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How to Make Extra Money During the Holidays: 10 Side Hustles to Try

 



The holiday season is often filled with gift shopping, family gatherings, and festive events. But it’s also the perfect time to boost your income. Whether you're looking to pay off extra bills, fund your holiday spending, or simply make some extra cash, there are plenty of side hustles you can do in December that fit into your busy schedule. Here are 10 practical ways to earn extra money during the holidays.

1. Freelance Work (Writing, Design, or Web Development)

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, or web development, freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to find short-term gigs. During the holidays, businesses are often looking for extra help with content creation, social media posts, or even last-minute website fixes. You can manage these projects from the comfort of your home, making it easy to work around your holiday plans.

Tips:

  • Start by offering discounted rates to attract clients quickly.
  • Set clear boundaries with your clients about your availability during the holidays.

2. Sell Handmade Gifts on Etsy

If you enjoy crafting, the holidays are a prime time to sell handmade gifts, decorations, or other personalized items on Etsy. Whether it's custom jewelry, knitted scarves, or unique home decor, shoppers are always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

Tips:

  • Promote your shop through social media to reach a broader audience.
  • Offer gift wrapping or personalized messages to add more value.

3. Delivery Driver (Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart)

During the holiday season, demand for food and grocery delivery skyrockets. If you have a car or bike, you can easily become a delivery driver with services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart. It's a flexible side hustle, and you can work during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, when tips are higher.

Tips:

  • Take advantage of “rush” hours or promotions to maximize your earnings.
  • Deliver in busy areas where demand for food delivery is high, like shopping malls or business districts.

4. Online Tutoring

With students taking winter breaks or preparing for exams, there is a growing need for online tutoring services. Whether you're skilled in math, English, or even SAT prep, tutoring can be a rewarding side hustle. Platforms like Chegg Tutors, Wyzant, or even promoting your services locally can help you find clients.

Tips:

  • Offer your tutoring services through social media or community groups to reach local families.
  • Set a competitive hourly rate for your expertise, but be flexible with the schedule.

5. Virtual Assistant

As businesses and entrepreneurs work to close out the year, they may need help with administrative tasks, scheduling, email management, or social media upkeep. If you have strong organizational and communication skills, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is a great way to earn extra money.

Tips:

  • Look for VA gigs on job boards like Indeed or Virtual Assistant Jobs.
  • Offer a variety of services to attract different clients.

6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you're an animal lover, pet sitting or dog walking can be a lucrative holiday side hustle. People often travel during the holidays and need someone to take care of their pets. Services like Rover or Care.com allow you to set up a profile and offer your services in your local area.

Tips:

  • Be flexible with your availability to accommodate last-minute bookings.
  • Offer additional services, such as pet grooming or house sitting, to increase your earning potential.

7. Holiday Decorating

Many homeowners and businesses hire professional decorators for the holiday season, and you can capitalize on this trend. If you have a knack for arranging lights, wreaths, or holiday displays, offer your decorating services to friends, family, and local businesses.

Tips:

  • Start by offering to decorate for a discount to build a portfolio.
  • Advertise your services through local community boards or social media.

8. Rent Out Your Space for Holiday Events

If you have extra space, such as a garage, basement, or even an empty room, consider renting it out for holiday gatherings or events. Platforms like Airbnb or local Facebook groups can connect you with people looking for venues for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Tips:

  • Ensure your space is tidy and well-lit for guests.
  • Offer additional services, such as catering or event planning, to make the experience even more profitable.

9. Sell Gently Used Items

The end of the year is a great time to declutter and make extra money by selling items you no longer need. Use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark to sell clothing, electronics, furniture, or toys. People often buy secondhand items during the holiday season to save money.

Tips:

  • Clean and photograph your items well to attract buyers.
  • Bundle similar items together to increase the overall value.

10. Seasonal Retail Work

The retail industry experiences a surge in demand during the holiday season. Many stores hire temporary workers to assist with sales, stocking shelves, and customer service. If you enjoy interacting with people and can handle a fast-paced environment, a retail job might be a great fit. Plus, many stores offer holiday bonuses or incentives to seasonal employees.

Tips:

  • Apply early, as retail jobs can fill up quickly in December.
  • Be ready to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, to meet the demand.

Conclusion

Making extra money during the holidays is not only possible—it’s highly achievable with the right side hustle. Whether you’re offering services online, delivering food, or helping people with holiday preparations, there are plenty of ways to fit these gigs into your busy schedule. By choosing a hustle that aligns with your skills and interests, you can enjoy a financially stress-free holiday season and start the new year with some extra savings in your pocket!

Location: United States

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