The holidays are just around the corner and I know you may be brainstorming about how to earn extra cash for Christmas.
Below, I've created a list of the best 25 ways I could think of to earn some extra money now. And when I say “extra money,” that is exactly what I mean. These ideas likely won't replace your day job if you have one, but they should be easy side earners to fit into your daily schedule.
If you are in need of an actual work from home job before the holidays, you should check the work from home job leads page to see what companies are needing help right now.
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25 Ways to Earn Extra Cash For Christmas
1. Save Your Receipts With Fetch
Fetch is one of the easiest one on this list, and it's one I use almost daily. You can earn points just by snapping pictures of receipts from shopping you're already doing.
Not only that, but you can also connect it to your email and it will automatically find and add receipts for you in case you forget any. I find this feature so handy, and it truly makes it pretty effortless.
If you start saving your points now instead of cashing them out right away, they could come in very handy when it's time to start buying Christmas gifts.
I have already cashed out 4 TIMES for Amazon codes, and it did not take long to reach enough to cash out or to receive them. I highly recommend this one.
2. Take Short Surveys With PaidViewpoint
I've used PaidViewpoint for years, and it's still one of the survey sites I feel most comfortable recommending.
You need $15 in your account to cash out, and they say PayPal payments are normally processed within 72 hours, but in my experience it always hits before 24 hours, sometimes sooner.
This isn't going to be a huge earner, but it's easy to check when you have a few minutes and let the money build up for Christmas.
3. Earn Extra Cash With Sproutful
Sproutful lets you earn points by taking surveys and playing games from your phone or computer.
Before you start a survey, you can see how long it's expected to take and how much it pays, so you can decide whether it's worth your time before you get started.
You can start redeeming once you reach $5, with options that include PayPal, Venmo, prepaid Visa, and gift cards. That low cash-out amount makes it a good one to use when you're trying to build up some extra Christmas money.
4. Earn Extra Cash With KashKick
KashKick pays members for playing games, taking surveys, shopping, and completing online offers.
You can see what each opportunity requires and how much it pays before you begin. Game offers can pay more than short surveys, but be sure you can reach the required milestone before the deadline.
Once you have earned $10, you can cash out through PayPal or Venmo or choose a gift card. Payments are generally processed within one to three business days, so this could help you build up some extra Christmas spending money.
5. Take Surveys With Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is another long-running survey panel worth keeping in your extra-cash rotation.
They aren't always accepting everyone because they recruit people in specific demographics, but if you do get accepted, you can earn points for answering surveys about products and services. They also occasionally offer product testing opportunities.
You can redeem your points for rewards including gift cards, prepaid cards, and other options, which could come in handy when you're saving up for Christmas.
6. Take Current Events Surveys With YouGov
YouGov rewards you with points for sharing your opinions on current events, news, politics, entertainment, brands, and social issues.
The subject matter is often more interesting than the repetitive product questions you get from many survey panels, and YouGov's research is regularly featured by major news outlets.
Rewards include PayPal cash and gift cards, although the available options and cash-out thresholds vary by country. It can take time to accumulate enough points, so this is a good one to start early and let your rewards build toward Christmas. You can also read my YouGov review first.
7. Earn Passively With MobileXpression
MobileXpression rewards eligible users for installing its research software on an iOS device and leaving it active while using the device normally.
The current offer says new members can earn enough credits for a $10 PayPal payment after 10 active days, then continue earning credits toward additional rewards.
There are no surveys or tasks to complete after setup, so this is an easy one to start early and let run while you're saving for Christmas. Eligibility and available rewards can vary. You can also read my MobileXpression review first.
8. Earn Cash and Gift Cards With Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a free rewards site where you can earn points through surveys, games, special offers, and cash-back shopping. New members currently see a $10 signup bonus, although bonus terms can change.
Points can be redeemed for PayPal rewards starting at $5 or gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers, which makes this especially useful when you are trying to cover Christmas expenses.
I've used Swagbucks for years. It is best treated as an easy extra earner rather than a job. You can also read my Swagbucks review first.
9. Participate in Research With Dscout
Dscout pays people to participate in research projects that may involve interviews, videos, shopping trips, app testing, or just sharing your opinions.
Most paid missions fall somewhere in the $25 to $150 range, although the amount depends on the project and how much time it takes.
You can apply for the missions that interest you and skip the rest.
10. Do Laundry for Other People
If you don't mind doing laundry, Poplin lets you earn money washing and folding other people's clothes from home.
Laundry Pros choose which available orders they want, pick up the laundry, wash and fold it at home, and return it to the customer.
You will need your own washer and dryer plus transportation for pickups and deliveries.
11. Try CloudResearch Connect
CloudResearch Connect is another site where you can get paid to participate in online studies from universities, companies, and research labs.
Once you're approved, available studies show up in your account and you can see the payment and requirements before accepting one.
This is a good one to keep bookmarked and check whenever you have a little extra time.
12. Wrap Christmas Gifts for Other People
If you're good at wrapping presents, there are people who will happily pay you to take a pile of Christmas gifts off their hands.
