Welcome to another installment of the Stress Free, Debt Free Christmas series. So far we’ve created a holiday budget and learned how to throw a fabulous holiday party.
Today we’ll share 21 practical ways to make extra money during the holiday season. Whether you need cash for gifts, travel, or a special tree, there’s still time to earn money for Christmas. A small side hustle now could even grow into a longer-term income stream.
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Want to create a holiday spending plan you can actually stick to? Grab our FREE Christmas Budget Planner!
How to Make Extra Money for Christmas
Earn money just by shopping
Getting cash back when you shop is an easy way to build quick holiday funds. You’re buying things anyway, so use these tools to earn rebates and bonuses.
1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Use a cash-back site whenever you shop online. Sign up is free and you earn a percentage back on purchases when you click through the site before buying. You can still use coupons and promo codes on top of the cash back.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta offers cash back on grocery and household items. The app consistently adds rebates on everyday essentials like bread, eggs, fruit, and personal care items. Redeeming offers you already buy can add up quickly.
3. Cash-back credit card
If you use credit cards responsibly, a rewards card that offers a sign-up bonus and ongoing cash back can be helpful. Look for cards with a solid bonus after meeting a spending threshold and a competitive ongoing cash-back rate. Use the card for planned purchases and pay the balance in full to avoid interest charges.
Sell your stuff
Decluttering can turn unused items into holiday cash. Sell items online or through local channels to raise money quickly.
4. Trade-in programs
Use retailer trade-in programs to sell books, electronics, and small devices. These programs make it simple to turn items you no longer use into gift money.
5. Yard sale
Host a garage or yard sale to sell clothing, toys, home goods, and more. Combine it with a bake sale or drink stand to increase earnings, and promote the event locally.
6. Rent space on Airbnb
If you have spare rooms or will be away, list your space on short-term rental platforms. You set the price and availability, and the platform handles bookings and payments.
Caretaking
People need trustworthy caretakers during the holidays—pets, children, homes, and older adults all require help while families travel or host events.
7. Pet sitting and dog walking
Offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services through local classifieds or apps. Many travelers and busy families pay well for reliable care and daily walks.
8. Babysitting
Babysitting remains an in-demand seasonal job. Offer flexible hours for date nights or holiday gatherings and advertise to neighbors and friends.
9. Housesitting
Housesitting can be a comfortable, well-paid gig—often combined with pet care and basic plant or home maintenance while owners are away.
10. House cleaning
Offer pre- and post-holiday deep-cleaning services. Hosts preparing for guests frequently hire temporary cleaners to save time during the busy season.
Seasonal opportunities
Seasonal services are in high demand during the holidays. These short-term opportunities can bring in solid cash with minimal setup.
11. Gift-wrapping services
Many people dislike wrapping presents. Offer a convenient wrapping service in your building, at a local market, or through social media. Low-cost supplies and tidy presentation make this a profitable, low-effort service.
12. Holiday decorating
Offer indoor or outdoor decoration services to neighbors and busy professionals. Designing, hanging lights, and staging trees are services people will gladly pay for.
13. Retail seasonal work
Retailers hire extra staff for the holidays. Seasonal retail positions can provide fast income and employee discounts that help with shopping.
14. Sell baked goods
If you bake, sell cookies, pies, and desserts for events and gatherings. Take orders in advance so you only make what’s needed—this keeps waste low and profits higher.
Use your skills
Monetize a skill or quickly learn a marketable one. Freelance work, driving, online selling, and crafts can all generate extra holiday income.
15. Freelance services
Offer virtual assistant work, writing, design, or video editing on freelance platforms. Short projects or seasonal marketing tasks are often needed by small businesses during the holidays.
16. Driving services
Drive for ride-share or delivery services. Holiday parties, shopping trips, and increased dining out mean extra demand for drivers.
17. Affiliate marketing
Promote products online and earn commissions on sales. Affiliate income can spike during the holiday shopping season when people are actively buying gifts.
18. Sell crafts and digital products
Set up a shop on a marketplace to sell handmade goods, holiday decor, or printable digital products like planners and wall art. Seasonal items often sell well as gifts.
Adjust your spending
Saving is as valuable as earning. Trimming expenses frees up money for holiday spending without adding extra work.
19. Trim recurring bills
Review subscriptions and service plans to find savings. Cancel unused services or call providers to negotiate lower rates on insurance, phone, or cable plans.
20. Meal planning
Reduce dining out by planning meals and shopping with a list. Meal planning cuts grocery waste, lowers food costs, and keeps more money available for holiday needs.
21. Cut discretionary spending
Identify small daily expenses—coffee runs, impulse purchases, salon visits—and reduce frequency. Small cuts add up quickly and free cash for gifts and celebrations.
These 21 ideas cover practical ways to make or save money for the holidays. Pick a few that fit your skills, schedule, and comfort level—small efforts now can make the season less stressful and more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to check out:
- How to Create a Christmas Budget (and actually stick to it!)
- How to Throw a Fabulous Holiday Party on a Budget
- Rock Your Gift Giving This Year with these 15 Easy Tricks
