Money making ideas for kids
Do you remember being a kid and finding creative ways to earn money for a new toy or treat? Now that you have children, you can encourage their entrepreneurial spirit by helping them find ways to make some extra cash. This not only shows them the value of hard work but also helps them reach their goals. Here are 43 ideas to get started.
1. Lemonade Stand
The classic young entrepreneur’s venture. All you need is water, lemonade mix, cups, and a table. A sign can help attract customers, and selling snacks like popcorn or granola bars can boost profits. Set up in a busy area with high foot traffic, such as near parks or community events, to maximise sales. Encourage your child to create eye-catching signs and think about pricing to cover costs and make a profit.
2. Organising a Car Boot Sale
Clear out the attic and sell old items. This helps declutter the house while teaching project management skills. Kids can help sort and price items, set up displays, and handle transactions. They can also learn to negotiate prices with buyers, boosting their confidence. Promote the sale in advance through local community boards and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace to attract more customers.
3. Taking Online Surveys
Companies need feedback, and kids with smartphones can earn money through survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. These platforms reward users for their opinions, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. This activity teaches kids the value of their opinions and the basics of market research. Ensure they understand the importance of honesty and accuracy in their responses.
4. Babysitting
For older kids, babysitting is a great way to earn money. Spread the word through friends and neighbours or use sites like Care.com. Kids can also offer their services during evenings or weekends when parents need a night out. Encourage them to get certified in CPR and first aid to increase their credibility and reassure parents. Babysitting fosters responsibility and trustworthiness.
5. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Many pet owners need help with their pets, offering opportunities for kids to earn money. Platforms like Care.com and Nextdoor can help find clients. Kids can offer additional services such as feeding pets, playing with them, and administering medication if needed. This job helps kids learn about animal care and builds a bond with pets in their community.
6. Flipping Products on eBay
With a small initial investment, kids can buy items from car boot sales or charity shops, then sell them on eBay for a profit. Teach them to research trending items and how to take appealing photos for listings. They can also learn about setting competitive prices and managing shipping. This venture encourages entrepreneurial thinking and teaches valuable skills in sales and marketing.
7. Selling Arts and Crafts
Crafty kids can sell their creations at local markets or on Etsy. They can make items like jewellery, paintings, and handmade cards. Help them calculate costs, set prices, and create an online store if needed. Participating in local craft fairs can also boost sales and visibility. This activity promotes creativity and business acumen, teaching kids to turn hobbies into profitable ventures.
8. Lawn Mowing
A summer classic. Kids can offer lawn mowing services to neighbours and friends. They need to invest in basic equipment like a lawnmower and safety gear. Encourage them to create flyers or business cards to distribute locally. They can also offer additional services like weeding and trimming hedges. This job teaches responsibility, time management, and the value of physical labour.
9. Doing Chores Around the House
Agree on extra chores for cash, such as cleaning the garage or attic. Create a list of tasks and set fair payment for each. This can include washing windows, organising storage spaces, or even helping with home improvement projects. It teaches kids to take initiative and understand the value of hard work. It’s also a great way to keep your home in order while fostering a strong work ethic.
10. Setting Up a Car Wash
Set up a car wash in a busy area or near a grocery store. A sign can help attract attention. Equip your kids with buckets, soap, sponges, and hoses. They can offer additional services like interior cleaning for an extra fee. Promote the car wash through local social media groups or community boards. This job helps kids learn customer service skills and the basics of running a small business.
11. Recycling
Collect and recycle aluminium cans for cash. It’s a way to clean up the environment and earn money. Kids can collect cans from neighbours, friends, and family members. Teach them about the importance of recycling and environmental conservation. They can also explore other recyclable materials like bottles and paper. This activity fosters environmental awareness and responsibility.
12. Selling Vegetables at Farmers Markets
Kids can grow and sell vegetables at local farmers markets. Pickling and jarring vegetables can also increase profits. Help them plan a garden, choose popular vegetables, and learn about organic farming practices. They can also create attractive packaging for their produce. This activity teaches kids about agriculture, sustainability, and the importance of healthy eating.
13. Selling Baked Goods
Kids can create a website to sell baked goods or sell them to friends, family, and neighbours. They can make cookies, cakes, and other treats. Help them with baking, packaging, and delivering orders. Promote their baked goods through social media and local community groups. This job encourages creativity, marketing skills, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with others.
