45 Quick Ways How To Make Money for Christmas (Proven)

The holiday season is magical, but let’s be real: it can also be stressful when you’re trying to afford Christmas gifts, family dinners, and surprise expenses that pile up like snow. If you’re wondering how to make money for Christmas — fast, easily, and without a full-time job — I’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a mom, side hustler, or just someone who wants to bring in extra money before the year ends, this list is packed with digital, practical, and creative ways to make extra cash in your spare time. Most ideas require little or no investment and can be done from home or in your local area.

Ok, the first one does require an investment but it’s also the one I see moms have incredible success with.

If you haven’t heard about the power of making a ton of cash selling digital products, read on, because this is going to blow your mind.

1. Sell Digital Products With Affiliate Links

This is hands down one of the best ways to make good money before the holidays. I personally sell digital courses like UBC (Ultimate Branding Course) and DWA (Digital Wealth Academy). Both courses teach you EXACTLY how to make money online. You don’t need to create your own product — you just promote it with your affiliate link, and earn up to $422 per sale!

What exactly do you need to do? You buy the course, you learn everything about it and you sell it for an 85% by promoting it across your socials. If you already use Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, all you need to do is share a quick story or a post about the course.

Here’s what I was able to ear as a beginner in a few weeks.

I made my first sale after only 5 days and 4 figs after a few weeks as a complete beginner and a single mom.

2. Become a Virtual Assistant (VA)

Have a few hours a day? Offer admin help, email management, Pinterest scheduling, or social media tasks to busy entrepreneurs. Virtual assistance is in high demand during the winter holidays as people need help wrapping up their online business for the holidays.

3. Mystery Shopper or Mystery Shopping Apps

Get paid to evaluate retail stores or restaurants. Apps like Field Agent or iSecretShop are a great way to make real money while doing things you already do.

4. Sell on Facebook Marketplace

This is one of the easiest ways to make extra Christmas cash fast. Walk through your home, gather gently used clothes, toys, books, or furniture, and list them. A great thing to do if you’re decluttering before the new year. I sell items on Facebook marketplace almost weekly.

5. Complete Online Surveys

Survey sites like Survey Junkie and Opinion Outpost offer free money or gift cards in exchange for your opinions. No experience needed, and it’s a simple way to earn during nap time or your spare time. Paid View Point is my favorite (and the easiest).

6. Become a Freelance Writer

Love writing? Many blogs and websites need holiday content. Pitch a blog post idea to small brands or digital entrepreneurs. Look on Upwork, ProBlogger, or Freelancer. Check out Elna from Twins Mommy.

7. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting

Apps like Rover or local Facebook groups are perfect for picking up odd jobs like dog walking. During the festive season, families travel and need reliable help.

8. Offer Graphic Design Services

If you’re good at creating Canva graphics, digital planners, or holiday cards, this is a great side hustle. Promote your services on Instagram or Etsy.

9. Try Cashback Websites and Mobile Apps

Use Rakuten, Honey, or Fetch Rewards during your holiday shopping to get a percentage back. It’s not a full income, but it’s free money back in your bank account.

10. Teach What You Know (Online Course)

You can use platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, or Stan Store to create a mini course. Or, if you don’t want to build one, sell one as an affiliate like I do.

11. Host a Yard Sale or Sell at Flea Markets

Clear out your spare room, kids’ clothes, or unused items. It’s a good idea to combine your clean-out with a little profit.

12. Flip Items from Thrift Stores

Buy cheap at thrift stores or flea markets, clean them up, and resell for profit on eBay or Facebook. Great for video games, home decor, or small furniture.

13. Test Websites or Apps

Websites like UserTesting pay you to test and review new products or websites. It’s a good way to earn extra money from home.

14. Join Focus Groups

You can earn extra income by sharing your opinions in paid research studies. Check sites like Respondent or local universities for focus group opportunities.

15. Rent Out a Spare Room

Have an extra space in your home? Use Airbnb or ask a trusted friend in need of housing. This works especially well during the Christmas season when families travel.

