Seasonal Side Hustles: How to Make Extra Holiday Cash

It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is fast approaching! While most people are focused on spending money this time of year, there are also opportunities to make money if you’re interested. Whether you want extra cash to spend on gifts, holiday travel, regular bills, or to put towards your financial goals, a seasonal side hustle can help you out. 

Let’s look at how to make extra holiday cash so you can have a solid place to start once the season gets in full swing.

Working Seasonal Retail

One common way to make extra money over the holidays is to find additional part-time work. Most retail outlets and stores need additional workers during the busy season so you can typically find places to make a little extra cash. You can work additional hours that fit around your current work schedule or add night and weekend work. Keep an eye out for help wanted signs at the stores you frequent if you want to make some extra money around the holidays.

Adding Some Gig Work to Your Rotation

If you don’t want to be tied down to a set schedule by working holiday retail, you could add some gig work to your schedule. Things like DoorDash, Uber, Uber Eats, and Lyft can let you work and earn extra cash when you have the time. Be sure your transportation is reliable and you understand exactly what is needed if you choose to add some gig work to your schedule to make extra cash this holiday season. 

Pet Sitting

Pet sitting could be a great side hustle this holiday season (and year round). People are traveling and often need someone to take care of the pets they can’t take with them. You can look for pet-sitting jobs on local job boards, Facebook, or the Rover app. Rover is a website that helps connect those in need of pet sitters to qualified help. When you use Rover, you can become a pet sitter and earn cash for pet boarding, walking, and daycare. You set your own schedule and prices, making it a flexible side hustle option.

Be a Caregiver

Similar to pet sitting, you can often find work during the holidays as a caregiver. Kids are out of school, but mom and dad may still have work or holiday parties to attend. You may also find that people are looking for someone to care for an elderly relative. If you’re looking for work that fits your busy schedule, find local, flexible caregiver jobs at Care.com.

Use Saver Rewards

Typically, the holiday season also means more shopping. Using saver rewards programs that can pay you for the shopping you’re already doing can help you create a little extra cash flow. Our SaverPerk Pogo rewards every single purchase you make – from groceries and restaurants to online shopping and bills. Never take photos of your receipts again. Just link and earn on all purchases. Plus cashing out is easy!

Wrap Gifts

Whether you do it in a local store or look for jobs on Facebook and Nextdoor, you could wrap people’s gifts to earn extra cash during the holidays. If you decide to give gift wrapping a go, be sure to specify if you will provide the wrapping materials or if that’s up to the customer. If you do provide the materials be sure to consider those costs in your pricing. 

Sell Some Holiday Treats

If you’re a baking wizard, you can offer to bake holiday treats for your friends and neighbors on Facebook and Nextdoor. You could make treats for parties or create “decorate your own cookie” boxes where you do the baking and the buyer takes them home and ices them. Be sure to factor in the cost of supplies and your time to make sure you’re coming out ahead.

Work at a Christmas Tree Lot or Farm

Similar to working retail during the holidays, you could find work in a Christmas tree lot or farm. Often these jobs are commission-based, so be ready to bust out your best sales skills. You can also typically find shifts at night or on weekends so they don’t conflict with your day job. 

Hanging Holiday Lights

If you’ve got an eye for design and a ladder, you could spend some time hanging Christmas lights for extra cash this holiday season. You can find jobs like this on Angi or you can print up a quick flyer and go door-to-door in your neighborhood and surrounding areas to get business. Be clear in your materials that people must provide the lights and you’ll provide the labor. This is a great way to make some money and help get others in the holiday spirit.

Snow Removal

If you live in an area with snowy weather, shoveling snow could be a great side hustle to make some extra cash during the holiday season. As with hanging holiday lights, make a simple flyer and go door-to-door to drum up business. 

Work for a Caterer 

Often the holidays create a rise in catered parties and events. If you have experience as a server or bartender, you may be able to get work with a catering company. Typically these jobs are in the evenings and weekends. 

Next Steps

There are many ways to make some extra money during the holiday season. Whether you want money for gifts, bills, or to work towards your financial goals, your creativity is the limit! Plan ahead so you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. Look online or on community job boards for postings. We wish you a successful seasonal side hustle search!