The holiday season is always a mix of excitement and, let’s face it, a bit of financial stress.
Last year, I found myself in a tight spot, juggling the endless expenses of gift shopping, decorations, and hosting.
It felt like the bills were piling up endlessly, and I swore I wouldn’t put myself through that stress again.
That’s why I’ve spent the last few months diving into research and trying out various side hustles to make extra money for the holidays — and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you!
With these 30 creative money-making ideas, you’ll be able to ease the financial pinch and actually enjoy a more festive, stress-free holiday season.
So, let’s dive in and make the most of these ideas!
1. Babysitting
Kicking off our list is babysitting, an incredible way to pocket some serious cash during the holiday season.
With parents attending holiday parties and scrambling to finish their shopping, there is high demand for babysitters during this time of year.
If you’re skilled with babies and would like to make the most of the holiday season, you can start by creating a profile on popular babysitting platforms like Care.com, Sittercity, or Bambino.
These sites are well known for their flexibility. They allow you to set your own rates and availability, making it easy to fit babysitting gigs around your schedule.
The pay is also quite good — you can earn anywhere from $13 to $23 per hour.
Pro Tip: Offer special holiday-themed activities for the kids, like cookie decorating or crafting ornaments. Parents will appreciate the extra effort, and it might just lead to more bookings and better tips.
2. Delivery Driver
If you’ve got a reliable set of wheels and enjoy cruising around town, delivery driving could be the best holiday side hustle for you!
With the rise of food delivery and shopping services, earning money as a driver has become a sure thing.
Companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Amazon Flex are always looking for drivers, especially during the peak of the holiday season. You can also set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
Here’s a quick breakdown of potential earnings:
| Company | Average Hourly Rate |
| DoorDash | $15 – $25 |
| Instacart | $14 – $22 |
| Amazon Flex | $18 – $25 |
These rates can vary depending on location, time of day, and demand.
Pro Tip: To help you earn more, learn how to take advantage of any bonuses or incentives offered by the platforms.
3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
As someone who’s always been passionate about animals, I can tell you that pet sitting and dog walking are some of the most enjoyable ways to earn extra cash.
Last holiday season, I decided to give it a try and signed up with Rover.
Within a week, I had my first booking – an adorable Golden Retriever who needed daily walks while his family was away for Thanksgiving.
Not only did I get to spend time with a furry friend, but I also earned a significant amount which served as my holiday gift fund.
If this job catches your interest, you just need to create a profile on platforms like Rover or Wag!.
You should also highlight any experience you have with animals and include some great photos of yourself with pets.
Rover reports that sitters can earn up to $1,000 per month, with top sitters making even more during peak holiday periods.
4. House Cleaning or Organizing
Do you find satisfaction in house cleaning or organizing? Many people seek assistance to get their homes in great shape during the holiday season.
You can kickstart your holiday money-making journey by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbors.
You can also list your cleaning or organizing services on platforms like TaskRabbit or Handy. These sites connect you with local clients and handle the payment process, making it easy to get started.
When it comes to pricing, house cleaners typically charge between $25 and $50 per hour.
For organizing services, you can usually charge up to $80 per hour for more complex jobs.
Pro Tip: To gain a competitive edge, you can offer specialized holiday cleaning services.
This could include things like deep cleaning before or after holiday parties, organizing and storing holiday decorations, or setting up guest rooms for visiting family members.
5. Personal Assisting
The holiday season is hectic for everyone, and many people are willing to pay for a little extra help.
As a personal assistant, you can offer a wide range of services to make people’s lives easier during this busy time.
Some tasks you might consider offering include:
- Gift shopping and wrapping
- Decorating homes for the holidays
- Running errands
- Coordinating travel arrangements
- Managing holiday card lists and mailing
What you need to do is build a profile on TaskRabbit or post your services on local community boards or social media groups.
You can emphasize some relevant skills or experience like event planning or office management.
Personal assistants can earn from $15 to $30 per hour. This may vary based on the task’s complexity and your level of experience.
6. Cooking and Baking
If you’re a master chef in your kitchen, why not turn your culinary skills into cash this holiday season?