16. Be a Mystery Shopper at Retail Stores

Seasonal help is needed to shop anonymously and report back. Apps often send you to local grocery stores or big retailers.

17. Use Your Social Media Accounts to Promote Products

If you’re active on Instagram, this is a great opportunity to use affiliate links, promote offers, and earn while you sleep.

18. Become a Data Entry Assistant

No special skills needed! Look for temp jobs in customer service or data entry through sites like Indeed or Remote.co.

19. Create a Holiday Gift Guide

Write a blog post or Instagram carousel showcasing your favorite products. Use affiliate links to earn from clicks and sales. Holiday expenses can turn into income!

20. Babysitting During Holiday Events

Many parents are heading to parties and need reliable babysitters. Offer yourself locally for a few hours of good money.

21. Sell Custom Holiday Digital Downloads

Printables, planner pages, gift tags, budgeting sheets… the options are endless. Sites like Etsy are a great place to list them.

22. Join Amazon Mechanical Turk

Do micro tasks from home for small payments that add up quickly. Perfect for late-night moms or during nap time.

23. Try the 7-Second Coffee Loophole (DWA)

DWA teaches you how to promote digital products in simple, non-spammy ways. It’s the perfect time to dive in, especially if you’re thinking about long-term income in the new year.

24. Become a Seasonal Help Worker

Retailers, online shopping companies, and customer service centers hire for the holidays. Check listings at Target, Amazon, or your local mall.

25. Start a Side Job in Social Media Management

If you know how to create content, captions, or schedule posts — even as a beginner — small businesses need you during the holiday season.

26. Sell Your Own Digital Course (Even a Mini One)

Even a simple PDF guide counts! If you’ve ever been asked for advice on something (e.g., organizing, meal prep, toddler toys), turn that into a digital course and sell it via your social media accounts or online marketplace. It’s a great time to promote it with a festive twist like “Perfect for moms who want a head start in the new year!” Learn how to do this here.

27. Use Affiliate Links in a Holiday Roundup Post

Create a quick blog or Instagram post like: “My 10 Favorite Amazon Gifts for Under $20” and insert your affiliate links. This is a good way to earn extra cash as your audience does their Christmas shopping. You can learn more about how to get started with affiliate marketing here.

28. Do a Holiday Recipe Roundup With Digital Product Links

Create a blog post or email address sign-up freebie sharing your top Christmas baking recipes. Include links to kitchen gadgets or ingredient bundles you’re an affiliate for. You can also promote related gift cards as a suggestion for kitchen lovers.

29. Sell Digital Holiday Planners or Calendars

Everyone loves getting organized in December. Design a digital planner, checklist, or monthly calendar themed around the holiday season or new year goals. You can sell it for $5–$15 to bring in extra income. Check out my digital planner shop on Etsy. Grab one of my planners!

30. Promote Gift Card Deals With Cashback Sites

Cashback and survey companies often offer seasonal gift card deals — share your referral link and earn real moneywhen others sign up. Add it to a blog post or share in your Instagram bio.

31. Start a Holiday Flash Sale With UBC or DWA

Whether you’re in the DWA/UBC program or promoting it as an affiliate, running a 24–48hr flash sale with a Christmas bonus (“Buy through my link and I’ll give you my caption pack for free!”) creates urgency. It’s a fastest way to get digital commissions quickly.

32. Run a “Digital Side Hustle” Countdown on Instagram Stories

Create a 5-day countdown sharing a new side hustle idea each day (including selling digital products, freelance writer gigs, and virtual assistant tips). On Day 5, pitch your affiliate link for the one that made you the most extra money.

33. Become a “Digital Side Hustle Mentor” in Your Local Area

You don’t need to be a certified coach to teach what you’ve learned. Help moms or young women in your local area get started online. Offer a side job helping them open a Stan Store, set up their first product, or write their first affiliate post. You can learn how to do all that HERE.

34. Batch Create Holiday-Themed Pinterest Pins to Promote Affiliate Content

Use search-friendly keywords like “Christmas presents for moms” or “Gift ideas for the holiday season” and link back to your digital product page or blog. Pinterest is a good idea because people are in shopping mode — and clicks mean commissions.

