Easy Ways for 12 Year Olds to Make Money

I am an avid writer, and I love providing the community with useful DIY beauty advice.

Kids and Teens Need Money, Too!

For all of the awesome kids and teens out there who have a little extra spare time and an entrepreneurial mind, these achievable money-making ideas can help them to not only earn some extra hard-earned cash (for that epic bowling alley birthday party or glamorous night out to the movie theater), but also help them broaden their young minds for the bright future ahead.

Kids who learn to be independent and resourceful early in life apply those skills later, whether in school, in the current and future work world, or for the purpose of paying bills and utilities. Who doesn't want their child to be successful?

11 Simple Ideas for Earning Money

There are so many unique ways for kids to earn money that this list can't cover them all. A broad and open mind will help smart kids brainstorm dozens more ideas and pursue their dreams.

Start with the following:

Rent Your Stuff Out
Make and Sell Jewelry
Edit Photos
Take Photos
Start a Treat Business
Sell Unwanted Clothes, Toys, and Other Items
Pet-Sit
Buy and Sell Items
Refurbish and Recycle Items
Wash Cars
Do Chores

Idea #1: Rent Your Stuff Out!

Do you have a pair of jeans your friends love? Or maybe an awesome video game, toy, piece of sports equipment, or even jewelry? You can offer to rent it out to your friends!

Charge them a fair amount that they can afford. If you were to rent out ten items for $1 a day, you would have $10. After a month, that's $300!

You could have your first car, the latest iPhone, a new computer, or even save for your senior trip this way!

Idea #2: Make and Sell Jewelry

This one might be reserved for the girls, but jewelry is a very popular item and has been for thousands of years. Now, cheap jewelry is widely available, making unique pieces popular and sought-after.

This opens a wide market for those who love to create jewelry. Teens and pre-teens can make necklaces, hair jewelry, bracelets, chokers, cuffs, earrings, rings, belly rings, anklets, and toe rings from hundreds of different materials. Many hobby shops have these materials, and the tools can be relatively inexpensive.

Items can be sold to friends, family, classmates, teachers, teammates, and much more. (For selling in public places, parental supervision is recommended.)

Idea #3: Edit Photos

Kids these days have the advantage of knowing how to use certain tools on the computer that adults don't have the time or knowhow to use. For example, there are many different photo editing programs available, and many teens, preteens, and even younger children are widely using them. Kids can edit photos for friends and family members to earn quick cash.

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Idea #4: Take Photos

In addition to the above method, photography in itself is a profitable venture for any kid that has access to a camera. Photography can earn money for kids in different ways, such as those listed below:

Kids and teens can be hired by friends or family to photograph special events such as weddings, birthday parties, and graduations.
If a kid or teen is in contact with business owners, they could be paid to take interesting photos of new products so the business owner can place them on a website.
If the child or teen loves animals, they can start their own pet photography business by offering friends and family photo shoots of their pets.
If you capture a great shot at a sports event, a party, or a function, contact the person in the photo to see if they're interested in buying a copy.

Entrepreneurship and Capitalism 101 for Kids

Idea #5: Start a Treat Business

If the kid loves to cook and bake, a baked goods business could be a good idea. He or she can mix up delicious cookies, cakes, brownies, and other treats for friends and family:

Homemade, made-to-order, personalized birthday cakes
Appetizers for a party
Tins of homemade Christmas cookies
Baskets of decorated eggs for Easter

Everyone loves food, and what is better than having great food at a party or event? Food that the host does not have to prepare! This is a great opportunity for children to learn how to capitalize on their skills and interests.

Idea #6: Sell Unwanted Clothes, Toys, and Other Items

With the parents' permission, children and teens can sell unwanted items. This will usually require parental supervision and guidance. While this may not be a business opportunity for young children, it's a great way for a teenager to earn quick cash.

If you discover that you're really good at this, you could go around collecting unwanted items from people in the neighborhood and sell them at a garage sale (or online at Ebay). You could also charge a fee to help friends, family, or neighbors organize their own garage sales.

Idea #7: Pet-Sit

For the child or teen who loves pets, pet-sitting can be very profitable.

