Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by Katie
The holiday season often means juggling festivities, family gatherings, and increased expenses. If you’re already worrying about the financial strain, these Christmas side hustle ideas could be just what you need.
Discovering online side jobs to earn extra cash allows you to enjoy the holiday spirit without the stress of overspending.
With diverse opportunities available, you can choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests.
Whether you’re looking to leverage a hobby or try something entirely new, these ideas offer flexible options for everyone aiming to boost their holiday budget.
So, don’t let a tight budget ruin your holiday plans – read on to learn about some cool and fun Christmas side hustle ideas that will never let you run short of cash!
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Christmas Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Cash When You Need It
Thanks to the internet, there are multiple ways to make extra cash online for the holiday season.
The side hustle you choose should align with your skills and interests and will depend on how much time you have to dedicate to it.
For example, I started a blog which makes me passive income as I am a freelance writer. If you’re more creative, making and selling crafts might be a better option for you.
Let’s dive in!
1: Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys offers an easy and flexible way to earn extra income during the holiday season.
Engage with platforms that pay you to share your opinions on various products and services.
You will usually be asked to complete surveys, participate in research programs, or sometimes test products.
Popular Platforms:
Income Potential:
Depending on the site and time you invest, you can earn from a few cents to $50 per hour.
Survey availability varies, and while it’s not a full-time income, it’s a convenient way to supplement your earnings and make extra cash for the holidays.
2: Write an eBook with ChatGPT
Creating an eBook with ChatGPT is one of the best Christmas side hustle ideas that has high income potential.
You generate content by utilizing AI to streamline the writing process and you can create the book covers for free in Canva.
In the lead-up to Christmas, you could focus on niches like holiday recipes or gift guides which people will be searching for at this time.
Tasks you will do:
- Brainstorm eBook topics using ChatGPT prompts.
- Develop an outline and draft content.
- Format and publish your eBook on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Etsy.
Potential income varies based on factors like book quality and marketing efforts, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars monthly.
Learn more in our guide on how to make money with AI.
Check this FREE download 50 Ways to Use ChatGPT to Make Money.
3: Freelance on Fiverr
Freelancing on Fiverr offers you the chance to leverage your skills to earn extra income during the holidays.
Whether you write, design, create graphics or program, there’s likely a market for your talents.
Popular tasks include graphic design, writing compelling content, social media management, and web development.
Income Potential:
Varies based on skills and demand. Rates typically range from $5 to several hundred dollars per project.
Learn more in our guide on how to make money on Fiverr without skills.
4: Seasonal Photography Services
Offering seasonal photography services in the run-up to Christmas can be a profitable side hustle.
Many families and individuals seek professionals to capture festive moments, holiday cards, or special events.
You will need a quality camera, some photography skills, and a keen eye for setting up the perfect shot.
Editing the photos afterward is often part of the process, requiring basic knowledge of photo editing software.
Tasks you will perform include:
- Scheduling and coordinating photo sessions
- Setting up and directing shots
- Editing images for clients
Potential income varies, but sessions typically range from $200 to $400.
Consider advertising your services on platforms like Thumbtack or Photography Jobs Central to find clients.
You could also make money selling pictures that you take with your phone.
5: Sell Holiday Craft Courses Online
Selling craft lessons online is a top Christmas side hustle idea for those with decent craft skills.
This involves designing lesson plans, filming tutorials, and setting up a platform for students to access your content.
Choose popular holiday crafts, such as wreaths or ornaments, to attract more participants.
Potential platforms to sell courses include:
- Udemy: An online learning platform for various subjects.
- Skillshare: Offers courses in creative and practical skills.
- Teachable: Allows creating and selling of personalized courses.
With dedication, you can earn a modest to substantial income, depending on course pricing and enrollment rates.
Learn more in ur guide on how to make and sell courses online.
6: Sell Handmade Ornaments on Etsy
Learning how to start an Etsy shop can be a rewarding side hustle during the holiday season.
