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Last Updated on October 1, 2025 by Katie
Holiday expenses can add up quickly, from gifts to travel to last-minute fun. If your budget feels tight, you can still earn holiday cash without blowing up your schedule.
In this guide, you’ll find unique ideas that fit busy lives, great for students, Moms at home and anyone who needs a quick side income.
We’ll cover fast online gigs you can start today, simple local services you can offer on weekends, and easy selling ideas that turn clutter into cash.
Each idea is practical, legal, and time‑tested, based on real user results. You’ll see what each side hustle pays, how to start, and smart tips to start earning sooner.
You choose what fits your skills and time, then stack a few to earn more. Ready to boost your wallet this holiday season?
Let’s dive in!
If you want money now, check out this guide on how to make money in one hour.
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Digital Gigs to Earn Holiday Cash from Home
Online gigs let you earn holiday cash on your terms, all from your couch.
You can stack short tasks between classes or choose to work flexible hours around a 9-5 or family commitments.
Start with easy wins, then ramp up the ones that pay best for you.
1. AI Training Jobs for Steady Online Pay
These jobs will pay you to train AI by labelling images, ranking search results, or testing tools.
You need basic computer skills and strong attention to detail. There is no entrance exam for most roles.
Hours are flexible and part-time, and pay typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour.
Check out these sites that often hire AI trainers with no experience:
Further reading:
2. Fill Out Surveys for Simple Holiday Cash
To earn holiday cash with surveys, you answer short opinion questions from brands and researchers.
No skills or tests required and you can work in your spare time on your phone. Expect $1 to $5 per survey. It is slow, but there is little risk.
Check out these legit survey sites for quick cash:
3. Easy Gigs on Fiverr for Quick Holiday Income
To succeed with this holiday gig, you sell simple services like graphics, voiceovers, or video edits.
And even if you’re new to selling freelance services, you can make money on Fiverr without skills.
You set your availability and delivery times. Pay ranges from $5 to $100+ per gig.
Holiday ideas: design gift coupons, write festive captions, edit family highlight reels.
In this role, you teach school subjects or languages over video.
To get hired, you must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of your subject; some platforms, like VIPKid, prefer a degree and a short demo lesson.
Work hours may nclude evenings or weekends. Pay runs $16 to $30+ per hour, often higher near big cities.
Check out these sites to find paid teaching jobs online:
Also, check out these 10 platforms to teach English online no experience.
5. Transcription Work for Audio to Text Earnings
As a transcriber, you will listen to spoken audio and type it into clean text.
To succeed in this role, you need 60+ wpm and good hearing. So, take some time to complete short practice tests online to build your speed and accuracy.
Most sites have a short skills test. Hours are anytime, project-based. Pay is about $10 to $20 per hour.
Check out these sites for paid transcription work:
Further reading:
6. Proofreading Gigs to Fix Errors and Earn
Proofreaders correct grammar, spelling, and style in documents.
To secure this type of work, you need strong English skills, attention to detail and the ability to concentrate for long hours.
Some sites test your skills, so make sure you know your stuff! And, the work is usually flexible, so you can work the hours that suit you.
Pay is $15 to $30 per hour. Build a simple portfolio with before-and-after samples to show prospective clients.
Check out these sites for paid proofreading jobs:
Further reading: 55 proofreading jobs no experience required.
7. Freelance Writing for Holiday Content Cash
Freelance writers create blog posts, gift guides, product copy and more.
To get hired, you must have excellent writing skills, good time management to keep to deadlines and great communication skills.
Start by building a strong portfolio of writing projects that you can show prospective clients.
Once you have this ready, start applying to different writing jobs through online job boards and cold email outreach.
Learn more in this guide on how to find freelance writing clients.
Pay is $15 to $50+ per article, depending on your experience. A good idea is to start with low rates and put them up as you gain clients.
Search for writing jobs on these platforms:
Further reading: 12 freelance writing gigs for new writers.
8. Microtasks Online for Small but Steady Pay
In this role, you will complete tiny jobs like data entry or short recordings.
The work is easy and flexible, so you can complete tasks and get paid on a flexible schedule.
Pay runs $0.10 to $10 per task. It is low pay, but easy to start and stack.
Further reading: 20 best micro task websites for quick and easy cash.
