8 Simple Ways to Pocket Extra Cash This Holiday Season
Ah, the holidays—twinkling lights, festive parties, and, let’s be honest... spending. Between buying gifts, hosting dinners, decorating the house, and attending events, it’s no surprise that this time of year can quickly drain your bank account. But here’s a little secret: the holiday season isn’t just about spending. It’s also one of the best times of the year to make a little extra money.
And no, I’m not talking about taking on another full-time job or sacrificing all your free time. There are so many creative, simple, and even fun ways to boost your income during the holidays.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. Grab a cup of coffee (or a holiday-themed latte!), and let’s get started.
1. Turn Holiday Hobbies Into Cash
Let’s start with something you probably already do—your hobbies! We all have that one thing we love to do during the holidays, whether it’s baking, crafting, knitting, or creating personalized gifts. But have you ever thought about turning your holiday hobbies into a side income?
If you’re good at making holiday cookies, wreaths, or even custom holiday cards, there’s a market for it. Sites like Etsy or even local Facebook groups are great places to sell your creations. Even better? Holiday-specific items tend to sell quickly because people love personalized, handmade gifts that aren’t mass-produced.
How to get started:
- Create a small batch of your holiday creations and showcase them on social media or platforms like Etsy.
- Attend holiday fairs or markets to set up a small booth and sell your goods in person.
- Offer a “made-to-order” service for personalized items, like customized stockings or ornaments.
Start by selling to friends and family. Not only will they support you, but they’ll also spread the word about your work. If you really want to stand out, offer custom gift wrapping for an extra fee.
The holidays are the best time to monetize a hobby you love. People are actively searching for unique, handmade gifts that they can't find in stores.
2. Rent Out Your Stuff
Did you know you can rent out things you already own and make extra cash with little to no effort? Most of us have holiday decorations, snow equipment, or even cameras just sitting around. During the holiday season, people are more likely to rent items for parties, events, or even quick winter getaways.
Popular rental items include:
- Holiday party supplies (think table linens, extra chairs, or serving dishes)
- Winter sports gear (snowboards, skis, snowshoes)
- Photography equipment (people love taking festive family photos)
Instead of letting these things gather dust, why not rent them out and earn some extra cash? Using platforms or even your local Facebook Marketplace, you can easily rent out these items to locals. The best part? You don’t even have to sell them—just lend them out for a few days and earn extra cash without lifting a finger!
In fact, I rented out my fancy punch bowl set (which, let’s be honest, I rarely use) to a neighbor who was throwing a holiday party, and I made an easy $40 for something that was just sitting in my cabinet! From holiday lights and outdoor decorations to winter sports equipment like skis and snowboards, people are always looking to rent items during the holiday season.
How to get started:
- Take inventory of your rarely-used but valuable holiday items.
- List them on rental websites or local platforms.
- Set reasonable daily or weekly rental rates.
Bonus Tip: Take some high-quality photos of your items to help them stand out in online listings. Clean and well-presented items tend to rent out faster.
3. Offer Gift Wrapping Services
While some of us love the idea of wrapping gifts (shiny bows, pretty paper, all that jazz), others dread it. But here’s the thing: most people would gladly pay someone to take the task off their hands!
If you’re one of those people who finds joy in perfectly wrapping gifts (or you’re just really good at it), this is a perfect way to earn some extra cash during the holidays.
Gift wrapping can be a surprisingly lucrative side gig. You can charge per gift or offer package deals (say, wrap 10 gifts for $50), depending on the size and complexity. What’s great about this service is that it’s flexible—you can do it from home or offer mobile wrapping services where you go to the customer’s house.
How to get started:
- Advertise your services on social media, Craigslist, or community bulletin boards.
- Offer tiered pricing based on gift size and complexity.
- Consider offering eco-friendly or custom wrapping options to stand out.
4. Pet-Sitting and House-Sitting
The holidays are prime travel season, and as much as people love vacationing with family, leaving pets and homes unattended can be stressful. That’s where you come in! Pet-sitting and house-sitting are two easy and in-demand services during the holiday season. Plus, if you love animals, it won’t even feel like work.