Many people are looking for homemade treats and meals during this time of year but lack the time or skills to make them themselves.
If you would like to offer your cooking or baking services to these busy individuals, you should first decide on your holiday menu.
This could be anything from holiday cookies and pies to full-catered meals for parties.
Once your menu is finalized, you should market your services through social media, local community groups, and word of mouth.
To give you an idea of potential earnings, holiday cookies typically sell from $20 to $40 per dozen, while full-catered meals can range from $25 to $100 per person.
Note: Don’t forget to check your local regulations regarding home-based food businesses.
Some areas require specific licenses or certifications for selling homemade food items.
7. Childcare Services
With school breaks, holiday parties, and last-minute shopping trips, most parents are in desperate need of childcare.
If you’re skilled at caring for children, sign up with platforms like Bambino, Care.com, or Helpr. This will help you locate families in need of childcare services during the holidays.
Rates for childcare services can vary widely. On average, you can expect to earn between $15 and $25 per hour. During peak seasons, some sitters even charge premium rates of up to $30 per hour.
Offering holiday-themed activities like cookie decorating, holiday movie marathons, or festive craft projects can make your profile stand out!
Pro Tip: You should include in your profile any relevant experience or certifications you may have.
First aid and CPR certifications can be particularly appealing to parents.
8. Create a Holiday Gift Guide
Having created a holiday gift guide myself, I can confidently say that it turned into a highly rewarding and enjoyable holiday project.
I started by brainstorming gift ideas for different categories – tech lovers, foodies, beauty enthusiasts, and so on.
Then, I compiled them into a document with product images, descriptions, and links to purchase. That’s it!
If you wish to create your own holiday gift guide, start by identifying your niche.
Are you a tech expert? A fashionista? A DIY enthusiast? Play to your strengths and create a guide that showcases your expertise.
Then, research products and compile your list. Be sure to include a range of price points to cater to different budgets.
Once your guide is ready, you can monetize it in several ways:
- Sell advertising space to local businesses.
- Use affiliate links for products (you can earn commissions on purchases).
- Charge a small fee for the guide itself.
You can promote your guide by sharing it on social media platforms, local community groups, and your personal network.
You could potentially earn anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on your reach and monetization strategy.
9. Gift Wrapping
If you have a talent for turning an ordinary box into a beautifully wrapped masterpiece, offering gift-wrapping services could be your perfect holiday side hustle.
Gift wrapping is one of the most in-demand services during the holiday season.
Many people appreciate beautifully wrapped gifts but some lack the time and skills to do so.
As a gift wrapper, you must stock up on supplies. You should consider investing in a variety of wrapping papers, ribbons, bows, cellophane, kraft paper, and gift tags.
This is a very flexible role. You can offer your services from home, set up a booth at local holiday markets, or even approach local retailers about providing in-store gift wrapping.
Depending on the gift’s size and the design’s complexity, rates commonly range from $3 to $20 per gift.
You can also provide additional services like custom gift tag creation or gift basket assembly, which can boost your income!
10. Hang Holiday Lights
Many homeowners love the look of festive lights but dread the process of putting them up.
To start off, you’ll need some basic equipment like ladders, extension cords, and light clips.
You should also familiarize yourself with safety practices for working at heights and handling electrical equipment.
Pricing for holiday light installation can vary, but many services charge between $2 and $5 per linear foot of lights. For a typical home, this could translate to earnings of $200 to $1,000 per job.
Plus, you can also extend services like light removal and storage after the holidays.
To land your first gig, try listing your services on platforms like TaskRabbit or Angi.
You can also promote your business through local Facebook groups or by leaving flyers in neighborhood mailboxes.
11. Holiday Helper
As a holiday helper, you can offer a variety of services to restless people during the holiday season.
Some services you might consider offering include:
- Decorating homes for the holidays
- Running errands or doing last-minute shopping
- Wrapping gifts
- Addressing and mailing holiday cards
- House cleaning before or after holiday parties
Creating a profile on platforms like TaskRabbit or posting your services on local community boards are two options available when you want to start your holiday helper journey.
You should also outline the types of tasks you’re willing to take on and your availability.
