Like it or not, the holidays are almost here. As much fun as seeing friends and family can be, it can also be stressful trying to budget for a gift for everyone on your list. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to earn a little extra money in your spare time.
Ready to be everyone’s favorite Secret Santa? Check out these 12 side gigs to see how you can earn some extra cash between now and the holiday season.
1. House or Pet Sit
With just a few clicks, you can set yourself up online as a local housesitter, pet sitter, or dog walker. Websites like Rover.com, Care.com, and TrustedHousesitters.com allow you to advertise your services to people in your area who are heading out of town for the holidays. Housesitters can charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per day, depending on their responsibilities. Pet sitters can charge between $20-30 for a 30-minute visit, and dogwalkers can expect to earn around $20 per dog per walk.
2. Take Surveys Online
Companies are always looking to find out more about consumer buying habits, as well as their likes, dislikes, and things they would like to see in the products they use. They value these opinions enough that many are willing to pay for them. While taking one or two surveys may not pay a lot, regularly replying to them can bank you more than you think. Check out SurveyJunkie.com and SwagBucks.com are great places to start.
3. Become a Delivery Driver for Ubereats or Doordash
It’s super simple to sign up as a delivery driver with these popular food delivery apps. Once you’re approved, it’s even easier to make money. You don’t have to answer to a supervisor and can drive as little or as much as you want. You’ll even get paid extra if you choose to deliver during peak times!
4. Use Browser Add-Ons to Save Money
While not a true side hustle, using popular browser add-ons such as Honey or Rakuten can help you save money on purchases you’re already making.
5. Rent Out Space in Your Home
Not everyone wants to host their smaller events at hotels or loud restaurants. If you have a nice backyard, an unused garage, or lovely indoor spaces, you may be able to rent them out to your neighbors for their events through websites like Peerspace or Splacer.
6. Apply for a Seasonal Job
Your favorite retailer is probably already looking for seasonal help. If you plan correctly, not only can you earn a little extra money but you can get an employee discount to help you afford some amazing holiday presents.
7. Sell Stuff Online
Got a lot of clothes you don’t wear anymore? Are you an excellent thrift shopper? Take those lightly worn clothes and sell them on sites like Poshmark and ThredUp for a little extra cash in your pocket. Are you crafty? Take those creations and sell them on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.
8. Tutor Kids Online
School is back in session and parents everywhere are looking for extra help for their students. Check out Outschool to set up fun classes on your own or Varsity Tutors to offer straight tutoring services to users.
9. Try Out New Apps
Do you find yourself spending hours a day on your phone? Use that time to make money instead! KashKick is a website that pays you to play on apps and share your opinion. To date, they have paid out more than $2 million to users.
10. Help People Out With Tasks
TaskRabbit is a long-established website that allows you to offer to help with everything from Ikea furniture setup to standing in line. Register as a Tasker, fill out the tasks you can help out with, and get started helping people while earning extra income.
11. Become an Affiliate Marketer
An easy, passive way to earn a little extra money is to sign up as an affiliate marketer. Affiliate marketers earn a percentage of sales from shoppers they send to companies. All you have to do is register with a company that offers an affiliate program and start sharing your link with friends and family. Amazon even has an affiliate program! (Although it takes a while to get paid, so you may not have time for that this year!)
12. Give Freelancing a Try
Whether you are a writer, graphic designer, programmer, or financial guru, there’s someone out there who needs your help. Find them on UpWork or Fiverr and use your professional skills in your off hours to pad your bank account.
Featured Image Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock
Demi Michele is a seasoned freelance writer. Having explored most states and ventured internationally, her love for travel and finding frugal adventures shines through her wide range of articles. Based in Texas with her family and two Scottish Terriers, Demi shares her experiences with travel, money, and family experiences with her readers.