Special Edition Side Hustle Spotlight: Holiday Opportunities

Blog | November 5th, 2021

Everyone needs a little extra cash around the holidays. Fortunately, there are even more places hiring during this busy time of year. There are also opportunities for those who want to work for themselves.

Consumers spent $1.2 trillion in 2020, and that number is expected to increase by 9% in 2021. There’s a need for extra workers. Picking up some extra work during the holidays is a great way to earn some extra money without committing to a long-term job.

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a side hustle around the holidays, read on for some great job opportunities.

Personal Shopper

While some people love to do their holiday shopping themselves, others hate to shop and will gladly pay for someone else to do it. If you enjoy shopping, becoming a personal shopper can be a great way to earn some extra money while doing something you enjoy.

How to Get Started

There are a few different ways to get into personal shopping. One of the easiest is to join a company like Instacart or Postmates. You’ll receive orders and then will shop and deliver them.

You can also start your own personal shopping business and customize it to the holidays. Advertise that you’ll handle as much of the gift-purchasing process as customers want, from researching the best gifts to finding, purchasing, and delivering. You can even gift-wrap. The more convenient you can make it for your customers, the better.

Training and Certifications

If you plan on driving, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. For most companies like Instacart, you’ll need to be at least 18, have a license, and have access to a vehicle and smartphone.

Expected Return

Companies like Instacart pay around $20 or more per hour, and you also get to keep any tips you receive. If you start your own shopping business, the profits are all yours, and it’s relatively easy to keep your other costs down. Just be sure to keep your prices competitive.

Christmas Tree Farm

Most Christmas tree farms start hiring extra help in November or even earlier, depending on demand. Working on a farm can be a fun job, especially if you enjoy the outdoors and want to get in shape as the holidays approach.

How to Get Started

To get a job at a tree farm, you’ll need to search for farms in your area. You can do a Google search, ask around, or even take a drive through your town. You can usually just call or stop by to put in an application.

Training and Certifications

You usually won’t need any certifications to work at a tree farm, and they’ll train you on the job. If you have experience working outside or with plants, that’s a plus.

You may need to learn how to use a chainsaw, tree shaker, and netter. You’ll also be required to be able to lift a certain weight.

Expected Return

Most Christmas tree farmworkers make an average of $20 per hour plus any bonuses or tips.

Delivery Jobs

Shipments and deliveries pick up around the holidays, so most companies are bound to be hiring. You can get seasonal jobs with companies like UPS, FedEx, and even the postal service.

You can also look into working for restaurant delivery services like DoorDash, Waitr, or GrubHub. People tend to order more food around the holiday times, so business picks up.

How to Get Started

Check with delivery companies to see who’s hiring. Many will advertise online, or you can call local places.

Training and Certifications

Most places will train you on the job. Some businesses require a clean drug test and a clean record with no felonies. The post office and some other companies require you to pass a test. While not all driving positions will require you to have a CDL, certain vehicles will require one.

Expected Return

When working for the post office, seasonal workers can expect to make between $14-18 per hour. The average UPS seasonal worker makes $22 per hour, while FedEx employees get around $16 per hour.

Food delivery drivers’ pay can vary. Those working with GrubHub make around $14 per hour plus tips, while DoorDash drivers make $20 per hour plus tips.

Retail Work

One of the most common places to get a side hustle during the holidays is in retail work. Stores are almost always in need of extra help as they have more shoppers and longer hours.

How to Get Started

Finding a job in retail is pretty easy. Check out your favorite stores to see who’s hiring. Most stores will have signs to let people know that they’re looking for seasonal workers.

Training and Certifications

Retail stores will train you on-site. You may be required to take a drug test. You usually won’t need any certifications unless you’re operating machinery like a forklift.

Expected Return

Most seasonal retail workers make between $10-15 per hour.

Gift Wrapper

If you have a gift for wrapping presents, gift wrappers can do quite well during the holiday season.

How to Get Started

You can get a job in a department store or a gift-wrapping popup. You can also advertise your services on social media and get contract work.

Training and Certifications

You’ll need to know how to properly wrap gifts.

Expected Return

Most gift wrappers make an average of $11 per hour.

Gift Assembler

One thing most parents hate is putting together toys before Christmas. If you have a knack for assembling toys, furniture, or other items, you may consider a job as a gift assembler. You can start your own small business or get a job for a company like TaskRabbit.

How to Get Started

You can advertise your services with family and friends. You can also sign up for a business like TaskRabbit.

Training and Certifications

You’ll need to be handy with various tools. For companies like TaskRabbit, you’ll need to be 18, a US citizen, and have a working smartphone.

Expected Return

The average TaskRabbit worker makes around $22 per hour. However, you can earn up to $85, depending on how extensive and challenging the tasks may be.