What Are Some Side Hustles I Can Do This Holiday Season?

Q: This time of year can get expensive, so I’d love to pad my pockets with some extra cash. What are some side hustles I can do during the holiday season?

A: The holiday season can take a toll on anyone’s budget. Trying to make up for the deficit with some extra funds can be a fabulous way to keep your finances afloat. Here are five side hustles you can do this holiday season to earn some extra money:

1. Holiday gift wrapping service

Gift wrapping can be time-consuming, and many people would gladly pay to have someone else handle that task for them. Offering a holiday gift-wrapping service can be an excellent way to earn some extra income, especially if you have a knack for crafting and presentation.

You can offer your services in several ways:

• Partner with local businesses to provide gift wrapping for customers in-store.
• Set up a booth near a shopping strip or mall.
• Offer a mobile service where you pick up gifts, wrap them and return them to your clients.
• Promote your services on social media, targeting busy shoppers who need an extra hand.

To stand out, consider offering unique wrapping styles, eco-friendly options or personalized touches like custom gift tags. If you’re artistic, you can even create your own hand-designed wrapping paper, adding a special touch that clients will love.

2. Holiday light installation

Decking the halls brings the holiday cheer home, but stringing up those lights on the roof, trees and around the yard can be a hassle, especially for those who are short on time or aren’t that fond of heights. This is where you come in! Offering a holiday light installation service can be a lucrative side hustle, particularly in neighborhoods where festive lighting is a big deal.

Here’s how to get started:

• Create a price list based on the size and complexity of the job.
• Offer both installation and removal services. People will happily pay to avoid the post-holiday takedown!
• Promote your services via local neighborhood groups on Facebook or apps like Nextdoor.

You don’t need much equipment to get started on this holiday side hustle, just a ladder, some outdoor extension cords and maybe a little creative flair. Make sure to emphasize safety and liability when offering this service. You will likely also need insurance if you’re planning to work on rooftops on someone else’s property, so be sure to factor in this cost when deciding on this side hustle. 

3. Seasonal baking or catering

The holidays are the perfect time to turn your kitchen into a money-making machine. From cookies and cakes to holiday-themed dishes, people love having homemade goodies at their holiday gatherings, but not everyone has the time or talent to make them. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a skilled home chef, offering holiday treats or catering services can be a profitable and enjoyable side hustle.

Ideas for seasonal baking or catering include:

• Offering baked goods like cookies, pies, cakes or even custom-designed gingerbread houses.
• Providing ready-to-serve holiday staples like stuffing, casseroles or dessert trays for parties.
• Creating meal prep or holiday meal kits for people who want a homemade feast but lack the time to prepare it.

You can promote your services through word of mouth or social media. Adding a personal touch, like customizable cakes or gluten-free options, can make your offerings even more appealing.

4. Freelancing online

If you prefer staying indoors during the cold winter months, online freelancing offers a flexible and profitable way to earn extra income. There’s a growing demand for freelancers in various fields, and the holidays are a busy time for businesses looking to wrap up projects, create holiday marketing campaigns or plan for the new year.

Popular freelance opportunities include:

• Writing and editing. Businesses and bloggers often need holiday-themed content, social media posts and newsletters written and/or edited. 
• Graphic design. Businesses may need help designing holiday cards, banners or creative seasonal ads.
• Virtual assistance. Help small businesses manage their holiday customer service, respond to emails or handle scheduling.
• Social media management. Create and manage holiday campaigns for businesses.

Check out sites like Upwork, Fiverr or Freelancer.com to help you get started on your freelancing journey. You can also market your services directly to businesses or individuals who need extra help during the busy holiday season. 

5. Personal shopping and errand running

Between gift buying, holiday party planning and traveling, there’s little time to catch a breath during the holiday season. Consumers may benefit from someone offering to help them run various errands or find that perfect gift. If you have a knack for shopping or enjoy helping others get things done, consider offering a personal shopping and errand-running service.

Here’s how you can turn this into a side hustle:

• Gift shopping. Help busy clients find the perfect presents, and even offer wrapping services to go along with it.
• Grocery shopping. Assist clients with purchasing holiday meal ingredients and delivering them to their door.
• Errand running. Help with tasks like mailing holiday cards, shipping packages, picking up dry cleaning or even handling last-minute returns.

You can promote your services through local groups, social media or apps like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack, which connect people with freelance service providers. 

The holidays are expensive! But, with a bit of creativity and the willingness to work hard, you can find a lucrative side hustle that lets you get through the season with your budget intact. Use our guide for a happy and budget-friendly holiday season.