As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, it can be tough for kids to find ways to make money. The good news is, there are still plenty of opportunities for kids to make some extra cash during winter. We'll discuss 24 ideas to help get them started.
Why should kids make money in winter?
Winter is the perfect time for kids to make their own money. Not only are there fewer distractions and more time to focus on work, but the colder months also offer a variety of opportunities for enterprising young people. From shovelling snow to selling handcrafted gifts, there are plenty of ways for kids to make extra cash. What better way to teach them the value of a hard-earned pound than by letting them earn it themselves? Not only will encouraging your kids to earn some extra money this winter help them build character, it will also teach them about financial responsibility.
If you're reading this in the warmer months, read our guide to 13 ways kids can make money this summer.
23 ways to make money in winter
Are your kids ready to earn and save money this winter? Here are our top 23 ways they can get started:
1. Gift wrapping
Your kids can wrap gifts at home or offer their services at a local shopping centre. To help them along, teach them how to wrap gifts properly before they start offering their services, so they can give each present that personal touch.
2. Pet-sitting
Families who are travelling over the holidays may need someone to take care of their pets. Kids can offer pet-sitting services at home, or they can take care of the pet in its home while its owners are away.
3. Help parents host a party
If you're hosting a holiday party, your kids can help with the preparations. They can make invitations, decorate the house and help with catering. This is a great opportunity for them to get creative and have fun while earning money.
4. Help with holiday decorations
What better winter job than a festive one? Your kids can earn some extra cash by helping you decorate your home for the holidays. They can put up lights, hang decorations and help to create a festive atmosphere in your home.
5. Bake biscuits and sell them
One of the best things about winter is the warm smell of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the house. Your kids can bake biscuits, decorate and sell them to neighbours and friends.
6. Sell handcrafted gifts
If your children are creative, they can earn some extra money by making and selling handcrafted gifts. They can make jewellery, paintings, ornaments, or anything else they can think of.
Related: Things kids can make and sell
7. Do more chores than usual
Family get-togethers and other types of festivities can leave homes feeling a little untidy. Dividing chores between your kids can really help and they'll be able to earn some extra pocket money.
8. Teach others new skills
From giving guitar lessons to simply helping with homework, your kids can share their talents and skills with others for a bit of extra cash.
9. Shovel snow for family and neighbours
If we get any snowy days, your kids can offer their services to family and neighbours, clearing paths and driveways. Just make sure they wrap up warm!
10. Salt pavements
When the temperature drops, your kids can help to keep your local area safe by salting pavements and sidewalks. They can also offer their services to local businesses, such as restaurants and shops.
11. Sweep and vacuum your room
A clean room is a happy room, and it's also a great way for kids to make some extra money. They can clean their room, your room, or their sibling's room to earn some extra cash. Add in dusting, polishing and making the beds to earn a little bit more.
12. Sell stuff you don’t need
If your kids have any old toys, clothes, or books that they no longer use, they can sell them to earn some extra cash. They can have a garage sale or sell items online.
13. Clear ice off the car
In winter, it's essential to keep your car clean and clear of snow and ice. Your kids can help with this by clearing snow or ice off the car for you. They can also scrape the windows and help you to de-ice the car before you set off on your journey.
14. Help the elderly with holiday shopping
The festive season can be a difficult time for the elderly, especially if they live alone. Your kids can learn to give back and brighten up their days by helping them with Christmas shopping.
15. Run errands for your family or neighbours
If your kids are old enough, they can run errands for your family or neighbours. This can include things like getting the groceries, picking up the dry cleaning or even just walking the dog.
16. Babysit
If your kids are responsible and good with children, they can earn some extra money by babysitting. Just make sure you provide them with clear instructions and guidelines before they start.
17. Help take down the Christmas decorations
After the festive season is over, your kids can help with this by taking down the lights, putting away the tree, and packing up the decorations, which will help you to get your home back in order.
18. Help around the kitchen
There are always plenty of things for kids to do in the kitchen – from washing the dishes to wiping down the counters. Just make sure you supervise them closely and leave out any sharp objects. But, if they are old enough and you know they'll be fine with more advanced tasks, they could also help to cook dinner.
19. Sell hot tea or cocoa
People love warming up with hot tea or cocoa. Your kids can take advantage of this by setting up a stand to sell hot drinks at your local park, car boot sale or Christmas fair. Just make sure they use a thermos to keep the drinks hot and don't forget the marshmallows!
20. Basic shopping
Your kids can help with grocery shopping by getting things off the shelves for you, or even just carrying the bags to the car. They can also help to put away the groceries when you get home.
21. Clean up after festive dinner
If you host any dinner parties over the holidays, your kids can help to clean up afterwards. They can clear the plates, wash the dishes and even sweep the floor.
22. Take out the rubbish
There can be a lot of extra rubbish from all the festive celebrations. From discarded wrapping paper to extra food packaging, your kids can help to recycle and take the rubbish out.
23. Clear out the kitchen pantry
It's always a good idea to clear out the pantry and get rid of any expired food items — and the festive season is the perfect occasion to do just that. Your kids can help with this by taking everything out of the pantry, wiping down the shelves, sorting through the food and reorganising it.
Get paid through GoHenry
At GoHenry, we offer a unique service that allows parents to teach their kids about money in a fun and interactive way. With our Money Missions feature, kids can complete tasks and get paid for them — a great way to learn about earning, budgeting and saving. Plus, it gets the whole family involved in decluttering and cleaning up around the house! So why not give it a try this holiday season? Your kids can help with all sorts of tasks around the house — just pick a few from this list to get started!
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