20 Proven Ways to Earn Money in Your Teenage Years in 2025

Hello there! 👋

I’m excited to share something that completely changed the way I looked at money growing up. When I was little, I thought money was just something adults worried about. But one summer, everything changed.

I was tired of asking my parents for every little thing – ice cream, toys, new video games. So I decided to take charge and figure out how to make money as a kid. And guess what? You can too!

Key Takeaways

  1. You can start small and still earn big over time.

  2. Hobbies like crafts, photography, or gaming can make money.

  3. Look for needs in your neighborhood—people always need help!

  4. Always stay safe and involve your parents.

  5. Be consistent, and you’ll see real results.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through real, practical, and fun ways to make money as a kid and during your teen years. These are things I’ve tried myself or seen friends succeed at, and they actually work!

Why Should Kids and Teenagers Start Earning Early?

Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why it’s a great idea to earn money as a kid or teen:

  • Learn responsibility and independence

  • Understand the value of money

  • Develop problem-solving skills

  • Save for things you actually want

  • Build confidence at a young age

Honestly, earning money in childhood made me feel empowered. It taught me life skills that school never could.

1. Babysitting or Pet Sitting 🐶👶

If you're a responsible teenager, babysitting or pet sitting is a great way to earn cash. I started pet sitting when I was 13. I would watch my neighbor's dogs after school, and they would pay me weekly. It was fun, and I got to play with cute animals!

Tip: Make a flyer or ask neighbors if they need help. Trust grows fast when you do a good job.

2. Sell Handmade Crafts 🎨🧶

Love making bracelets, keychains, or slime? Turn that hobby into a business! When I was 11, I sold friendship bracelets at school during break. My friends were my first customers.

Where to sell:

  • School (with permission)

  • Facebook Marketplace (with adult help)

  • Etsy (need a parent to set up the account)

3. Lemonade Stand or Snack Stall 🍋🍪

Ah, the classic lemonade stand! It’s simple but effective. I once earned $25 in one afternoon by setting up a small stand with lemonade and cookies during a local soccer game.

Pro tip: Add something unique like “strawberry lemonade” or cold iced tea to stand out.

4. Do Yard Work or Gardening for Neighbors 🌿🧹

One summer, I earned over $100 by helping neighbors mow lawns, pull weeds, and water plants. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is a perfect way to make money as a kid.

Start with people you know and ask them to recommend you to their friends.

5. Help With Technology 📱💻

If you're good with phones, tablets, or computers, offer tech help to adults. I once got paid $20 just for helping someone set up their email!

6. Sell Old Toys, Books, or Clothes 🧸👕📚

Look around your room. I bet you’ll find things you don’t use anymore. Clean them up and sell them online (with your parents’ help) or at a garage sale.

Best places to sell:

  • Facebook Marketplace

  • eBay

  • Local community sales

7. Online Surveys and Reward Apps 📱💰

Some websites allow teens 13+ to earn points or gift cards by answering surveys, watching ads, or playing games. I used to spend 15–30 minutes a day doing this, and over time, it added up!

Safe platforms include:

  • Swagbucks

  • Toluna

  • Mistplay (for games)

8. Create a YouTube Channel or TikTok 🎥📱

Got a funny side or love sharing ideas? I started a mini cooking channel when I was 14. I didn’t go viral, but I did make some money through views and affiliate links.

Ideas:

  • Gaming tips

  • Cooking tutorials

  • DIY crafts

  • Funny skits

Always get your parents’ permission first.

9. Become a Tutor or Homework Helper 📚✏️

If you’re good at math, science, or any school subject, help younger kids! I earned $10/hour tutoring my cousin in English.

Online platforms:

  • Superprof

  • Wyzant (parental assistance required)

10. Offer Car Washing or Bike Cleaning 🚗🚲

Grab some soap, a sponge, and water buckets, and you’re good to go. I offered car washes on weekends and made a surprising amount of money.

Bonus tip: offer tire shine or vacuuming as “extra services.”

11. Dog Walking and Pet Care 🐾

Many people need help walking their dogs during the day. Start by asking your neighbors. You can even print a simple flyer or business card.

I used to walk 2–3 dogs after school and made $5–10 per dog.

12. Sell Digital Art or Stickers 🎨💻

If you’re artistic and know how to use digital tools like Canva or Procreate, design printable stickers, planners, or wallpapers to sell online.

Try these platforms:

  • Gumroad

  • Etsy

  • Ko-fi

13. Rent Out Things You Own 📦🎮

Have board games, bikes, or tools that others might use? I rented my Nintendo Switch to a friend for a weekend and made $15.

14. Test Websites and Apps 💻🧪

Sites like UserTesting pay teens (with adult permission) to try out new websites and share feedback. It’s one of the easiest ways to make money in teenage years from home.

15. Sell Photos Online 📷🌄

If you like photography, upload your pictures to stock photo sites. I sold a few pictures of sunsets and earned some passive income.

Try:

  • Shutterstock

  • Adobe Stock

  • Foap

16. Create and Sell eBooks 📖📝

Have a talent for storytelling or teaching something like how to draw or play piano? Write a short eBook and publish it online. I created a mini guide on drawing animals and made a few bucks!

17. Start a Blog 🌍🖊️

If you love writing like I do, blogging is a great long-term money-maker. You can write about your hobbies, school life, or cool facts and earn through ads, sponsors, and affiliate links.

18. Flip Items for Profit 💸📦

Buy items cheap at garage sales or thrift stores, then resell them online. One time, I found an old Polaroid camera for $5 and sold it for $40!

19. Become a Virtual Assistant 📧🖥️

Some small businesses need help managing emails, comments, or organizing files. You can offer your services for simple tasks and earn money as a responsible teenager.

20. Organize and Declutter for Others 🧺📦

Many adults want help cleaning out garages, organizing kitchens, or sorting paperwork. Offer to help and charge a fair rate. It’s therapeutic and profitable!

How to Stay Safe While Earning Money as a Kid or Teen

Safety always comes first. Here are my personal tips to keep in mind:

  • Always get permission from your parents before starting anything.

  • Never share your personal info online.

  • Don’t meet strangers alone — ask a parent to accompany you.

  • If something feels wrong, trust your gut and walk away.

How I Saved and Used My Money as a Teen

As I began to earn money in teenage years, I learned how to:

  • Save for things I really wanted

  • Budget my spending

  • Give some to charity

  • Reinvest into my hobbies (like better craft materials)

I even opened a junior savings account with my parents’ help.

Final Thoughts: You’re Never Too Young to Start 💪💵

Making money as a kid isn't just about buying things - it's about learning how to be resourceful, responsible, and confident. Whether you're into crafts, technology, helping people, or working with animals, there are countless ways to make money during your childhood and teen years.

Start small, be consistent, and enjoy the journey. Some of the best life lessons come from earning your own money.

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