.

36. Decorating

Professional decorators are so expensive and recently unavailable, but this can be a real money earner for the teens with a few tips and tricks.

It is also a great way to get help for your own decorating while teaching your kids those handy tips and tricks. Genius.

37. Closet Organizer

Marie Kondo has opened the door for this money-making idea, and it’s always on so many TV shows, but who has the time?

Your kids can also offer this service, decluttering, organizing closets by type and color, and even changing out multiple hangers for the same color and style.

38. Shoe Cleaning

With a few brushes, cloths, and polishes, your kids can set up their collect, clean ‘n’ shine delivery service – perfect training for those with one eye on the military.

If people pay for laundry or dry cleaning services, they will pay for this one too.

39. Pool Cleaner

If you live in a warm climate or own a pool, being a pool cleaner can be an excellent way for kids to earn some extra cash.

All you need is a net, some chlorine, and a little bit of elbow grease, and you can be on your way to earning some extra cash.

40. Tutor

One-on-one tutoring can be an excellent way for kids to earn money. If your child is good at a particular subject, such as math or science, they can offer their services to help other students who might be struggling.

It often works well if they tutor kids younger than themselves, but hey, whatever works with excellent earning potential rates of $20 an hour or more.

41. Teach Music

If your kids are musical, why not consider giving music lessons on a similar trend. Since covid, this has even moved online to make it even easier. Also, this means you don’t have to have the kids showing up at your house screeching violins while you are working from home 🙂

42. Revision Planners

Many kids need help with revision and exam practice, so this can be a tremendous earning avenue to explore and potentially combine with tutoring.

Your kids can easily create a plan and timetable to help their students through this challenging period and throw in some exam practice, and you are on to a winner.

43. Lemonade Stand

If you’re looking for a fun way to make extra cash, why not set up a lemonade stand? It’s a classic summer job that kids of all ages can enjoy. Here are the basics on how to get started.

First, you’ll need to choose a location. A busy street corner or park is usually a good bet. Then, set up your stand and start selling! Be sure to price your lemonade reasonably so people are more likely to buy it. Finally, don’t forget to have some fun!

44. Yard Sale

Organizing a yard sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted clutter and make some extra cash at the same time. Here are the basics on how to get started.

First, choose a date for your sale and put up flyers around your neighborhood. Next, start gathering items to sell. Finally, set up your items in an easily accessible area on the day of the sale and start selling! Be sure to price them reasonably.

Top tip, teach your kids some haggling tips – their college fund might rely on this!

45. Garage Sale

Unlike a yard sale, organizing a garage sale focuses on reclaiming your garage space so that you might be able to park a car in it one day!

46. Toys

There are several benefits of kids selling their toys:

1. It gives them a chance to earn their own money.
2. They learn how to be entrepreneurs by running their businesses.
3. They know how to interact with customers and handle customer service.
4. They understand the value of hard work and responsibility.
5. They clear all the cr.., I mean clutter out of their rooms before the next wave arrives on Birthdays or Holidays!

47. Clothes

Selling clothes can potentially be an excellent way for your kids to earn some money. As long as they don’t live off eating spaghetti with tomato sauce, most of it will be stained and ruined.

However, if they managed to grow out of something without trashing it, they can easily make a few bucks selling individual items if they are lovely pieces. Or bundle items together to shift multiple pieces.

Coats, Jackets, Jeans, and Dresses are always easy to move using eBay.

48. Books

As your child moves up her reading levels, you will have a bookcase crammed with books they will never read again.

Pick out a couple of favorites as they are always lovely to keep and pass on through the family – the rest, get selling.

49. Flipping

When shopping for kids’ items to flip and sell on eBay, there are always great deals. Even though you think you know what kids want, your kids probably know better. Here is where the earning potential for your little entrepreneur kicks in.

Together you can look for items in good condition and demand, such as popular toys, clothes, or books. Research prices to find the sweet spot where you can buy low and sell high. Then, list your items and watch the bids come in! 

Flipping is a great lesson to help kids understand selling, profit, and loss.

50. Arts & Crafts

A kid can make good money through arts and crafts. They can sell the things they made, like paintings or drawings, or make and sell items like jewelry, hats, or scarves. 

They could also try selling stuff they’ve repaired, like toys or clothes. Finally, they could try doing arts and crafts as a service, like face painting or making balloon animals.

No matter your child’s interests, there’s probably a way for them to make money through arts and crafts. The key is to be creative and have fun!

51. Bake Sale

Bake sales are an excellent money-making opportunity for kids. All you need is some baking supplies and a few good recipes, and you’re on your way to making some serious dough.

The key to a successful bake sale is to have a variety of goods that will appeal to a wide range of people. Be sure to have some savory items and sweet ones, and don’t forget the classics like cookies and brownies.

With some planning and hard work, your bake sale will be a delicious success!

52. Golf Balls

Disclaimer – I am not encouraging your kids to run on the golf course and pick up golf balls!

Finding and selling golf balls can be great to get your kids outdoors and earn money simultaneously.

You would be amazed how many golf balls we find walking along the public footpaths in fields next to our local golf course. We don’t even have to go on the course.

Once you have a few, sell them to golfers to lose again – this is a circular economy 🙂

53. Farmers Market – Herbs

Kids can sell things at a farmer’s market. They can sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, or herbs.

Every year we have an abundance of organic apples from our garden – perfect for selling.

Herbs are great for kids, as they are cheap and easy to grow and can easily be bundled up and sold.

They need to be able to carry the things they are selling, and they need to talk to people – great for getting the shy ones out of their shells.

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Benefits of Kids Earning Their Own Money

Independence

Having their own hard-earned money gives them independence, allowing them to decide how to earn it when to earn it, and then what to do with it – spend, save, even donate!

Value

Earning your own money gives an appreciation of what it takes. Giving your child $10 for a new toy doesn’t register. Spending a couple of hours washing cars or mowing lawns for $10 provides a real insight into what it takes to earn cash.

Punctuality

If, like me, you probably have to remind your kids of the time every day, multiple times – and it can be so draining. Having a job can help them focus on time and what that means in terms of turning up, getting the job done, and the impact on their free time.

Dependability

Dependability works several ways; your kids can become dependent on their new increased income, less dependent on the pocket money handouts, and the value of someone else being dependent on them to do a great job.

Networking

Once they have identified potential jobs, finding clients and opportunities becomes key to success. This is called “networking”, a fancy name in the business world, and it’s a great skill to develop from an early age.

Communication

Communication is such a crucial life skill, and as your kids venture out into the world of work, it will give them great opportunities to develop this skill. They listen to what people want, interpret what that means, and then communicate it back, maybe in terms of timing, costs, requirements, etc.

Problem-Solving

There will be endless opportunities to develop in problem-solving – how do I get there, the best way to do the job, what tools I will need, etc.

Money Management

Ok, so interest rates don’t exactly encourage setting up a bank account, and a piggy bank is almost as good, but it’s an important lesson for kids in learning about money and how they manage the money they earn.

Financial Literacy

With money comes a range of words they may not have heard of or understand. Again starting to earn and hone those entrepreneur skills will set them up for the future.

If you want to learn more about teaching kids about money, check out my other posts.

15 Fun Games to Teach Kids About Money

Final Thoughts

Teaching kids about money early is a great life skill they will benefit from later in life.

Here you have it – 50+ ways on how to make money fast as akid. Let me know which ones they decide to try! If your children are anything like mine, they’ll be excited to take on a few of these jobs and start earning some extra cash.