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Want money for Christmas?
If that’s a “yes,” you’re in luck! I’m about to share some of the best ideas to make extra money for Christmas.
Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I’m all about making extra money before the season!
I know what you’re thinking: “What the heck, why are we talking about making money for Christmas? It’s only August and students aren’t even back to school yet!”
With the fall and winter holidays being our biggest money suckers, it’s time to start earning extra money so that you can avoid a holiday debt hangover.
Based on this report, Americans spend on average close to $1,000 per year for Christmas. This doesn’t even include Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Boxing Day (for Canada), New Year’s, decoration, donations, food, and drinks!
To save $1,000 by Christmas, I recommend reading this post and using my free 52-week and 26-week Christmas savings challenge for your savings plan.
But today, we are going to go through the ways you can make extra money for Christmas. We are going to make sure you earn more than enough to put toward your Christmas savings plan! 🙂
Alright, let’s make this a debt-free Christmas by filling up those wallets of yours! Here’s how you can make extra money for Christmas this year.
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How To Make Extra Money Before Christmas
These are most of the side gigs I’ve done to earn extra money before Christmas, and I hope you give them a try too! I’d have to say my favorite one on this list is renting extra space, getting paid to shop, and starting a blog!
With these ideas, you can earn anywhere from $500 in extra cash per month to as high as $200 a day, or even $500 a day if you decide to turn them into lucrative businesses.
1. Make Christmas crafts to sell for a profit.
One of the most fun and rewarding and fun ways to make extra money for Christmas is crafting something unique and selling it for a profit.
I even have a list of ideas for the most popular DIY Christmas crafts to make and sell this season!
If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of glitz and glam with Christmas crafts, then you’re going to love this holiday side hustle. I’m not sure what it is, but I feel so good when someone tells me that I’m good at crafting something creative – and yes, that could be you!
I personally found success and joy in making and selling reindeer treat bags, which were a hit among customers seeking something cute, festive, and convenient to hand out at parties.
Aside from crafty treat bags, there are so many other crafts you can make and sell for a profit including custom wreaths, mason jar candle holders (mason jar crafts are perfect for the holiday), or even quirky DIY snow globes.
Unique wooden crafts sourced from budget-friendly stores like Dollar Tree are especially popular and can be sold at local events or online platforms.
I don’t know about you, but I can say with confidence that this side hustle is perfect for those of you who enjoy crafting and want to spread some holiday cheer while increasing your income.
2. Rent out your extra space with Airbnb.
Renting out extra space is definitely a go-to for me when it comes to making extra money. In fact, I rent out my spare space all year round just to keep up with those mortgage payments! But let’s talk about the holiday season – the time when wanderlust takes over the world.
If you happen to live in the heart of the city or a popular tourist destination, becoming an Airbnb host is like hitting the mini jackpot. You could be earning $100 to $300 per day by offering a cozy haven to globetrotter.
With people constantly planning their holiday getaways, the demand for accommodation skyrockets during this time. So why not seize the opportunity to give your income a jolly boost?
Leverage your prime location and welcome those eager travelers who are on the hunt for the perfect spot to unwind. Who knew your extra space could be the key to a ho-ho-home run for your bank account?
3. Get paid to shop.
Yeah, getting paid to shop actually exists – whether you’re doing it as a mystery shopper or simply indulging in retail therapy as a happy consumer.
It’s not surprising to see that many people spend on gifts, decorations, food, and drinks from October to January. With Christmas approaching in four months, it’s a clever idea to start your shopping now to avoid overspending. By shopping early, you can score better deals at the store.
On top of starting early, I also highly recommend using this free cash back program called Rakuten because you can earn up to 40% cash back on the purchases you make online.
Rakuten is affiliated with over 2,500 of your favorite shops, so the BEST time to earn extra money from shopping is during the Black Friday week up until Christmas and New Year. In fact, you can always use Rakuten all year round to earn up to 40% cashback. Black Friday and Christmas are just the best times to take advantage of raking in some more cash.
I absolutely LOVE this free program and I highly encourage you to join! It’s 100% free so you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!
