Last updated: September 18, 2023
Are you looking to make some extra money over winter with some winter side hustles?
The winter months, and especially the holiday season, are notoriously expensive so it’s no surprise you might want to make some extra income at this time of year.
After all, holiday parties, food and gifts are all expensive and your bank account is definitely going to take a hit at this time of year.
College students, high school students and those supporting a family or planning to indulge over the holiday period are all going to need a little extra cash to avoid having to put some spending on a credit card.
The good news is there are some really good winter side hustles that can bring in good money and which a lot of people will be able to do.
Here are the best ways to make additional income in the winter so you can sail through the cold weather financially unscathed.
Dog walking
This is a good way to make some fast cash.
Lots of pet owners really don’t like to walk out in the cold, and perhaps can’t or just don’t feel safe going out in icy and snowy conditions.
A dog still needs its exercise, however, no matter the time of year.
You can find work as a dog walker by creating a profile on online platforms, such as Rover and Wag!, or by contacting local pet shops and vets. You could also advertise your services on social media platforms like Facebook.
You need to be a competent dog walker of course with experience of handling all sorts of dogs. As a short-term side hustle, it’s best to start here by walking dogs that you already know and which know you.
Sell your own stuff online
The winter time is a really good time to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want, such as clothes or toys.
After all, people are buying holiday gifts and you’ll have a better chance of selling your own belongings for a good price at this time of year.
Check out online selling platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Etsy and Craigslist.
Become a delivery driver
If you don’t mind driving in winter conditions and have access to a vehicle, a delivery driver’s job is one of the best winter side hustles around.
Business owners are often crying out for drivers at this time of year as their orders increase in the run up to Christmas.
They often need to take on more drivers so this can be a great way for you to bring in some extra cash in the colder months.
This is just one of the many ways you can make money with your car.
Snow removal
If you live in a cold climate and are physically strong this winter side job could bring in a lot of work for you.
Winter storms cause a lot of chaos, particularly in rural areas, and many people just aren’t able to clear their driveways, sidewalks and property of lots of snow.
If you have the tools like a good strong snow shovel you can set this side hustle up and earn some additional income.
Become a babysitter
Holiday parties leave couples with children with a problem as they often need a sitter to come and stay for the night.
If you love kids this is the perfect side hustle for you. Check with friends, who can check with their friends, and see who needs a babysitter over the winter months.
This is clearly a very responsible job to have so it needs to be taken seriously.
Wreath making
If you’re creative and you enjoy working with your hands, you can make and sell winter wreaths.
They are so popular at this time of year, and often you can use natural materials to make them so the costs are very minimal. Just go outside and forage for pine cones, evergreen branches, holly and berries.
Market your designs on local sites and you could well see some orders coming in.
If you’re not sure where to start with this, look for local courses that teach you how to make wreaths. These are usually short workshops (less than a full day) and you can take away the necessary skills you need to start up your own small business.
Local tour guide
Many places get an influx of tourists over the winter, for Christmas shopping trips and New year escapes.
If you live in a popular tourist area you can offer to show visitors around. For example, for someone who has only 24 hours in New York you may be able to show them the main sites easily in that time.
This requires good local knowledge and people skills, but if this is you this could be a great day job for you.
Become a brand ambassador for your own town and show it off to tourists while earning some extra cash in the winter.
Sell digital holiday goods
It’s fairly easy to learn how to create digital products that you can sell online, and if you have these skills you can put them to good use over the winter.
In fact this is one of the best side hustles for winter because you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, and it’s a fairly passive source of income.
You could create digital holiday cards, Christmas planners, new year planners, weight loss trackers and all sorts of other things that people are searching for at this time of year.
These types of products can be sold on Etsy, and because they’re digital products you don’t need to ship items or hold any stock.
Housesitting
Housesitters and petsitters are in high demand in the winter as people go out of town to visit family.
This is a good way to make money in your free time because you can carry on with your life as normal but make money by watching other people’s houses and pets at the same time.
You’ll need to be capable, confident and trustworthy of course for people to want you to sit for them.
Freelance writing
Becoming a freelance writer is something that can be done all year round.
