Written by The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the need for some extra cash. Whether you want to buy gifts for your loved ones, cover holiday expenses, or simply boost your savings, there are plenty of opportunities to make money during Christmas. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 36 unique ways to earn extra cash for the holiday season.
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1. Work as a Seasonal Customer Service Rep
One of the easiest ways to make money for Christmas is by working as a seasonal customer service representative. Many big companies, such as HSN, Williams-Sonoma, and Amazon, hire temporary phone and chat reps to assist customers during the busy holiday shopping season. These jobs typically pay between $9 and $15 per hour, with regular paydays. It’s a great way to earn extra income and potentially transition into a year-round position.
2. Earn with Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular rewards site that allows you to earn points, called SB, by completing various online activities. You can redeem these points for gift cards or cash via PayPal. Watching videos is one of the easiest ways to earn SB, and many people let their points accumulate throughout the year to cash them in for gift cards during the holiday season. It’s a simple and effective way to cut down on your out-of-pocket holiday expenses.
3. Make Money with Your Car
If you own a car, you can turn it into a money-making machine during the holiday season. Sign up as a driver with popular ride-sharing apps like Uber or DoorDash and earn money by providing transportation services. Many people prefer to avoid the hassle of finding parking spaces and dealing with the cold weather, making your services in high demand. All you need is a car and a smartphone to get started.
4. Deliver Groceries
With the increasing popularity of grocery delivery services, you can capitalize on this trend by becoming a grocery shopper and delivery driver. Companies like Instacart and Shipt hire individuals to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers’ doorsteps. Depending on your preference, you can choose to be a full-service shopper, handling both shopping and delivery, or an in-store shopper who focuses on shopping only. It’s a flexible way to earn extra money for Christmas.
5. Deliver Lunch
If you prefer delivering food from restaurants, you can sign up as a delivery driver for apps like DoorDash, GrubHub, or UberEats. These platforms connect drivers with customers who want restaurant orders delivered to their homes or offices. It’s a flexible and convenient way to earn extra cash, especially during the holiday season when people are busy and may not have time to cook.
6. Decluttr
Decluttr is a user-friendly app that allows you to sell your unwanted items, such as smartphones, electronics, video games, books, and LEGO. Simply scan the barcode of the item you want to sell, and Decluttr will provide you with an instant offer. Once you accept the offer, ship your items to Decluttr for free, and they’ll send you payment. It’s a quick and easy way to declutter your space while making money for Christmas.
7. Earn Extra Money with Crowdsourcing Websites
Crowdsourcing websites like FancyHands and Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) offer small tasks that you can complete for cash. These tasks can range from data entry and transcription to surveys and other micro jobs. While the pay may not be substantial, these platforms provide flexibility, allowing you to work whenever you have some spare time. It’s a great way to earn a little extra money during the holiday season.
8. Charge Scooters
If you live in a city where electric scooters are popular, you can get paid to charge and/or repair these scooters. Companies like Lime and Bird hire contractors to pick up scooters, charge them overnight, and place them back on the streets. It’s a unique opportunity to earn money while contributing to sustainable transportation. Plus, it allows you to work on your own schedule and be outdoors during the holiday season.
9. Make Money Shopping
Earn cashback on your online purchases by using cashback platforms like Rakuten (formerly Ebates). These platforms partner with various online merchants to offer cashback rewards for every purchase you make through their links. Sign up for Rakuten and receive a $10 bonus when you make a qualifying purchase. It’s a simple way to save money and earn extra cash while shopping for your holiday gifts.
10. Join a Christmas Club
Consider joining a Christmas Club savings account offered by some banks. These accounts allow you to deposit a specific amount of money each month, helping you save for the holiday season in advance. If your bank doesn’t offer a Christmas Club account, you can use apps like Qapital to set savings goals and automate your savings. By saving throughout the year, you’ll have the funds you need for Christmas expenses.
11. Make Money with Ibotta
Ibotta is a popular cashback app that offers rebates on grocery purchases, both in-store and online. Simply browse the app for available offers, shop at participating stores, and upload your receipt to earn cashback. Ibotta also offers rebates for online shopping, similar to Rakuten. It’s a great way to save money on your holiday grocery shopping and earn some extra cash in the process.
12. Sell Your Used Books
If you have a collection of used books gathering dust on your bookshelves, consider selling them on platforms like Amazon or eBay. These platforms make it easy to list and sell your books to a wide audience. You can even use Amazon’s trade-in program to receive Amazon gift cards for your used books. It’s a fantastic way to declutter your space and make money for Christmas.
