How can a kid make money without a computer?

Putting together a yard or bake sale, doing yard work and pet or plant-sitting can be done without a computer. You can print out fliers and place them around your neigborhood instead of advertising online.

What’s a good first job for a 10-year-old?

This depends on their strengths and interests. Crafty kids can sell their art. Some kids are comfortable using their parents lawn tools and can do yard work for neighbors.

Can kids legally sell things online?

Most platforms require a child to be at least 13 to have an account. However, parents start accounts for their children and monitor them.

Can kids make money without having to spend money on supplies?

Plant and pet-sitting jobs don't require a lot of supplies. If parents can loan supplies, like for lawn work, that can also cut down on spending.

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12 Ways To Make Money as a Kid Fast

May 8, 2025

6 min Read

Written by Cynthia Measom

Edited by Emily Gadd

Brother and sister standing at the kitchen table making cake mix with their grandfather.

monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images/iStockphoto

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, kids can’t legally take on their first job for an employer until they’re at least 14 years old. But that doesn’t mean your child can’t start finding ways to make money before then.

Here are some examples of how to make money fast as a kid.

Ideas for Younger Children

1. Running a Hot Chocolate or Lemonade Stand

Best for ages 8+

Have you child create a sign that briefly explains why they are trying to make money. People will be more likely to stop and buy a cup of hot chocolate or lemonade if they know it’s going to help someone reach a goal.

2. Recycling

Best for ages 8+

To get started, check to see if your state pays residents for beverage container recycling, like bottles or aluminum cans. Your child can also collect used printer cartridges from relatives, friends and small businesses. After collecting, send them in for a profit to places like TonerBuyer.com or InkRecycling.

3. Setting Up a Garage Sale or Yard Sale

Best for ages 10+

Garage sales can help you clear unwanted items out of your home and be an opportunity for your kids to earn some extra cash.

Help your kids go through their old clothes, shoes, toys and electronics to find items they want to get rid of. They can help you price and organize the items on tables and talk to neighbors who come by to browse through your sale.

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4. Watering Plants

Best for ages 10+

Another good way for child to make money is to water plants for older neighbors or for people who go out of town. Although younger children may need more supervision and instruction, they can also help water plants.

5. Baking

Best for ages 10+

Children who enjoy baking can throw a neighborhood bake sale to earn some extra cash. This is also an excellent opportunity to teach your child about pricing their baked goods to make up for the cost of suplies.

6. Designing and Selling T-Shirts

Best for ages +10

Plenty of online platforms exist for creating and selling T-shirts, such as Printful, which allows you to sell on-demand without upfront costs.

Keep in mind that these platforms will likely have age requirements, so you may have to open an account on your child’s behalf.

7. Mowing Lawns

Best for ages 10+

Mowing lawns is one of the best ways for kids to make extra money during the summer. Everyone wants a nice-looking yard, but not everyone has the time or the desire to mow their lawn once or twice a week.

But it’s not just a great side hustle — it can also turn into a pretty good business model. If they do a good job, then they could start building up a base of repeat customers. And you can help them advertise their services on social media or in a neighborhood Facebook group.

And kids don’t just have to limit their servicing to mowing. They can also rake leaves, trim bushes and offer other types of yard work.

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8. Selling Handmade Items

Best for ages 10+

If your kid likes to craft, they could sell their creations on Etsy. However, parents will have to create and monitor the account as Etsy does not permit children under 18 to own their own account.

Here are just a few of the items kids can create and sell on Etsy:

Printables
Homemade soap or bath bombs
Knitted scarves or hats
Holiday decorations
Jewelry
Calendars and planners

Ideas for Older Children

9. Walk Dogs

Best for ages 14+

If your kids love animals, they could earn good money by walking dogs. Kids can also offer pet-sitting services, so your neighbors don’t have to board their pets when they go out of town.

10. Create a Fiverr Account

Best for ages 13+

As long as your child is at least 13, they can set up their own Fiverr account and offer their skills to make money. Fiverr has opportunities for musicians, graphic designers, writers and people skilled at video and animation.

11. Creating a YouTube or Twitch Channel

Best for ages 13+

The benefit of starting a channel is that you can get paid to talk about the things you find interesting. Whether it’s crafting, gaming or telling jokes, if you have something interesting to share, then there is an audience for it on.

Your child needs to be at least 13 to create a YouTube or Twitch account. Parents will have to handle any payouts for until the child is 18.

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12. Working at a Parent’s Business

Best for ages 14+

If you’re self-employed, you can hire your kids to work for your business a few hours each week. This is a great way to teach them the basics of running a business. Plus, the IRS will let you deduct your child’s wages as a business expense, as long the pay is reasonable, and the work is necessary.

Getting Started

Have your children focus on simple jobs that are close to home. Younger children will need more supervision, especially if they need to use online platforms.

Remember to help your child find a work that they can enjoy while they make money.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding ways to make money as a kid.

How can a kid make money without a computer?
- Putting together a yard or bake sale, doing yard work and pet or plant-sitting can be done without a computer. You can print out fliers and place them around your neigborhood instead of advertising online.
What’s a good first job for a 10-year-old?
- This depends on their strengths and interests. Crafty kids can sell their art. Some kids are comfortable using their parents lawn tools and can do yard work for neighbors.
Can kids legally sell things online?
- Most platforms require a child to be at least 13 to have an account. However, parents start accounts for their children and monitor them.
Can kids make money without having to spend money on supplies?
- Plant and pet-sitting jobs don't require a lot of supplies. If parents can loan supplies, like for lawn work, that can also cut down on spending.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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