How to Make Extra Cash for the Holidays: 10 Side Hustles for Busy Parents
Image by Patrick Pahlke on Unsplash
The holiday season is fast approaching, and while the joy of the festivities is priceless, the financial stress can hit hard.
Did you know that 54% of Americans now have a side hustle?
That number skyrocketed during the pandemic, with parents leading the charge as they sought flexible ways to earn extra cash (myself included).
Whether it’s covering holiday gifts, saving for a family trip, or just making ends meet, finding a side hustle can make all the difference.
But as parents, we know time is precious.
Between school drop-offs, soccer practices, and work deadlines, it feels like there’s barely enough time to breathe, let alone start a new venture.
So, how do you squeeze in a little extra income without sacrificing your sanity?
Let’s dive into some practical, parent-friendly ways to earn money this holiday season, from quick wins to long-term strategies.
#1: Become a Virtual Assistant
If you’re someone who enjoys keeping things organized and managing the chaos of everyday life, then becoming a virtual assistant (VA) could be a perfect fit.
Virtual assistant work allows you to help businesses or entrepreneurs handle administrative tasks like email management, scheduling, data entry, or even handling social media accounts.
The beauty of this job is its flexibility—you can work from home, often during hours that suit your schedule. So, after you’ve gotten the kids to bed or while they’re at school, you can handle tasks for your clients.
Parents make great VAs because multitasking is already part of our daily life. And let’s be honest, if you can manage multiple kids, you can manage a few extra emails!
VA work typically pays between $15 and $40 per hour, depending on your skills and the types of clients you work with. While it can take time to build a steady client base, many VA roles turn into long-term opportunities, offering not just holiday money but ongoing income.
The key is to find your niche—whether it’s social media, customer service, or administrative support—and then market your skills effectively on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
#2: Sell Printables on Etsy
If you have a creative side, selling printables on Etsy is one of the most parent-friendly side hustles out there.
Printables are downloadable files like holiday planners, Christmas gift tags, budgeting worksheets, or even cute wall art that customers buy once and print themselves.
The advantage? You only need to create the product once, but you can sell it an infinite number of times. It’s the definition of passive income.
This is perfect for parents because you can work on designs during your downtime—after the kids are in bed or while they’re at school.
Plus, tools like Canva make it easy to create professional-looking products without needing to be a graphic design expert.
The big question is: how much can you earn?
Depending on how popular your products are, sellers can make anywhere from $200 to $2,000 a month.
The best part is that once you’ve uploaded your items to Etsy and set up your marketing funnel and sales strategies, you can sit back and let the sales roll in. And hopefully you’ll only having to check in occasionally to handle customer inquiries.
Just be prepared for some initial time investment in setting up your Etsy store and creating your first few products.
#3: Offer Gift-Wrapping Services
Believe it or not, some people dread wrapping presents as much as they love giving them (crazy right?!)
If you’ve got a flair for turning a pile of wrapping paper and ribbon into a Pinterest-worthy masterpiece, offering gift-wrapping services during the holiday season could be your perfect gig.
Parents, especially, are always on the lookout for ways to save time, and gift wrapping is one of those tasks that many would gladly outsource if they could.
You can offer your services to friends, family, or even local shoppers.
It’s easy to start—just advertise your services in local Facebook groups or on apps like Nextdoor. You can charge per gift (anywhere from $5 to $20, depending on the size and complexity) or offer bundled packages for families who need multiple gifts wrapped.
The cost to start is low; all you need are wrapping materials, and if you’re really crafty, you can charge a premium for creating custom, elaborate designs.
The biggest downside? This is a holiday-specific hustle, so while it’s great for a short-term cash injection, you’ll have to find another hustle once the holidays are over.
#4: Become a Delivery Driver
For parents who are constantly running errands anyway, why not make some extra money while you’re on the road?
Companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats allow you to sign up as a driver, delivering food or groceries to people in your local area.
Driving for these companies can earn you $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the volume of orders and tips you receive.
In addition to these food and grocery delivery services, companies like Amazon and FedEx also hire seasonal drivers during the holidays. Amazon Flex drivers, for example, can earn between $18 and $25 per hour delivering packages.
FedEx also offers similar opportunities through their seasonal driver positions, where pay can range from $15 to $30 per hour depending on your location and experience.
These companies often have flexible hours, allowing you to work part-time or pick up shifts that fit around your family’s schedule. Plus, with the sheer volume of holiday deliveries, the demand for drivers tends to be high, giving you plenty of opportunities to earn extra cash.