Most pet-sitting is suitable job for older children. Many people work and don't have the time to give their pets the time and attention they want. Some pets don't have to be watched overnight: they may simply require feeding, watering, and walking a few times per day. But when people go on vacation or extended leaves and cannot take their pets, the pets will need care. Although many pet-sitting jobs require that the sitter come to the home of the pet(s), if this is not an option, pet-sitting can also be done in the sitter's home instead.

Walk dogs
Bathe dogs
Feed, clean, or play with pets whose owners are out of town

This is a great idea for children who can pet-sit in the neighborhood, or for teens who have access to transportation.

Idea #8: Buy and Sell Items

If a teen or child is a thrifty shopper, this might just be the job for him or her. This gig requires a passion for shopping, the ability to know which things people will want to buy, and the ability to find steals and deals. The items can be found in several thrifty places such as:

Yard and garages sales
Small thrift shops and consignment stores
Large used item stores (such as Goodwill)
Giveaways from friends and family

For example, an ideal item would be a dress that is very pretty and in good condition, bought for $1 and then resold for a bit higher. The child or teen can also lightly wear the items while waiting for them to sell as a marketing tactic. Trendy, unique clothes always sell well! Everyone needs clothing!

Video on Upcycling (Warning: There Are a Few Swear Words)

Idea #9: Refurbish and Recycle Items

For kids who are extremely innovative, artsy, and creative, these projects will not only help them earn a little money but they will offer a constructive activity for their free time. For teens and children who are just getting started, the ideas are endless. Here are just a few ideas to spur creativity:

Gourds can be used to make birdhouses. Once the entrance is opened, the gourd can be painted, adorned with flowers, and embellished with nest-making materials and a mini bird feeder strung to the exterior.
Old tables can be sanded, refinished, and have the bottom converted into a storage area or even a dog or cat kennel.
Bottle caps and pop tops are all over the place, and can be washed and painted or used as-is to create interesting items, from jewelry and bookmarks to unique 3D artwork and sculptures.
Foil pouches from juice containers and food wrappers are commonly used to make purses, wallets, and other items, as they've become quite the fashion statement in today's "Go Green!" world. This is not only good for the environment, but a great way to earn money by going green and encouraging reuse and recycling.

Idea #10: Wash Cars

Cars need to be washed all the time, and many people do not like the low-quality automated car wash establishments that we have today. Hand washing is the best way to ensure a vehicle is clean, but many car owners just don't have the time to do it. Washing cars for family members, neighbors, and friends is a great way to earn cash while having fun! Offer to wax the car and vacuum out the interior, too!

Idea #11: Do Chores

Of course, many children earn money through allowances, that is, they do chores around the house for a set amount of money. Many parents pay their kids allowances, while others believe that unpaid chores are a way to prepare the child for a life of work.

Should a child's parents pay for chores it would be a good idea for the kid to actually do them, and for the child to have a routine method for saving those earnings so that they add up.

Really big things (like cleaning out the refrigerator or organizing the garage) may be one-time jobs you might do for a set fee, but smaller things might be performed on a weekly basis. An allowance can be paid for the following activities:

Chore Ideas

Chore Ideas for Allowances
Cleaning Bedroom	Washing Clothes	Tending Pets
Washing Dishes	Washing the Car	Vacuuming/Mopping
Making Dinner	Washing Windows	Mowing the Lawn
Watering Plants	Helping Sibling with Homework	Getting Good Grades
Painting Fences	Dusting	Organizing Books/Movies
Cleaning the Bathroom	Washing Counters	Get Creative :)

Test Your Current Knowledge: Do You Have What It Takes to Start Your Own Business?

