As the holiday season draws near—that is, Christmas and the new year 2024—it is time to start shopping for gift items. Embracing the festive season does not have to break the bank; however, December offers numerous opportunities to not only spend but also use it to make some extra cash. While the holiday season brings a multitude of financial prospects, like taking on extra jobs, they can encroach on precious family time during this special period.
One creative way to offset holiday expenses is by selling unwanted gifts. The season of abundance often leaves us with unused presents accumulating in our drawers. By selling these items, it can provide a quick and straightforward means of boosting income.
Despite the irony of selling gifts during the season of giving and receiving, an increasing number of people are opting for cash gifts during the holiday season. Many find themselves with a substantial cash influx and are eager to spend it on things they truly enjoy. Platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Gumtree offer excellent avenues to list and sell unwanted presents, turning them into a source of profit. For those with handmade items or an excess of leftover items beyond the capacity of their fridge, local apps like Olio or Nextdoor can be valuable resources. These platforms allow you to either sell items or contribute to the festive period by giving them away for free.
Another sustainable approach is to recycle gifts by keeping them for the next Christmas and passing them on to friends and family members. This not only helps cut costs well into the following year but also adds a thoughtful touch to your gift-giving. Remember to avoid re-gifting the item to the person who originally gave it to you. If you are looking to offset holiday expenses while enjoying the season, here are some ways to make money without sacrificing family time:
Sell Unwanted Gifts
As it has been highlighted above, the holidays often bring an influx of gifts, and selling unused items can be a quick and easy way to make money. While it may seem counter-intuitive to sell presents during a season of giving, many people now prefer cash gifts. To sell your unwanted gifts, you can utilise popular eCommerce marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and even Gumtree to turn the gifts into profit.
Mystery Shopping
You can become a mystery shopper to help retail stores enhance their customer experience. This involves getting paid to shop undercover, testing customer service, checking stock, and evaluating the overall shopping experience. It is a fun and easy way to shop during the holiday season while earning some extra cash.
Amazon Trade-In Program
Instead of just throwing away unwanted items after Christmas, you can consider Amazon’s trade-in program. You can trade in books, electronics, DVDs, or video games to receive Amazon gift cards in return. Amazon covers the cost of shipping, turning your unwanted items into valuable gift cards.
Rent Your Room
With many people travelling during the holiday season, there is a demand for extra sleeping space. If you have a spare room or will be away for the Christmas holiday, consider renting it out through platforms like Airbnb and Goboony. This can turn your holiday downtime into a source of income, and you might discover a lucrative side business to continue into the new year.
Gift Wrapping Services
As the festivities continue, the need for gift wrapping arises. If you enjoy gift wrapping, consider offering your services to others. Use social media to advertise or in your neighbourhood to provide cost-effective and efficient gift-wrapping services, which can bring in immediate cash during the holiday season.
Personal Shopper
Last-minute shopping is inevitable for many people during the holiday season. If you can spare some hours and enjoy shopping, offer your services as a personal shopper. This can be a fun way to make extra income, especially if you are already planning to go shopping.
In summary, making money during the holiday season doesn’t mean sacrificing precious moments with your loved ones. By selling unwanted gifts and embracing creative avenues for extra income, you can turn the season of giving into a season of financial opportunities. Remember that these ideas not only provide financial benefits during the holiday season but can also serve as potential side hustles to explore in the coming year.
