12 Ways to Earn Extra Cash in Time for Christmas

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Start Earning Extra Cash for Christmas Now!

Christmas may feel far away, but it always arrives faster than expected. Are you financially prepared for it this year?

There is nothing worse than finding an amazing Christmas sale when you don’t have any money set aside to take advantage of it.

Maybe you have told yourself:

Next year, I’m going to be prepared. Next year, I’ll have extra money for Christmas.

Instead of waiting for next year, let’s start preparing now!

You don’t have to earn hundreds of dollars overnight. Small amounts of extra money can add up and help pay for gifts, holiday meals, decorations, and family activities without relying on credit cards.

Choose one or two of these ideas that fit your abilities and schedule, and start building your Christmas fund today.

Here are 12 ways to earn extra cash in time for Christmas.

#1 – Save Drugstore Rewards for Christmas

If you already shop at drugstores such as Walgreens or CVS, start saving the rewards you earn throughout the year.

I love shopping at Walgreens and building up my Walgreens Cash. Instead of spending those rewards immediately, I save them to help purchase Christmas gifts and other holiday necessities.

One year, I found backpacks and school supplies marked down to incredibly low prices. The backpacks were only 49 cents, and after applying my Walgreens Cash, I paid closer to 10 cents each.

I used those backpacks as gift bags for my grandchildren’s birthdays throughout the following year.

I have a lot of grandchildren, so that was a cartful of backpacks!

I have also purchased toys during holiday sales and tucked them safely into my gift closet for upcoming birthdays and Christmas.

Watch for clearance prices, store promotions, and rewards offers on things you already need. Those savings can stretch your Christmas budget and help you purchase gifts without spending as much out of pocket.

#2 – Earn Rewards with Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the programs I have used to earn extra Christmas spending money.

You can earn points, called SB, by completing activities such as taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, and discovering special offers. Your points can then be redeemed for available gift cards or PayPal cash.

Over the years, I have earned hundreds of dollars in gift cards through Swagbucks, including more than $500 in Amazon gift cards.

The key is to start early. A few points may not seem like much, but they can add up when you consistently use the program throughout the year.

Always read the requirements before completing an offer, and never spend money on something you don’t need just to earn points.

If you decide to join, please consider using my referral link. It won’t cost you anything extra, but I may receive a small reward for referring you.

Join Swagbucks Through My Referral Link

#3 – Use Cash-Back and Receipt Apps

Cash-back and receipt apps can help you recover a little money from purchases you were already planning to make.

I don’t recommend trying to use every available app. That quickly becomes overwhelming. Choose one or two that work well with the stores and products you normally purchase.

With Ibotta, you can look for available offers before shopping and earn cash back on qualifying purchases.

My Ibotta referral code is moxsrwj.

Fetch allows you to earn points by submitting eligible shopping and restaurant receipts. Those points can eventually be redeemed for available rewards.

My Fetch referral code is R1UMC.

Remember that cash-back apps only save you money when you purchase things you genuinely need. Don’t buy an unnecessary item simply because the app offers a reward.

Put the cash and gift cards you earn toward your Christmas expenses.

#4 – Sell Your Clutter

Look around your home for clothes, toys, kitchen items, furniture, decorations, and other belongings your family no longer uses.

Selling those items can give you two benefits at once: a less cluttered home and extra money for Christmas.

You can list items through local selling groups, online marketplaces, or your social media pages. Take clear pictures, describe the condition honestly, and set a reasonable price.

You may be surprised by how much money is hiding in closets, cupboards, storage areas, and your children’s outgrown belongings.

Place the money you earn directly into your Christmas fund so it doesn’t disappear into everyday spending.

#5 – Become a Personal Shopper or Delivery Driver

I became an Instacart shopper in January 2020, shortly before grocery delivery became an important service for many families.

I loved the flexibility. Available orders appeared on my phone, and I could decide which ones fit my schedule and location.

If shopping and delivering groceries interests you, research the delivery services currently operating in your area. Review their eligibility requirements, payment policies, insurance considerations, and expenses before signing up.

Remember to calculate the cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, and taxes when deciding whether a delivery opportunity will be profitable for you.

This type of flexible work may help you earn Christmas money during the hours that work best for your family.

#6 – Shop for Friends and Family

You don’t necessarily have to join a delivery company to make money shopping for other people.