Start by designing unique and charming ornaments that appeal to a broad audience.
Use quality materials such as acrylic paints, hot glue, and other craft supplies to ensure durability and attractiveness.
Taking high-quality photos of your ornaments is crucial to draw in customers.
Set up your Etsy shop by providing an engaging description of your products and clear shipping options.
Offering customizations or personalized designs can add value and attract more buyers.
- Start here: Etsy Seller Registration
- Income potential: Varies based on the uniqueness and appeal of your designs; successful sellers often earn extra cash ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars over the holiday period.
7: Write Custom Greeting Cards
Creating custom greeting cards can be a fun side hustle for the festive season.
You can offer personalized designs for occasions like Christmas, capturing the spirit of the holidays in your unique style.
Tasks you will have to do include brainstorming creative messages, designing the card layout, and producing the final artwork.
Income potential varies depending on the complexity and demand for your designs.
Here are some sites to sell your designs:
Consider networking through local craft fairs and online platforms to increase visibility and reach more customers interested in personalized holiday cards.
Check out these sites to get paid to write greeting cards.
8: Become a Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping is one of the most exciting Christmas side hustle ideas where you can earn cash and get free stuff!
As a mystery shopper, you evaluate stores and businesses by posing as a typical customer and reviewing your experience.
Tasks typically include visiting a store, assessing customer service, and reporting your findings. Sometimes tasks may involve an online or phone evaluation.
Potential companies to find paid work:
Income Potential:
You might earn $10 to $25 per task, depending on complexity and location.
Here are more places to find mystery shopper jobs from home.
9: Offer Transcription Services
Offering transcription services is a flexible way to earn extra income during the holidays.
As a transcriptionist, you’ll convert audio or video recordings into written text. It’s a task that requires good listening skills and fast typing speed.
You can work from home and set your own hours, making it ideal for balancing with other holiday commitments.
Opportunities are available for beginners and experienced transcriptionists alike and you can learn how to become a general transcriptionist quite quickly.
Platforms to find transcription work include:
Income potential varies based on experience and platform, generally ranging from $10 to $60 per hour.
Here are more transcription jobs for beginners.
10: Holiday Themed Subscription Box Business
Creating a holiday-themed subscription box business can be a lucrative side hustle.
This venture involves curating and selecting items that fit a festive theme, packaging them attractively, and marketing the subscription service to customers looking for unique gifts.
Your tasks to get the business going include sourcing products, negotiating with suppliers, assembling the boxes, handling customer service, and promoting your service online.
- Types of Products: Decorations, gourmet treats, cozy accessories, and personalized gifts.
- Platform Suggestions: Cratejoy, Shopify.
- Income Potential: Varies widely based on subscription numbers.
Starting a subscription box business involves creativity and attention to detail but can effectively capture the excitement of the holiday season.
Here is a big list of subscription box business ideas for beginners.
11: Seasonal Event Planning
Seasonal event planning can be a lively and fulfilling side hustle during the holiday season.
You could coordinate holiday parties, festive gatherings, or corporate events, offering services like venue selection, decoration, entertainment, and catering arrangements.
Your creative and organizational skills will be key to your success in this role.
Tasks you might perform include:
- Coordinating with vendors
- Planning event schedules
- Creating budget plans
- Sourcing decorations and supplies
Income potential varies based on scope and location, generally ranging from $20 to $75 per hour, depending on your experience and the complexity of the event.
Learn more in our guide on how to start an event planning business from home.
12: Become a Website Tester
As a website tester, you provide valuable feedback on the functionality and user experience of websites and apps.
You’ll complete tasks such as navigating a site, identifying issues, and suggesting improvements.
You’ll need a computer or smartphone with internet access, and you should be comfortable sharing detailed insights.
