With the holidays right around the corner, many of us are thinking about how to cover the extra expenses. Here are some practical ideas to help you make some extra cash and ease the financial stress of the season.
For the average person, fall and winter holidays can get pretty expensive. Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and other holidays, people often spend around $1,000 just on gifts. And that doesn’t even include travel, food, decorations, and other costs.
We’ve cut back on our holiday spending by only buying gifts for the kids and drawing names for the adults. But I know many people who buy gifts for dozens of people. Even if you’re not buying gifts, there’s pressure to take vacations, dine out, and more. If you’re trying to pay off debt or save money, this can be tough.
Learning how to make extra money for the holidays can cover most of your holiday expenses. Plus, it keeps cash on hand for unexpected costs and lets you continue saving. There are plenty of part-time jobs and side gigs that are in high demand during the holiday season. If you want to earn around $1,000 for the holidays, that’s about $350 a month for the next three months. Starting early makes saving for the holidays very doable!
Here are 18 ways to make extra money for the holidays:
1. **Get paid to fill out online surveys.**
This won’t make you rich overnight, but it’s an easy way to earn some extra cash. Sign up for multiple survey companies to increase your chances of making money. Some good ones to join are American Consumer Opinion, Survey Junkie, InboxDollars, and Branded Surveys.
2. **Deliver items through Postmates.**
Postmates lets people order food, drinks, and groceries via their phones. You can earn up to $25 an hour delivering these items using your car, scooter, motorcycle, or bicycle.
3. **House sit during the holidays.**
Many people hire house sitters while they’re out of town. This could involve taking in the mail, watering plants, and just being around to make sure nothing happens.
4. **Work as a dog walker or pet sitter.**
Busy or traveling pet owners need help, and you can earn around $25+ per day watching someone’s pet. Check out Rover for pet sitting gigs.
5. **Sell items around your house.**
We all have extra stuff like clothes, electronics, and furniture that we don’t use. Sell these items on thrift stores, eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook to make quick cash.
6. **Search for one-time gigs on Craigslist.**
One-time gigs can be a flexible way to make money. You can find jobs like yard debris removal, house cleaning, or passing out flyers.
7. **Start an Etsy shop.**
If you’re creative, sell handmade or vintage items on Etsy. It’s a great way to make money selling items like knit hats, customized mugs, or jewelry.
8. **Rent out a room in your home.**
Renting out a spare room on a short-term basis through Airbnb can bring in extra cash. Be honest in your listing and include pictures.
9. **Sell items on Amazon.**
Many people make money selling items on Amazon. You can learn how to start and run an Amazon FBA business and potentially earn $100 to $500 per day.
10. **Get rewarded for being online with Swagbucks.**
Swagbucks lets you earn gift cards and cash for activities you already do online, like shopping and taking surveys. You get a $5 bonus just for signing up.
11. **Babysit or nanny for a family.**
Parents need babysitters, especially around the holidays. Websites like Care.com and SitterCity.com can help you find babysitting gigs.
12. **Get paid to shop as a mystery shopper.**
Mystery shopping can be a fun way to make extra money while getting paid to eat out or shop. Bestmark is a legitimate company to start with.
13. **Teach English online.**
Teaching English online is flexible and pays well, around $14 to $22 per hour. Companies like VIPKID and Qkids are great places to start.
14. **Find online tutoring jobs.**
Help high school and college students with their studies and earn around $12-$20 per hour. Course Hero is a good platform to find tutoring gigs.
15. **Shop with cashback websites.**
Websites like Rakuten give you a percentage back on your purchases. Stores like Amazon, Macy’s, and Target offer cashback through these sites.
16. **Rent out your RV.**
If you have an RV, rent it out through RVshare to make extra money. It’s like Airbnb for RVs and can help cover ownership costs.
17. **Become an Uber or Lyft driver.**
Driving for Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to make money, especially during the busy holiday season. You can work whenever you want and get paid weekly.
18. **Find a retail job for the holidays.**
Many businesses hire seasonal workers for the holidays. Jobs at places like Target, UPS, or Amazon can be a great way to earn extra cash and get employee discounts.
How do you usually save for the holidays? What are you doing to make extra money this season?