You can even get started with a FREE $10 bonus by signing up through this link (for the U.S.). For Canadians, click here for your $5 bonus with the Canadian website.
4. Make extra money with delivery apps.
If you have a bike, scooter, or car, you have the freedom to explore exciting journeys for a few hours in the morning, at night, or even on weekends—it’s all about your choice of adventure.
In other words, it’s the ideal Christmas side hustle, whether you’re a night owl seeking evening jobs, an early bird chirping away for morning gigs, or someone who simply prefers jobs that work one day a week.
Be the captain of your own culinary ship and earn fast cash during your spare time by delivering food for Uber. It’s the perfect side hustle to have during the busy holiday season, where you can satisfy cravings while sleighing your way to extra moolah. So, gear up, hit the road, and let the delicious deliveries and joyful jingles light up your holiday hustle!
Serious about earning an extra $1,000 to $3,000 this Christmas? Check out the best delivery apps that make money.
5. Earn free money online by taking surveys.
Here are some quick wins to earn free money and gift cards during the holiday season just by sharing your opinion. Yes, these paid survey sites are 100% free to sign up for and use!
One tip I highly recommend is signing up for as many survey sites as possible to maximize your earning opportunities. Creating a separate email account with Google specifically for these survey sign-ups can help you stay organized and make extra money without feeling overwhelmed.
I have a dedicated post about the best survey sites that offer the highest payouts, but here’s a quick list of my personal favorites:
- Swagbucks – it’s one of the most popular survey websites in the world and my personal #1 favorite, which is why I wrote an honest review about Swagbucks. It also includes a tutorial on how to use it to get the most cash for your time. Swagbucks has paid their members $581,868,410 to date!Grab your $5 bonus just for signing up through this link.
- Survey Junkie – another very popular survey site that is easy to use and pays very quickly. I made my first $20 just by signing up here.
- American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) – I literally signed up for this survey site years ago and earned my first $10. This survey site has over 6 million members worldwide and you can click here to join ACOP in less than 5 seconds.
6. Make money from affiliate marketing.
This is one of my favorite ways to make extra money online. If you haven’t tried this, I highly recommend it!
Affiliate marketing is like unwrapping a delightful Christmas present that brings in extra money online. If you haven’t dabbled in this jolly opportunity yet, trust me, it’s worth exploring!
First of all, what is affiliate marketing?
If you don’t know, affiliate marketing is earning an income by recommending or promoting a product or service. Of course, you have to be genuine and promote products that will add value to your readers and followers.
So, picture this: you become Santa’s little helper in the digital world, spreading cheer by recommending and promoting products or services. The key is to be genuine and offer valuable recommendations that will bring joy to your readers and followers.
If you already have a blog, why not sprinkle some Christmas magic by monetizing it through affiliate marketing? And if you’re still in the process of setting up a blog, worry not! I’ve got a special Christmas treat for you—a free step-by-step blogging tutorial that will guide you in creating your very own merry little online space. Get ready to sleigh the affiliate marketing game and unwrap the gift of extra earnings this holiday season!
7. Start a blog.
On top of affiliate marketing, I’ve also been passively earning extra income with display ads on my blog. I actually started this little blog of mine just months before Christmas hoping I could earn some extra cash. With a little bit of patience and persistence, I was able to make $2,798 from my blog just before the Fall and holiday approached. I increased that amount to $4,509 in the next month! Starting this blog was one of the best investments I made this year!
UPDATE: This blog started off as a side hobby while I was still at a job I disliked. I was working on it every morning before heading out to work and by 18 months, I was able to earn over $10,000 per month online. Today, I get asked by many people how to become a full-time blogger and make money from home.
I initially signed up to start a blog because I wanted to make extra money on top of my full-time job. My hope is to earn extra money so that I can improve my lifestyle while at the same time, being able to save a larger portion of my pay from my 9-5 for early retirement.
Your story may be different from mine.
Perhaps you want to earn extra money so that you could get out of debt, stop living paycheck to paycheck, or have a little extra to spend for Christmas. Whatever your unique story is, I want you to know thatit is possible to make extra money by starting a blog today.