14. Starting a YouTube Channel
Help your kids develop and share their unique ideas on YouTube. You never know what might go viral. They can create content about their hobbies, such as gaming, cooking, or crafts. Teach them about video editing, online safety, and building an audience. Encourage them to engage with their viewers and stay consistent with their uploads. This activity promotes creativity, communication skills, and digital literacy.
15. Building Websites for Others
If your kid is tech-savvy, they can create simple websites for local businesses. Teach them about web design, hosting, and content management systems like WordPress. They can offer services like setting up blogs, e-commerce sites, or personal portfolios. This job helps kids develop technical skills and provides a valuable service to their community. It’s also a great way to learn about the growing field of digital marketing.
16. Cleaning Services
Many people need help with house cleaning, and kids can earn good money by offering this service. Teach them to clean thoroughly and efficiently, covering tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing bathrooms. They can also offer specialised services like carpet cleaning or window washing. This job promotes responsibility, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction.
17. Selling Photography
Kids can sell their photos to stock photography sites like iStock and Shutterstock. Encourage them to explore different photography styles and subjects. They can also offer portrait sessions for family and friends. This job helps kids develop their artistic skills and provides a platform to showcase their talent. It’s also a great way to learn about the business side of photography.
18. Starting a T-shirt Business
Kids can create and sell custom t-shirts on Etsy, Cafepress, and Redbubble. Help them design unique graphics or slogans, and choose quality materials. They can also promote their products through social media and local events. This activity fosters creativity, marketing skills, and entrepreneurial thinking.
19. Mother’s Helper
For younger kids, being a mother’s helper is a great way to gain experience before babysitting. They can assist parents with tasks like playing with children, preparing meals, and tidying up. This job helps kids develop nurturing skills and learn about childcare. It’s also a great way to build trust with families in their community and prepare for future babysitting roles.
20. Cleaning Up Leaves
Autumn leaves need raking, and kids can offer this service to neighbours. They can also bag the leaves and dispose of them properly. Encourage them to create flyers and distribute them locally. This job promotes physical activity and teaches kids about the changing seasons and yard maintenance. It’s also a great way to enjoy the crisp autumn air while earning money.
21. Errand Running
Kids can run errands like picking up groceries or dry cleaning for busy neighbours. They can also offer to deliver items or handle small tasks like post office runs. This job teaches responsibility, time management, and customer service skills. It’s also a great way to help out neighbours and build connections in the community.
22. Watering Plants
Offer to water plants for neighbours who work long hours or are on holiday. They can take care of both indoor and outdoor plants, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant. This job helps kids learn about plant care and the importance of regular maintenance. It’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and develop a sense of responsibility.
23. House Sitting
House sitting includes tasks like picking up mail and watering plants while the owners are away. Kids can also check on the property to ensure everything is secure. This job builds trust and teaches responsibility. It’s also a great way for kids to earn money while helping out neighbours and gaining valuable experience in home maintenance.
24. Setting Up Social Media Accounts
Kids can help adults set up and navigate social media accounts. They can create profiles, post updates, and teach basic skills like sharing photos and videos.
This activity helps adults stay connected and kids to develop their tech skills and understanding of social media marketing.
25. Shovelling Driveways
In winter, kids can offer to shovel snow from driveways and walkways. This service is particularly useful for elderly neighbours or those who cannot do it themselves. Equip your kids with proper winter gear and shovels. They can charge per driveway or walkway cleared. This job teaches the value of hard work and helps kids understand the importance of being reliable, especially in challenging weather conditions.
26. Tutoring
Kids who excel in certain subjects can offer tutoring services to their peers. They can help younger students with homework, prepare for exams, or understand difficult concepts. Tutoring can take place in person or online, providing flexibility. This job helps kids reinforce their own knowledge while earning money and fosters a sense of accomplishment as they see their tutees improve.
27. Teaching Music
If your child plays an instrument well, they can offer music lessons at a lower rate than professional teachers. This could include piano, guitar, violin, or any other instrument they are proficient in. They can teach basics to beginners and help them progress. Teaching music not only reinforces their own skills but also helps them develop patience and teaching abilities.
28. Taking Gigs on Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform where kids can offer their skills for various tasks and earn money. They can post services such as writing, graphic design, data entry, or voice-overs. Encourage them to research how other freelancers present their services and set competitive prices. This platform teaches kids about freelancing, client communication, and managing their own small business.
29. Trash Can Service
Offer to take out neighbours’ bins and bring them back in for a fee. This is a simple yet valuable service, especially for those who might forget or are unable to do it themselves. Kids can offer this service weekly or whenever needed. It’s a great way to build responsibility and reliability, and it can be an ongoing source of income with minimal effort.
