Holiday spending adds up fast, but December also brings seasonal work opportunities that can fund your entire gift list. These five side gigs offer flexibility and pay rates high enough to cover presents without touching your regular paycheck.
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1. Holiday Decorating and Light Installation
Installing Christmas lights and decorating homes ranks as the highest-paying seasonal side gig available. Decorators can earn $50 to $100 per hour depending on the complexity of the job and local market rates.
The work involves hanging exterior lights, setting up outdoor displays and sometimes interior decorating for people who want professional results without the hassle. Homeowners and businesses both need this service, and many are willing to pay premium rates for quality work.
Think this sounds fun and doable? Start marketing services now. Post on neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor and local community boards. Bring photos of past work if you have experience or offer discounted rates for your first few jobs to build a portfolio.
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2. Gift Wrapping Services
Stores hire seasonal gift wrappers at an average rate of $15 per hour. But the real opportunity is offering independent wrapping services at higher rates.
Many people hate wrapping presents or simply don’t have time during busy December schedules. You can charge more depending on size and complexity or if you offer mobile services where you come to the customer’s house.
The work is repetitive but requires minimal startup costs: wrapping paper, scissors, tape and ribbon. Market through TaskRabbit, Thumbtack or local social media. Offering pickup and delivery adds convenience that justifies higher pricing.
3. Delivery and Driving
Food delivery, grocery delivery and package courier services all surge during holidays. Apps like DoorDash, Instacart and others see increased demand as people order more frequently and tip more generously during the season.
The flexibility is unmatched — work whenever you want, accept the orders you choose and stop when you’ve earned your target amount.
Companies also hire seasonal package delivery drivers for the holiday rush. These positions offer more structured schedules and sometimes better base pay than app-based gig work.
4. Pet Sitting and House Sitting
Holiday travel creates massive demand for pet care and house watching services. Families need someone to watch pets while they visit relatives, and homeowners want security while houses sit empty.
Platforms like Rover and Wag connect sitters with pet owners, but word-of-mouth in your neighborhood often generates steady bookings. Rates vary by service: Daily dog walks can earn around $20, overnight pet sitting brings $50 to $100 per night and extended house sitting can command $75 to $150 daily.
The responsibility is real; you’re caring for someone’s pets and property. But for animal lovers, the work feels less like a job and more like hanging out with dogs or cats while earning money.
5. Seasonal Server and Wait Staff
Restaurants, catering companies and event venues all need extra help during the holiday party season. Seasonal servers average around $15 per hour, but tips during December push total earnings higher.
Holiday parties, corporate events and family gatherings all need serving staff. The work is physically demanding with long hours on your feet, but it concentrates into specific event dates rather than requiring daily commitment. Experience helps but isn’t always required; many venues provide quick training for seasonal staff.
Making It Work
This is common sense, but still worth mentioning: Start early. Many seasonal positions open in October and November before December rush hits.
Leverage what you already have. Own a car? Delivery makes sense. Good with people? Serving or pet sitting fits better. Have a ladder and basic tools? Holiday decorating pays the most. Work with what you’ve got!
Watch for scams during seasonal hiring surges. Legitimate employers never ask you to pay application fees or buy inventory upfront. Research companies and read reviews before committing time.
The math is simple: Working 20 hours across three weekends in December at $20 per hour generates $400. That covers gifts for most families without touching regular income or credit cards. Pick the side gig that fits your schedule and skills, start immediately and let holiday demand fund your gift list. Happy working (and then happy shopping!)
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Holiday Side Gigs That Pay Enough To Cover All Your Gifts
