My kids sold some of their toys on ebay. We also had them donate a bunch of stuff, but gave them some $ for the items. Just a thought.
-Jennifer

We pay allowance, and the boys are able to pick up cans and cash in our cans...catch - they have to do the work, which when they don't, and I end up taking in the cans - I get the money...We give allowance for doing daily, weekly and monthly chores. They don't get allowance if they complain about or simply don't do the chores, and if we are broke they don't get paid. We all have things to be done every day - some things they will do and never get a penny for, and are still expected to do it. Day to day stuff like picking up, making bed, brushing teeth, feeding dog...those don't count as 'allowance makers'...those are 'routine chores', but they will do them whether allowance is on the table or not. In my opinion, once a child hits 5 years old, they can do some things, and should- but if you don't feel allowance is something you want to intermix with daily duties - then establish a way for her to earn money...taking in the cans once a month, walking through the neighborhood and picking up cans to turn in, selling toys on CL or Ebay (as jenny stated). We have a Gsale once a year and my kids get 1/2 the money off all their items sold - within reason. During the GSale my kids sell juice and snacks and whatever they make off that stuff they keep - less the cost of the initial purchase. Two years ago - they made more on snacks than I did in the sale...My kids take care of the neighbors dog / mail / fish too -and while I do all the work really, I give them the money every time because they intend to do it and come with me...plus, it will teach them to enjoy work and being paid for a job well done in the future...:) Good luck.

Great comments. I will check if there is any place in Chicago that pays for cans or bottles (I fear not). I have started letting her collect stray shopping carts at ALDI and return them for the quarter they give up. I think she's too young to be selling on eBay, but I have 'bought off' a couple of toys from her that I will sell later.

light yard work - like pulling weeds could be a job.

I have Richard help set the table and help daddy in the yard, but we haven't gotten the reward/monetary reward system set up just yet.

What about washing cars? My son is older but to raise money for his band field trip he offers to wash the cars of family members.... aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.

When I was a kid and wanted my mom to pay for the scholastic book orders that came home from school I used to make a list of things I would do for money like wash walls, refold and organize the towels & sheets in the linen closet, wash windows and mirrors, etc. I was probably 9 when I would walk through the house with a clipboard looking for things that needed to be done but never got done!