11 Ways Kids Can Make Money This Summer (Before They’re Old Enough for a Real Job)
Welcome to The Best Summer Ever , your guide to making the most of the sunny season. Whether you’re dreaming of the perfect summer of going on epic adventures or doing as little as possible (preferably somewhere with good air conditioning), we’ve got you covered, because the best summers don’t just happen. You must do this.
With prices seemingly rising on everything, budgets are getting tighter, so we may have fewer toys and games that our kids need while they’re at home this summer. While children of working age may be able to simply get a job, younger children may find it difficult to earn money for a new toy or video game, especially now that paper routes are outdated. However, there are still a few ways for young people to make some money this summer.
Let them reveal their cunning side
You may have heard that friendship bracelets are back in fashion thanks to a certain pop star. Even though The Eras Tour has ended in North America, the bracelets are still popular among teens eager to show off their love for all things Swift, so much so that a shortage of the beads has been reported.
If your child hoards these craft supplies, he can use them to make bracelets and sell them to his friends. If your child doesn’t like decorations, they can make buttons, dye shirts, or even create wall art that they can make and sell. Children over 13 can even sell their items on Etsy with parental permission. Encourage your child to consider the cost of materials and the time he spends on each item when setting his price, which will help him understand the value of his work.
Sell your old toys
If you’ve recently removed toys from your room that your child no longer plays with, he doesn’t have to go to Goodwill. Lots of used and vintage toys, especially LEGO sets and bicycles, are in demand, and your child can sell them to friends or list them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace (with your help). Putting toys up for sale can be a great opportunity for your children to learn about the value of money, entrepreneurship, and profit opportunities.
Train your friends (or rivals)
If your child can teach you fractions, algebra, or other science subjects, they can help others in your community or in their classroom. Whether in-person or distance learning will not only help others, it will also show children that their time and knowledge are valuable and that their skills should be rewarded.
Dog walking or pet sitting
If your son or daughter loves pets, they can combine their enthusiasm for all things furry with their budding entrepreneurial skills by starting a dog walking or pet sitting business. Let them gain the experience they need by volunteering at a local shelter or helping friends or family with their four-legged friend’s needs. Then help them make flyers and other materials when they are ready to sell their skills to their neighbors.
Teach your friends to play Minecraft
My oldest son was just introduced to Minecraft and had a lot of questions about how to play it. I’ve taught both of my kids to play any game featuring Mario, Luigi, or Link, but I don’t even know where to start with this pixelated sandbox game. However, there are many experts in his circle of friends who can share their knowledge with him, and I would be more than happy to line their pockets with a few dollars to help him get started. If your kids are experts at building blocky worlds, they can sell their skills to newbies in their neighborhood or school.
We provide basic landscaping services
Lawn care and other necessary landscaping services are always in demand. If your son or daughter wants to make some easy money this summer, have them walk through your neighborhood and offer to mow someone’s grass. If you’d rather not have them go door to door, advertise for them on the Nextdoor app instead.
Babysitting
Speaking of the Nextdoor app, many parents are offering childcare skills to families who need time away from their little ones. Let other families in your area know that your son or daughter is willing to lend a helping hand. Judging by the current babysitting rates these days, your child will have a solid college fund in no time.
Start a car wash
Conveyor car washes are getting more and more expensive and never seem to clean your car properly, but doing it by hand isn’t much fun either. However, if your child is willing to invest a little money in supplies, they can take advantage of the warm weather by washing the cars in their neighborhood.
Show off your video game skills
Before your child buys a video game, chances are they’ve watched a few reviews and walkthroughs on YouTube before handing over their (or your) money. If they are over 13 years old, they can post their reviews and strategy guides on their own YouTube channel. If their content becomes popular, they can monetize their work through advertising, subscriptions, and viewer donations on sites like Patreon.
They can also stream their content on Twitch, and while it’s unlikely they’ll make $350,000 a month like Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, they could stumble upon the next Fortnite and start attracting subscribers.
Take an online survey or two
Sites like MyPoints and Swagbucks pay a few dollars to people 13 and older to take surveys, and some even offer a sign-up bonus. Most offer just a couple of dollars for a few minutes of work, but that can add up over the course of the summer.
Collect Recycling
Recycling centers offer cash for collecting cans, bottles and other recyclables. Not only will your kids make a few bucks sweeping the neighborhood for soda cans, but they’ll also make your little corner of the world a little better.