Sell custom gifts with Printify
Wondering how to make extra money for Christmas? You’re not alone. The holiday season is joyful, but it can also stretch your wallet. On average, Americans spend over $1,600 on Christmas expenses – from gifts to travel.
If you’re a student, parent, or freelancer, a holiday side hustle could ease the financial stress and add some festive fun. The right gig can bring in extra cash to boost your holiday budget – and maybe turn into a year-round income stream once the decorations come down.
Key takeaways
- Boost your holiday budget with flexible side hustles that fit into your own schedule.
- Explore low-risk ventures like Print on Demand, affiliate marketing, or tutoring – no upfront investment required.
- Pick up quick gigs like food delivery, pet sitting, or online surveys to earn cash in your spare time.
- Turn your skills into extra income with freelancing, digital courses, or online teaching.
- Clear out clutter and earn extra money by selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace or eBay to cover holiday expenses.
What are the 17 best ways to make extra money for Christmas?
1. Open a print-on-demand store
Looking for a holiday side hustle with real long-term potential? Print on Demand (POD) is one of the smartest ways to make money during the holiday rush.
With POD, you create custom products – think Christmas gifts like sweaters, personalized mugs, or matching family shirts – and platforms like Printify handle printing, packing, and shipping. No inventory, no late-night post office runs.
Why it works:
- Low risk: You only pay after a sale.
- Festive demand: Personalized gifts are especially popular in December.
- Flexibility: Upload designs once and keep selling into the new year.
Getting started with this side hustle idea is simple: create your design, connect to a marketplace like Etsy, and publish your products to start selling.
At Printify, many sellers see holiday sales triple in Q4. Launch now to tap into Christmas demand – and build a business that can bring passive income year-round.
2. Earn extra cash with affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a fast-growing way to earn money while recommending Christmas gifts. Share holiday gift guides on TikTok, Instagram, or your blog, and earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase through your link.
Popular affiliate programs include:
- Amazon Associates: Promote trending Christmas gifts and everyday must-haves.
- ShareASale: Access thousands of brands across different industries.
- Printify Affiliate Program: Earn 5% on every sale by promoting Printify’s print-on-demand services.
Create festive gift guides or short TikToks highlighting your top finds. Alternatively, upload photos of your top picks from Amazon, Printify, and other sites. Shoppers are already in buying mode – you just need to point them in the right direction.
3. Look for seasonal jobs
Great if you need money fast before the holidays. Local businesses and warehouses often hire additional staff to handle the holiday spending spike.
Scout these jobs on platforms like:
- Indeed: Find seasonal and temporary roles in your area.
- Monster: Search for holiday jobs across industries.
Many seasonal positions pay weekly – plus, you soak up the festive buzz while earning more money. It’s one of the quickest ways to boost your budget before Christmas.
4. Try pet sitting or walking dogs
When families travel for the holidays, they need someone trustworthy to watch their pets – and that’s where you come in. Not only do you get to hang with furry friends, but demand (and pay) usually spikes around Christmas.
Where to find clients:
- Rover: Connects pet sitters and dog walkers with local clients.
- Wag!: Offers flexible dog-walking opportunities where you set your own rates and schedule.
Many walkers earn $20-$40 per dog-sitting session, or over $200 for a holiday weekend stay.
5. Deliver food
Delivering food lets you make money in just a few hours – perfect if you want actual cash this week.
Top platforms:
- Uber Eats: A global delivery app with high earning potential during peak hours.
- DoorDash: Flexible shifts let you work as much or as little as you want.
Work during peak times – like weekend evenings, Christmas week, or New Year’s Eve – to maximize payouts.
6. Earn by playing games
Playing games gives you fun rewards and can boost your extra holiday money stash.
Popular play-to-earn platforms include:
- Mistplay: A mobile app that rewards users with gift cards and cash for playing games.
- InboxDollars: Earn money by completing tasks like playing games, watching ads, and taking surveys.
Not a big earner, but it’s easy money and a fun way to fund coffee runs or a couple of stocking stuffers while you relax.
Many platforms pay in gift cards for retailers like Amazon or Target – perfect for grabbing last-minute Christmas presents without touching your main budget.
