With the holidays approaching and spending rising, now is a great time to consider practical ways to make extra money for the season. A little planning and a few side hustles can turn holiday stress into a more relaxed, enjoyable time.
For many households, fall and winter celebrations add up quickly. Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other gatherings, average gift spending often exceeds $1,000 — and that doesn’t include travel, food, decorations, or new clothes. If you’re trying to pay down debt or save, these additional costs can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, plenty of part-time jobs and short-term gigs become especially busy during the holidays. If your goal is to earn roughly $1,000 for holiday expenses, you could reach that target by earning about $350 a month for three months. Starting early makes this goal achievable.
Below are 18 practical, realistic ways to make extra money for the holidays. They range from quick cash options to side hustles you can scale depending on your time and skills.
Here are 18 ways to make extra money for the holidays.
1. Get paid to fill out online surveys
Online surveys and product tests won’t make you rich, but they provide a simple way to earn extra cash in your spare time. Payments typically arrive monthly, so sign up for several reputable survey sites to increase the number of opportunities you receive. The more platforms you join, the more surveys you’ll qualify for.
Many survey sites are free to join and can add up to meaningful pocket money over a few months.
2. Deliver items through Postmates
Delivery services see a spike in demand during the holidays as people order food, groceries, and gifts. Postmates (and similar platforms) allow you to deliver by car, scooter, motorcycle, or bike. Earnings can vary by market and hours worked, but some drivers report competitive hourly rates during busy periods. Delivery work is flexible, so you can choose shifts that fit your schedule.
3. House sit during the holidays
Many travelers hire house sitters to check mail, water plants, and keep a presence in the home while they’re away. Some housesitters stay overnight, while others visit a few times per day. If you’re responsible and trustworthy, list your services on local classifieds or specialized platforms to find short-term holiday gigs.
4. Work as a dog walker or pet sitter
Pet owners traveling or juggling holiday commitments often need dog walking, feeding, or pet boarding. You can offer services by the day or week; dog boarding can earn $25 or more per day, depending on location and demand. Advertise on neighborhood boards, Facebook groups, or pet-sitting platforms.
5. Sell items you have around the house
Clearing out unused items is one of the fastest ways to raise holiday cash. Look for old electronics, clothing, appliances, books, furniture, or gift cards you won’t use. Sell through thrift stores, eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a garage sale. Even small sales add up quickly when you focus on things you no longer need.
6. Search for one-time gigs on Craigslist
If you prefer short-term work rather than a second job, check the “gigs” section of Craigslist or local classifieds. One-time jobs often pay immediately after completion and include tasks like yard cleanup, house cleaning, moving assistance, distributing flyers, or light labor. These gigs can be a reliable source of quick cash on weekends or evenings.
These simple gigs can be found quickly and often need help at short notice. While they won’t make you wealthy, they’re a dependable way to raise money during the holidays.
7. Start an Etsy shop
If you’re crafty or creative, selling handmade or print-on-demand items on Etsy can generate significant holiday income. Popular products include knitted items, printables, custom mugs, ornaments, jewelry, and seasonal décor. With good product photos and clear descriptions, Etsy shops can attract a steady flow of buyers around the holidays.
8. Rent out a room in your home
Short-term room rentals can provide steady income, especially in areas with tourism or seasonal demand. List a spare room with an honest, well-photographed description. Short stays around holiday travel dates often command higher nightly rates. Even occasional rentals can help cover gift budgets or monthly bills.
9. Sell items on Amazon
Selling products on Amazon, whether through FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) or as a merchant, is a scalable way to earn holiday income. Some sellers find niche products that sell well during specific seasons. If you’re interested in building a small business, research product demand and consider starting with a few items to test the market.
10. Get rewarded for being online with Swagbucks
Sites like Swagbucks reward everyday online activities such as taking surveys, shopping, and searching the web with points that convert to cash or gift cards. Over time, these rewards can cover small holiday purchases or contribute to gift cards for presents.
11. Babysit or nanny for a family
Parents often need childcare for holiday outings, parties, or extra work hours. Babysitting and nannying are high-demand services around the holidays, and flexible babysitters can find steady work. Offering extra services like light housekeeping, tutoring, or driving children to activities can increase your pay.
12. Get paid to shop as a mystery shopper
Mystery shopping pays you to evaluate customer service or in-store experiences. Some shops reimburse purchases or provide free meals while compensating you for the assignment. Mystery shopping can be lucrative if you find legitimate companies and carefully track your assignments.
13. Teach English online
Online English teaching is flexible, in demand, and accessible to native English speakers. Platforms often pay hourly rates that vary by company and experience. With lessons scheduled across time zones, you can pick times that fit your schedule and build a reliable side income.
14. Find online tutoring jobs
Students often seek extra help before finals and during holiday study periods. Online tutoring platforms connect tutors with learners in many subjects. Tutors can set flexible hours and charge competitive rates based on expertise, making this a strong option for anyone with teaching experience or subject-matter skills.
15. Shop with cashback websites
Cashback services return a percentage of your online purchases, which can add up during holiday shopping. Linking purchases through a cashback portal before checkout is an easy way to get money back on gifts, electronics, and seasonal purchases.
16. Rent out your RV
If you own an RV and don’t use it year-round, renting it out can offset ownership costs and bring in extra cash. RV rentals are popular for family trips and seasonal travel; listing on RV rental platforms can connect you with renters and provide an additional revenue stream.
17. Become an Uber or Lyft driver
Rideshare driving offers flexible hours and increased demand during holidays for airport runs and social events. While drivers cover vehicle expenses like gas and maintenance, careful scheduling during peak times can boost earnings. Rideshare work is a dependable way to make extra money on your own schedule.
18. Find a retail seasonal job
Retailers, shipping companies, and seasonal attractions hire large numbers of temporary workers during the holidays. Seasonal positions provide steady, predictable pay and often include employee discounts. These jobs are a reliable option if you’re looking for consistent hours through the busiest months.
Saving and earning for the holidays doesn’t require a single big move — a combination of smaller efforts can reach your target. Which of these ideas fits your schedule and skills best? What are you planning to do to earn extra money this holiday season?