13. Trade-In Your Electronics
Got old smartphones, DVDs, video games, or electronics lying around? Trade them in for Amazon gift cards using Amazon’s trade-in program. Simply submit your items and receive an offer from Amazon. If you accept the offer, ship your items to Amazon for free, and they’ll send you an Amazon gift card in return. It’s a convenient way to get rid of unwanted items while earning money for your holiday shopping.
14. Save Your Change
Start saving your loose change throughout the year to build up some extra cash for the holiday season. You can keep a jar or piggy bank specifically for collecting spare change. Over time, these small amounts can add up and provide you with some additional funds for Christmas expenses.
15. Save Digitally with Chime
Chime is a banking app that offers automatic savings features. With their “Save When You Spend” option, Chime rounds up your transactions to the nearest dollar and transfers the extra change from your spending account to your savings account. You can also set rules and goals to encourage saving. It’s a simple and convenient way to save money digitally and prepare for the holiday season.
16. Become a Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping allows you to earn money by evaluating the quality of service and customer experience at various businesses. Companies hire mystery shoppers to visit their establishments, make purchases, and provide feedback. It’s a fun and flexible way to make money for Christmas while enjoying some retail therapy. Just be sure to choose legitimate opportunities and avoid scams.
17. Become a Website Tester
Website testing involves providing feedback on the usability and functionality of websites. Companies hire website testers to navigate their websites and complete specific tasks while providing valuable insights. It’s an easy and flexible way to earn extra cash, especially during the holiday season when companies want to ensure their websites are user-friendly and optimized for holiday shoppers.
18. Freelance Writing
If you have strong writing skills, consider freelancing as a writer. Various websites and companies hire freelance writers to create content on a wide range of topics. You can charge competitive rates and potentially earn over $150 per article if you specialize in a specific niche. Freelance writing allows you to work remotely and set your own schedule, making it a great option for earning extra money during the holidays.
19. On-Demand Freelancing
Freelancing doesn’t have to be limited to online work. There are plenty of on-demand freelancing opportunities in your local community. From carpooling to local deliveries to housework and handyman gigs, these opportunities offer flexibility and the chance to earn extra cash during the holiday season. Websites like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack can help you find on-demand work in your area.
20. Open a Savings or Checking Account
When you’re trying to make money for Christmas, it’s essential to have a place to save and manage your funds effectively. Consider opening a savings or checking account with an online bank that offers attractive bonuses for new account holders. Many banks require a minimum deposit or enrollment in direct deposit to qualify for these bonuses. Take advantage of these promotions to maximize your savings for the holiday season.
21. Get Paid to Lose Weight
If you’re motivated to get in shape before the holiday season, why not make some money while doing it? Several companies and apps offer financial incentives for achieving weight loss goals. Programs like HealthyWage and DietBet allow you to bet on your weight loss success and win cash prizes if you meet your goals. It’s a fun and motivating way to stay healthy and earn extra cash during the holidays.
22. Buy Low, Sell High with Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage involves buying discounted products and reselling them for a higher price, either online or at local flea markets. You can search for clearance items, seasonal deals, or discontinued products to find profitable opportunities. eBay and Amazon are popular platforms for selling your finds. With a keen eye for bargains, you can make money for Christmas by capitalizing on the difference between buying low and selling high.
23. Start a Blog
While starting a blog may not generate immediate cash for this Christmas, it can provide a long-term source of income. Blogging allows you to share your expertise, connect with an audience, and monetize your content through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. With dedication and consistency, you can build a successful blog that generates income throughout the year.
24. Trim Your Bills
Saving money is just as important as earning it. Use apps like Trim to analyze your recurring subscriptions and help you cancel unnecessary ones. Trim can also negotiate lower bills for services like cable or telephone on your behalf. By trimming your expenses, you’ll have more money available for your Christmas needs.
25. Earn Free Gift Cards
Take advantage of various platforms that offer free gift cards as rewards for completing tasks or surveys. Websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards from popular retailers. By utilizing these platforms, you can earn free gift cards and stretch your holiday budget even further.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be financially stressful. By exploring these 36 unique ways to make money for Christmas, you can alleviate some of that financial pressure and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. Whether it’s working as a seasonal customer service rep, participating in cashback programs, or starting a side hustle, there are countless opportunities to earn extra cash during this festive time of year. So get started today and make this Christmas one to remember.