Potential income varies based on the platform and the volume of tests available. Here’s an overview:
- Average pay: $5-$30 per test
- Typical hourly rate: $10-$30
- Frequency: 1-3 paid tests per week
Check out platforms like UserTesting and Testbirds to get started and you can check out more website testing jobs here.
13: Holiday Themed Baking Classes
Holiday-themed baking classes offer a delightful way to share your baking skills while earning extra income during the Christmas season.
You can create themed lessons focused on cookies, cupcakes, or traditional desserts like gingerbread houses.
Host these classes in-person or virtually to reach a wider audience.
Tasks involve planning classes, purchasing ingredients, and guiding participants through baking steps.
Potential platforms to promote and host your classes include:
- Eventbrite
- Facebook Events
- Local community boards
Earnings depend on location, number of participants, and pricing, but you could earn $50-$150 per session.
14: Sell Christmas Themed T-Shirts POD
Selling Christmas-themed T-shirts using Print on Demand (POD) is a great way to earn money during the festive season.
You design the T-shirts and a POD service handles the production and shipping. This minimizes your upfront costs and allows you to focus on creative designs.
Your tasks involve creating designs that capture the holiday spirit.
Upload your designs to the POD platform and promote them through social media or online marketplaces.
Potential POD platforms to sell your designs:
Income potential varies, but successful sellers can earn a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Your earnings depend on design appeal, marketing efforts, and customer reach.
Learn more in our guide on how to sell t-shirts on Etsy using Printify.
15: Create and Sell Christmas Seasonal Printables
Creating and selling Christmas seasonal printables can be lucrative and you can learn how to sell printables on Etsy quite quickly.
Ideas include designing festive gift tags, holiday cards, and decorative posters and you could offer personalization options to further increase earnings.
To get started, you’ll need some graphic design skills and access to design software such as Canva.
- Platforms to sell: Etsy, Creative Market, Shopify.
- Tools needed: Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or similar design software.
- Tasks involved: Designing, uploading, and marketing your printables online.
Income potential varies based on the quality and uniqueness of your designs.
Creators typically earn from a few hundred to thousands a month with pricing typically ranging from $2 to $15 per printable, depending on complexity.
16: Get Paid to Lose Weight
Losing weight while earning money could be the perfect motivation to stay healthy during the holiday season.
Participating in programs that pay you to achieve your fitness goals combines personal health benefits with financial rewards.
You will typically set a weight loss target and a timeline. Companies offer rewards based on reaching your targets.
Check out these cool apps that pay you to exercise.
The income potential can range from $50 to $1,000+, depending on the wager and the amount of weight lost.
17: Make Money Typing from Home
Typing from home is a straightforward way to earn extra cash during the holiday season.
This side hustle can include transcribing audio files, data entry, content writing, or captioning videos.
You can find opportunities on various platforms:
Also, check out our guide on the best typing jobs for beginners.
These roles often offer flexible hours, allowing you to work around your holiday plans. The income potential varies based on your skill level and the type of work.
On average, you might earn between $10 to $30 per hour. More specialized tasks, like legal transcription, can pay higher rates.
18: Earn Money Listening to Music
Listening to music is one of the most fun Christmas side hustle ideas to boost your income in your spare time.
You’ll provide feedback on songs, review new tracks, or curate playlists for different platforms.
This can often be done from the comfort of your home, making it a flexible option.
Tasks you might do include:
- Reviewing songs and providing feedback
- Curating playlists for various music genres
- Rating new music releases
You can explore opportunities on platforms like:
- Slicethepie: Pays $0.02-$0.20 per song
- Playlist Push: Offers $1-$15 per song
Depending on how seriously you take this side hustle, you could make between $100 and $200 a month.
Learn more n our guide on how to make money listening to music.
19: Offer Virtual Friend Services
Offering virtual friend services can be an engaging way to earn extra money during the holiday season.
This involves providing companionship through online platforms, chatting, participating in activities, and offering a listening ear.
