11 Easy Ways to Get Cash for Christmas

Need Cash for Christmas? Holidays are a time for joy, family gatherings, and making memories. But all too often, those joys can come with a hefty price tag. Whether you're buying gifts, planning a vacation getaway, or just trying to stay afloat amidst the holiday spending frenzy, the extra cash you need might feel just out of reach. You are in luck because there are many ways to make quick money without committing to anything long-term.
With expenses being higher these days, it's no surprise that more than 70% of full-time workers plan to take on seasonal jobs to help cover holiday costs. This extra income can make it easier to enjoy the season without financial strain, making holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s more enjoyable and stress-free.

Here are a few creative ideas to raise cash for Christmas:

1. Get a Seasonal Job

If you're looking to boost your income during the holidays, consider getting a seasonal job. With the holiday shopping season approaching, companies across the U.S. are hiring for more than 400,000 seasonal roles, offering a great opportunity to earn extra cash and relieve some of the financial pressure. Walmart and Target offer seasonal positions starting at $15 per hour, with opportunities for customer service, stocking shelves, and even gift wrapping.
In addition to big-box retailers, smaller shops at the mall and local boutique stores also hire seasonal workers, typically paying between $12 and $18 per hour. If you have a few hours to spare on weekends or evenings, this is a great way to earn extra cash during the holidays.
Pros: Guaranteed pay, discounts, and no investment upfront.
Cons: Holiday hours can be long and unpredictable, especially closer to Christmas.

2. Offer Freelance Services

Do you have a skill that could be useful to others? Whether it’s graphic design, writing, web development, or social media management, freelancing is a flexible way to earn extra cash. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, People Per Hour, and Freelancer connect workers with businesses needing short-term help.
If you have a solid portfolio or a well-honed skill, you could easily bring in extra income from the comfort of your home.
Pros: Work from home, flexible hours, potential for long-term clients.
Cons: It can take time to build up a reputation, so start early.

3. Babysit for Parents with Small Children

During the holiday season, parents often need extra help watching their little ones. If you're good with kids, babysitting can be a rewarding side hustle, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas when parents are juggling holiday prep and social events. These gigs are often in the evenings or on weekends, making it easy to fit around your regular 9-to-5 job.

Pay typically ranges from $20 to $40 per hour. You can find opportunities on websites like Care.com and UrbanSitters, or through referrals from friends and neighbors, providing a steady stream of temporary or recurring income.
Pros: Flexible; no special skills required.
Cons: It may be challenging to find clients if you don’t already have a reputation or network.

4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Love animals? Use it to your advantage by offering pet sitting or dog walking services. During the holidays, many pet owners go out of town, and they’re always looking for trustworthy people to look after their pets. Apps like Rover or Wag make it easy to find clients, and you can set your own schedule. Besides child care, Care.com has positions for pet care, tutoring, and senior services.
Pros: Work with animals, flexible hours, no upfront costs.
Cons: Pets can be unpredictable, and it may be tough to find regular clients during off-peak times.

5. Deliver Groceries or Packages

With the rise of online shopping, delivery services are in high demand during the holidays. If you have a reliable car and some free time, you can sign up for services like Instacart, DoorDash, Postmates, or Amazon Flex. You can earn between $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the orders and tips you receive. Walmart also does grocery delivery through the Spark app, where drivers can shop and deliver orders similar to the ones mentioned above.
Pros: Flexible, potential for tips.
Cons: Wear and tear on your vehicle, fluctuating demand based on the season.

6. Drive for Rideshare Apps Like Uber or Lyft

If you’re comfortable driving, you can sign up to be an Uber or Lyft driver. With many people heading to holiday parties or trying to get home after a few drinks, ridesharing services can provide a steady flow of passengers. On top of that, you can set your own hours and work whenever you want, making it a convenient and flexible side hustle. You can earn as much as $25 per trip or $200-$300 per week. Their mobile app displays the amount and the mileage so you can decide to accept it or pass.
Pros: Flexible, can earn tips, work whenever you want.
Cons: Gas and vehicle maintenance costs can eat into your profits.

7. Use Cashback Apps and Credit Cards

If you plan to do some holiday shopping, you can earn money back through cashback apps like Rakuten or credit cards that offer rewards. This can be a simple way to get a little extra while shopping for gifts or holiday essentials. Some apps even offer bonus categories during the holiday season, so you can maximize your earnings.
Pros: No extra effort required; earn while you shop.
Cons: You need to remember to use the apps or credit cards regularly.

8. Sell Unused Items Online

We all have a few things lying around that we don’t need anymore—old clothes, gadgets, furniture, or decorations. Why not sell them? Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and eBay, as well as apps like Offer Up, Mercari, and LetGo make it easy to sell unwanted items. You can even clean out the garage and sell tools, sports equipment, or old toys. Use this as an opportunity to declutter your space while making extra money.
Pros: Quick and easy to get started; clears out unwanted items.
Cons: It may take time to find buyers, and shipping can be a hassle for larger items.

9. Sell Items on Amazon FBA

Amazon's FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program allows you to sell products without handling the logistics of packing or shipping. If you have a source for discounted or bulk items, you can sell them on Amazon and let them take care of the rest. It does require some upfront investment, but if you’re savvy with sourcing, it can be a great way to make money. Sellers often source products through dropshipping warehouses like AliExpress and DHGate, or a form of retail arbitrage from local stores.
Pros: Potential for passive income; Amazon handles shipping.
Cons: Requires an upfront investment (inventory), charges a seller fee, and is a competitive market. It may take too long to get set up for quick cash needs.

11. Opt for a Pawnshop Loan

If you require quick cash but want to avoid the high interest rates of payday loans, a pawnshop loan can be a great alternative. With a pawnshop loan, there’s no credit check or long-term commitment. Simply bring in an item of value, like jewelry or electronics, and the pawnshop will offer you a loan based on its worth. If you need more time to repay, many pawnshops allow you to extend the loan with minimal hassle. Unlike payday loans, you’re not locked into strict repayment schedules or high fees.
Pros: Fast access to cash, no credit check, flexible repayment options, and no long-term commitment.
Cons: If the loan isn’t repaid, you risk losing the item you’ve pawned, but this is only a concern if you don’t follow through with repayment.

10. Take Out a Payday Loan

Another way to get quick cash if you don’t want to rely on a side hustle, is a payday loan. While payday loans offer convenience, they come with high interest rates and fees. They can be a helpful solution for emergencies, but it’s important to understand the terms and pay back the loan as soon as possible to avoid extra charges.
Pros: Fast cash (often within minutes), no need to wait until payday.
Cons: High interest rates and fees, not suitable for long-term financial solutions, and can perpetuate a cycle of debt if used frequently.

Boost Your Christmas Budget with These Easy Money-Making Ideas

The holidays don’t have to break the bank, and with a little creativity, you can make extra money that will go a long way. From taking on a seasonal job to driving for rideshare apps or selling unused items, there are plenty of opportunities to pad your wallet this season.
And remember, even small steps can add up. Whether it’s a couple of extra hours a week or a one-time gig, you’ll be in a better financial position to enjoy the holidays without the stress. Prioritize your well-being and enjoy the season for what it’s truly about: spending time with those you care about and making memories that last.
If you need to make money fast but don’t have time for a seasonal gig or want to deal with payday loans, consider a pawnshop loan as an alternative. At New York City Luxury Pawn Loans, we offer fast, flexible loans to help you out of a difficult situation. Plus, we understand that life happens, so if you need more time to repay, we offer easy loan extensions. Contact us today to learn more about pawnshop loans.