35. Share Your Own Christmas Money Story

In a story, blog, or caption, share how you were once looking for a quick way to earn a little extra money during the Christmas season — and how starting your digital marketing journey changed everything. Then include a link to UBC or DWA and invite others moms to join you.

36. Start Selling Digital Products (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

If you’ve ever dreamed of making money from your phone, this is the easiest way to start. Selling digital products online is a popular choice because you don’t need to create your own — you can resell someone else’s product and earn up to $422 per sale.

Last year, hundreds of women joined DWA and UBC to learn exactly how to do it.

👉 Want to get started? DM me “UBC” or “DWA” and I’ll send you the course that changed everything for me.

37. Use Your Credit Cards for Holiday Bonuses

If you’re using your credit card for holiday shopping anyway, check your account for seasonal promotions, cashback rewards, or free gift cards. This time of the year, card companies often roll out limited-time perks.
The best thing? Some allow you to turn points into cash or statement credits.

38. Pick Up a Quick Seasonal Job at the Grocery Store

Many local businesses — especially your neighborhood grocery store — are hiring extra help during this fast approaching festive season. Think: gift wrapping stations, checkout, or curbside pickup.

Even if it’s just a few hours a week, it’s extra work that pays for Christmas gifts.

39. Walk Dogs in Your Neighborhood

Dog owners are traveling during the holidays and need help! Being a dog walker is one of the fastest ways to make cash locally, and apps like Rover make it easy. Bonus: You get some fresh air and movement while earning. You can even listen to a podcast while you dog walk.

40. Do Quick Surveys from Home

Want free gift cards or extra money during nap time? Sites like Survey Junkie or Opinion Outpost let you complete surveys for cash or rewards. It’s not life-changing, but it’s a good way to buy stocking stuffers or wrap up Christmas shopping.

41. Start a Mini Home Job as an Affiliate

Yes, affiliate marketing is a home job — and one of the most scalable different ways to earn online. With UBC, you’ll learn how to post simple content that promotes your affiliate links and brings in real money.
Even if you only have an hour a day, that’s enough. You just need a phone and a little strategy.

42. List Items in Good Condition on Facebook Marketplace

Have toys, appliances, or furniture in good condition you’re not using? Sell them locally before the holidays! Many families are looking for affordable gifts during this time of year — especially last minute.

43. Become an Independent Contractor for Holiday Customer Service

Big brands are hiring independent contractors for chat support, email replies, or even live events. It’s one of the popular apps–based roles you can do from home.
Search remote seasonal customer service jobs on sites like Upwork or Indeed.

44. Offer Digital Holiday Templates

Canva + creativity = income. Create holiday-themed printables, budget planners, or social media templates for small business owners. Sell them through Etsy, your Instagram, or link through your affiliate links. You can learn how to create your own digital products here.

45. Learn the Digital Marketing Skills That’ll Change 2026

The best thing you can do for next year? Invest in learning how to make money online — for real.

The courses UBC and DWA walk you through everything:
✅ Building a brand
✅ Writing posts that convert
✅ Selling products without being salesy
✅ Building income from your phone
You don’t need to be techy. You just need to start.

Final Thoughts: The pest part about how to make money for Christmas? You Can Start Today.

No matter what your current situation is, the good thing about this list is that there are simple ways to bring in a little (or a lot of) extra cash.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there is something for everyone:

• Quick wins like surveys or cashback apps
• Bigger opportunities like affiliate marketing or virtual assistance
• Creative outlets like selling printables or flipping thrifted finds

So whether your Christmas budget feels tight or you just want to earn some extra money to enjoy the festive seasonstress-free, the time to start is now.

And remember: sometimes all it takes is that first thing — that first step — to create momentum.

Income Disclaimer: The testimonials and success stories shared above are examples of what is possible through hard work, dedication, and consistency. These results are not guaranteed, and your success will depend on your effort, skills, and commitment to learning and applying the strategies taught in UBC and DWA. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme, and making money online, like any business, requires time and persistence. Individual results may vary.

Which idea are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments below or share this post with a friend who’s saving for Christmas too.