How to Make Money at 12: Fun and Safe Ways for Pre-Teens to Earn Cash

Being 12 years old is an exciting time—you’re starting to become more independent and may be looking for ways to make your own money. While you’re still a bit young for a traditional job, there are plenty of ways to earn money, develop new skills, and even have fun while doing it! Whether you’re saving up for a new gadget, a special outing, or just looking for a way to start building financial responsibility, there are many creative opportunities out there.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of ways you can make money at 12 years old, from online options to tasks you can do in your neighborhood. All of these ideas are safe, age-appropriate, and can help you get a head start on managing your own money.

1. Babysitting

Babysitting is one of the most popular ways for pre-teens and teenagers to make money. If you enjoy spending time with younger kids and are responsible, babysitting can be a fun way to earn money. Many parents look for babysitters for short periods, such as during dinner dates or when they have errands to run.

To get started with babysitting:

• Get trained: Many local community centers and organizations offer babysitting classes for pre-teens and teens. These courses can teach you about child care, safety, and how to handle emergencies, which will make parents more comfortable hiring you.
• Advertise your services: Let neighbors, friends, and family know that you’re available to babysit. You can also create flyers to share in your neighborhood or ask parents to recommend you to others.

2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are fantastic ways to make money while spending time with furry friends. Many pet owners need help when they’re busy at work or on vacation, so offering to feed, walk, or play with their pets can be a great opportunity.

To get started with pet sitting or dog walking:

• Let people know you’re available: Tell your neighbors, family friends, and people in your community that you’re interested in pet sitting or walking dogs.
• Be responsible: Make sure you understand the care instructions for each pet you take care of. For dog walking, learn the safest routes in your area and always use a leash.
• Start small: You can begin by taking care of pets for people you already know, then ask them to recommend you to others.

3. Yard Work and Lawn Care

Helping out with yard work and lawn care is another way to earn money while being outdoors and active. Many people need help with tasks like raking leaves, mowing lawns, watering plants, and shoveling snow. These jobs are perfect for a 12-year-old because they’re simple to do and can be done after school or on weekends.

Here’s how to get started:

• Offer your services: Go around your neighborhood and let people know you’re available to help with yard work. You can also make a flyer and leave it in mailboxes or post it on community boards.
• Start with smaller jobs: Begin with simple tasks like raking leaves or pulling weeds, and as you gain experience, you can move on to bigger jobs like mowing lawns or shoveling snow.

4. Household Chores for Neighbors or Family

Many people are willing to pay for help with everyday chores around the house, such as cleaning, organizing, or running simple errands. While you probably already help out with chores at home, offering your services to neighbors or family members can be a great way to make extra money.

Here’s how to start:

• Make a list of tasks you can do: Think about the chores you’re good at, like vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, or organizing. These are tasks that busy adults might be happy to pay for.
• Set a fair price: You can offer to charge by the hour or by the task, but make sure it’s a fair price for the work you’re doing.

5. Selling Crafts or Handmade Goods

If you’re creative and enjoy making things, selling crafts or handmade goods can be a fun way to make money. Whether you like making jewelry, painting, or creating custom items, you can turn your hobby into a small business.

To get started with selling crafts:

• Choose your product: Think about what you enjoy making and what people might want to buy. Popular items include friendship bracelets, homemade jewelry, painted rocks, or custom keychains.
• Sell to family and friends: Start by offering your crafts to people you know. You can also sell at local events like school fairs or set up an online shop with the help of a parent.

6. Tutoring Younger Kids

If you excel in school and enjoy helping others, tutoring younger kids in subjects like math, reading, or science can be a rewarding way to make money. Parents often look for tutors to help their children with homework or to improve their grades, and being a good student yourself makes you a great candidate.

Here’s how to get started with tutoring:

• Identify your strengths: Think about the subjects you’re best at and confident enough to teach. Whether it’s math, reading, or a foreign language, focus on your strengths.
• Offer your services: Let parents, teachers, and friends know you’re available to help younger kids with schoolwork. You can also post flyers or ask your school counselor if they know any families looking for tutoring.

7. Selling Baked Goods

Do you enjoy baking? If so, selling baked goods like cookies, cupcakes, or brownies is another fun way to make money. You can bake treats and sell them to friends, family, and neighbors, or even host a bake sale to raise money.

Here’s how to start selling baked goods:

• Pick your specialties: Choose a few baked items that you’re really good at making. Cookies, cupcakes, and brownies are popular and easy to bake in batches.
• Sell at local events: You can sell your treats at school events, community fairs, or even from home if your neighborhood allows it. Be sure to follow any local health regulations, and get a parent’s help with larger baking projects.

8. Create and Sell Digital Art or Graphics

If you enjoy drawing or designing on a computer, you can create digital art or graphics and sell them online. With the help of design software, you can create unique artwork, logos, or digital prints that people can purchase and use.

Here’s how to start making money with digital art:

• Learn basic design skills: If you don’t already know how to create digital art, you can start by learning basic design programs like Canva, Procreate, or Photoshop.
• Create a portfolio: Show off your designs by creating a portfolio, either on a free website or by sharing it with friends and family. This will help you attract customers who are interested in buying your art.
• Sell on online platforms: You can sell your digital art through platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or other sites that allow you to create and sell your designs. You’ll need a parent’s help to set up these accounts.

9. Start a YouTube Channel or Blog

If you’re passionate about something, whether it’s gaming, sports, crafts, or storytelling, you can start your own YouTube channel or blog to share your interests with others. While it may take some time to build an audience, creating content that you love can eventually lead to earning money through ads, sponsorships, and viewer donations.

Here’s how to start:

• Choose your focus: Think about what you’re passionate about and what you want to share with others. Whether it’s sharing tips about video games, reviewing toys, or teaching how to do something, pick a topic you’re excited about.
• Create and post content regularly: To grow an audience, you’ll need to post videos or blog posts regularly. This helps build a loyal following who will keep coming back for more.
• Monetize your content: Once you’ve built an audience, you can start making money through YouTube ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links. You’ll need to work with a parent to set up any monetization tools.

10. Recycle Cans and Bottles

Recycling can also be a way to make money! In some states or countries, people can earn money by returning cans and bottles to recycling centers. If your area offers this program, you can collect cans and bottles from your home or neighbors and bring them to the center to earn cash.

Here’s how to get started with recycling:

• Collect cans and bottles: Start by collecting recyclables from your own home, then ask friends, family, or neighbors if they have any cans or bottles they’d like to recycle.
• Return them to a recycling center: Take the cans and bottles to a local recycling center that pays for returns. Each can or bottle might be worth a small amount, but it adds up over time!

Final Tips: How to Be Successful When Making Money at 12

• Stay Safe: Always talk to your parents or guardians before starting any new money-making activity. They can help you with advertising your services, setting prices, and making sure you’re safe while working.
• Be Responsible: Whether you’re babysitting, walking dogs, or selling crafts, always be reliable and do your best work. This will help you build a good reputation, and people will be more likely to hire you again or recommend you to others.
• Have Fun!: Making money at 12 can be a fun and rewarding experience. Choose activities that you enjoy, and you’ll be more motivated to stick with them.

By trying out these ideas, you can make money while gaining valuable experience, learning new skills, and having fun along the way! Whether you’re saving up for something special or just want to earn extra cash, there are plenty of safe and creative ways to start making money at 12 years old.