Things Teens Can Make to Earn Extra Money
August 9, 2008 by Jennifer Lavender
Filed under Crafty Moms & Kids
If there’s one thing I remember about being a teen, it’s the fact that being a teen costs a lot of money. In addition to the music, movies, and other things that teens enjoy there’s dating, extracurricular school activities, and food. In my house, the rule was once we turned 16 and could get a job my parents would pay for the necessities, but all of the extras came out of money we earned. I earned most of my money doing extra chores or babysitting, but for teens who are more creative, here are some ideas of things they can make to earn extra money.
1. Jewelry Wire, string, beads, or other unique items. Teens can pick whatever kind of jewelry they like to wear and then learn how to make it.
2. Lotions and Potions I have never seen a wider variety of lotion and makeup gathered in one spot than in my high school locker room. I’m guessing that’s something that hasn’t changes much since I was a teen. Start with what you like and then start asking your friends what they like.
3. Websites Maybe you’re a bit on the techie side, but you still have a good eye for design. Put yourself to work designing websites, or blog templates.
4. Scrapbook Pages More than once I had someone suggest that I should do scrapbook pages for other people. I wish I would have listened. Your work can be premade or custom, paper or digital. You could even branch out into framed pages or greeting cards.
5. Painting, Photography, and Other Arts It may be harder to find places to sell other kinds of art, but if you can find a niche as a teen you can eventually work your art into a succesful career.
After you know what you want to make there are a few things you can do to increase your chance of success. First, create a professional image for yourself. Consider your company name, logo, and packaging seriously. Second, take advantage of the networks you already have in place. Talk to your family and friends and tell all of them what you are doing to earn extra money. Reach out to your online networks as well. While you’re talking to your online networks, take the third step and consider online resources for sales like eBay, Etsy, or local artist sites. Last, do your research and double check your math. Make sure you are charging enough for your products to cover the supplies you use, packaging, shipping, and your time. Don’t use resources that will cost you more money than you can make.
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Jennifer, this is an awesome post. I have one grown child and two, almost three teenagers at home. I really needed this advice. I don’t give them money, they have to earn it, but it is always for ME that they work! I would like the source to come from OUTside my home! Thanks for this great idea. I am going to pass it on to them. I’ll let you know what happens!
Another good one! Thanks, I’ll pass this one on to my daughter as well
These are good ways but you have overlooked all the ways there are for teens to make money on the Internet. Teens are really good with computers as they have grown up with them and making money online should be perfect for at least some teens.
True – there are probably hundreds of other things teens can do to make money both online and offline, this post highlights the crafty side with things teens can MAKE to earn money though.