How to Make Extra Cash During the Holidays in 2023 – 14 Easy Ways

The holiday season is synonymous with joy, celebration, and of course, gift-giving.

However, the festive cheer often comes with the pressure of extra expenses.

Whether it’s buying presents, hosting parties, or indulging in festive treats, the costs can quickly add up, leaving many in search of ways to earn some additional income.

Fortunately, the season also brings ample opportunities for those looking to figure out how to make extra cash during the holidays.

From utilizing your baking skills to sell homemade cookies to offering your gift-wrapping services, the possibilities are as diverse as they are abundant.

How to Make Extra Cash During the Holidays

Whether you’re a college student looking to offset your holiday expenses, a stay-at-home parent aiming to contribute to the family’s festive budget, or simply someone seeking to turn their free time into financial gain, there’s a myriad of ways to earn extra cash during the holidays.

1. Get Paid to Fill Out Online Surveys

Filling out online surveys can be an easy way to earn some extra cash for the holidays.

Most survey companies pay at the end of the month, making it a convenient option for a little additional income.

To maximize earnings, it’s recommended to sign up for multiple survey companies as each one may only send a few surveys each month.

Some recommended survey companies include American Consumer Opinion, Survey Junkie, InboxDollars, and Branded Surveys.

This method won’t make you rich overnight, but it’s a simple way to supplement your income.

2. Deliver Items through Postmates

Postmates is a popular delivery service, especially during the busy holiday season.

People use Postmates to order food, drinks, and groceries, and you can earn up to $25 an hour by delivering these items.

This service allows flexibility as you can deliver with your car, scooter, motorcycle, or bicycle.

The holiday season sees an increase in demand for delivery services, making it a prime time to earn extra money.

Sign up for Postmates.

3. House Sit During the Holidays

Many people travel during the holidays and require house sitters to watch their homes.

House sitting can involve tasks like taking in the mail, watering plants, and ensuring the security of the property.

Various websites allow you to advertise your house-sitting services, connecting you with potential clients.

This opportunity can be particularly lucrative during the holiday season when the demand for house sitters increases.

It’s a responsible role but can be a relatively easy way to earn extra money.

4. Work as a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

With people being busy or out of town during the holidays, dog walking and pet sitting services are in high demand.

Websites like Rover allow you to find dog walking, pet sitting, and dog boarding jobs.

Dog boarding can earn around $25+ per day, making it a great service to offer if you love animals.

Besides Rover, Craigslist and Facebook are also platforms where you can find pet watching gigs.

This can be both a fun and profitable way to make extra cash during the holiday season.

5. Sell Items Laying Around Your House

Selling items that you no longer need is one of the easiest ways to make extra money for the holidays.

The average person has many items like clothes, old electronics, appliances, books, and furniture that can be sold.

Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to list and sell items.

Thrift stores are also an option for selling items quickly.

This method not only helps you earn money but also declutters your home.

6. Search for One-Time Gigs on Craigslist

Craigslist offers a variety of one-time gigs that can be a flexible way to earn extra cash.

These gigs can range from yard work to house cleaning to passing out flyers.

One of the advantages of one-time gigs is that you often get paid right after completing the work.

This can be a quick and convenient way to earn money for holiday spending.

Checking the “gigs” section on Craigslist regularly can help you find opportunities in your area.

7. Start an Etsy Shop

If you’re creative, starting an Etsy shop can be a lucrative way to earn money during the holiday season.

Etsy is a marketplace for handmade and vintage items, including gifts, jewelry, printables, and more.

The platform allows you to reach a wide audience looking for unique and personalized items, especially during the holiday gift-giving season.

Learn more about selling on Etsy.

8. Rent Out a Room in Your Home

Renting out a spare room in your home can be a way to earn consistent extra income.

Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to list your room and attract travelers or those visiting family for the holidays.

Being honest in your listing and providing good photos can help attract renters.

This method can help cover some of your holiday expenses and potentially meet interesting people.

9. Sell Items on Amazon

Selling products on Amazon can be a profitable venture, with some sellers making over $100,000 profit in their first year.

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a popular program that handles shipping and customer service for you.

There are free training resources available to help you get started and learn how to choose profitable products to sell.

This can be a more involved way to earn money but has high earning potential.

10. Get Rewarded for Being Online with Swagbucks

Swagbucks offers a way to earn gift cards and cash for shopping online, taking surveys, and searching the web.

They give out thousands of gift cards daily and have given out millions in cash and rewards.

Signing up for Swagbucks can give you a $5 bonus.

This is a simple and easy way to earn rewards for activities you already do online.

11. Babysit or Nanny for a Family

Babysitting is a classic way to earn extra money, and the demand often increases during the holiday season.

Websites like Care.com and SitterCity.com can connect you with families in need of childcare.

Offering additional services like tutoring or house cleaning can increase your earning potential.

This can be a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra cash for the holidays.

12. Get Paid to Shop as a Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping involves visiting stores or restaurants and providing feedback on your experience.

Some assignments may also involve phone calls or online inquiries.

Companies like Bestmark offer legitimate mystery shopping opportunities.

This can be a fun way to earn extra money and receive free meals or products.

13. Teach English Online

Teaching English online is a growing field with companies like VIPKID, Qkids, and Education First offering opportunities.

You don’t need to be a certified teacher or speak multiple languages to qualify.

The pay ranges from $14 to $22 per hour, making it a flexible and well-paying option for earning extra money.

14. Find Online Tutoring Jobs

Online tutoring is in demand, especially as students prepare for finals during the holiday season.

Websites like Course Hero connect tutors with students in need of help in a variety of subjects.

Tutors can earn an average of $300 per week, making it a lucrative option for those with expertise in specific subjects.

Tips for Maximizing Holiday Earnings

Diversify Your Income Streams

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Engage in multiple activities from the list above to ensure a steady flow of income.

Diversifying your income streams can help mitigate risks and increase your earning potential.

Leverage Your Skills

Identify what you’re good at and use those skills to your advantage.

Whether it’s crafting, baking, writing, or teaching, leveraging your unique skills can help you stand out and attract more opportunities.

Manage Your Time Wisely

The holiday season can be hectic.

Prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively to ensure you can fulfill all your commitments.

Creating a schedule can help you balance your regular responsibilities with your holiday gigs.

Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve with your extra earnings.

Whether it’s paying off debt, buying gifts, or saving for the future, having clear financial goals can keep you motivated and focused.

Promote Your Services

Don’t be shy about promoting your services or products.

Use social media, word of mouth, and online platforms to reach a wider audience and attract more opportunities.

Stay Safe

Whether you’re meeting clients, delivering items, or selling online, prioritize your safety.

Follow guidelines, meet in public places when necessary, and be cautious about sharing personal information.

By following these tips and exploring the various ways to earn extra cash, you can make the most of the holiday season, financially and joyfully.

Conclusion

These 14 ideas offer a variety of ways to make extra cash during the holidays, whether you prefer online tasks, creative ventures, or in-person services.