7. Sell online courses
Got a skill worth teaching? Turn it into an online course over the holidays and create a passive income stream for the new year. Think holiday baking, DIY decor, or money-saving tips.
Use these platforms:
- Udemy: Sell your courses to a global audience.
- Skillshare: Create short, engaging classes on creative topics.
- Teachable: Build and market your own courses.
It takes some setup, but once live, your course can bring in income long after the tree comes down.
8. Get paid for watching videos
Already curled up to watch videos? Add in some quick-earn apps. Sites pay you small amounts to watch short clips or ads during your spare time.
- Swagbucks: Videos for points you can swap for gift cards.
- InboxDollars: Short ads and simple tasks for cash.
It won’t fund your entire gift list, but it’ll provide additional money to cover stocking stuffers without leaving the couch.
9. Rent out a spare room or a storage space
This is for those wondering how to make extra money during the holidays without extra work. Have a guest room sitting empty or a garage corner going unused? Around the holidays, both travelers and neighbors need space. Rent your room or storage space for fast holiday cash.
Quick to set up, often with fast payouts, and yes, someone really will pay you to store their giant inflatable reindeer.
10. Teach online
The holiday season is crunch time for students, and plenty of adults want to use their downtime to learn something new. Earn holiday cash and help students as the holiday season approaches.
Sign up with platforms like:
- Preply: Teach languages online to a wide audience.
- Wyzant: Offer one-on-one tutoring for various subjects.
It’s flexible, rewarding, and easy to schedule around your holiday plans.
11. Sell stuff you don’t need
Before new gifts arrive, clear out old ones. Baby gear, clothes, old cell phones, and toys can all find new homes and bring you extra Christmas cash.
Try:
- Facebook Marketplace: Easily sell locally and avoid shipping costs.
- eBay: Sell things you no longer need to a global audience.
It’s a win-win – your home feels lighter, and someone else scores a bargain for the holidays.
12. Become an Uber or Lyft driver
Holiday travel and office parties mean plenty of people need safe rides. Set your own rates and earn.
- Uber: Accept ride requests and earn tips for quick, convenient rides.
- Lyft: Offers bonuses and allows you to cash out earnings instantly.
Think airport runs, office party pickups, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. It’s one of the fastest ways to boost holiday earnings.
13. Start freelancing
The holiday season is crunch time for many businesses, and they often scramble for extra help – that’s your chance. Writers are needed for gift guides, designers for festive graphics, and video editors for holiday campaigns. Set your own prices, schedule, and land gigs for additional income.
Where to start:
- Upwork: Connects freelancers with clients across a variety of services.
- Fiverr: A marketplace where you can list your skills and attract clients directly.
Freelancing lets you set your own hours, take on projects that fit your skills, and turn December hustle into January momentum. Finish one project now, and you may have repeat clients into the new year.
14. Help with holiday decorating
For some, hanging lights and setting up Christmas trees is a chore. For others, it’s the best part of Christmas. If you’re in the second group, turn your decorating skills into quick holiday income.
You could:
- String lights outdoors for neighbors.
- Help set up trees or festive displays.
- Lend a hand with table settings before holiday parties.
Payment is often quick, and you can help create magical holiday atmospheres with simple tasks. Post your services on community boards, and your December could be filled with cheerful, paid decorating gigs.
15. Use TikTok Shop or Facebook Marketplace to sell Christmas crafts
Shoppers are always searching for gifts that feel personal. That’s why December is prime time for selling your handmade creations. Think personalized ornaments, stockings embroidered with names, knitted scarves, or wreaths with a rustic twist.
Great for extra holiday cash, especially if you promote on social media and avoid selling fees.
- On TikTok Shop: Short, festive videos showing your creations in action (like decorating a tree with your ornaments) can go viral and drive sales.
- On Facebook Marketplace: Perfect for local buyers who want unique gifts or seasonal items.
The best part? You’re creating holiday treasures that might become part of someone’s traditions for years to come.
16. Give mystery shopping a go
Imagine playing an undercover elf at the mall. That’s basically mystery shopping – stores and restaurants pay you to test service and share feedback. In December, when crowds surge, demand for shoppers rises too.
To find holiday shopping opportunities, check platforms like:
- BestMark: Offers mystery shopping assignments at various retail and dining establishments.
