How to Make Money as a Kid (9-12 Ages): 17 Unique Ideas

Are you 9-12 years old and itching to make a little extra cash, huh? I totally get it.

Whether you’re saving up for something cool, helping out at home, or just want to be the boss of your own money, there are tons of ways to earn that pocket change.

And guess what? You don’t need to wait until you’re 16 or older to start making your own money.

I remember when I was your age, I started with simple things like selling lemonade (classic, right?) or walking the dog.

But guess what? The world has changed, and there are a ton of creative, safe, and fun ways for kids like you to earn money today.

So, buckle up and get ready for 17 unique ways to make money as a kid. You’ll be raking in cash faster than you can say “cha-ching!”

Here’s another one: How To Make Money as a Kid: 25 Fun and Easy Ways

1. Start Your Own YouTube Channel

Okay, YouTube isn’t just for adults trying to make it big. Tons of kids are already turning their passions into cash.

If you love gaming, crafting, unboxing toys, or even doing cool science experiments, you could create your own channel.

Yes, it takes a little time to build up, but once you start gaining views, you can make money through ads, sponsorships, or even affiliate marketing.

How to Get Started:

Pick a fun topic you love talking about.
Record your videos with a smartphone or camera (it doesn’t have to be fancy).
Get creative with editing. There are plenty of free apps for that.
Once you hit 1,000 subscribers, you can start making money with YouTube ads.

Is it easy? No. But is it fun? Heck yes. And you’ll learn a ton of new skills along the way.

2. Create and Sell Crafts

If you’re the crafty type, this one’s for you. Making jewelry, friendship bracelets, painted rocks, or hand-painted bookmarks?

You could totally turn that into cash. Lots of websites like Etsy allow young sellers to set up shops (with a bit of help from an adult).

You don’t need to be Picasso; just get creative and start making unique pieces that people will love.

Tips:

Look for trends that you can make your own (tie-dye, custom shirts, etc.).
Promote your products on social media like Instagram and TikTok to get the word out.
Don’t forget to take great pictures of your work so it looks extra appealing.

Who knew a few beads and strings could turn into a full-on business?

3. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Because pets need love, too!Does your neighbor have a dog who needs a walk, or maybe a cat that needs some cuddle time?

There are plenty of pets out there waiting for a little TLC. Pet sitting and dog walking are one of the easiest ways to make money as a kid.

If you’re good with animals, this could be a perfect gig for you.

How to Get Started:

Offer your services to friends, family, and neighbors.
Set a fair price for your time (usually $5-$10 per walk).
Make sure the pets are safe and that you have an adult’s permission.

Pro Tip: You could also offer to water plants or feed other animals while people are away on vacation.

4. Sell Baked Goods

Sweet treats for the win! Are you known for baking the best cookies on the block? Or maybe your cupcakes could use some recognition?

Baking and selling homemade goodies could be a fun and delicious way to earn money.

People will always appreciate a yummy treat, and hey, who doesn’t love a cupcake with sprinkles?

How to Get Started:

Bake your favorite treats (cookies, brownies, cupcakes).
Set up a little stand at local events or ask your parents if you can sell them at school (with permission, of course!).
Be sure to advertise your baking skills online through social media if allowed.

If you’re really serious about it, you could even start your own home bakery (with the help of an adult, of course). Sweet, right?

5. Offer Lawn Care Services

When summer rolls around, lawns need mowing because the grass doesn’t cut itself.

If you’ve got a lawnmower and some free time, why not offer to mow your neighbor’s lawns for a small fee?

You could also offer to rake leaves, water gardens, or trim bushes. It’s an easy way to earn some cash while staying active.

How to Get Started:

Talk to your neighbors about helping out with lawn care.
Charge a fair price depending on how big the lawn is (a good range is $10-$20 per mow).
Always ask for adult supervision if you’re using equipment like a mower.

Pro Tip: This works great if you live in a neighborhood where lots of people need help with their yards.

6. Run Errands for Family or Neighbors

A helping hand always gets rewarded. Do you ever feel like your parents or neighbors have a ton of stuff to do, but they need a little extra help?