This hustle is particularly convenient because you can do it around your existing schedule. Maybe you pick up an order after school drop-off, or you take on a few deliveries during the weekend when your partner is home with the kids.
However, it’s essential to consider the wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as the cost of gas, which can eat into your profits.
But for busy parents who are already on the go, this side hustle fits seamlessly into the day-to-day routine.
#5: Rent Out Baby Gear or Toys
If your house is anything like mine, it’s filled with baby gear and toys your kids have outgrown.
Instead of letting them collect dust, consider renting them out to other parents through platforms like BabyQuip.
This is especially great during the holidays when families are traveling and need baby gear without wanting to lug it across the country. You can rent out strollers, cribs, high chairs, and more, making anywhere from $50 to $500 a month, depending on the demand in your area.
The best part? You’re making money off things you already own.
There’s no upfront cost, but you will want to ensure the items are clean and in good condition.
While BabyQuip does offer insurance for damages, it’s always a good idea to read the fine print.
It’s a low-effort, low-risk way to turn clutter into cash during the holidays.
#6: Sell Unused Items Online
Let’s face it—most of us have stuff around the house that we don’t use anymore.
Whether it’s clothes that don’t fit, old toys, or last year’s holiday decorations, there’s money sitting in your home.
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace,and Poshmark make it easy to sell these items online. Since you’re probably already decluttering to make room for new holiday gifts, why not turn that effort into extra cash?
The great thing about selling items online is that it requires very little time commitment.
Snap a few pictures, write a description, and list your items. Then, you just wait for buyers to come to you.
Depending on what you’re selling, you could make anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. And once your items sell, it’s as easy as shipping them off or arranging a local pickup.
The only real risk is that some items may take time to sell, especially if the market is saturated, so patience is key.
#7: Offer Babysitting Services
During the holidays, parents are always looking for trustworthy babysitters so they can attend holiday parties or finish up their shopping.
If you’re good with kids, offering babysitting services is a flexible and profitable side hustle that can be done in the evenings or weekends when your own children are home or asleep.
Babysitting rates can vary by location but typically range from $15 to $25 per hour.
What’s great about this side hustle is that it requires no upfront cost—you already have the skills needed to watch over kids, and most parents will bring along everything their child needs.
It’s also easy to get started by advertising through local parent networks or apps like Care.com.
Just be clear about your availability and preferences, as some parents may need you to travel to their home.
#8: Pick Up a Seasonal Retail Job
Many stores, especially big-box retailers, ramp up hiring during the holiday season. If you have some free time on the weekends or in the evenings, picking up a seasonal retail job could provide a steady income.
Stores like Target, Walmart, and even smaller local shops often need extra hands to help with stocking, customer service, and wrapping gifts during the holiday rush.
While retail jobs may not pay as much as some other side hustles, they offer reliability. You can expect to earn between $12 and $18 per hour, with the benefit of employee discounts (hello, cheaper holiday shopping).
The downside is that retail hours can be long and unpredictable, so you’ll need to make sure the schedule works with your family’s needs.
#9: Offer Pet-Sitting or Dog-Walking Services
For those who love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and flexible way to earn extra cash.
Apps like Rover and Wag make it easy to connect with pet owners who need help during the busy holiday season, especially those who are traveling and need someone to care for their pets.
This side hustle is great because you can often bring your own kids along—what child doesn’t love playing with a dog?
You can earn anywhere from $15 to $30 per walk or visit, depending on the length and type of service.
It’s also flexible, allowing you to set your own schedule. Just be sure to establish clear boundaries with pet owners regarding any special needs or requirements their pets may have.
#10: Teach a Skill or Host a Workshop
Do you have a particular skill, like baking, crafting, or photography, that you could teach others?
Hosting a workshop or class, either in person or virtually, is a great way to earn money while sharing something you love.
During the holidays, parents are often looking for activities to keep their kids busy, making this the perfect time to offer a class.
It’s easier than ever to host virtual workshops too if you want to expand your reach beyond your local community.
Depending on the type of class, you could charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per session.
And the best part? You can schedule classes around your own availability, making it an ideal hustle for parents juggling busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
The holidays can be a stressful time financially, but they don’t have to be.
Whether you’re looking for a quick way to earn extra cash or hoping to find a side hustle that lasts beyond the season, there’s something on this list for every parent.
The key is to find a hustle that fits your schedule, your interests, and your family’s needs.
This holiday season, why not turn your talents and resources into a little extra income?
With the right side hustle, you can enjoy the holidays while giving your bank account a nice boost.