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

What Is the Most Important Part of a Successful Business?
- Getting Rich
- Happy Customers
- Procrastination
Finish This Phrase: "Supply and _______"
- Demand
- Money
- Customers
If A Customer Isn't Happy, What Should You Do?
- Offer To Fix the Problem, at Your Own Expense.
- Avoid Them.
- Tell Them There's Nothing You Can Do About It.
Does Every Business Require You to Put Money Into It Before You Could Earn Money?
- Yes
- No
Which of the Following Is a GOOD Business Practice?
- Being Late with Services or Goods, Then Avoiding the Customer Until It's Done.
- Providing Services and Custom made Goods on Time, While Being Polite and Thankful.
When Do Most New Businesses Commonly Fail?
- Never
- Within the First Year
- After 5 Years
Do You Have to Graduate High School to Start a Business?
- Yes, Because You Can't Have a Business Without It.
- No, You Just Need a Parent to Help Sign Legal Documents.
Which Type of People Make the Best First Customers?
- Classmates
- Strangers
- Family and Friends

Answer Key

Happy Customers
Demand
Offer To Fix the Problem, at Your Own Expense.
No
Providing Services and Custom made Goods on Time, While Being Polite and Thankful.
Within the First Year
No, You Just Need a Parent to Help Sign Legal Documents.
Family and Friends

Interpreting Your Score

If you got between 0 and 2 correct answers: I'm Sorry! You Didn't Do So Well This Time; but Customer Service and Business Practices Will Take a Little Time to Learn. Research and Practice will Truly Help!

If you got between 3 and 4 correct answers: Your Customer Service Skills Could Use a Little Improving- but Don't Fret! A Little Learning and You Will Go Far!

If you got between 5 and 6 correct answers: You Did Good! Keep Studying Good Business Practices In Order to Make Customers Happy in the Future!

If you got 7 correct answers: You Did Awesome!

If you got 8 correct answers: Excellent! You Are On the Road to Success, and Will Make a Great Business Person!

Check out My Other Article:

How A Kid Can Successfully Start A Business!
All 11, 12, 13, and 14-year-olds should have ways to make money, and should also start their own business if they want to.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Rose on August 21, 2020:

i wanna get a part-time job because im only 11 but i know i can do it

Victor on August 15, 2020:

I wanna get a job

alex wolff on July 11, 2020:

i wanted to try a pet sitting business. Can someone teach me how to pet sit?

Angela on July 07, 2020:

I can do any of the the things

maela on June 22, 2020:

pet sitting sure is a good idea

Rebeca Warren on May 08, 2020:

Sure I will help you with pet sitting, Kylee Wallace

Kylee wallace on April 24, 2020:

Can I have help with starting a pet sitting job.?

jow on April 11, 2020:

i think this is very good

m on February 09, 2020:

This would've worked years ago but most of the time adults won't pay let or pay middle schoolers to do this or parents won't let you for whatever reason there really isn't muck work you can do IRL for middle schoolers now a day your best bets are:

a) online surveys

b) swagbucks

or you could always find a PDF version of your schools report card get a PDF editor and sell fake report cards, make sure to figure out which kids are doing poorly. You can do this by compareing tests often and record grades but don't make it obvious, if your school has some tutoring thing figure out whos in there and band kids since they spend more time time in music classes then the mojourity of the school so it could be possible a few are doing poorly or kids who have a promise with there parents like if you get an 80% averge i'll get you a phone or whatever and approch the kidss and make sure they won't snitch and offer it for a price and ask about grades and shit like that.

fantasia on December 17, 2019:

IM 13 tee in Im look for a good job to hlep my siser in her baby

Dog women on July 09, 2019:

I personally would not trust a kid with any of my animals just come to Puppy Paws and that's a pro dog business

Christian Boy on April 25, 2019:

Yeah, I'll definitely use these to buy more drugs! Excellent.

Nicole Margulis from U.S. on February 04, 2019:

These are great ideas. Great job on the article, the only comment I have is to not do too many polls because they're not really helpful.

Aiden on August 08, 2018:

I need a way to make 2,000,000 dollARS IN LESS THEN A MONTH

Hi on August 06, 2018:

Really helpful

The broke kid on June 27, 2018:

I'm 12 and I like going out with friends and buying nice stuff I'm actually trying to make money for a new phone rn and I don't know what to do,Like how do I start a babysitting job and all that stuff?

jay on February 21, 2018:

I think car washing is a good idea

Samko on January 07, 2018:

You can get a cheap 3d printer and sell prints

Alexander James Guckenberger from Maryland, United States of America on December 01, 2017:

I think that pet sitting is a great idea for kids.