Tasks you might perform include:
- Chatting through text or video calls
- Playing online games together
- Listening and providing support
- Engaging in virtual activities like movie watching
Where to Find Jobs:
You can explore opportunities on platforms like Rent a Friend or FriendPC to offer your services.
The income potential varies anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on the service provided and time commitment.
Learn more in our guide on how to get paid to be a virtual friend.
20: Get Paid to Text Lonely People
Many people are lonely in the festive season and you can get paid to text to give them some comfort.
This opportunity allows you to provide companionship and conversation to those in need of connection.
Tasks may include responding to messages, engaging in casual conversation, and offering supportive interaction.
Platforms to explore:
- Phrendly: Earn by replying to messages, receiving around $0.35 per exchange.
- JustAnswer: Provide advice or answer questions for a fee.
- Premium.Chat: Charge per minute for live text sessions.
Income potential varies with each platform and your level of engagement, ranging from a few dollars to as much as $60 an hour.
This side hustle offers flexible work hours and the ability to work remotely, making it ideal for those seeking extra holiday income.
21: Promote Festive Affiliate Products on Social Media
Tap into the holiday spirit by promoting festive affiliate products on your social media platforms.
Choose items that resonate with the holiday season, such as holiday decor, outfits, or unique gift ideas.
Engage your audience with appealing visuals and persuasive copy and you could share personal stories or experiences that relate to the products you’re promoting.
Here are the steps to get started:
- Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate.
- Share product links using Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
- Earn commissions ranging from 5% to 20% per sale, depending on the affiliate program.
Keep content interactive. Host holiday giveaways or create festive-themed posts to drive engagement and attract more followers.
22: Snow Globe Making Tutorial on YouTube
If you’re looking for fun Christmas side hustle ideas, snow globe-making tutorials on YouTube are the way to go!
You will need to decide on your snow globe designs, gather materials, and record your step-by-step process.
Engage your audience with lessons showcasing unique globe styles and tips.
Offering detailed instructions will attract viewers interested in crafting their own snow globes and building their skills.
Alongside YouTube, you could sell your tutorials on:
- Etsy: Sell crafted snow globes or related resources.
- Fiverr: Offer teaching sessions or demonstration videos.
- Skillshare: Offer step by step lessons to make snow globes.
Your potential earnings on YouTube depend on views, subscribers, and ad revenue.
23: Make Money Teaching English Online
Teaching English online is one of the best Christmas side hustles to earn extra cash in the holidays.
You’ll engage with students through virtual platforms, assisting them in improving their English language skills.
Lessons typically focus on grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversation and while teaching qualifications are preferred, some platforms hire tutors without them.
Popular platforms to start include:
The earnings can range from $10 to $40 per hour, depending on experience and the platform you choose.
Check out these platforms to teach English online with no experience.
24: Participate in Focus Groups
Learning how to make money with focus groups is a flexible and low-stress way to boost your monthly income.
By sharing your thoughts on products, services, and advertisements, you contribute to shaping new developments in various industries.
Focus group tasks typically involve:
- Attending sessions that can be in-person or online
- Discussing opinions on a given topic
- Filling out surveys and questionnaires
To explore opportunities, consider these platforms:
Payment for focus groups varies based on session length and type, with earnings ranging from $20 to $250 per session.
25: Seasonal Home Decor Rental
Renting out seasonal home decor can be a lucrative way to earn side cash during the holidays.
Many people love to spruce up their homes with festive decorations without the hassle of buying and storing them.
You can offer various options such as Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and wreaths and you will need to manage inventory, handle deliveries, and set up the decor.
Consider offering packages that suit different tastes and budgets and promote your services through local groups online and social media to find clients.
Income Potential:
- Small setups: $50-$100 per rental
- Larger packages: $150-$300 per rental
Resources:
- TaskRabbit: Find local decorating gigs
- Craigslist: Post services for decor setup
Establishing reliable communication and offering flexible rental periods can enhance your reputation and retain customers year after year.