9. Holiday Virtual Friend Services to Chat and Earn
With this unique way to earn holiday cash, you will provide friendly chats, games, or check-ins online.
To succeed, you will need to be warm, patient, and a good listener. If you enjoy talking to people, this could be a great ide gig for you.
Virtual friend services help people feel less lonely during the holidays and the pay is $10 to $30 per hour.
Check out these sites to start earning:
Further reading: How to get paid to be a virtual friend.
10. Virtual Assistant Roles for Organised Earners
Virtual assistants manage email, calendars, and simple projects remotely.
Other tasks you might get asked to do include answering calls, making appointments, posting on social media and blog management tasks.
You need to be organised and comfortable with basic tools and the hours are flexible, allowing you to complete this type of work around other commitments.
Pay for virtual assistants is $15 to $30 per hour. Holiday inboxes get busy, so demand spikes.
Check these sites for virtual assistant jobs:
Further reading: 21 virtual assistant jobs for beginners.
11. Holiday Travel Planner Services for Trip Deals
As a home-based travel agent, you will be tasked with finding flight and hotel deals, planning routes, and booking trips.
You will need strong research and travel know-how to succeed in this role, but if you love travel, this could be the ideal way to earn extra cash in the holidays.
Work is project-based. Pay is $20 to $40+ per hour, sometimes with commissions. Focus on peak dates and family-friendly itineraries.
Check these sites for paid work:
Local Services to Earn Holiday Cash in Your Community
These hands-on gigs help you earn holiday cash right in your neighbourhood.
They fit active individuals and anyone who wants flexible, in-person work. Book a few short shifts, stack weekend hours, and watch your holiday fund grow.
12. Mystery Shopper Assignments for Store Insights
As a mystery shopper, you will shop at local stores, follow a checklist, and report on your experience.
To succeed, you need to be observant and use a smartphone to submit photos and notes.
The work can be varied, with tasks varying from restaurant visits to big brand retailer shops.
Pay is $10 to $50 per assignment. The extra perk is the fun of free or reimbursed shopping.
Check out these sites for paid gigs:
Further reading: 13 places to find mystery shopper jobs hiring now.
13. Run Errands for Busy Holiday Schedules
This type of side hustle will have you picking up items, returning packages, and handling last-minute deliveries.
To make money with this role, you’ll need reliable transport, a valid driver’s license and time to complete errands for people.
Before you get started, some platforms run a background check to ensure you have no criminal convictions.
Hours are flexible and surge on weekends. Pay is $15 to $20 per hour, plus tips that spike during peak holiday crunch.
Check out these sites to find paid errands in your area:
14. Walk Dogs for Pet Lovers’ Extra Cash
If you love animals, you can get paid to walk dogs and check in on pets while owners travel.
To get started, you will need to love animals, be reliable, and handle keys and schedules.
Plus, a background check is common. Best hours are mornings and evenings. Pay runs $15 to $30 per hour. Offer a holiday pet-sitting add-on for higher rates.
Check out these sites for paid jobs:
- Rover
- Wag
- Local pet stores (check Craigslist)
- Nextdoor app
Further reading: 15 best side hustles for animal lovers.
15. Babysitting Gigs for Kid-Friendly Earnings
Baby sitters make money by watching children for date nights, office parties, and school breaks.
To get started in this role, you need experience with kids and solid references and CPR training helps. Also, many families request a background check.
The hours you may get asked to work centre on evenings and holidays. Pay is $15 to $25 per hour, but can vary depending on where you live.
Build trust with on-time arrivals and clear updates.
Check these sites for paid childcare gigs:
- Care.com
- Sittercity
- UrbanSitter
- Local community boards
16. Holiday Event Planner Services for Festive Fun
As an event planner, you’ll be tasked with planning small parties, setting up decor, and managing timelines.
You need to be organised, creative, and calm with vendors. This role can be high stress also, so you need to be able to stay calm under pressure.
Charge $20 to $50+ per hour or a flat fee. Offer theme parties, light setups, and centrepiece rentals.
Check out these sites for paid work:
- Thumbtack
- TaskRabbit
- Eventbrite pros
- Local ads on Facebook
17. Personal Holiday Shopper Help for Gift Stress
Personal holiday shoppers handle gift lists, mall runs, and online orders, then wrap and deliver.