Pet owners are always looking for reliable sitters to take care of their furry friends while they’re away. House-sitting is another great option, where you’re paid to simply keep an eye on someone’s home—watering plants, collecting mail, and making sure the house stays secure.
How to get started:
- Offer your services on platforms like Rover, TrustedHousesitters, or through local Facebook groups.
- Highlight any prior experience you have with pets, and make sure to ask for references.
- Consider bundling house-sitting and pet-sitting for an added value.
5. Deliver Holiday Cheer (Literally!)
If you’ve got a car and some spare time, one of the easiest ways to make extra cash during the holidays is through delivery services. From food to packages to groceries, everyone needs things delivered during the bustling holiday season.
Companies like DoorDash, UberEats, or even Amazon Flex hire tons of seasonal drivers during this time. You get to set your own hours, and most delivery services even offer bonuses for high-demand times (which, surprise, the holidays are!).
This gig is ideal if you enjoy driving around your city while listening to holiday music and spreading cheer (even if it's just pizza). You could easily rake in several hundred dollars by driving a few hours each week.
How to get started:
- Sign up on delivery service apps (DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, or Amazon Flex).
- Choose your hours based on your schedule and maximize high-demand times (like weekends and evenings).
- Keep an eye out for seasonal bonuses or incentives that can increase your overall earnings.
6. Rent Out Your Spare Room for Travelers
If you have an extra room in your house or even a guest house, renting it out during the holidays could be an excellent opportunity to make extra income. Sites like Airbnb or VRBO allow you to list your space for short-term stays, and trust me—there’s always demand during the holidays!
Many people travel to visit family, and not everyone wants to book a hotel. Your cozy, homey space could be exactly what they’re looking for. You can charge a nightly rate, and depending on your location, that rate could be pretty lucrative during peak travel times.
How to get started:
- Prepare your space by making it as guest-friendly as possible. Clean linens, basic toiletries, and holiday decorations can go a long way in making guests feel welcome.
- List your room on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms.
- Offer flexible check-in/check-out times to accommodate travelers' needs.
Highlight any holiday-specific features you can offer, like a cozy fireplace or festive decorations. It’s the little touches that make your space stand out!
7. Become a Holiday Shopper for Others
For some people, holiday shopping is a nightmare. Between crowded stores, long lines, and the pressure to find the perfect gift, many would rather pay someone to do it for them. That’s where you come in!
Becoming a personal holiday shopper allows you to earn extra income by shopping for gifts on behalf of others. You can either charge an hourly rate or a flat fee per shopping trip and if you’re really good at gift wrapping (as we talked about earlier), you can even bundle that service together.
How to get started:
- Offer your services on local social media groups or through word of mouth.
- Set clear pricing for your time and any additional services (like gift wrapping or delivery).
- Keep a list of popular stores and holiday deals to make your shopping trips as efficient as possible.
Take advantage of holiday sales and discounts so you can pass on savings to your clients. This not only saves them money but makes them look like a gift-shopping pro!
8. Offer Holiday Cleaning Services
With family coming over and holiday parties being planned, people want their homes to look their best—but not everyone has the time or energy to do a deep clean. That’s where you can step in by offering holiday cleaning services.
Holiday cleaning can range from basic tidying up to full-on deep cleaning, and depending on what you offer, you can charge premium rates. People are willing to pay more for quality service, especially if you can make their home sparkle just in time for guests to arrive.
How to get started:
- Advertise your cleaning services on social media or local community boards.
- Offer holiday-specific packages (like cleaning before and after a holiday party).
- Make sure to use high-quality cleaning products and offer add-ons like organizing holiday decorations or setting up a festive atmosphere.
Offer discounts for returning customers or referrals. Word of mouth is your best marketing tool!
Which of these Fun Ideas Will You Try?
The holidays may be known for spending, but they’re also a perfect time to boost your income with fun and creative side gigs. Whether you’re baking, wrapping, renting out your spare room, or simply delivering food, there are plenty of ways to make a little extra cash this season. The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice your entire holiday to do it.
So, what are your financial goals this holiday season? Which of these ideas could you see yourself trying out? Whatever you decide, remember: every little bit helps, and with a little creativity, you can enjoy the holidays without the post-season financial hangover.
