The Badge Archive

General Safety Reminder: Always meet in a public place and during daylight hours when working for someone new. Let your parent or guardian know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and what time you expect to return. Never share personal information beyond your first name and a contact method like a phone number or email. Avoid giving out your home address, school name, or other identifying details.

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Selling digital products is one of the most flexible side hustles out there, but the “how-to” depends on what you’re actually creating. Unlike mowing a lawn or tutoring math, this category includes lots of different skills and styles, from designing printable planners to writing short stories or making original artwork.

To make it easy to follow, we’ve split this topic into smaller, clear paths. Choose the one that fits your strengths and interests best. Each one includes realistic beginner steps, basic tools you can use for free, and ideas for how to list and price your work safely.

What you won’t find here: one-size-fits-all instructions.
What you will find: step-by-step guides for different types of digital products teens can try even with zero experience.

Just remember: not everything you create will sell, and that’s okay. Learning what works (and what doesn’t) is part of the fun. As a teen, you have a unique chance to experiment without the pressure of paying bills or supporting yourself. It’s the perfect time to explore creative ideas, make mistakes, and figure out your style, all while building real-world skills.

Pick a path below to begin.

1. Selling Printables (Planners, Checklists, Study Aids)
   • Best for teens who love organizing, school tips, or journaling
   • Steps would include: brainstorming product ideas, designing in Canva or Google Slides, exporting to PDF, listing on Etsy or Ko-fi, and pricing for entry-level buyers
2. Selling Sticker Art
   • Ideal for those with drawing or illustration skills
   • Steps might include: sketching designs in free apps (like IbisPaint or Krita), packaging files (PNG or transparent background), creating mockups, and listing on Etsy or Gumroad
3. Creating Templates (Resumes, Calendars, Slides)
   • Great for those who like layout design, school projects, or productivity tools
   • Would cover making editable templates in Google Docs, Canva, or PowerPoint, saving them properly, and marketing them to students or new job seekers
4. Writing Content for Sale (Short Stories, Worksheets, Journaling Pages)
   • Perfect for teens who enjoy creative writing or educational content
   • Instructions would guide them through formatting documents, exporting as printable PDFs or eBooks, and setting up safe sales platforms
5. Simple Product Bundles or Subscription Clubs
   • Works well for teens with multiple small digital pieces (like a monthly study kit or art pack)
   • Steps could include assembling themed packs, setting up email delivery, and using platforms like Gumroad or Google Drive for distribution

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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• Return to the Side Hustle page.

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