Ways to Make Money During the Holidays: The holidays frequently clash with your budget — it can be difficult to find extra money for gifts, holiday gatherings, and the like. Making extra money may be at the top of your priority list in order to pull off the holiday season you’ve planned. However, determining how to make extra money can be difficult. Fortunately, experts have some ideas for making extra money, some of which are quite unconventional. All of them are certain to get your creative juices flowing, and hopefully, the money will follow.
10 Unusual Ways to Make Money During the Holidays
Turo is a website where you can rent out your car.
According to Dallin Hales, a financial blogger, if you have a car that is in good condition and easy to drive, consider signing up with Turo, the Airbnb for cars. “It’s a great way to rent out your personal car or an unused vehicle for some extra cash during the holiday season,” he said. Because travel will increase, more people will be looking for rental cars near them. Turo hosts can easily earn $1,000 or more per month.”
Sell Animal Horns
According to Michael Morris, who runs the Rough and Tumble Gentleman men’s lifestyle website, rural residents who have access to animals such as deer and elk can corner a VERY unique market. These animals shed their antlers, which you can use to your advantage. “[The antlers] will fetch a high price.” They’re used in everything from crafting to home decor to dog chews, and you can sell them to people on Etsy.” Morris claims that larger antlers, such as those found on mature elk, can fetch up to $1,500.
Sell your homemade Christmas-scented beard and facial oil.
Morris added that beard oil is an unusual but popular product for men who enjoy manscaping. “Beards have grown in popularity over the last ten years, and many men with beards require beard oil to keep them healthy.” Fortunately, beard oil is extremely simple to make—usually it’s just a carrier oil to hydrate the beard and an essential oil to give the beard oil a pleasant scent—and if you combine sunflower oil with a Christmas-y scent like fir balsam or peppermint.”
He explained that you can buy both of those items wholesale and combine them, then purchase a sticker logo from Upwork for $20 and sell them at local farmers markets, craft fairs, or online.
Employ a Holiday Helper
According to Hamza Usmani, head of content at Believe Money, people’s schedules are jam-packed with events such as Christmas shopping, travel, and holiday parties. This provides you with the opportunity to earn money. “Given how busy everyone is, it will be easy for you to establish yourself as a holiday assistant.” Pet sitting, house sitting, laundry, meal preparation, dog walking, house cleaning, laundry, plant watering, grocery shopping, and errand running are all services available.”
Assembling
According to Gerrid Smith, Joy Organics’ director of e-commerce, “one of the most unconventional ways to get some extra holiday cash is to take on some sort of arranging gig where you help people assemble products.”
“Anyone with even basic skills can supplement their holiday income by assisting others with product assembly.” This can range from toys to furniture. You can advertise your services online, locally, or through the classifieds. You can post your services on websites like Angi or app-based platforms like Task Rabbit to offer them locally and at your own pace.”
Hang Holiday Lights
If you’ve ever had to hang holiday lights, you know how difficult it can be. “Over the past few years, this has gained popularity as a home-based company,” says Leonidas Sfyris, CTO of Need a Fixer. Outside holiday lights require a significant amount of physical effort and time to install. If you’re not afraid of heights, this can be a fun and rewarding way to earn some extra cash for the holidays. You’ll need some tools, such as a truck and a ladder. Speak with your insurance agent to ensure you are adequately protected in the event of an accident.”
Items should be flipped.
If you’re handy with tools and crafts, “[y]ou can make extra money by flipping things,” according to Sam Underwood of Bingo Card Creator. Anything can be flipped, including automobiles, toys, furniture, and antiques. If you are serious about succeeding, this could become more than just a side hustle. I know this amazing couple who make a living by selling items they find at flea markets. They can even earn six figures doing this. A seasonal job can turn into a profitable business for you.”
Wrap Gifts
If others are constantly complimenting you on how beautifully wrapped your gifts are, consider outsourcing this service, according to Tom Koesternen, chartered financial analyst with TheGuaranteedLoans.com. “Many gifts are given during the holiday season, and not everyone has enough time or enjoys wrapping gifts.” You can inquire with local stores about gift wrapping needs or advertise your services to homeowners.”
Factory or warehouse work
Many businesses require extra help during the holidays to work in warehouses that are becoming increasingly crowded. “We get an influx of orders during the holidays, like any other business,” eLuxury’s chief revenue officer Emily Saunders explained, “and we often need extra sets of hands to make sure that all of our shipments go out on time.” You work long hours and are constantly on your feet, just like in retail, but the hourly wage is usually higher and you don’t have to deal with crowds of eager shoppers. It’s an ideal job for a college or high school student on vacation.”
Temporary position as a Property Manager
One industry that you might not think of that requires assistance during the holidays is real estate, according to Richard Harless, owner and realtor at real estate brokerage AZ Flat Fee. “You can fill in for property managers while they are on vacation, which is quite common these days.” This enables you to earn money during the holidays. The tasks aren’t difficult; you just need to supervise renters and ensure they’re following the building’s rules and regulations, as well as answer any minor questions or solve any problems they may have. All you need is time and a general understanding of building codes.”