Ryan on April 09, 2017:

Smart, yet I can easily make a great deal of cash by buying a bunch of O.K. computer parts, putting them together, making a P.C. worth about a thousand dollars! Maybe that should be added to the list.

loveturtles on December 21, 2016:

Thank you so much this hub helped so much, I am trying to buy a new iPhone SE

Anisha on November 10, 2016:

I think this will help me out thnx

Kristina Dawn Vasseur on September 07, 2016:

or should it be 25cents, cause if i sell 100 for only 5cents, ill only have five bucks

Kristina Dawn Vasseur on September 03, 2016:

This website gave me an awesome idea. I plan on selling homemade spinners. Im only selling the for 5CENTS!!! that way people can buy more for cheap! THANKS FOR THE IDEA!!! :D

EllieMaynard on August 18, 2016:

Thank you for all of these great ideas! I will definitely try them out

Alice on July 29, 2016:

I'm 12 and trying to save up to maintain a Degus! Originally I was wanting a Chinchilla but I didn't want something with such a long life span (up to 20 years!!) and Degus are cheaper, although I'm going to need about £200 +!!! At the moment I only have £25 lol. This could take a while...

Amy on June 23, 2016:

Your article is fantastic. Many of your ideas were ones most people have not thought about. You are a stellar writer

The Kreeper Master on May 26, 2016:

I really want to save up £40 to buy a longboard thank you hub

Alp on November 01, 2015:

angryelf, i am going to visit your website but i got a question.

I am saving up for a Nintendo 3DS XL (preowned) for $149 at EBGames. The above methods i cannot do, and i dont know what job would get me the most money. I am 14 years and 4 months old. Would a place hire me? Or do i need to be 14 and 9 months. Thanks :) Email me your answer here:

uhcbattles@gmail.com

dylan on August 18, 2015:

thanks for the tips, I can't wait to try them out

angryelf (author) from Tennessee on August 03, 2015:

Everyone, you can visit my website dedicated to this cause at howkidscanearnmoney.com I created this site because this simple article wasn't enough for everyone; there are lots of methods there that you can try out! Every single person is different in what they enjoy and what they are able to do; no one method works for everyone. Good luck y'all! :)

Amanda on July 30, 2015:

If your like me being shy all the time and not like to meet new people, non of this stuff works. I want to get money so that I can get a horse. I already do all those chores but I don't get money for them.

Ty on July 11, 2015:

Hi I need to buy a laptop a phone and books for school.

What do you suggest??

That's about $2000

jerraca on June 27, 2015:

I need to make 300 dollars before I go back home I'm taxes

Connor on April 18, 2015:

I'm 12 years old. I go around asking stores and restaurants and places like that for a job doing anything. They say no because of child laboring laws. What can I do so that a store will hire me and what store will allow me to work

Sean driscoll on April 03, 2015:

I'm 15 years old and I never have money when I go places with my friend so I can't buy things and I need advice what to do.

kaylabrown on March 18, 2015:

I would love to work online and handle my own money... by sending it to my house. By the mail... I want to see how that work out for me if its possible

Matthew A Easterbrook from Oregon on March 09, 2015:

I am an old school kind of guy. My son is 25 years old and when he was younger I told him what I was told an honest days pay for an honest days work. Parents pay your children to do extra chores and even have them work for a neighbor or you can hire your neighbors kid for a Little bit of work for pay. This makes them appreciate things when they have to earn them and pay for them with their own money. Great hub and keep up the good messages.

Nicole on March 09, 2015:

I'm trying to get at least $225 and none of the ideas I've researched appealed to me anymore ideas?

Tony on February 25, 2015:

I wonder if you can help me find a job

Jacobb9205 on February 14, 2015:

Wow, great ideas. Thank you!

angryelf (author) from Tennessee on January 13, 2015:

Hello Zoe! Please visit our official website www.howkidscanearnmoney.com to see the several different methods that we have posted there. Hopefully you'll find something that works with you needs! I hope you're able to get the laptop that you need- electronics like that are not easy to get! Best of luck!