Taskrabbit has gift wrapping as an actual service people hire for, or you could advertise your services in local Facebook and neighborhood groups.
This is the time of year where a service like this could really help you rake in some cash.
13. Make Short Shopping Videos With ProductTube
ProductTube rewards shoppers for making short videos about products they buy, use, or see while they're out shopping.
The videos are used for market research, and approved projects are currently paid with Amazon e-gift cards, usually within five business days.
That isn't cash in your bank account, but Amazon gift cards can certainly come in handy when you're buying Christmas gifts.
14. Create Photos and Videos for Brands
You don't have to be a big social media influencer to make money creating photos and short videos for companies.
JoinBrands connects creators with companies needing product photos, demonstrations, and other simple content, and you can apply for campaigns that interest you.
This could be a fun one if you're already comfortable taking pictures or making videos with your phone.
15. Test Websites and Apps With UserTesting
UserTesting pays people to test websites, apps, prototypes, and other experiences while sharing their thoughts.
You'll see what a test pays before you accept it, and payments are sent to PayPal about 14 days after a successfully completed test.
You won't qualify for every test, so just watch for the ones that match your profile.
16. Get Paid for Research With User Interviews or Respondent
User Interviews is one of the first research sites I'd try because the studies can pay substantially more than typical online surveys. Many projects pay $100 or more for around an hour of your time, although you do have to apply and won't qualify for everything.
Respondent is another higher-paying research option worth checking. You'll apply for studies that match your background, and you can see the incentive before deciding whether to participate.
Getting picked for even a few studies on either site could add up to some very worthwhile Christmas money.
17. Deliver Packages During the Holiday Rush
UPS hires Seasonal Support Drivers during its busy holiday season to deliver packages using their own vehicles.
These are seasonal jobs rather than an app you can turn on whenever you want, but UPS pays weekly and reimburses Seasonal Support Drivers for mileage.
If you have daytime availability, this could bring in extra money during exactly the months you need it.
18. Test Video Games With PlaytestCloud
PlaytestCloud pays people to test games and tell developers what they think while playing.
A typical 15-minute playtest plus survey currently pays around $5 to $9, and the amount is shown in the invitation before you agree to a test.
The number of invitations varies, so think of this as occasional fun money rather than steady income. They have been around for many years and are legit!
You won't break the bank, but it's fine and you will earn a little extra.
19. Get Paid to Be a Mock Juror
You can sign up with OnlineVerdict to review legal cases from home and give your opinion as a mock juror.
Online case reviews generally take 30 to 60 minutes and pay $30 to $60, while longer virtual mock trials can pay quite a bit more.
You won't have cases available all the time, but this is a neat one to have on your list when you need extra money.
20. Complete Local Tasks With Field Agent
Field Agent pays people to complete little jobs with their smartphones while shopping or visiting businesses in their area.
Assignments can include taking photos of store displays, checking prices, answering questions, trying products, and doing mystery shopping type tasks.
Check the app before you run errands because sometimes you may be able to grab a job somewhere you were already going.
This is another app that has been around for many years, and has long been paying their users.
21. Find Student Gigs With Home From College
Home From College connects college students with paid gigs and projects from brands and companies.
Opportunities can include content creation, social media work, brand ambassador gigs, and other short-term projects.
This one won't apply to everyone, obviously, but college students looking for Christmas money should take a look.
22. Trade In Old Electronics at Amazon
If you have old phones, tablets, game systems, Amazon devices, or other electronics sitting around, check to see if they're eligible for the Amazon Trade-In program.
Amazon gives you a trade-in value before you send the item, provides free shipping for eligible trade-ins, and pays accepted trade-ins with an Amazon gift card.
This is an easy one to check before Christmas because you may already have something sitting in a drawer that you aren't using anymore.
23. Rent Out Extra Storage or Parking Space
If you have an empty garage, shed, driveway, carport, or other unused space, you can list it through Neighbor and rent it to someone who needs storage or parking.
It's free to create a listing, you get to approve rental requests, and Neighbor handles the payments with host payouts sent each month.
Obviously this will depend on whether anyone needs space in your area, but it could turn space you're not using into some extra money.
24. Take Care of Pets Over the Holidays
Christmas and New Year's travel means plenty of people need pet sitters, dog walkers, drop-in visits, and overnight pet care.
Rover lets approved sitters choose which services they provide, set their availability, and set their own rates.
If you like animals, this is one that makes a lot of sense during the holiday travel season.
25. Flip Some Stuff on Facebook Marketplace
You don't have to start a full reselling business to make some Christmas money from underpriced things you find locally.
Look for a few solid pieces of furniture, household items, toys, or other things you can clean up, photograph better, and resell through Facebook Marketplace.
Start small with one or two inexpensive items until you get a feel for what actually sells in your area.
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I genuinely hope this post has given you some ideas to earn extra cash for Christmas! Every little bit you can earn will help!
Photo by Raniele Gouveia: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-string-light-while-smiling-3450040/
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.