Rates for holiday helpers can range from $20 to $50 per hour. To help you maximize your earnings, try to offer package deals for comprehensive holiday assistance.
12. Make and Sell Handmade Crafts
If you’re the creative type, making and selling handmade crafts can be a fun and profitable holiday side hustle. From ornaments and wreaths to candles and jewelry, there’s no shortage of festive items you can create.
To set your plans in motion, you should begin by deciding what type of crafts you want to make.
You should take into consideration your skills, the materials you’ll need, and the potential market for your items.
Once you’ve settled on your products, it’s time to start creating!
To sell your crafts, you have several options:
- Set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or ArtFire.
- Participate in local holiday craft fairs or markets.
- Sell through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook Marketplace.
Pricing your crafts can be tricky. Ensure that you factor in the cost of materials, your time, and a reasonable profit margin.
Handmade holiday items typically sell from $10 to $100 or more, depending on the materials used and the efforts exerted.
13. Create and Send Holiday Cards
Spreading holiday cheer through personalized cards is a timeless tradition. However, during the holiday season, people struggle to find the time to create, write, and send these greetings.
That’s why custom holiday card services are much needed during these times.
If you’re up for the job, start by showcasing your design skills or photography expertise to create unique card designs. Canva and Adobe Spark are dependable tools for this task.
Check out my article on 22 ways to make money with Canva for a list of ideas to monetize your love for design.
Once you have a portfolio of designs, you can start advertising your services on social media or local community boards.
You can offer various packages, from simple card design to full-service options, including printing, addressing, and mailing.
You can expect to earn between $50 and $200 per order, with the potential to charge more depending on the difficulty of the services provided.
14. Personal Holiday Shopper
Personal holiday shopping is a valuable service for those who dislike battling crowded malls or scrolling endlessly through online stores.
If you are interested in becoming a personal holiday shopper, you can begin by building a profile on platforms like TaskRabbit or advertise your services on social media.
Specify your areas of expertise, such as finding the ideal tech gadgets or discovering peculiar gifts.
As a personal holiday shopper, you can earn from $25 to $75 per hour. You might also consider charging a percentage of the total purchase amount, usually around 10-20%.
15. Holiday Party Planner
Holiday party planners can turn celebrations into standout events.
They handle all the details, from eye-catching decorations to seamless guest management, so clients can relax and enjoy a truly unforgettable party.
Holiday party planning is one of the most profitable ventures during the holiday period.
As a holiday party planner, your tasks might include menu planning, decor selection, entertainment booking, and day-of coordination.
Creating a portfolio of theme ideas and sample event timelines will help you get started. You can showcase these on your own website or social media profile.
Party planners typically charge either a flat fee per event or an hourly rate. Fees can range from $500 to $2000 per event. For hourly rates, expect to charge between $50 and $150 per hour.
16. Sell Used Items
Last year, as I was decorating for the holidays, I realized how much stuff I had accumulated over the years.
Motivated by the spirit of giving and the desire for additional income, I decided to undertake a decluttering project.
I began by sorting through my closets, attic, and garage. There I found loads of items that were still in great condition but no longer served me.
After selling the items, I came to appreciate that each one held considerable value.
If you also wish to profit from your used items, keep in mind that thoroughly examining your belongings is a must. Look for items that are in good condition but haven’t been used in the past year.
Then, research the best platforms for selling your items.
For clothing, consider apps like Poshmark or ThredUp. Electronics and general items often do well on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
For larger items like furniture, local selling apps such as OfferUp can be effective.
Pro Tip: Price your items competitively by checking what similar items are selling for on the platform.
17. Snow Removal
In regions where winter brings significant snowfall, snow removal services can be a profitable seasonal business.
Many homeowners and businesses are ready to spend money on a reliable snow clearing to keep their properties safe and accessible.
If you’re willing to take on the job, you need tools and supplies like a sturdy snow shovel, a snowblower for larger jobs, and ice melt.
Also, if you’re planning to take on commercial properties, you should invest in a plow attachment for your vehicle.
Pricing for snow removal is a bit challenging as the size of the property and the amount of snowfall are taken into account.
