Kids Need Money, Too! Simple Ways Kids Can Earn Money
For all of the awesome kids out there who have a little extra spare time and an entrepreneurial mind that seems to never rest, these achievable money-making ideas can help them to not only earn some extra hard earned cash for that epic bowling alley birthday party or glamorous night out to the movie theater, but help them broaden their young minds for the bright future ahead.
Kids who learn to be independent and resourceful early in life apply those skills later (in school, in the current and future work world, and for the purpose of paying bills and utilities). Who doesn't want their child to be successful?
There are so many unique ways for kids to earn money that this list can't cover them all: a broad and open mind will help smart kids brainstorm dozens more ideas and pursue their dreams.
Idea #1: Rent Your Stuff Out!
Do you have a pair of jeans your friends love? Or maybe an awesome video game, toy, piece of sports equipment, or even jewelry? You can offer to rent it out to your friends!
Charge them a fair amount that they can afford. If you were to rent out ten items for $1 a day, you would have $10. After a month, that's $300!
You could have your first car, the latest iPhone, a new computer, or even save for your senior trip this way!
Idea #2: Kids Can Make and Sell Jewelry for Money
This one might be reserved for the girls, but jewelry is a very popular item and has been for thousands of years. Now, cheap jewelry is widely available, making unique pieces popular and sought-after.
This opens a wide market for those who love to create jewelry. Teens and pre-teens can make necklaces, hair jewelry, bracelets, chokers, cuffs, earrings, rings, belly rings, anklets, and toe rings from hundreds of different materials. Many hobby shops have these materials, and the tools can be relatively inexpensive.
Items can be sold to friends, family, classmates, teachers, teammates, and much more. (For selling in public places, parental supervision is recommended.)
Idea #3: Kids and Teens Can Edit Photos to Earn Money
Kids these days have the advantage of knowing how to use certain tools on the computer that adults don't have the time or knowhow to use. For example, there are many different photo editing programs available, and many teens, preteens, and even younger children are widely using them. Kids can edit photos for friends and family members to earn quick cash.
One of the best ways to let people know about photo editing talent is to print or save samples and show them to friends and family in person or through social networks. You could help friends and family with their profile photos, too. This skill could be extremely popular and lucrative around the holidays, when people are preparing their annual holiday cards with photos.
With all of the special events that go on in our daily lives, there are so many different opportunities for children and teens to try their their hands at photo editing!
Idea #4: Teens Can Use Photography to Earn Money
In addition to the above method, photography in itself is a profitable venture for any kid that has access to a camera. Photography can earn money for kids in different ways, such as those listed below:
• Kids and teens can be hired by friends or family to photograph special events such as weddings, birthday parties, and graduations.
• If a kid or teen is in contact with business owners, they could be paid to take interesting photos of new products so the business owner can place them on a website.
• If the child or teen loves animals, they can start their own pet photography business by offering friends and family photo shoots of their pets.
• If you capture a great shot at a sports event, a party, or a function, contact the person in the photo to see if they're interested in buying a copy.
Idea #5: Kids and Teens Can Start a Treat Business
If the kid loves to cook and bake, a baked goods business could be a good idea. He or she can mix up delicious cookies, cakes, brownies, and other treats for friends and family. If his or her cooking skills are advanced, they could even offer a catering service for special events.
• Homemade, made-to-order, personalized birthday cakes
• Appetizers for a party
• Tins of homemade Christmas cookies
• Baskets of decorated eggs for Easter
Everyone loves food, and what is better than having great food at a party or event? Food that the host does not have to prepare! This is a great opportunity for children to learn how to capitalize on their skills and interests.
Idea #6: Children and Teens Can Sell Unwanted Clothes, Toys, and Other Items
With the parents' permission, children and teens can sell unwanted items. This will usually require parental supervision and guidance. While this may not be a business opportunity for young children, it's a great way for a teenager to earn quick cash.
If you discover that you're really good at this, you could go around collecting unwanted items from people in the neighborhood and sell them at a garage sale (or online at Ebay). You could also charge a fee to help friends, family, or neighbors organize their own garage sales.
Idea #7: Teens and Kids Can Pet-Sit for Cash
For the child or teen who loves pets, pet-sitting can be very profitable.
Most pet-sitting is suitable job for older children. Many people work and don't have the time to give their pets the time and attention they want. Some pets don't have to be watched overnight: they may simply require feeding, watering, and walking a few times per day. But when people go on vacation or extended leaves and cannot take their pets, the pets will need care. Although many pet-sitting jobs require that the sitter come to the home of the pet(s), if this is not an option, pet-sitting can also be done in the sitter's home instead.
• Walk dogs
• Bathe dogs
• Feed, clean, or play with pets whose owners are out of town
This is a great idea for children who can pet-sit in the neighborhood, or for teens who have access to transportation.
Idea #8: Teens Make Money by Buying and Selling Items
If a teen or child is a thrifty shopper, this might just be the job for him or her. This gig requires a passion for shopping, the ability to know which things people will want to buy, and the ability to find steals and deals. The items can be found in several thrifty places such as:
• Yard and garages sales
• Small thrift shops and consignment stores
• Large used item stores (such as Goodwill)
• Giveaways from friends and family
For example, an ideal item would be a dress that is very pretty and in good condition, bought for $1 and then resold for a bit higher. The child or teen can also lightly wear the items while waiting for them to sell as a marketing tactic. Trendy, unique clothes always sell well! Everyone needs clothing!
Idea #9: Kids Can Refurbish and Recycle Items to Make and Sell Handicrafts
For kids who are extremely innovative, artsy, and creative, these projects will not only help them earn a little money but they will offer a constructive activity for their free time. For teens and children who are just getting started, the ideas are endless. Here are just a few ideas to spur creativity:
• Gourds can be used to make birdhouses. Once the entrance is opened, the gourd can be painted, adorned with flowers, and embellished with nest-making materials and a mini bird feeder strung to the exterior.
• Old tables can be sanded, refinished, and have the bottom converted into a storage area or even a dog or cat kennel.
• Bottle caps and pop tops are all over the place, and can be washed and painted or used as-is to create interesting items, from jewelry and bookmarks to unique 3D artwork and sculptures.
• Foil pouches from juice containers and food wrappers are commonly used to make purses, wallets, and other items, as they've become quite the fashion statement in today's "Go Green!" world. This is not only good for the environment, but a great way to earn money by going green and encouraging reuse and recycling.
Idea #10: Teens Can Earn Money Washing Cars
Cars need to be washed all the time, and many people do not like the low-quality automated car wash establishments that we have today. Hand washing is the best way to ensure a vehicle is clean, but many car owners just don't have the time to do it. Washing cars for family members, neighbors, and friends is a great way to earn cash while having fun! Offer to wax the car and vacuum out the interior, too!
