The best holiday season isn’t just about giving gifts. It’s also a great time to find ways to earn extra money! With the festive rush comes countless opportunities to pick up a side hustle that fits your skills and schedule. Whether you’re looking to save for holiday expenses or simply boost your income, there’s a hustle for everyone. Here’s a look at five of the best holiday side hustles to help you make the most of the season.
1. Seasonal Retail Jobs for Quick Earnings
The holidays bring a surge in shopping, which means retailers are always hiring extra help. From cashier roles to stocking shelves, these jobs often offer flexible schedules to fit around your commitments. Big stores like Target, Macy’s, and Walmart frequently post openings, making it easy to apply. Plus, many seasonal positions offer employee discounts, which are perfect for knocking out your own holiday shopping. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and interacting with people, this is a great way to earn extra cash quickly. Target, for instance, is hiring 100,000 seasonal team members, with pay ranging from $15 to $24 per hour. Meanwhile, Macy’s is hiring over 31,500 seasonal workers, a slight drop from last year’s 38,000 hires. The store offers a rate of $15 per hour for its seasonal roles.
2. Holiday Decorating Services for Festive Fun
Turn your love for decorating into a profitable side gig by offering holiday decorating services. Whether it’s setting up Christmas trees, stringing lights, or creating festive displays, homeowners and businesses often need help transforming their spaces. Advertise locally through flyers or platforms like Facebook to connect with clients. You can even offer add-ons like taking down decorations after the season is over. On average, a professional holiday decorator charges about $300 to over $2,500 depending on the services rendered.
3. Gift Wrapping Services for Busy Shoppers
Not everyone has the time or patience for gift wrapping, which is where you come in! Set up a gift-wrapping hustle at home, at a local mall, or even partner with a small business to offer this service. All you need is some festive wrapping paper, ribbons, and a bit of flair for presentation. Gift wrappers can earn anywhere from $3 to $20 per gift, depending on factors like the size of the items and the type of wrapping paper used. As a bonus, this side hustle requires minimal startup costs and is perfect for those who enjoy making gifts look beautiful.
4. Selling Handmade Holiday Crafts for Creative Income
If you’re crafty, the holidays are a golden opportunity to showcase your creations. From wreaths and ornaments to custom holiday cards, handmade items are always in demand. Use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or local craft fairs to reach customers looking for unique gifts. For instance, this handmade Christmas gnome ornament sells for $16.99 on Amazon. The key is to post your items early to take advantage of the pre-holiday shopping rush. This side hustle lets you turn your creativity into cash while spreading holiday joy.
5. Food Delivery and Catering for Holiday Events
With the holidays comes a season of parties and gatherings, which means increased demand for food delivery and catering services. Sign up for platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats to earn anywhere from $15-$25 an hour. If you have a knack for baking, holiday treats like cookies or pies can be a hit with local buyers. Advertise your offerings on community boards or social media for maximum exposure. This hustle is perfect for foodies looking to cash in on their culinary skills.
Turn Your Holidays Into a Time for Earning
The holiday season isn’t just about spending—it’s a great time to earn extra income with one of these best holiday side hustles. From creative gigs like decorating and crafting to practical roles in retail and delivery, there’s a hustle for everyone. Not only can these opportunities help you reach your financial goals, but they’ll also keep you connected to the holiday spirit. Pick the one that fits your skills and schedule, and start the season with a side hustle that makes it even brighter!
Vanessa Bermudez is a content writer with over eight years of experience crafting compelling content across a diverse range of niches. Throughout her career, she has tackled an array of subjects, from technology and finance to entertainment and lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. She’s also a proud fur mom to four gentle giant dogs.