Growing up, I always wanted my own money. Not just pocket change from my parents, but real cash I earned myself. 

Whether it was buying my favorite sneakers, getting the latest video game, or even saving up early, I knew I had to find ways to earn money as a kid. And trust me, if I can do it, so can you.

In this post, I’ll share the exact same ways to make money as a kid that I’ve seen other teens do successfully. 

Whether you’re 10 or 17, there are legitimate ways to make money as a teenager and build financial confidence quickly.

1. Sell Stuff You Don't Use Anymore

One of the first things I did to make money as a kid was to raid my room for old toys, books, and clothes. You’d be surprised how much stuff just sat there collecting dust.

I asked my parents if I could have a garage sale (they were all into it), and I made about $80 over the weekend. After that, I listed a few items on Facebook Marketplace and eBay with my parents’ help.

Bonus Tip:

Use platforms like Decluttr or Kidizen to safely sell items online with adult supervision.

2. Offer Help Around the Neighborhood

From mowing lawns to walking dogs, I made my first steady $10/week just by helping a neighbor in his yard. It didn’t feel like work — it felt like getting paid to go out.

Later, I added snow plowing in the winter and raking leaves in the fall. Word spread, and soon I had 4-5 houses to take care of.

Bonus Tip:

Make a simple flyer and leave it in nearby mailboxes. Keep it polite, friendly, and mention that you’re a local kid looking to make an honest living.

3. Turn Hobbies into Cash

I loved drawing cartoons as a kid. One day, a classmate asked me to draw his dog for $5. That turned into $50 by the end of the month.

If you love crafting, baking, painting, coding, or photography, you can make money doing what you love as a teenager.

Set up an Instagram page or Etsy shop (with adult help) and showcase your work. You’d be surprised how many people are happy to support young talent.

Bonus Tip:

Offer “customized” versions of your hobby. People love personalized gifts.

4. Start a YouTube Channel or Blog

Yes, it’s not an overnight paycheck — but when I started a blog about video games at age 13, I had no idea it would eventually earn me advertising money. I wrote reviews, shared cheat codes, and linked to Amazon using affiliate links.

If you’re passionate about something — sports, tech, DIY — making money online through content creation is totally possible for teens.

Bonus Tip:

Consistency is key. Post regularly and promote on your socials. Monetize later with ads or affiliate marketing.

5. Resell Candy or Snacks at School (If Allowed)

During middle school, I bought packs of gum and candy from Costco and sold them at school. Each piece sold for $1, and I doubled my investment weekly.

Note:

Make sure your school allows it. Some schools have rules against selling items on campus.

6. Babysit or Pet Sit

When I turned 12, I took a basic babysitting course at the YMCA. Soon after, I started babysitting neighborhood kids. Not only was it fun, but it paid well, up to $15/hour.

Pet sitting during the holidays was another easy win. Feeding cats, walking dogs, even just keeping animals company is a great way to make some easy income on the weekends.

Bonus Tip:

Ask your parents to write a short review that you can share with other potential clients.

7. Do Online Tasks (With Parental Approval)

Websites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars (with a 13+ approval) offer small online jobs that you can do from home.

I earned my first $20 gift card by taking surveys. Later, I designed simple logos for others using free tools like Canva.

Bonus Tip:

Stick to legitimate sites. Never share personal information without your parents’ help.

What I Learned From Earning Money Young

Earning money as a child taught me independence, time management, and the value of hard work. But more than anything, it gave me confidence.

I wasn’t waiting for a paycheck — I was building my own small business. And every dollar felt more rewarding because I earned it.

Final Thoughts: You Can Start Right Now

If you’re wondering how to earn money in childhood, don’t overthink it. Start small. Test ideas. Ask for help. Use your talents.

Whether you’re 10, 15, or anything in between, there are plenty of smart, safe ways to make money as a teenager.

Quick Recap of Ideas:

• Sell unused items

• Offer local services

• Monetize hobbies

• Create content

• Sell snacks (if allowed)

• Babysit or pet sit

• Try online microtasks

Get started today, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.