However it’s also a great option in the winter because of being indoors a lot of the time due to the winter weather.
This means you generally have more time to get stuck in to writing jobs. Have a look at sites like UpWork, Freelancer and PeoplePerHour to find writing jobs online.
You won’t make a lot of money quickly with this job, but it’s a great side hustle that you can build on over the rest of the year.
Work a seasonal job in a mall
In busy seasons like the holidays both large and small businesses are often looking for extra staff for a few weeks.
This means you can often find a great opportunity to earn some great money in a mall, grocery store or somewhere similar.
Stores usually need holiday cover, extra hands and even people to dress up as Santa or his Elves.
Winter gardening
Yard work is a job many people try to avoid in the colder months, but there are still jobs to be done outside.
If cold conditions and a little physical labor don’t worry you this could be a great little side business in the winter.
Winter backyard jobs include cleaning up leaves and debris, inspecting plants for damage, mulching around plants, watering plants deeply, draining hoses and pipes, and cleaning and storing gardening tools.
Become someone’s personal shopper
If you have a good chunk of time over your winter break to earn some side hustle income, shopping for someone else is a brilliant idea.
Many people who work a full-time job or juggle family responsibilities need a little extra help over the winter season.
You could help out with their holiday shopping, deliveries, gift wrapping, grocery shopping and many other things that people need to happen during the busy winter months.
This is one of those winter jobs that could also be a lot of fun to do.
Take online surveys
Survey sites have been around for a long time as a legitimate way to make some extra cash on the side.
They are not hard work at all, but they won’t make you the most money either.
However, they’re a good idea if you want to make a little money in your spare time. You can answer surveys while watching TV, and if you do it on a regular basis the pay soon adds up.
Sell baked goods
If you love baking seasonal holiday goods like cookies and gingerbread then why not try selling some of your creations? They’re also one of the best things to sell in school.
Make sure to market your business online and through social media, and offer competitive prices and a range of products that people would both love to give and receive in the winter.
By offering delivery services too then you increase your potential customer base and will get extra orders.
In some areas, there are specific regulations that you must follow in order to sell baked goods from home. Be sure to research the requirements in your area before you start selling.
Blogging
There are so many ways to monetize a blog and it’s a really great way to make extra money.
Earning money from blogging is one of these winter side hustle ideas that works all year round and can make you money at any time.
You can earn through affiliate marketing, advertising revenue or brand sponsorships.
It can take some time to ramp up your site and get it to earn money so the sooner you start the better. Pick a niche to blog about, learn the basics of search engine optimisation (SEO) and get writing.
Car detailing
If you’re detail-oriented and you don’t mind the cold, you can offer your services as a winter car detailer. This can be a lucrative side hustle opportunity.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, it offers a unique niche market as car owners often seek thorough cleaning and protection for their vehicles during the harsh winter conditions.
As a winter car detailer, you can specialize in services such as deep cleaning interiors to remove salt stains and grime, applying protective coatings to guard against snow and ice, and ensuring all surfaces are well-maintained.
Additionally, you can provide guidance and assistance to clients regarding the importance of winter tires, emphasizing their role in ensuring safety and optimal performance on snowy and icy roads, and fitting them for clients.
Odd Jobs and DIY
The winter months are a great time to find DIY and odd jobs because there are many projects people need help with around their home.
For example, you could help out with refinishing furniture, decluttering, organizing, repairing small items of furniture and adding decor.
You could also offer to repaint a room, clear an attic or undertake a complete home removals service.
Advertise your services on local job sites as well as Facebook and Instagram.
Become a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location.
VAs typically work from home and use technology to communicate and collaborate with their clients.
To work as a VA you could offer a wide range of professional services, including:
- Administrative tasks: such as scheduling appointments, managing email, and creating presentations
- Technical tasks: such as website design and development, social media management, and data entry
- Creative tasks: such as writing, editing, and graphic design
- Business support: such as customer service, bookkeeping, and project management
VAs can work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations. They can also work with individuals, such as entrepreneurs, freelancers, and stay-at-home parents.
It’s such a good way to make extra money and the potential is there to have multiple clients.