Zoe on January 13, 2015:

Hi I need a job that can get me money very quick as a 12 year old so I can get a new laptop for school

angryelf (author) from Tennessee on January 05, 2015:

Hollie, please visit the full website that I linked to at the beginning of the article- I decided to build an entire website for this after all of the comments began flowing in. I hope it helps you more!

Donoavan on January 05, 2015:

Baby sit or clean the house sounds boring but turn some music on and it would make it a blast

Hollie. on January 05, 2015:

My friend an i are rasing money to go to a concert, our moms said we have to make money on our own. Do you have anything else in mind...? I love all these ideas.., but we arent able to do all of these.xx

angryelf (author) from Tennessee on November 26, 2014:

I'd definitely push you to publish on kindle! You can begin accumulating fans and royalties there too. Then when you publish you can post it as a physical book in addition so the future readers have the option to choose how to read them!

Audrey Ruth on November 26, 2014:

Thank you so much! I'm an aspiring author and am looking for ways to earn money for printing, binding, and publishing. I really appreciate this!

As ha carter on November 13, 2014:

I am not allowed to do all the giving address away and I need to make 5,000 dollars before 12/25/14 I can bake and I talk to my she said I should start a bake sale do you think it best to go to the richer neighborhoods and also I was go, a start off by getting donations cause every November and December I have three fundraising for homeless and sickness and family the family one is for me to save have of it for me and the rest for Christmas gifts for family and friends.

terryn on November 05, 2014:

thank you so much

angryelf (author) from Tennessee on November 04, 2014:

Terryn, please visit the website that I have linked to in the beginning; as it is an entire website that I have built for ideas! Each idea has its own entire essay! :)

terryn on November 04, 2014:

so basically ive been asking for a lot of stuff from my family lately.. and I get all of it because they want me to enjoy my childhood and stuff.. but its expensive things. things like an iphone. I got that. a new trailor. were getting that and its over $20,000. im going out of town a lot kind of now too. and going to races (dirt bike races) which are expensive. and my old dirt bike, we sold it because I was into other things at the time. but now.. I want a dirt bike. they are very expensive. around $2,000 ish. My dad said I have to pay for it. I have to earn the money to pay for it. but I am struggling. I have 66 as of now. since yesterday but obviously I have a long way to go and I need some help. but I don't know what to do. everyone already has babysitters and landscapers and all my clothes fit me. please give me some advice. email me?

caitlyn on September 15, 2014:

I work for my grandmother I make 150 a day

Hi on August 21, 2014:

I need to raise $2,000 to go somewhere please help me

Elizabeth on August 19, 2014:

I need something to make any one is can sew and I am twelve and I love kids. And love. Making earrings

Maria on August 17, 2014:

Thanks for the idea's I try them

Helen on August 06, 2014:

Hi, Im working to earn 111 dollars but I'm a boarder and I'm hardly home and I'm not really allowed to do stuff online like sell things or post stuff on youtube and I really want to earn money so I can buy my dream camera. pls answer!

Rodrick Lewis from Online on July 16, 2014:

The best way they can make money is if they put money on the back burner and focus on getting an education. Then once you graduate from college and your now trying to get money it'll be much easier. Yes you'll be in a load of debt, but it won't be hard to make those monthly payments.

caitlyn on July 14, 2014:

i make money by helping my granparents

Payton on June 04, 2014:

Love these ideas!!!

Thx!

Montana on May 21, 2014:

Oh, darn. My dream job won't help me at all! How many 13 year olds want to be a translator? Haha!

ella on May 17, 2014:

I love it sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much

tashy on May 14, 2014:

i need money asap

arianna on May 10, 2014:

I am and i don't live in the friendlies . Neighborhood. What can i do???

adibhaha on May 05, 2014:

This is good for my children. I will let him read this article.

angryelf (author) from Tennessee on May 03, 2014:

I would put up flyers, open a Fiverr.com account (people pay for people to do things for $5 there; as you level up and get feedback, you can charge more for bonus services), and post on Craigslist. You can definitely do it! You just have to SNAG an audience's attention! Free advertising is not easy; therefore, you have to really put effort into it. Once you get a name for yourself and LOYAL clients, you will see an increase in income. You just have to try hard. Successful people are successful because they never gave up! :)

kim on May 03, 2014:

Another thing is that u can buy cheap dollar store items and have a yard salr to sell them fir 2/3 dollars

Mickey potter on April 30, 2014:

I sm new to Hub pages so i do not understand how to do anything. I want to have people look at my work, poems for instanve, online. How do i do this?? Also, i asked my mom and she said that nobody would ask for poems for me to write if i were to give them to loved ones. I even told her i would put up flyers but she said that would not work. Help!?!?!?

Mickey potter on April 29, 2014:

I am 12 years old and live in an apartment. I have nowhere to go and nothing to and i need to raise $600+ for a band trip in 10,11, or 12 grade. Any suggestions

Erica Mae on April 28, 2014:

I'm 11 years old ,... I want to earn in my young age ,... So what shall I do ,...?

Renesmee on April 27, 2014:

Cool

Sabah on April 18, 2014:

This is not helping me!!!

Srry!

caitlyn on April 16, 2014:

maybe you could to your grandmas neighbors or your friends and family will surely buy something from you or i did a lemonade sale and got 86 dollars in 2 hours

josh on April 15, 2014:

Im 12 and on my block nobody wants me to do work for them and they don't want to buy anything, what should I do

Annette on April 14, 2014:

Good idea, i think it could help, is it safe to make money by asking parents for money every time then save half.

Awesome athlete on April 13, 2014:

Wow money in the bank!

fat on April 13, 2014:

fat boy

blahhh on April 10, 2014:

Im tryinq to start a dance group but we have np money

So wat do we do?

Were 17,13,12,11 years old

Bibb on April 10, 2014:

Add Your Comment.

iiiiiiiiiii on April 10, 2014:

im 12 years old

felicity on April 09, 2014:

im 10 year old

jenorris Dixon on April 05, 2014:

what do it cell you to make money on your own

jenorris Dixon on April 05, 2014:

I want to make some money too but how do I do it

be awsome on March 30, 2014:

I am going to turn 12 and I want a leopard gecko and the total cost is $94 how long will that take to get?

Me on March 22, 2014:

I'm working on a hexocopter and the parts add up to $400 what do u recommend I do?

!? on March 06, 2014:

Interrobang

stranger on February 23, 2014:

Thanks

a guy on February 23, 2014:

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

caitlyn on February 21, 2014:

I get money for getting good grades on my report cards

caitlyn on February 18, 2014:

I can't even stay home with my little sister and I for even 5 minutes and she's 6 and I'm eleven

Andrea on February 17, 2014:

I can baby sit even though I'm eleven

caitlyn on February 09, 2014:

Hey angryelf can me and my friend chat on this hub page thing please?

caitlyn on February 08, 2014:

Hi ms haley

caitlyn on February 06, 2014:

I got my ipod for 150$ and I worked for that money at my grandmothers house and by the way I got my ipod in rivergate at game stop and I didn't have a mark .but anyway I cleaned my grandmothers house and her shanderleirs

Kathy on February 04, 2014:

I can i do to make extera money because i do choirs

blaze on February 03, 2014:

so, what do I do to advertise what im doing likenhow to I tell people that I am willing to do this stuff for money. do I put up fliers or put it on the internet or what?? I really need some money cause Im trying to buy an ipod touch for $300. im 13. and I also need some money to go shopping with my best friend!!! I love shopping but my mom is tired of giving me money to go. so she said to figure out a way to make money... please please reply!!!!!!!!!!!!

caitlyn on February 01, 2014:

jayane what do you mean?

caitlyn on January 31, 2014:

I don't have anything but I will think of something:-)

jayante on January 30, 2014:

Do y'all have a quicker way of doing it

dfklj on January 30, 2014:

all of these are the same...

shawonviziest.blogspot.com

Source: https://wehavekids.com/parenting/10-Ways-A-12-13-or-14-Year-Old-Can-Earn-Money