Offer to run small errands like picking up groceries, walking to the post office, or even helping them carry bags.

It’s a simple way to earn money and help out around the community.

How to Get Started:

Ask your family and neighbors if they need help running errands.
Offer to do small tasks like picking up packages or taking out the trash.
Set a fair price for your time (maybe $5 for a short errand).

It’s an easy way to earn money, and it might even help you score a snack or two along the way!

7. Babysitting

No, you’re not too young to babysit.

Okay, so this one requires a little more responsibility, but if you’re good with younger kids and know how to handle situations, babysitting could be an excellent way to make some cash.

If you’ve got siblings or cousins, practice your babysitting skills with them, and then offer your services to neighbors.

How to Get Started:

Take a babysitting course or learn from a trusted adult.
Offer to babysit for a few hours while parents go out.
Always make sure you’re comfortable with the kids you’re watching and ask for an adult’s help if you’re not sure about something.

Pro Tip: Babysitting can be especially great on weekends or evenings when parents need a break.

Also Check: 21 Legit High-Paying Online Jobs for Teens to Make $3000 Monthly

8. Sell Old Stuff You Don’t Need

Turn your clutter into cash!Got a ton of toys, books, or clothes you don’t use anymore?

Well, that stuff can be sold to someone else who’ll appreciate it. Host a garage sale, or sell things online (with your parents’ help, of course).

You’ll make a little extra cash and clean up your room at the same time. Win-win!

How to Get Started:

Sort through your old toys, clothes, and books.
Have a garage sale or list the items online.
Keep the prices low, but reasonable for a quick sale.

9. Create and Sell Digital Art

Unleash your creativity and cash in. If you’re into drawing or graphic design, you can turn your artwork into a digital product.

You could create logos, illustrations, or even memes and sell them on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Society6.

Digital art is always in demand, and it’s something you can easily create from home.

How to Get Started:

Create some cool digital art (using apps like Procreate or Photoshop).
Set up a shop on a website like Etsy.
Promote your work on social media to get noticed.

It’s a fun way to express yourself and make money at the same time. Your art could even become viral! 😉

10. Become a Social Media Assistant for a Business

Trust me, businesses love this. If you’re on social media all the time, why not put that expertise to work?

Many small businesses are looking for help with their social media accounts, and they’d love to have someone who knows the ropes (like you!).

This could be a gig where you post pictures, run contests, or help them grow their online presence.

How to Get Started:

Offer your services to local businesses (ask your parents to help you with outreach).
Learn some basic social media skills (things like posting regularly and responding to comments).
Start by working for free, and then move into paid gigs once you gain experience.

Also Check: 17 Easy Small Business Ideas for Kids to Make Money

11. Write and Sell Stories or Poems

Channel your inner author. Got a knack for writing? You can write short stories or poems and sell them online or self-publish.

Websites like Wattpad or even personal blogs can help you get started.

If you’re serious about writing, this could even lead to bigger opportunities as you grow.

How to Get Started:

Write a story or poem about something you love.
Self-publish on websites or offer your stories to blogs.
Keep writing regularly, and see where it takes you.

12. Host a Car Wash

Who doesn’t love a shiny car? If you’ve ever noticed how dirty cars can get, you’ll know that people are always looking for a good car wash.

You don’t need to have a fancy garage or tools to get started; just a bucket, sponge, and some soap will do.

Offer to wash cars for your neighbors, friends, or family, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can earn some extra pocket money.

How to Get Started:

Talk to neighbors, family members, or people in your community to see if they need a car wash.
Offer a reasonable price (usually $10-$20, depending on the size of the car).
Make sure you do a thorough job. No one wants to pay for a half-washed vehicle, right?

Pro Tip: Set up a fun, colorful sign in front of your house to attract people walking or driving by. A little creative marketing can go a long way!

13. Teach a Skill or Hobby

Share your knowledge and help others! If you’ve got a talent, whether it’s playing the guitar, drawing, dancing, or even coding, why not teach it to someone else?

You can offer lessons to younger kids or your friends who want to learn something new. Teaching can be really rewarding (and it pays well too!).

