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10 simple ways
stay-at-home moms can
earn extra money for Christmas
The holiday season is fast approaching, and while it’s a magical time, it can also bring financial stress. Gifts, decorations, and festive meals can add up quickly! As a stay-at-home mom, you might wonder how you can contribute to your family’s Christmas budget without sacrificing time with your little ones. The good news is, there are plenty of flexible ways to earn extra money from home that fit right into your busy mom schedule. In this post, you’ll discover 10 simple ways for stay-at-home moms to boost their holiday budget – perfect for the busy holiday season!
1. Sell Gently Used Items Online
Chances are, you have toys, clothes, or household items that your family no longer uses. Selling these items online is an easy way to clear out clutter and earn extra cash. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, eBay, or Mercari make it simple to list and sell your items. Plus, you can manage everything from your phone, making it perfect for moms with kids at home.
I like to use eBay for selling clothes my kids have outgrown and Facebook Marketplace for gently used toys and household items. I sell throughout the year but keep the money I make in a separate account. The money adds up and when the holiday season rolls around, I have extra cash for gifts.
- Pro Tip: Focus on selling seasonal items like winter coats, holiday decorations, or giftable toys, as they are more likely to sell quickly during the holiday season. Try to sell items appropriate to the current season. See my post on Smart Money Management: Financial Tips For Stay-At-Home Moms
2. Offer Childcare Services
If you love spending time with children, why not get paid for it? Offering babysitting services to neighbors, friends, or family members is a great way to make extra money. With the holiday season being busy, many parents are in need of extra help for holiday shopping or attending events. You can even advertise as a “holiday babysitter,” specializing in short-term or part-time care for holiday events. Having extra children in your house may help occupy your children if they are close in age. Think of it as a win win!!
- Pro Tip: Create a profile on sites like Care.com or Sittercity, or simply spread the word through your mom network to get started.
3. Freelance or Use Your Talents
As a mom, you have a variety of skills that can be turned into income. Whether it’s writing, graphic design, photography, or even social media management, you can offer these services as a freelancer. Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork connect freelancers with clients looking for short-term gigs.
- Pro Tip: Set clear boundaries around your time. Take on small projects that can be done during nap time or after the kids are in bed so you don’t overwhelm yourself. See my page on Making Money At Home for more ideas.
4. Start a Home Baking Business
If you love to bake, the holiday season is the perfect time to start selling your delicious treats. From cookies and pies to festive cakes, there is always demand for homemade goodies. You can market your treats through social media or word of mouth in your community. Just be sure to check your local regulations around selling food from home.
- Pro Tip: Holiday-themed goodies like gingerbread cookies, pumpkin pies, and festive cupcakes tend to be in high demand. Offer limited-time holiday specials to draw in more customers.
5. Create Handmade Gifts or Crafts
Do you have a crafty side? If so, consider making handmade gifts or decorations to sell. Etsy is a great platform for selling crafts, but you can also sell locally at holiday markets or community events. Popular holiday items include wreaths, ornaments, personalized stockings, and hand-knit scarves.
- Pro Tip: Start early! Crafting takes time, and getting a head start ensures you’ll have plenty of inventory to sell when the holiday shopping rush begins.
6. Take Online Surveys or Use Cashback Apps
While online surveys won’t make you rich, they can provide a steady trickle of extra cash or gift cards over time. Sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Survey Junkie offer rewards for taking surveys, watching videos, or completing small tasks. Additionally, cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta can help you earn money on your regular grocery or holiday shopping.
- Pro Tip: Use these in your downtime – while waiting for school pickup, during nap time, or when you have a few spare minutes.
7. Teach a Class or Offer Virtual Lessons
If you have a teaching background or a special skill, consider offering virtual lessons or tutoring sessions. Whether it’s tutoring kids in math or teaching adults how to knit or cook, there are always people looking to learn something new. Platforms like Outschool are great for teaching kids, while sites like Teachable or even Zoom can be used for adult learners.
Pro Tip: Focus on seasonal or holiday-related classes. For example, you can offer a class on how to bake the perfect Christmas cookies or create DIY holiday decorations.
8. Become a Virtual Assistant
With many businesses and entrepreneurs working remotely, the demand for virtual assistants is on the rise. If you have experience with administrative tasks, social media management, or customer service, you can offer your services on a part-time or project basis. Being a virtual assistant allows you to work from home and set your own hours, making it ideal for stay-at-home moms.
- Pro Tip: Use platforms like Belay or Upwork to find virtual assistant gigs, and start by offering services to small businesses in your local area.
9. Rent Out Your Stuff
If you have things like tools, party supplies, or even an extra car, consider renting them out for extra cash. Websites like Neighbor or Turo make it easy to list your items or spaces for rent. Especially during the holiday season, people may need extra equipment for parties or tools for holiday projects.
- Pro Tip: Take great photos of your items and be clear about the rental terms to make the process smoother.
10. Holiday Decorating Services
If you have a knack for holiday décor, offer your services as a holiday decorator. You can help busy families or small businesses set up Christmas trees, lights, and other festive decorations. This is especially in demand during the holiday season when people want to get their homes looking perfect but don’t have the time or energy to do it themselves.
- Pro Tip: Offer package deals or specialize in specific themes to make your service stand out.
ONE LAST THOUGHT.....
Making extra money for Christmas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your time or family life. By leveraging your existing skills, interests, and resources, you can bring in some extra cash to make the holiday season even more magical. The best part? Many of these ideas can be continued beyond the holiday season for a consistent side income.
For additional resources, check out my post on 7 Things I Quit Buying When I Became A Stay-At-Home Mom.
Also be sure to read, Top Tips For Stay At Home Moms Trying to Make It Through The Holiday Season.
Happy earning, and here’s to a stress-free, financially-sound Christmas!