🌟 💵 To start a money-making blog, I recommend starting a self-hosted blog with Bluehost at a discounted price for only $3.95 per month (plus get a FREE domain name) when you sign up through my easy step-by-step tutorial on how to start a blog.
Start your blog with my FREE 7-day course!
Are you a total beginner and don’t know where to start? Join my FREE 7-day e-mail course where I will teach you how to start your blog the right way! I will guide you from starting your blog to growing your traffic and earning your first income. 🙂
Related post: How I Made $2,798 Blogging Before Christmas ON TOP of My Full-Time Job!
8. Drive people around for extra cash
Ready to make some fast cash for Christmas? Hop on board with share ride companies like Uber or Lyft. And guess what? There’s a sweet promotion going on for new Lyft drivers where you can score a $300 sign-up bonus! Cha-ching!
Now, the amount of extra cash you can earn in depends on a few things: how many hours you hit the road, your car insurance, the price of gas in your city, and how far you’re willing to venture. Take a seat, crunch the numbers, and see if this side hustle will give your wallet a warm embrace.
Let me tell you a little tale. I have this tenant who’s a part-time Uber driver. He’s a real hustler, balancing school work, a 9-5 job, and this nifty side gig. And you know what? He loves it! Not only does he pocket some extra dough, but he also gets to meet interesting people along the way. It’s like a networking adventure on wheels!
So, buckle up, hit the road, and let those wheels turn your spare time into profitable fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent for juggling conversations and earning bills at the same time!
9. Rent out your car.
Alongside renting out your extra space on Airbnb (as I mentioned earlier), here’s another clever way to line your pockets: renting out your car on Turo. By combining these two lucrative ventures, you can easily exceed the $100 mark per day. Imagine that!
In fact, depending on the make of your car, you might even hit the impressive $100-a-day milestone on Turo alone. Need proof? Check out this fascinating story about a guy who gets paid for cruising around in his Tesla, renting it out for approximately $100 a day.
So, why not let your wheels work their magic and turn your idle car into a money-making machine? With the right approach, you’ll be driving towards extra cash and a gas tank full of success.
10. Make money fast by flipping furniture.
I always mention this and I’ll mention it again.
I absolutely LOVE getting creative when it comes to home decor and furniture!
Did you know that you can make an extra $100 to $500, even $1,000 a month, just from a piece of furniture that nobody wants? All you have to do is unleash your creativity by adding value to the piece.
I’ve earned on average $100 to $150 on smaller pieces such as nightstands and coffee tables. Yes, you can finish these small pieces in less than a day.
If you flip larger pieces such as chest drawers and dining tables, you can sell faster and at higher prices too!
See one of my past projects below.
Before: bought for $10.
After: sold for $135. Profit=$125
💡❄️ PRO TIP: For the holiday season, you can add a bit of Christmas flare to your furniture pieces by using colors like gold, red or pastel green. Even when you are staging for your pictures, you can add Christmas decorations to make it feel more like a holiday piece when you’re selling it during the season.
11. Flip almost anything for a profit.
Speaking of furniture flipping, why stop there? You can turn your treasure-hunting skills into a profitable side hustle by flipping all sorts of items, big or small, just in time for Christmas!
Do you have a keen eye for spotting hidden gems? Are you intrigued by the prospect of finding arbitrage opportunities to earn extra money? Well, get ready to dive into thrift shops, online platforms, garage sales, and even clearance racks at retail stores. By buying low and selling high, you’ll unlock the creative power of this side hustle and boost your holiday earnings.
Let me introduce you to Melissa and Rob from Flea Market Flippers. They’re a dynamic duo who turned their passion for flipping into a remarkable success story. They went from making $43,000 per year to over $100,000 per year! And the best part? They’re here to guide you on your own flipping journey, helping you tap into your fullest potential.
So, put on your treasure-hunting hat, embrace the thrill of the flip, and let Melissa and Rob show you the way to extra cash and endless possibilities. Get ready to turn the ordinary into extraordinary profits this Christmas season!