30. Digitising Photos
Kids can scan physical photos to create digital copies for people. This service is particularly valuable for older adults who may not be tech-savvy but want to preserve their memories. Teach kids how to use scanners and basic photo editing software. They can offer additional services such as organising digital albums or creating slideshows. This job helps kids develop tech skills and an appreciation for preserving history.
31. Paper Route
Delivering newspapers is a classic way for kids to earn money. Though less common now, some local newspapers still offer delivery routes. Kids can learn the value of waking up early and consistency, as papers need to be delivered on time regardless of weather. It teaches punctuality, responsibility, and time management skills, all while providing a steady source of income.
32. Helping Seniors
Assist seniors with tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning, or just keeping them company. This job provides valuable social interaction for both the kids and the seniors. Kids can learn empathy and patience while performing tasks that might be physically difficult for older adults. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the community and make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
33. Bike Washing
Offer bike cleaning services to friends and neighbours. This can include washing, degreasing, and basic maintenance like oiling chains and inflating tires. Kids can set up a small bike cleaning station and advertise their services through local community boards or social media. This job teaches attention to detail and the importance of maintaining equipment, and it can be a fun outdoor activity.
34. Testing Websites
Kids can earn money by testing websites and providing feedback through sites like UserTesting. They will need to navigate websites and share their thoughts on the user experience. This job helps kids develop critical thinking and communication skills. It also introduces them to the world of user experience design, which can be a valuable skill in the future.
35. Holiday Decorating
Kids can offer their decorating services for holidays like Christmas and Halloween. They can help set up lights, decorations, and themed displays. This job can be particularly appealing as it allows kids to be creative and festive while earning money. They can advertise their services to neighbours and friends, ensuring they understand the client’s preferences and safety considerations when decorating.
36. Cleaning Boats
If you live near water, kids can offer to clean boats. This includes washing the exterior, scrubbing decks, and possibly detailing the interior. It’s a great way for kids to spend time outdoors and learn about maintaining watercraft. They can promote their services at local marinas or through boating communities. This job combines physical work with attention to detail, and it can be quite rewarding financially.
37. Tile Grout Cleanup
Cleaning grout is a tedious job that many people will pay to have done. Kids can offer this service to neighbours and friends. They will need appropriate cleaning supplies and protective gear. This job teaches patience and thoroughness as grout cleaning requires detailed work. It’s a great way to earn money and provides a valuable service that significantly improves the appearance of homes.
38. Furniture Cleaning
Offer furniture cleaning services, focusing on homes with pets. This can include vacuuming upholstery, spot cleaning stains, and deodorising. Kids can learn how to use cleaning products safely and effectively. They can advertise their services to pet owners who need regular cleaning to maintain their furniture. This job helps kids understand the importance of cleanliness and provides a steady stream of income.
39. Painting Homes
Assist with painting homes, whether it’s the interior, exterior, or fences. This can be a family project where kids help with prepping surfaces, painting, and cleanup. They can learn about different types of paint and techniques. It’s a physically active job that teaches kids the value of hard work and the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion. It also offers significant earning potential.
40. Pet Grooming
Kids can offer grooming services for pets, including brushing and bathing. They can advertise to pet owners in their community and offer competitive prices. This job is perfect for animal lovers and helps kids develop a bond with pets while learning about animal care. It’s a rewarding job that combines earning money with spending time with furry friends.
41. Shoe Shining
Offer shoe shining services to busy professionals. This job requires basic supplies like polish, brushes, and cloths. Kids can set up a small shoe shining station at local markets or office areas. It teaches attention to detail and customer service skills. It’s a simple job that can provide a steady income, especially in areas with a high concentration of professionals who need polished shoes.
42. Power Washing Homes
Use a pressure washer to clean the exterior of homes. This can include driveways, walkways, and siding. Kids can offer their services to neighbours and local businesses. This job requires some initial investment in equipment but offers high earning potential. It teaches kids about maintaining property and the impact of a clean exterior on a home’s appearance.
43. Yard Flag Installation
Install flags for various occasions for neighbours. This can include national holidays, sports events, or personal celebrations. Kids can offer their services to install, maintain, and remove flags as needed. It’s a job that combines physical activity with creativity, and it helps kids learn about different events and the importance of celebrating community spirit.
Whether your child is six or twelve, there are plenty of ways for them to earn money and learn the value of hard work. Encourage them to try these ideas and watch them grow their entrepreneurial spirit.