26: Sell Festive Floral Arrangements
Creating festive floral arrangements is one of the best Christmas side hustle ideas for those with a knack for flower arranging.
You can design creative bouquets that incorporate holiday themes with poinsettias, holly, and other seasonal greenery.
Consider offering arrangements for home décor or as gifts for holiday parties and events.
Tasks to make money include sourcing fresh flowers, creating different designs, and marketing your arrangements online or at local markets.
- Sites to Start: Etsy, Facebook Marketplace
- Income Potential: $10 to $100+ per arrangement, depending on size and complexity
27: Get Paid to Answer Questions Online
If you’re looking for home-based Christmas side hustle ideas, answering questions online is a top option.
Depending on your knowledge, you can answer basic everyday questions or niche questions in subjects such as business, finance, marketing, or more.
Tasks typically include:
- Answering student questions.
- Providing expert advice.
- Completing brief surveys for businesses or researchers.
Potential platforms to explore:
- HelloExperts: Earn up to $1,000 a month as a subject matter expert.
- 1Q: Get paid $0.25 instantly per question via PayPal.
- Other sites offer similar opportunities with payment typically through PayPal, e-gift cards, or checks.
Check out this big list of sites to get paid to answer questions online.
28: Sell Festive Art on Redbubble
Creating festive art and selling it on Redbubble is a great way to earn extra cash in the lead up to Christmas.
You can design holiday-themed t-shirts, stickers, or mugs and upload them to your Redbubble shop.
This platform handles production and shipping, allowing you to focus on creating new designs.
Consider exploring these ideas for your designs:
- Christmas-themed illustrations
- Holiday puns and quotes
- Unique patterns with festive colors
You could also diversify your income by selling your art on Etsy.
What you earn depends on factors like design popularity and pricing, with many artists earning a small commission on each sale.
Your earnings might vary, so stay creative and continually update your designs to capture the seasonal spirit and maximize your chances of success.
29: Offer Helpful Services on TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a platform where you can earn money by completing various tasks.
One of the best Christmas side hustles for handy people, you could offer services like assembling furniture, running errands, helping people move, cleaning, or mounting TVs.
It’s perfect for those looking to leverage their skills in practical tasks.
Sign up on TaskRabbit to get started: TaskRabbit.
The income potential varies from $20-$40 an hour, depending on the task and location where you offer services.
These tasks can fit well into your schedule, allowing you to earn extra cash efficiently.
30: Rent Out Unused Gadgets on Fat Llama
Renting out gadgets on Fat Llama is a smart way to earn extra money with little work.
This platform allows you to rent out tech items that you aren’t using like cameras, drones, and video game consoles which are popular choices that people look for, especially around the holidays.
Here’s how you get started:
- List your unused gadgets on Fat Llama.
- Communicate with potential renters to arrange details.
- Ensure your items are clean and ready for use.
To get started, visit Fat Llama.
The income potential varies, but you could potentially earn $50 $100 a day, for every day your item is rented.
31: Sell Your Unused Clothes Online
Selling your unused clothes online is one of the easiest Christmas side hustles to get extra cash for gifts.
Clear out your closet and find items you no longer wear or need. I’m sure we all have tons of clothing that sits gathering dust in our closets!
Photograph the clothes, write clear descriptions, set reasonable prices, and make sure to respond quickly to any customer inquiries.
Platforms where you can sell include:
Earnings vary based on brand, condition, and demand for your items with some sellers making hundreds of dollars monthly.
Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Side Hustle Ideas
Those are some of the best Christmas side hustle ideas I have come across, but this list is not exhaustive!
There are tons of ways to make money when you have none, so you can enjoy the festive season without constantly worrying about your finances.
I encourage you to start early and experiment with different side jobs and side hustle ideas, so you can find out which ones work for you.
So, by the time the holidays strike, you’ll have extra money rolling in to treat yourself and your loved ones!
Cheers, to a fun and prosperous Christmas holiday season!
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