12. Get paid to work out.
Ever thought that your holiday fitness routine could actually score you some extra Christmas cash? Well, hold on tight because we’re about to take your workout game to a whole new level with a touch of humor!
While you’re sweating off those gingerbread cookie calories, you could be earning money to spoil your loved ones with awesome presents. It’s like Santa himself applauding your burpees and treadmill sprints with a fat stack of cash!
Whether you’re joining a virtual race with a jolly holiday theme or rocking those hilarious ugly Christmas sweater workouts, the opportunities for fun and earnings are endless. It’s a festive way to shed those holiday pounds while fattening up your shopping budget.
So, slip into those reindeer leggings, crank up your Santa-inspired workout playlist, and get ready to jingle all the way to some Christmas dough. Who knew getting fit could be this amusing and rewarding? Prepare to sleigh your fitness goals and sleigh the holiday season like the fitness superstar you are!
Get paid to work out? Yeah, sign me up!
13. Trade-in or sell your old stuff.
With many online apps, you can sell your used items for an Amazon gift card. What an awesome way to score a gift card for yourself or as a gift to someone!
Alternatively, you can sell your old electronics through Gazelle and get cash back. Here’s a list of things to sell for extra money if you have no clue where to start.
If your old Apple or Android devices are collecting dust, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to turn them into cash for Christmas shopping!
Who knows, you might have hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of old electronics that you’re not aware of. 😉
14. Sell your used clothing.
This is one of my favorite ways to earn some extra cash, especially as Christmas approaches. Here’s how it goes: I dive into my wardrobe and scan for items that haven’t seen the light of day in at least a year. After snapping a picture, I put those treasures up for sale online. And hey, it’s not just clothing we’re talking about here – handbags, accessories, scarves, and gloves can all find new homes and make you some sweet cash.
Let me share a personal story to give you a taste. I received a gorgeous pair of Coach gloves as a gift, but truth be told, I only wore them a couple of times. So, since they were practically brand-new, complete with the original box, I decided to sell them. And guess what? They fetched a cool $50! That’s right – an effortless $50 added to my Christmas fund.
So, take a peek inside your closet, unearth those forgotten treasures, and turn them into holiday gold. It’s a simple and satisfying way to give your wallet a boost and make Christmas a little merrier. If you need extra money now for Christmas, check out these best online apps to sell your old clothes.
15. Sell your old shoes.
Looking to earn some extra Christmas money? I can personally vouch for selling your old shoes as a fantastic way to do just that!
When I decided to declutter my shoe collection last year, I was amazed at how many pairs I had accumulated over time. It was time to let go of the ones that were gathering dust and turn them into cash. I assessed the condition of each pair and chose the perfect selling platform for me, which happened to be an online marketplace.
Taking appealing photos and writing accurate descriptions was crucial in attracting potential buyers. I set fair prices based on factors like brand, rarity, and condition. It was exciting to see the interest from buyers and engage with them through inquiries and negotiations.
Once the shoes were sold, I made sure to package them securely, adding a personal touch with a thank-you note. Shipping them promptly ensured a positive buying experience, and the feedback I received from satisfied customers was heartwarming.
Not only did I make some extra Christmas money, but I also created space in my closet for new holiday memories. It was a win-win situation, and I highly recommend giving it a try. So, lace up those entrepreneurial shoes and start your journey to turning your preloved footwear into Christmas treasures!
16. Get paid to walk dogs.
If you’re someone who absolutely adores spending time with dogs and wants to make some extra money for the holiday season, then let me tell you, pet sitting is the perfect side hustle for you!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a college student, a stay-at-home parent, or even working a full-time job, Rover offers you the flexibility to create your own schedule and earn quick cash while having a blast with furry companions.
Now, here’s the exciting part: the amount of money you can make is entirely up to you and the hours you’re willing to put in. I recently read this fascinating Business Insider article about a guy who earned $26,000 in extra cash just from pet sitting! And even if you decide to work fewer hours, you can still bring in enough money to cover some of your utility bills.
So, if the thought of pet sitting, dog walking, or running a doggy daycare has you wagging your tail in excitement, I urge you to try it out!