- Market Force: Specializes in customer experience evaluation and has plenty of shopping gigs.
Mystery shoppers get $10-$25 per visit, often with freebies like meals or products. It’s not big money, but it’s a way to earn while enjoying twinkly decorations, carols in the background, and all the festive chaos. Plus, who doesn’t want a side hustle that feels like a secret mission?
17. Answer online surveys
Got a few minutes while waiting in line at the mall? Taking surveys lets you turn spare time into small rewards, usually gift cards or a little extra pocket money.
Two reliable survey sites:
- Swagbucks: Earn points by answering surveys and watching videos.
- Survey Junkie: Participate in surveys and earn money or gift cards.
You won’t fund your whole Christmas, but you can cover gingerbread lattes, wrapping paper, or little stocking stuffers. Plus, it’s easy, festive pocket money while you relax.
How to save money while earning more for Christmas
It’s not just about earning. Spending money smartly can stretch your holiday funds even further. Here are a few simple ways to keep more in your pocket while boosting your budget:
- Use cashback sites: Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta give you money back for everyday purchases and holiday shopping.
- Plan your grocery shopping with a budget app: Tools like Mint or YNAB help track spending so you don’t go over budget on Christmas gifts.
- Shop smarter online: Add items to your cart and wait for discounts, or use browser extensions that apply coupon codes automatically.
- Buy in bulk: Stock up on holiday essentials early, wrapping paper, snacks, and even gifts, to avoid last-minute price hikes.
Combining these savings with your side hustle earnings helps cover holiday expenses without sacrificing the fun.
Which side hustles pay fast vs long-term?
Not every hustle pays out on the same timeline. Some are great for quick extra cash to cover holiday expenses, while others can grow into reliable income streams for your holiday budget and beyond.
| Quick cash (ideal before Christmas) | Build income (great for 2025 and beyond) |
| Food delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash) | Print on Demand (POD) |
| Mystery shopping | Affiliate marketing |
| Online surveys | Online courses |
| Watching videos | Freelancing |
| Seasonal retail jobs | Tutoring |
Mixing a fast-paying gig with a long-term hustle is the sweet spot – earn extra Christmas cash now while planting seeds for income that keeps rolling in after the holidays.
FAQ
Sell personalized Christmas gifts like mugs, shirts, or ornaments using Printify’s print-on-demand tools – no inventory or upfront costs needed. You can even turn it into a full-time job.
Other trending options for how to make money for the holidays include DIY holiday crafts, such as handmade decorations or gift bundles, which sell well at local markets and online during the festive season.
For best results, start early and promote your items on social media or Etsy to boost visibility.
Try these ideas to get extra money before Christmas:
- Sell unused items online – electronics, clothes, books, and more.
- Offer local gigs – pet sitter services, dog walking, babysitting, or tutoring.
- Do microtasks or freelance work on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
- Use cashback apps while shopping online.
Here are four scalable ways to reach $1,000 per month:
- Start a print-on-demand store with Printify – Design and sell custom holiday merch on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. No inventory, no upfront costs.
- Join paid focus groups or take surveys – Use platforms like Respondent or User Interviews to earn for your opinions.
- Offer freelance services online – Sell skills like writing, graphic design, or admin support on Upwork or Fiverr.
- Flip unused items for profit – Sell old phones, clothes, or furniture on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Mercari.
These fast and flexible ideas can help you earn in days, not weeks:
- Deliver with DoorDash or Uber Eats – Weekly or even same-day payouts.
- Sell unused items locally – Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are great for instant cash.
- Babysitting or dog walking – High demand during the holiday travel season.
- Flip electronics or clothes – Resell gadgets and winter gear for profit.
Start with simple, flexible options: pet sitting, mystery shopping, or taking surveys.
If you want something creative, design and sell holiday gifts with Printify – shoppers love personalized mugs, ornaments, and festive apparel.
To summarize
The holidays are meant to be joyful, not stressful. With a little creativity, there are plenty of ways to make extra money for the holidays and keep your holiday budget on track.
Whether you’re freelancing, delivering food, or building a print-on-demand store with Printify, these side hustles can ease the holiday rush and fill your bank account with year-round income streams.
Start designing today with Printify and turn this holiday season into your most profitable one yet.
