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Christmas is coming up fast so if you really want to get your mom that new cashmere sweater or your crazy uncle that new set of golf clubs he’s been dreaming of, it’s time to get that extra holiday cash. No one wants to be without money this time of year!
Don’t sweat it though because here are some side gigs and crafty activities you can do ahead of Christmas to earn some extra money. You’ll be sure you can buy gifts for every person on your nice list and win the holiday rush game this year.
1. Get Paid to Take Online Surveys
This “work from home” gig is an easy way to put a few extra bucks in your pocket: take surveys online or on your phone! Here are our favorites:
Swagbucks: You get rewarded for doing surveys, searching the web, reading articles, and playing fun games but the one activity that earns you the most points is actually watching videos! These range from Entertainment, Health, Hobbies, Parenting, Tech, News, and more. New members can get a free $5 just for signing up!
Inbox Dollars: Watch their viral videos that range from Trending News, Entertainment, Food, Health, Tech, and even the latest World News to earn some cash. It’s possible to earn up to $225 per month and they also have a $5 sign-up bonus.
SurveyTime: Instantly get paid $1 after each survey completion. No waiting around to accrue at least $15 to cash out, you can get paid right after! And there’s no limit either, so you can take as many surveys as you want available. You can choose between Target, Amazon, or Walmart gift cards, PayPal, or Bitcoin via Coinbase.
The best part? You don’t have to pick and can sign up for all 3 to maximize cash earnings!
2. Shop For and Deliver Groceries
Yes, you can even shop and deliver groceries for people (full time or part-time at your discretion) on platforms like Instacart and Shipt. You’ll easily make a sizable chunk of change before the holiday shopping season is upon us. In fact, you can even take advantage of customers placing a larger volume of orders in advance of holiday gatherings.
Since you’re going to be using your car a lot, be sure to use Checkout 51, a free rebates app where you’ll get cash back on gas and items like groceries, prescriptions, and more. New members even get a free $1 once you upload your first receipt.
And don’t forget about the easiest free cash back app, Fetch Rewards. Upload any receipt you have, and collect points for free gift cards!
3. Get Paid for Gigs and Odd Jobs for Other People
If you’re handy and up for any sort of odd job around the house, we recommend that you sign up to become a Tasker on TaskRabbit or sign up to be a Professional on Handy. Both of these platforms connect you to people in your town or city who need help doing everyday tasks for themselves and their families that they just don’t have the time for.
Since you’re already on your phone, use the MSR iOS-only app and do 2-minute video tasks. You’ll earn points and redeem free gift cards from 40+ brands including Amazon, VISA, and more. Or you can earn straight cash via PayPal. It’s free to join and you’ll get DOUBLE points all of December.
For more gig work, use Steady to find extra income since on average members make $5,500 a year more! Once you link your bank account (it’s 100% secure!), the app will provide insight into all that extra money you’ll be making and access to thousands of part-time work.
4. Babysit
Any parent can tell you that the holiday season is a stressful time, especially when you have to make sure that your kids are happy! Parents can definitely use babysitters more frequently leading up to the holidays because they need more time to prepare for that family feast or to shop for gifts.
So why not make a post on Craigslist or Facebook letting your network and local community know that you’re available to babysit? Or better yet, find a babysitting gig near you on websites like Sittercity and Care.com. Believe us, there are plenty of parents willing to pay you for your time and effort.
If you have any previous childcare experience or any relevant certifications, be sure to mention this when posting; parents love to be reassured that their kids are safe.
5. Pet Sit
If you’re a dog or cat lover or an animal parent yourself, then this activity is for you.
Friends and family will certainly be traveling during the holiday season and this can be a great opportunity to watch their pets when they’re away from home for some extra spending cash in your wallet.
You can even find pet sitting gigs on apps like Rover and Wag, where you’ll find plenty of people in your local area in need of a great pet sitter like you!