How to Get Started:

Think about what skills you can teach others. Are you good at playing an instrument or making TikTok dances? Can you explain how to solve tricky math problems? The options are endless!
Set up a small tutoring session with a younger student or offer to teach friends.
Charging a reasonable amount for each session, like $5 to $10 per lesson, is a good starting point.

Teaching others not only helps them, but you also improve your own skills by sharing your knowledge. It’s like double the win!

14. Start a Blog

Because who doesn’t want to be the next big influencer? Blogging isn’t just for adults.

Suppose you love writing about specific topics, whether it’s gaming, fashion, pets, or anything else. You can start your own blog.

Once your blog gets enough visitors, you can earn money through ads, affiliate marketing, or even sponsored posts.

How to Get Started:

Pick a topic that you’re passionate about (no one wants to read a blog about something boring, right?).
Use a blogging platform like WordPress, Blogger, or even Medium to start your blog (some of them are free!).
Write interesting posts that people want to read and share.
Promote your blog on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.).

Pro Tip: Blogging can take some time to build up, but if you’re consistent, it can be a fun and profitable way to express yourself. Plus, you’ll learn some cool tech skills along the way!

15. Create an Online Course

Teach what you know to the world! If you’re really good at something, why not create an online course to teach others?

You can use platforms like Teachable or Skillshare to create and sell courses on anything you’re passionate about.

Whether it’s making origami, learning how to draw, or improving in a video game, you can teach kids (and even adults!) your excellent skills.

How to Get Started:

Pick a skill you’re good at and could explain easily to others.
Create video lessons that walk people through the steps.
Host your course on platforms like Skillshare or YouTube, where people can buy or access it.

Creating an online course can be fun and really rewarding. It’s a great way to showcase what you know and even build a mini business!

16. Make and Sell Stickers

Stickers are basically like tiny pieces of art! Stickers are incredibly popular, especially among kids and teens!

If you love designing, making stickers could be a fun way to earn money. You can create your own stickers and sell them online, or even at local markets.

People love to decorate their notebooks, laptops, and phones with cool, unique designs.

How to Get Started:

Create unique sticker designs using digital art tools (apps like Procreate or even Canva work great).
Print them out on sticker paper, or use a service to print and ship them for you.
Sell them on platforms like Etsy or Redbubble.

Pro Tip: Offer personalized stickers with people’s names or favorite things. Personalization is a huge seller!

17. Run a Tech Help Business

Your tech skills can help others! Technology is confusing sometimes, especially for adults who aren’t as tech-savvy.

If you know your way around gadgets, apps, and social media, you could offer tech support for those who need help.

Whether it’s teaching someone how to use an app, setting up their computer, or fixing their Wi-Fi, your tech skills could be your ticket to making some money.

How to Get Started:

Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they need help with tech issues.
Offer simple services like setting up a phone or fixing a computer.
Charge per task or offer a package deal for multiple services.

Pro Tip: Make sure you know what you’re doing; no one wants to pay someone who accidentally deletes all their contacts (yikes).

Why These Ideas are Perfect for Kids (9-12 Years)

These money-making ideas are perfect for kids aged 9-12 because they’re simple, fun, and flexible!

At this age, you want to do something that doesn’t feel like a job, but still allows you to earn money.

The best part? Most of these ideas can be done on your own time, so you won’t have to miss out on school or your favorite activities.

Also, these ideas help you develop skills that will stick with you for life, whether it’s creativity, responsibility, or learning how to handle money.

And since they’re age-appropriate, they’re safe and manageable for young entrepreneurs like you!

It’s all about having fun while learning how to earn your own cash. 🙂

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got 17 ideas for making money as a kid, the only thing left is to pick one (or more!) and get started.

Whether you’re selling cookies, running a car wash, or teaching others, there’s a way for everyone to earn a little extra cash.

The best part? These ideas not only help you make money, but they also teach valuable skills like responsibility, creativity, and how to hustle.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, start earning, and turn your passions into profits.

Who knows, you might even discover a new hobby or talent while you’re at it. Let’s make some cash, kid!

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How to Make Money as a Kid (9-12 Ages): 17 Unique Ideas