20 ways to make extra money for the holidays

The holiday season can feel magical, but it can also stretch your wallet thin. Between gifts, gatherings, and travel, expenses can pile up fast. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to make extra money before the holidays roll around. Whether you’re a busy parent, a teen looking for spending money, or someone hoping to boost your savings, these 20 ideas can help.

1. Offer seasonal services

During the holidays, many families juggle work, school events, and travel. That means more demand for pet sitters, house cleaners, and even gift wrappers. You can start by offering your services to neighbors or posting in local community groups. The busy season means people often pay more than usual for help they can trust.

2. Sell crafts or baked goods

Handmade gifts stand out during the holidays. If you can bake, knit, or craft, turn your hobby into income. Cookies, candles, scarves, or wreaths can sell at holiday markets, church bazaars, or online platforms like Etsy. Because shoppers want unique gifts, they’re often willing to pay a premium.

3. Take on gig work

Gig apps like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit often see higher demand around the holidays. People order more takeout, shop online, and need errands done. This means more jobs and, in some cases, surge pay. Gig work is flexible too. You can pick up shifts after work or on weekends.

4. Help with holiday prep

Not everyone has the time or energy to hang lights, set up a tree, or clean before hosting. Offer these services in your neighborhood. You can charge a flat rate for decorating a home or an hourly rate for cleaning and organizing. Families save stress, and you get quick seasonal income.

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5. Sell unwanted items

Before the holidays, many families declutter to make space for new gifts. This is the perfect time to sell old toys, electronics, or clothes online. Sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace are full of holiday bargain hunters. You clear space in your home and get cash for items you weren’t using anyway.

6. Create holiday cards or crafts

If you’re creative, design custom holiday cards, ornaments, or decorations. These can be sold at local craft fairs, through social media, or on Etsy. Personalized items feel special and often sell out quickly in December when people are scrambling for last-minute gifts.

7. Freelance your skills

End-of-year deadlines and school exams make November and December busy. That’s why there’s demand for freelance writers, designers, and virtual assistants. Sign up on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or reach out directly to local businesses that may need help wrapping up the year.

8. Use survey and cashback apps

While you won’t get rich, cashback apps like Rakuten or survey sites like Swagbucks can add a little cushion to your budget. Around the holidays, you’re already shopping more. By using cashback links, you can earn a percentage of your spending back, which can help offset small costs like stocking stuffers or shipping fees.

9. Teach online classes

Parents are always looking for ways to keep kids busy during school breaks. If you have a skill — like cooking, music, or coding — you can teach it online through Outschool or Skillshare. Even short classes can fill up quickly when families are stuck indoors during winter.

10. Rent out unused space

With holiday travel comes a higher demand for accommodations and storage. If you have a spare room, list it on Airbnb. If you have a garage or basement, try Neighbor, where people rent storage space. The short-term nature of the season makes it easy to earn without a long commitment.

11. Work holiday deliveries

Small businesses experience a surge in online orders during the holiday season. Many look for temporary workers to help with packing, shipping, or local deliveries. This type of work is straightforward, and businesses are often flexible about schedules because they just need extra help fast.

12. Become a holiday helper

Market yourself as a “holiday helper” who can tackle errands like shopping, waiting in line for popular items, or even addressing and mailing cards. People who don’t have time — or don’t want the hassle — will pay for the convenience.

13. Sell digital downloads

Digital products, such as printable planners, coloring pages, or holiday gift tags, cost little to create and can be sold repeatedly. Platforms like Etsy make it easy to upload your design once and sell it all season. This is great if you want a project that keeps earning with minimal ongoing work.

14. Offer tutoring

With mid-year exams and final projects due before winter break, parents are eager to hire tutors. Subjects like math, science, and reading are always in demand. You can work in person or online, often charging by the hour. The urgency of exams means families may be motivated to pay for help.

15. Babysit during holiday parties

From office parties to New Year’s Eve, many parents need childcare. If you’re a trusted babysitter, you can ask for higher rates on busy nights when demand spikes. Word of mouth or neighborhood groups can help you find clients quickly.

16. Rent out equipment

Think about what you own that others might only need once: holiday decorations, baking tools, party supplies, or even sound equipment. Renting these items can help save your neighbors money and put some extra cash in your pocket without much effort.

17. Offer photography services

Families love taking holiday photos for cards or gifts. If you own a decent camera and have a good eye, offer short, affordable photo sessions in a festive location like a park with lights. Even a few bookings can add up quickly.

18. Take seasonal retail jobs

Retailers hire thousands of seasonal workers to stock shelves, bag items, or run cash registers. These jobs often come with employee discounts — an extra perk for your own holiday shopping. Hours are usually flexible, making it easier to fit around your regular schedule.

19. Walk dogs or shovel snow

Cold weather can be tough on pet owners and homeowners. Offering dog walking or snow shoveling in your neighborhood can provide steady, reliable cash through the season. These services are especially valuable after a big snowfall or during freezing temperatures.

20. Rent out holiday decorations

If you have extra holiday inflatables, lights, or yard displays, consider renting them to people who want the festive look without the upfront cost. This turns decorations sitting in storage into a money-making tool for just a few weeks a year.

Keep the holiday spirit without the financial stress

Making extra money for the holidays doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. These 20 ideas are here to give you options—some big, some small—that can help you pad your budget and still enjoy the season. Choose what feels doable, and know that even a little extra can make the holidays feel lighter.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.