Friends, relatives, elderly neighbors, or busy parents may appreciate someone who can pick up groceries, Christmas gifts, or other necessities for them.

Let people you know and trust know that you are available. Agree on your payment, shopping list, mileage, and reimbursement arrangements before you begin.

You could also offer to pick up several orders during one trip, making the best use of your time and transportation.

#7 – Offer a Laundry Service

Doing laundry for other people has helped me make quick cash from home.

Many families are busy, overwhelmed, or simply unable to keep up with their laundry. The holiday season can make that burden even heavier.

Let friends and family know that you are available to wash, dry, and fold their laundry. Decide whether customers will provide their own detergent and supplies or whether those costs will be included in your price.

Set a price per load or basket that covers your water, electricity, supplies, and time.

This can be an especially helpful income opportunity if you need something you can do from home.

#8 – Clean Houses or Vehicles

Cleaning is another practical service people need throughout the year.

You could offer basic housecleaning, kitchen cleanup, bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, or help preparing a home for holiday guests.

If you prefer working outside, consider cleaning vehicle interiors, washing windows, vacuuming seats, or removing clutter.

Begin by offering your services to people you know. Be clear about which tasks are included, how long the job should take, and what you will charge.

Even one or two cleaning jobs each week could add meaningful money to your Christmas fund.

#9 – Wrap Christmas Gifts

Many people love giving gifts but dislike wrapping them.

I’m not a fancy gift wrapper, but I have still earned extra money by wrapping Christmas presents for friends and family members.

Ask customers to provide their gifts along with the wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, bows, tags, and any other supplies they want used. You can charge by the gift, by size, or by the hour.

Let people know about your service before the busiest part of the season. Busy parents, grandparents, and small-business owners may be grateful for the extra help.

#10 – Sell Holiday Baked Goods

If you enjoy making bread, pies, cakes, fudge, or Christmas cookies, consider turning your baking skills into extra holiday cash.

Many people love homemade treats but don’t have the time or energy to make them during the busy Christmas season.

Choose a few items you make well instead of trying to offer everything. Calculate the cost of your ingredients and packaging, then set a price that also pays you for your time.

Take orders in advance so you know exactly how much to purchase and prepare.

Before selling food from home, check your state and local cottage-food requirements.

#11 – Shovel Snow

You probably won’t see me outside in the cold shoveling snow, but my children have earned good money doing it over the years!

If you live in a snowy area, offer to shovel sidewalks, steps, porches, and driveways for neighbors who need help.

Let friends, family members, and trusted neighbors know you are available before the first big storm arrives. Decide whether you will charge by the job, by the hour, or according to the size of the area.

A few snowy days could provide some much-needed extra Christmas cash.

#12 – Start a Pampered Chef Business

If you enjoy cooking, helping families, and sharing products you love, consider starting a flexible Pampered Chef business.

I joined Pampered Chef because I needed a way to earn income while working around my health and family responsibilities. I can work from home, run online parties, help customers choose products, and build my business according to my own schedule.

You don’t need to know everything about cooking or sales before getting started. Training, support, and resources are available to help you learn as you go.

Pampered Chef has given me an opportunity to earn extra money while connecting with people and helping families make everyday meals easier.

Results will vary depending on the time, effort, sales, and activities each consultant puts into their business. Income is not guaranteed.

If you would like to learn more, I would be happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether Pampered Chef could be a good fit for you.

Learn More About Joining My Pampered Chef Team

Start Building Your Christmas Fund Today

You don’t have to try all twelve ideas.

Choose one or two that fit your abilities, available time, and personal situation. Then take one small step today.

List a few items for sale. Download a rewards app. Tell your friends about a service you can provide. Put every dollar you earn into a separate Christmas fund.

Even a little extra income can help you purchase gifts, prepare holiday meals, and enjoy your family traditions without adding more debt.

Which idea will you try? Leave a comment and tell me how you plan to earn extra money for Christmas this year!

Prepare for Christmas All Year Long

Christmas always seems to arrive faster than expected. Planning and saving throughout the year can make the season more joyful and much less stressful.

My month-by-month guide, Christmas with Strategic Shopping: The Twelve Months of Christmas, will help you prepare gradually instead of trying to do everything at the last minute.

Get Christmas with Strategic Shopping: The Twelve Months of Christmas

Get the Christmas Planning Guide