Yes, Kids Can Make Real Money in 2025
Gone are the days when lemonade stands and lawn mowing were the only ways to make money as a kid. Thanks to the internet, creativity, and a little hustle, kids in 2025 have more ways than ever to earn their own cash—whether it’s to buy their favorite video game, start saving early, or learn what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best and trending ways to make money as a kid, both online and offline. These ideas are kid-friendly, safe, and can teach valuable life skills like responsibility, money management, and creativity.
Why It’s Great to Make Money as a Kid
Before diving into the ideas, here are a few reasons why learning how to make money early is a smart move:
- 💡 Learn responsibility
- 💸 Understand the value of money
- 📊 Develop financial habits early
- 💬 Boost communication & social skills
- 🛠 Learn real-world skills (marketing, budgeting, time management)
It’s not just about the money—it’s about preparing for life.
Important Reminder for Parents
If you’re a parent reading this: kids under 18 may need your help setting up accounts or managing payments, especially for online platforms. Always supervise their activities and ensure the work is age-appropriate and safe.
1. Start a Neighborhood Business
Let’s start with the classics that still work today:
✅ Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Many people need someone to check in on their pets or take them for walks, especially during work hours or vacations.
- Age group: 10+
- Tools needed: Leash, dog knowledge, reliability
- Earning potential: $5–$15 per walk
Tip: Print simple flyers or post in local Facebook groups with help from an adult.
✅ Lawn Care or Snow Shoveling
Seasonal work like cutting grass or shoveling snow is always in demand.
- Age group: 11+
- Earning potential: $10–$30 per job
- Bonus: Repeat customers bring recurring income
✅ Lemonade Stand 2.0
Instead of a basic stand, sell cool treats like homemade popsicles, fruit skewers, or iced tea.
- Best locations: Community events, sports fields, garage sales
- Learn: Pricing, customer service, and profit margins
2. Sell Handmade Items or Crafts
If you’re creative, use your talent to make things people will love.
✅ Ideas to Sell:
- Friendship bracelets
- Painted rocks
- Keychains
- Slime kits
- Stickers or digital art
- Origami crafts
- DIY bath bombs or candles
Sell locally at school events or with parental help on platforms like:
- Etsy (with a parent’s account)
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local community markets
Key tip: Package items neatly with personalized thank-you notes to build customer loyalty.
3. Make Money as a Kid Online (Yes, It’s Possible!)
With parental supervision, kids today can make money using just a phone, tablet, or computer.
✅ Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube isn’t just for influencers—kids can make money by creating content about:
- Toy unboxings
- Gaming
- Art tutorials
- Storytime videos
- Book reviews
How to earn:
- YouTube Partner Program (requires 1,000 subs + 4,000 watch hours)
- Sponsored content
- Merch sales
- Affiliate links
Parental supervision and account ownership are required by YouTube’s rules for kids under 13.
✅ Create and Sell Digital Art or Printables
If you’re good at drawing, use tools like Canva or Procreate to create:
- Coloring pages
- Printable planners
- Wall art
- Birthday cards
Then sell on:
Tip: Canva is free and beginner-friendly—even kids can use it to create digital products.
✅ Take Online Surveys (13+ only)
Some legitimate websites pay for opinions. Most require a minimum age of 13 and parental permission.
Trusted platforms:
Earnings are modest but great for pocket money.
4. Offer Tech Help or Tutoring
Are you a kid who’s great at school or good with technology? Use that knowledge!
✅ Homework Help
Help younger students with math, reading, or spelling.
- Charge $5–$15/hour depending on age
- Offer services locally or via Zoom
✅ Basic Tech Help
Many adults struggle with tech. Offer to:
- Set up devices
- Teach basic phone skills
- Help with video calling or app installations
Even helping grandparents with their iPads can be a business!
5. Flip Items for Profit
This one is exciting for entrepreneurial kids.
✅ Garage Sale Flips
- Visit garage sales with your parents
- Find items you can clean, fix, or repaint
- Sell them for a higher price online or locally
Great platforms:
- eBay (with an adult account)
- Facebook Marketplace
- Depop (13+)
✅ Buy Candy or Snacks in Bulk
Use allowance money to buy treats in bulk at discount stores, then sell them at school or events for a markup.
Note: Always follow school rules on selling!
6. Become a Young Content Creator
If you love storytelling, art, or games, you can create your own brand.
✅ Start a Blog (with Parent Help)
Write about:
- Toys
- Games
- Book reviews
- Crafts
- Science experiments
Monetize with:
- Ads
- Affiliate links
- E-books
- Printables
Use free platforms like:
✅ Become a Kid Influencer
If you have a unique personality or hobby, consider building a social media presence.
Platforms:
- TikTok (13+)
- Instagram (13+)
- YouTube Kids (with help)
Partner with brands to promote toys, books, or clothing in exchange for payment or free products.
7. Sell Photos or Designs
Do you love photography or graphic design? Start small and grow your portfolio.
- Sell photos to Foap or Shutterstock
- Create T-shirts or mugs with your art on Redbubble or TeeSpring
Best part: You upload once and earn every time someone buys it.
Money Management for Kids
Learning how to make money is just the beginning—managing money is just as important.
Tips:
- Save 50%, spend 40%, give 10% to a cause you care about
- Use jars or digital tools like Greenlight (a debit card for kids)
- Learn about budgeting early
Safety Tips for Parents & Kids
- Always supervise any online activity
- Use child-safe browsers and settings
- Avoid scams that ask for money upfront
- Never share personal details online
Final Thoughts: Kids Are the Entrepreneurs of the Future
Whether it’s through creativity, technology, or hard work, there are so many ways to make money as a kid in 2025. The goal isn’t just to earn—it’s to learn valuable life and business skills while having fun.
Remember: small steps today can lead to big opportunities tomorrow.