Tutoring
If you have a skill that someone else would love to learn, try your hand at tutoring someone for money.
You can do this either online or in person which makes it a really flexible way to make money during the winter.
Math, science, English, history, and other academic subjects are all popular tutoring areas. Tutors in these subjects typically have a college degree or higher in the subject they teach.
Tutoring foreign languages is another popular option. Likewise, tutors who can help students with computer skills, such as coding, software, and hardware, are also in demand as well as those who can teach people how to play musical instruments, paint or draw, or prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.
If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, you can become a tutor by:
- Networking: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues to see if they know anyone who needs a tutor
- Advertising: Post flyers or ads online or in local publications
- Working with a tutoring company: There are many tutoring companies that hire tutors. You can apply to work for one of these companies
- Starting your own tutoring business: If you have the time and resources, you can start your own tutoring business
Holiday decoration assistance
Many people decorate their homes for the holidays but may need help with tasks like hanging Christmas lights or setting up decorations.
This is particularly true if they’re elderly, sick or just plain busy.
Offer your assistance to friends, family, or neighbors to decorate their Christmas trees, homes and yards and charge a fee for your services.
You can also help to take everything down in the new year and pack things away neatly for the next season.
Become a translator
If you are fluent in multiple languages, you can offer your translation services to individuals, businesses, or organizations.
You can find freelance translation opportunities on online platforms, reach out to local businesses that may require translation services, or even create your own website to showcase your skills and attract clients.
Just ensure that you have the necessary language proficiency and translation skills to provide accurate and high-quality translations.
Start a home cleaning business
If you have a little time each week to spare you can clean people’s homes for them.
This is one of my favorite winter side hustles because you don’t need much of an outlay to get started. People often have their own cleaning products and vacuum cleaners at their homes that you can use.
If you like to clean and don’t mind getting stuck in, this can be a really lucrative job on the side.
Clients often recommend their cleaners to their friends too so this could lead to more business for you. As long as you ensure you do a really good job you could end up with more potential clients who want to hire you.
Winter photographer
If you have a good eye for photography and you enjoy winter sports or scenery, you can offer your services as a winter photographer.
A winter photographer may be hired by a range of clients including outdoor enthusiasts seeking action shots or scenic landscapes, the tourism and hospitality industry to promote winter destinations, and event organizers who want you to capture the atmosphere of winter festivals.
You would also work for outdoor brands showcasing their products in winter settings, nature and wildlife organizations documenting winter ecosystems, and print and online publications in need of captivating winter imagery. This could involve taking photos of people skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.
You’ll probably need a good camera and some skills and experience taking high quality photos, but if you have these already then this is one of those winter gigs that has the potential to bring in a lot of money.
Snow sculpture artist
If you enjoy working with snow, you can create and sell snow sculptures. This could be a great way to decorate a home for the holidays or to make some extra money.
Whether it’s intricate designs, whimsical characters, or large-scale installations, there is a market for snow sculptures in various settings. You can target winter festivals, community events, or even businesses looking to enhance their winter esthetics.
Marketing your services and showcasing your portfolio of past sculptures can attract clients who appreciate the beauty and temporary nature of snow art.
These are all tips on how to make money in the winter. There’s many an easy way to make some quick cash during the colder season, whether that’s to help pay off your student loans or just to help you buy Christmas gifts for loved ones.
Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make money for Christmas. You can get a part-time job, do freelance work, sell your unwanted items, take surveys, sign up for paid focus groups, become a mystery shopper, walk dogs, babysit, tutor, or deliver food. With a little effort, you can find a way to make money for Christmas that fits your skills and interests.
There are many ways to make extra money in the winter. You can become a delivery driver, do freelance work as a VA, shovel snow, sell holiday treats, or become a winter tour guide. The winter is a perfect time to make some extra money as it’s a busy period for many people and they often need some paid help.
To make money as a kid during winter, consider shoveling snow for neighbors, offering assistance with holiday decorations, or providing babysitting services. You can also make and sell winter-themed crafts, offer dog walking or pet sitting, or provide tutoring in subjects you excel at. Remember to prioritize safety and get permission from your parents or guardians before starting any money-making activities.
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