17. Look for one-time gigs for fast cash.
Since it’s still August as I’m writing this, you can offer your skills and services for extra cash before Christmas. A lot of these side gigs are typically one-time and the best part is you get paid immediately once you complete the job.
You can often find these one-time gigs on Craigslist or Kijiji (Canada):
- mow the lawn
- rake the leaves
- shovel snow
- painting services
- assemble IKEA furniture
- house cleaning
There are so many more and the opportunities are endless! You just need to make the effort to hunt for them! These are all easy one-time side hustles that can help you extra money for your Christmas spending!
18. Work for your favorite retail store to make extra money for Christmas.
With holiday seasons approaching, you might want to find a part-time or seasonal job to earn some extra money for Christmas.
Companies start hiring in the summer because they know that their busiest months are approaching and they need your help to serve their customers. So many major retailers are already hiring seasonal workers. This is what I pulled from an article:
“We are hiring seasonal associates earlier than ever to ensure our teams are fully staffed, trained and ready to support peak shopping seasons,” Ryan Festerling, executive vice president of human resources at Kohl’s, said in a statement.
A major benefit of working part-time, other than making extra money, is the perks you receive as an employee. For example, you can do some Christmas shopping with your employee discount hence saving you some money!
With that said,it’s definitely worth applying if you want to earn some extra money for the holiday season!
FAQs About Money For Christmas
So many people are looking for ways to make extra money before Christmas. On the other hand, many are also seeking ways to get free money for Christmas. Some are hunting for the best ways to give money for Christmas as a gift without looking strange. Either way, I answer these questions here for you!
1. How can I get money for Christmas?
To get money for Christmas, consider taking on temporary or seasonal jobs, such as working in retail, hospitality, or delivery services. You can also offer your skills as a freelancer or gig worker, taking on tasks like pet sitting, house cleaning, or online tutoring.
Another option is to declutter your home and sell unwanted items through online platforms or local marketplaces.
Additionally, you can explore online surveys, paid focus groups, or participate in research studies for extra cash. Remember to set a budget and prioritize your expenses to make the most of your Christmas earnings.
2. Where can I get free Christmas money?
So, you’re on the hunt for some free money to make your Christmas extra special, huh?
I totally understand how the holiday season can put a strain on your finances because it’s the highest spending season.
While I can’t promise you a magic money tree, I can definitely share some ideas to explore.
First, let’s talk about charitable organizations. These wonderful people often have programs specifically geared toward providing assistance during Christmas. They might offer financial aid or gift programs for families in need. Take some time to research local charities in your area and reach out to see if they have any resources available. You never know what help might be out there!
Another avenue to explore is government assistance programs. Depending on where you live and your personal circ*mstances, there may be government initiatives that offer financial support during the holiday season. Get in touch with your local government or social services agencies to inquire about any available programs or grants. They might have some options that could help lighten the load.
Now, let’s not forget about the power of community. Sometimes, community organizations or churches come together during Christmas to lend a helping hand. They might organize events or programs that offer gifts, meals, or even financial assistance. Stay connected with your local community and reach out to see if there are any programs available that could provide some relief during the holiday season.
In this digital age, online platforms and contests can also be worth exploring. Companies or websites occasionally run holiday-themed giveaways or contests where you have a chance to win money or gifts. Just a word of caution, though: not all online offers are legitimate, so it’s important to do your due diligence. Take the time to research and verify the legitimacy of any opportunity before sharing any personal information or getting involved.
Last but not least, crowdfunding platforms can be a viable option if you have a compelling story or specific need. Platforms like GoFundMe allow you to create a campaign and share your story with others. Reach out to your friends, family, and social networks to see if they’re willing to support your cause and contribute towards making your Christmas a little brighter.
I do want to emphasize that finding free money can be a challenge, and it’s crucial to approach these options with a healthy dose of skepticism. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there who prey on people’s vulnerability. So always be cautious, do your research, and trust your instincts before sharing personal information or getting involved in any opportunity.
I genuinely hope that you’re able to find some assistance and make this Christmas a memorable one.
Over to you — are you ready to make extra money for the Christmas holiday? What side hustles do you plan to take on?
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