Make Extra Money Before Christmas: 20 Realistic Ideas

By Cedar & Ledger

Need a few hundred extra dollars by December? The fastest options use what you already have: time on weekends, things in your closet, or a skill people pay for in the holiday rush. Here are 20 realistic ideas, roughly how much each can bring in, and how to keep enough for taxes.

Earnings are rough examples and vary a lot by area, season and effort. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check local rules (permits, HOA, platform terms) before you start.

Fastest: sell what you already own (days)

1. Clothes, shoes, bags on resale apps or a local consignment shop.
2. Kids' toys and gear before the new ones arrive; parents shop used in November.
3. Electronics and games you no longer use (wipe them first).
4. Furniture and decor on local marketplace listings.
5. Gift cards you won't use, through reputable resale sites (expect less than face value).

A quick declutter weekend often brings in $100–$500, depending on what you have.

Holiday-rush jobs (weeks)

1. Seasonal retail or warehouse shifts (many hire through early December).
2. Delivery and grocery shopping apps (your car costs count: gas, mileage, wear).
3. Holiday catering or event help (servers, setup, cleanup).
4. Pet sitting and house sitting while neighbors travel.
5. Babysitting for holiday parties and shopping days.

Services neighbors pay for in December

1. Gift wrapping at home or at a local shop's table.
2. Holiday light hanging (ladder safety first; be insured if you go bigger).
3. House cleaning before and after hosting.
4. Snow shoveling where it applies.
5. Errand running and returns for busy or older neighbors.

Skills and online work

1. Handmade goods at a craft fair (booth fees can be $25–$100; price for profit, not just materials).
2. Holiday baking orders (check your state's cottage food rules).
3. Freelance tasks: writing, design, spreadsheets, slide decks.
4. Tutoring before semester exams.
5. Photo sessions (mini sessions, if you have the gear and skill).

Example: $600 by December 20

Don't forget taxes and costs

• Track every dollar in and out: platform fees, gas, supplies, booth fees.
• Side income is generally taxable; selling personal items for less than you paid is usually treated differently than buying to resell. See side hustle taxes explained.
• Many people set aside 25–30% of profit until they know their real rate; a tax professional can confirm yours.
• Keep receipts and mileage logs from day one.

Put the money to work

Decide before it arrives: gifts paid in cash, an emptied credit card balance, or a head start on January. A clear goal keeps it from disappearing into December. See how to save for Christmas fast.

Track it in one place

Our Side Hustle Income & Expense Tracker ($7) logs income and expenses, shows profit by month and helps you see how much to set aside for taxes. Works in Google Sheets and Excel.

Made with AI assistance and reviewed before release.

Related template: Side Hustle Income & Expense Tracker. Also see: Holiday Gift Budget · Mileage Log & Car Expense Tracker

See all Cedar & Ledger templates

Try the free side hustle hourly profit calculator →