For residential driveways, you might want to charge between $30 and $70 per visit. While commercial properties require higher rates, often $100 or more per clearing.
18. Mystery Shopper
Becoming a mystery shopper is another simple way to earn extra cash while helping businesses improve their customer service.
As a mystery shopper, you’ll visit stores, restaurants, or other establishments incognito, evaluating various aspects of your experience.
You just need to sign up with mystery shopping companies like Market Force, BestMark, or Secret Shopper. These companies will provide you with assignments and specific instructions for each shop.
The payment for mystery shopping can differ greatly. Some shops might offer a flat fee of $10 to $25, while others might reimburse you for purchases plus a small fee.
High-end assignments, like staying at a hotel or dining at an upscale restaurant, can pay $100 or more.
19. Rent Your Stuff
If you’ve got something that you think others would be willing to rent, then renting your stuff could help you earn extra cash this holiday season!
If you seek to rent out living spaces, platforms like Airbnb or VRBO are some of the popular options.
If you have a spare parking space, consider listing it on JustPark or SpotHero.
For general items, websites like Fat Llama allow you to rent out almost everything such as cameras and power tools.
A spare room on Airbnb might earn $50 to $100 per night while renting out a bicycle could net you $20 to $30 per day.
Just make sure that before listing any items for rent, you must check local regulations and your insurance coverage.
Note: Always meet renters in person to hand over valuable items and consider asking for a security deposit for high-value rentals.
20. Christmas Tree Removal
Once the holiday cheer fades, many people are left wondering what to do with their dried-out Christmas trees – a wonderful chance for extra work!
All you need is a vehicle capable of transporting trees and some tools.
You can charge anywhere from $20 to $40 per tree. You can base it on your location and the level of service you provide.
Additional services are also appealing to clients. You can offer services like cleaning up fallen needles or recycling the trees at local facilities.
21. Sell Printables
A few years ago, I discovered just how popular digital printables had become. I created a Christmas gift tracker spreadsheet which quickly became a best-seller on Etsy!
In selling printables, it is crucial to first identify your niche. Identify where your strengths lie, be it organizing, designing, or similar skills.
If you’re good at organizing, consider creating holiday planning printables. If you have a passion for design, try your hand at making wall art or gift wrap designs.
When you’re all set, you can now transform your ideas into valuable printables with tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign.
Once you have a collection of printables, set up a shop on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market.
You can price your digital printables between $2 and $15. You can charge more depending on its perceived value.
22. Flip Furniture
With a little creativity, furniture flipping can be a profitable holiday side hustle!
All you need to do is to purchase affordable, second-hand furniture, refurbish it, and resell it for a profit.
Thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces are venues where you can find potential pieces.
Once you have your piece, clean it thoroughly and decide on your makeover plan. This could involve painting, reupholstering, or even repurposing the item into something new.
When it comes to selling, platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local consignment shops are great options.
Many successful furniture flippers report profits of $100 to $300 per piece. You have to price your items competitively, but never undersell your work!
Pro Tip: Look for solid wood furniture with sturdy frames but outdated finishes. These pieces offer the greatest potential for profit.
23. Sell Gift Cards
Do you have a stack of gift cards gathering dust in your drawer? You can convert them into your holiday gift fund!
Many people receive gift cards for stores they don’t frequent, and these can be sold for a tidy profit.
There are several websites dedicated to buying and selling gift cards. Some popular options include CardCash, Raise, and GiftCash.
These platforms typically offer 70-90% of the card’s face value, depending on the popularity of the retailer.
You must check the balance of your gift cards before listing them, and only use reputable platforms to ensure a safe transaction.
Pro Tip: You should sell your gift cards early in the holiday season when demand is high!
24. Test Websites
Testing websites and providing feedback are two of the most unique ways to make extra money for the holidays.
Simply sign up with website testing platforms like UserTesting, TestingTime, or Trymata.
These sites will provide you with assignments to visit specific websites or apps and complete certain tasks while recording your screen and voicing your thoughts.
Most website testing gigs pay between $10 and $30 per test, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Specialized tests can pay even more.
While website testing won’t make you a fortune, it’s a fun and simple way to earn extra holiday cash in your spare moments.