To make money from this type of work, you need good taste, a car, and fast communication to ensure clients stay happy.
Pay is $15 to $30 per hour, plus tips for rush jobs.
Take a look at these sites where you may find this type of work:
Selling and Creative Ways to Earn Holiday Cash Passively
Fancy igniting your creative side by making and selling unique items?
This type of side hustle is great, as you do the work once, list smart, then let sales and rentals roll in while you study or work.
Pick one that fits your skills, then stack a second for a bigger boost.
18. Selling Handmade Crafts for Holiday Markets
There are many ideas for simple crafts to make and sell. The one you choose depends on the time of year and your skill set.
You need basic making skills and affordable materials to get started. Most of your time will be spent making and photographing items.
Pay varies by item, usually $10 to $50+.
Take a look at these sites to sell your items:
- Etsy
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local craft fairs
- Handmade at Amazon
Ideas that move fast: ornaments, wreaths, simple gift tags, and cosy candles. Batch your creations to save time.
Further reading: 17 easy Christmas decorations to make and sell.
19. Sell Old Books and Clothes for Quick Declutter Cash
You probably have a house full of unused items at home!
Why not offload and make money selling old books and old clothes online in your spare time?
Time goes into sorting, listing, and shipping and you can expect to earn $5 to $50+ per item, depending on what it is.
Holiday-themed sweaters and dresses sell fast, so think about seasons to make the most profit.
Take a look at these sites to sell old items online:
Further reading: 20 best sites to sell used clothes online.
20. Create and Sell a Holiday Gift Guide eBook
The holiday season is the perfect time to create a gift guide eBook!
Many people look for help in finding great gifts and you could help out by providing help and make money in the process.
You need basic writing and simple design skills to succeed. Do some research for your book online to see what other people have created.
The good thing about this side hustle is that it is a one-time build, then passive sales should roll in 24 hours a day.
Price at $5 to $20 per book. Add affiliate links to earn extra on each recommendation.
Sell your eBook on these sites:
Further reading: How to create eBooks for consistent passive income.
21. Design Holiday Cards for Custom Sales
It’s possible to earn money in the holidays by designing printable or editable cards.
Many people still like to send and receive cards and if you have an eye for graphic design, this could be a top money maker.
Earnings range between $10 to $50 per design or you may get offered royalties.
Check these sites to sell your designs:
Offer personalised themes like family photo cards, pet portraits, or minimalist sets.
Further reading: 10 sites to get paid to write greeting cards.
22. Sell Holiday Themed Stock Photos for Royalties
Businesses use stock photos for their websites and marketing materials.
If you have a keen eye for photography, you can sell your holiday-themed stock photos online.
To get started, you’ll need a professional camera or a decent phone camera. Once you have photos, you advertise them on stock photo sites and earn passive income each time a photo is bought.
Royalties range from $0.20 to $50+ per photo and can be more for batches.
Check these sites to sell your photos online:
Focus on unique angles, inclusive celebrations, and clean backgrounds that designers love.
Further reading: 17 places to get paid to take pictures with your phone.
23. Rent Gadgets for the Holidays to Earn Extra
Do you have techy gadgets like cameras, drones, consoles, or projectors cluttering your home, unused?
If so, you could rent them out to local people for regular daily rental payments.
Items must be in good condition and everything is guaranteed, with protection for the person who rents out and who rents.
After listing, rentals are mostly passive and you can expect to earn between $5 to $50+ per day.
Drones for light shows and consoles for parties are in high demand. For more ideas, see this list of things you can rent out to make money.
Check out these rental sites:
- Fat Llama
- RentMy
- Local Facebook groups
- Craigslist
Conclusion
Now you have 23 simple ways to earn holiday cash without wrecking your schedule.
Start by picking two or three that match your skills, like online gigs if you are a student, then stack a local option for extra income.
Use quick wins first, then double down on what pays best for you. Take action now. Sign up today, set clear hours, and get your first booking on the calendar.
And think about combining gigs, for example, tutoring plus delivery runs, to build a steady buffer.
With a little time and effort, you’ll have the extra holiday cash you need to party in style!
Want more ideas for holiday cash?
Check out these online side jobs that offer flexibility and a high income.
