There’s something magical about the holiday season, but it’s also undeniable that this time of year can bring a lot of financial pressure. I remember one December not too long ago when I was staring down a credit card balance that was creeping higher as I tried to make extra holiday money—gifts, travel, parties, and more. I wasn’t sure how I’d manage, and it felt overwhelming. But then, a conversation with a friend opened my eyes to something that would ultimately save my holiday season: the gig economy.
Like so many others, I had heard of people making extra money through gig work, but I’d never considered it seriously. It seemed like something distant—those stories you read about, not something I’d actually try. But, with the year-end rapidly approaching and no clear solution in sight, I decided to give it a shot.
I quickly discovered that there were simple, flexible ways to make extra holiday money in my spare time. Over the next few weeks, I dove into the world of side gigs, and it completely turned things around for me financially.
Here are 10 simple jobs that helped me make extra holiday money just in time for the holidays, and how each one played a role in turning my finances around:
1. Rideshare Driving
One of the easiest and most popular ways to make extra holiday money fast is through rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. Initially, I was hesitant. The idea of picking up strangers sounded intimidating, but I quickly realized it wasn’t as daunting as I imagined.
I set my own hours, and I could decide how much I wanted to drive each week. The flexibility was perfect—I could work around my full-time job and any holiday plans. It turned out to be a great way to meet people and earn money at the same time. By the end of a busy weekend, I had made more than enough to cover a few gifts I had been worrying about. Check out Uber here.
2. Food Delivery
If you’re not keen on having passengers in your car, food delivery services like DoorDash, UberEats, or Grubhub offer a similar gig, but with less social interaction.
This job became my go-to on evenings when I wanted to make some extra money without the pressure of driving people around. Especially during the holidays, when people order in more frequently, I found there was no shortage of delivery requests. I enjoyed the simplicity of picking up and dropping off meals, and with a little bit of strategic planning (working during peak hours), the tips were great.
3. Freelance Writing
As someone who enjoys writing, I decided to leverage this skill through freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. I started with small writing gigs—product descriptions, blog posts, and editing jobs. The beauty of freelance writing is that I could do it from the comfort of my own home, and it didn’t take long before I found myself with consistent clients.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer, there are plenty of opportunities for content creation, data entry, or even proofreading, all of which can help you make extra holiday money from the comfort of your home.
4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
With more people traveling during the holidays, pet sitting and dog walking services were in high demand. I signed up for apps like Rover, offering both drop-in visits and overnight stays. This was perfect for me since I’m an animal lover, and spending time with dogs felt more like a fun break than a job. Not only did I get paid for walking and playing with dogs, but the overnight stays were a great way to make extra holiday money. Plus, it gave me peace of mind knowing I was helping pet owners during a busy time of year.
5. Online Tutoring
If you have a background in a particular subject or are comfortable teaching, online tutoring can be a lucrative gig. I signed up on websites like VIPKid and Chegg, teaching English and other subjects to students. The flexibility was amazing, and tutoring sessions usually lasted about an hour. Not only did this help me make extra money, but it also felt good knowing I was helping students succeed during a stressful academic time of year. It was another convenient way to make extra holiday money from the comfort of home.
6. Grocery Delivery
Another service that saw a huge spike in demand during the holidays was grocery delivery. Through apps like Instacart, I was able to shop for and deliver groceries to people who were too busy or unable to do it themselves.
It was similar to food delivery, but I found that people were extra appreciative when it came to groceries, especially during the holiday season. This gratitude often translated into generous tips and a great way to make extra holiday money.
7. Selling Handmade Goods Online
During a craft fair a few years back, I realized that selling handmade goods can be a fun and profitable holiday hustle. I started selling personalized holiday decorations, candles, and small gifts on Etsy.
Though it took a bit of time to set up the shop and create products, it quickly became one of my favorite ways to earn money around the holidays. Plus, I was able to make extra holiday money doing something creative, which was a rewarding experience beyond the financial gain.
8. House Cleaning and Decluttering
As odd as it might sound, there is significant demand for cleaning services during the holiday season. People want their homes in tip-top shape for parties and guests, but they often don’t have the time to clean themselves.
I started advertising my services locally and took on a few cleaning gigs. Not only did this bring in some extra cash, but it also helped me declutter my own space as I helped others get organized, which turned out to be a satisfying way to make extra holiday money.
Just make some flyers and start working with your neighbors and people you know and trust.
9. Selling Unused Items
Finally, I did a little year-end decluttering myself. I realized I had plenty of items around the house that were in good condition but rarely used. From electronics to clothes, I posted them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even Poshmark.
I was surprised at how quickly things sold, and the money I earned from items I no longer needed provided a nice holiday bonus, helping me make extra holiday money without much effort.
You can also have garage sells to sell old items really cheap and generate some quick cash.
10. Start A Blog
Starting a blog can be a lucrative way to earn extra income. It begins with identifying a niche you are passionate about, which could range from cooking, technology, travel, or personal development. Consistently creating high-quality, engaging content is essential for attracting and retaining an audience.
Monetizing your blog can be done through several methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling products or services. It’s crucial to promote your blog on various social networks for visibility. While it may take time to generate substantial income, patience and persistence can yield rewarding results.
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