25. Shop for Groceries
With grocery delivery services becoming increasingly popular, you can now get paid to shop for others.
It’s a flexible way to earn extra cash, especially during the busy holiday season when many people are short on time.
Instacart is one of the leading platforms for this kind of work. As an Instacart shopper, you’ll receive orders through the app, shop for the items, and deliver them to customers.
According to Glassdoor, Instacart shoppers earn an average of $13 to $17 per hour, with some reporting earnings up to $26 per hour during peak times.
The only requirement is to sign up for the Instacart website. Once approved, you can start accepting orders and earning money.
Note: You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have a reliable vehicle, and pass a background check.
For even more ways to earn while you shop, be sure to read my article on 30 ways to get paid to shop.
26. Create and Sell Logos
If you have a talent for designing, then creating and selling logos could be the best path to take to earn extra holiday cash.
There’s actually a steady demand for unique, attention-grabbing logos.
Platforms like Fiverr and 99designs are great places to start offering your logo design services. On Fiverr, you can set your own prices, starting as low as $5 for a simple design.
Logo designers can earn anywhere from $25 to $150 per logo. As you build your reputation and portfolio, you can increase your rates.
To stand out in this competitive field, consider specializing in a particular style.
For example, you might focus on creating logos for eco-friendly businesses or mastering a minimalist design aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Use professional design software like Adobe Illustrator to ensure high-quality, scalable designs.
27. Write Holiday Poems
The holiday season also presents a unique opportunity to monetize your poetic talents!
Many people are looking for personalized, heartfelt gifts, and a custom poem can fit the bill perfectly.
You can offer your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr or even set up your own website.
Additionally, you could collaborate with a graphic designer to create visually appealing layouts or learn to do it yourself using tools like Canva. Poems with beautiful layouts are highly sought after!
Prices for custom poems can range from $20 for a short verse to $100 or more for longer, more complex pieces.
28. Rent Out Your Space
If you have extra space in your home, why not turn it into an income source this holiday season?
With platforms like Airbnb, you can easily rent out a spare room, basement, or even your entire home to travelers.
The amount you can earn varies greatly depending on your location, the size of the space, and the amenities you offer.
In popular tourist areas, hosts can earn hundreds of dollars per night. Even in less touristy locations, you could still make a significant sum.
You just need to create a listing on Airbnb or a similar platform.
Additionally, you should take high-quality photos of your space, write a detailed and honest description, and set competitive prices based on similar listings in your area.
Note: You must check out local regulations regarding short-term rentals. Some cities have restrictions or require permits.
29. Have a Yard Sale
A yard sale can be an excellent way to clean up your home and make some quick cash before the holidays.
It’s a chance to turn unused items into money that can fund your holiday shopping or other expenses.
To host a successful yard sale, you should gather items from around your house that you no longer need or use. Then, clean and organize everything and price items reasonably.
While earnings can vary widely, a well-organized yard sale can easily bring in $200 to $500 or more in a single day.
Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of clearing out clutter from your home.
30. House Sitting
House sitting is also another way to generate extra income during the holiday season when many people are away on vacation.
As a housesitter, you’ll stay in someone’s home while they’re away, taking care of basic maintenance and perhaps looking after pets.
You can visit websites like TrustedHousesitters and MindMyHouse to find your prospective clients.
While some house sitting gigs are unpaid (offering free accommodation in exchange for your services), many do offer payment, especially for longer stays or when pet care is involved.
Rates for paid house sitting can range from $25 to $45 per day. You can expect higher rates in expensive areas or for more demanding assignments.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this list of holiday money-making ideas, I can’t help but feel excited about the endless possibilities!
The key is to choose something that aligns with your skills and passions.
Don’t hesitate to combine different approaches or explore entirely new ideas that you think would attract clients or buyers.
If you’re still in search of ways to make the Christmas season merrier, you should check out my article on 30 Christmas side hustle ideas!
Go ahead, pick a hustle or two. You never know where it might lead.
If you’re inspired or have your own ideas to share, leave a comment below! Your thoughts could be just the spark someone else needs to find their perfect holiday hustle.
