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At 12 years old, you’re probably looking for ways to earn some money on your own. Whether it’s to save up for something special, learn about responsibility, or simply have some spending money, there are plenty of ways a 12-year-old can make money. While some traditional jobs like working in stores or restaurants are off-limits because of age restrictions, there are still plenty of safe and creative ways to earn.

In this article, we’ll explore several methods a 12-year-old can use to make money, from simple jobs around the neighborhood to online opportunities.

1. Chores and Allowance

One of the simplest ways to make money as a 12-year-old is by helping out around the house. Many parents are willing to pay for extra chores beyond regular responsibilities. You can discuss with your parents about doing tasks like:

• Cleaning the house
• Washing the car
• Mowing the lawn
• Gardening or pulling weeds
• Doing laundry
• Organizing or decluttering

By negotiating a reasonable allowance for each task, you can start earning money on a regular basis.

2. Babysitting

While 12 might seem young for babysitting, if you’re responsible and trustworthy, you can start babysitting for family members, neighbors, or friends of the family. Start small, by watching over younger siblings or cousins for short periods, then expand as you build trust.

Babysitting is a great way to earn money because parents often need help, even if it’s just for an hour or two in the evenings. Consider taking a babysitting course (available through many community centers or online) to learn essential safety tips and how to handle emergencies, which will help reassure parents.

3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are fantastic ways to make money. Many pet owners need help when they’re at work or away on vacation, and they’d appreciate having someone trustworthy care for their pets.

Some tasks you could take on include:

• Walking dogs
• Feeding pets
• Cleaning litter boxes or cages
• Playing with pets for exercise

Advertise your services to neighbors, friends, or family who have pets. You can start small by helping out with one or two pets at a time and grow your business from there.

4. Lawn Care and Gardening

During the spring and summer, lawn care can be a great money-making opportunity for a 12-year-old. You can offer services like mowing lawns, trimming hedges, raking leaves, or watering plants. During the fall, you could offer leaf-raking services, and in winter, snow shoveling can be a big help to people in your neighborhood.

To get started, create a simple flyer with your name, contact information, and the services you offer. Hand it out to neighbors or post it on community bulletin boards.

5. Selling Crafts or Handmade Items

If you’re crafty and enjoy making things, consider selling your creations. Whether it’s friendship bracelets, painted rocks, custom keychains, or handmade greeting cards, people love unique, handcrafted items. You can sell them to friends, family, or at local craft fairs. You could also consider setting up a stand in your neighborhood or partnering with a parent to sell items online on platforms like Etsy.

Here are a few craft ideas to get you started:

• Beaded jewelry
• Custom bookmarks
• Handmade candles
• Painted or decorated items (like picture frames)

6. House Sitting

Similar to pet sitting, house sitting is another way to make money. When neighbors or friends go on vacation, they may need someone to bring in the mail, water plants, and check on the house. Although house sitting usually doesn’t require a lot of work, it’s a responsibility that people are willing to pay for. This is an easy way to earn some money, especially during school breaks or summer vacation.

7. Recycling Cans and Bottles

In some states and countries, you can earn money by recycling cans and bottles. This is not only an easy way to make money, but it also helps the environment. Check your local recycling center to find out how much you can earn for each can or bottle. You can collect recyclables from your own home, ask family members or neighbors to donate theirs, or even offer to clean up after local events in exchange for the recyclables.

8. Tutoring or Helping Younger Kids

If you excel in a particular subject or enjoy helping others learn, tutoring could be a great option for earning money. You can help younger kids in your neighborhood with subjects like math, reading, or science. Even helping with homework or reading practice can be valuable for parents who want their children to succeed academically.

You can offer to tutor friends, family members, or neighbors for an hourly fee. Tutoring can be done in person or online, depending on the subject and the needs of the child.

9. Selling Baked Goods or Lemonade Stand

Everyone loves a tasty treat, and selling homemade baked goods or running a lemonade stand can be a fun way to make money. You could bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes and sell them at local events or within your neighborhood. Lemonade stands, especially during the hot summer months, can attract a lot of customers, too.

Just be sure to check with your parents and local laws before starting, as some areas may have specific rules about selling food or running stands.

10. Online Surveys and Tasks

While many online money-making opportunities are restricted to older users, some survey websites and apps allow teens to participate with parental consent. Websites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie offer small payments or gift cards for completing surveys or watching videos. Although you won’t make a fortune, it can be a fun way to earn extra money during your free time.

There are also some safe kid-focused websites and apps that offer small tasks for rewards, such as:

• Kidzworld: Offers online surveys and games for points that can be redeemed for prizes.
• Pinecone Research: Occasionally accepts younger participants for survey-based earnings.

11. Selling Unused Items

Decluttering your room can be an opportunity to make some money. You can sell gently used clothes, toys, books, or games that you no longer need. You can set up a yard sale or ask your parents to help you sell items online on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Many people are willing to pay for secondhand items, and it’s a great way to turn unused things into extra cash.

12. Create a YouTube Channel or Start a Blog

If you’re creative and comfortable in front of a camera, starting a YouTube channel can be a fun way to make money. You can create videos about anything you’re passionate about, such as gaming, crafts, book reviews, or even tutorials. While you won’t make money instantly, once you grow your channel and reach enough subscribers and views, you can earn money through ads and sponsorships.

Similarly, if you enjoy writing, starting a blog is another great way to earn income over time. You can write about topics that interest you and, as your blog gains traffic, you could earn money from ads or affiliate marketing.

Conclusion

There are many ways a 12-year-old can make money, from helping around the house to using their creativity or talents to offer services to others. The key is to find something you’re good at or enjoy doing and start small. With dedication and effort, you can grow your side hustle and earn the money you need for your goals. Just be sure to always check with your parents and get permission for any jobs or online opportunities you pursue.