Winter can be a tricky time financially: between holiday shopping, higher heating bills, and those random cravings for fancy hot chocolate, it’s easy to feel the pinch.
But the colder months also bring unique opportunities to make extra cash. If you’re trying to save for a big purchase, pay off debt, or just fund your New Year’s resolutions, a winter side hustle can help.
The best part? Many winter hustles take advantage of the season, like snow removal or holiday gift-wrapping, so you can earn while staying in the spirit of things.
Ready to explore your options? Let’s talk about the 11 winter side hustle that are worth your time this season.
(And if you’re exploring year-round opportunities, check out these ideas to make money online.)
11 Winter Side Hustles to Earn Extra Cash
Sell Used Books for Profit
Got a stack of books collecting dust? Turn them into cash by flipping books online. With tools like BookScouter, you can quickly check the resale value of your books and find the best platform to sell them for maximum profit.
This hustle is perfect for winter. It’s all indoors, doesn’t require fancy equipment, and lets you clean your shelves while earning some extra cash. It’s also a sustainable way to give books a new home.
Offer Snow Removal Services
If you don’t mind braving the cold, snow removal can be a lucrative gig. Homeowners often need help shoveling driveways or sidewalks after a big storm, and they’re willing to pay for it.
You can find snow removal jobs on local social media groups or apps. Before you know it, you’ll have a steady stream of customers. Bonus: Think of it as a free workout.
Create and Sell Holiday Decorations
If you’re crafty, why not cash in on the holiday spirit? Wreaths, ornaments, and other handmade decorations are always in demand. You can sell them on Etsy, at local markets, or even through word of mouth.
This is a great hustle for anyone who loves DIY projects and wants to turn a hobby into income. You might even get to catch and spread some holiday cheer while earning cash…win-win!
Start a Winter Pet Care Service
Winter can make it tough for pet owners to walk their dogs or take care of pets while traveling. Seniors don’t want to slip on ice and many people have to leave their pets at home while visiting family.
That’s where you come in! Offer dog-walking or pet-sitting services, especially around the holidays or when it’s icy outside (but make sure to not slip on the ice yourself).
This hustle is perfect if you love animals and don’t mind bundling up for a brisk walk or staying over at someone’s house to watch their pup.
House Sitting During the Holidays
Holiday travel means plenty of people are looking for trustworthy house sitters. It could be to simply water their plants, bring in the mail, or just keep the house warm. Either way, this gig is easy and low-stress.
Advertise locally or sign up on platforms like Rover to connect with homeowners. It’s the perfect way to make money while binge-watching Netflix in someone else’s cozy home.
Teach Hobbies or Skills Online
If you’ve got a skill (baking, crafting, or playing the guitar), you can teach it online. Platforms like Zoom or Skillshare let you host virtual classes. People love learning new hobbies during the winter. You can capitalize on that and share some of your wisdom and skills.
Become a Rideshare or Delivery Driver
Winter is peak season for rideshare and delivery apps. People are staying home more and also often need rides during the holidays. You can earn cash with DoorDash, Uber, or Instacart by delivering food or giving rides.
This hustle is flexible. It’s easy to fit into your schedule. You also get to spread the joy of hot pizza deliveries (an underrated holiday gift).
Provide Gift Wrapping Services
Not everyone has the patience (or skill) for wrapping presents. If you’ve got a knack for creating picture-perfect packages, offer gift-wrapping services. You’d be surprised at the demand if you talk to the right people (bad gift wrappers or busybodies with some disposable income to spend).
This hustle is especially popular during the holiday season. You can advertise through local Facebook groups or at community centers. A little ribbon and tape can go a long way!
Rent Out Winter Gear
If you’ve got extra skis, snowboards, or sleds lying around, rent them out to people who want to enjoy winter sports without spending a fortune. You can offer your winter sports rentals for a cheaper price than the local ski slope and you’ll get customers easily.
Peer-to-peer rental apps make it easy to connect with potential customers, and you can earn cash from equipment you already own.
Babysitting During Holiday Parties
Holiday parties and New Year’s Eve gatherings mean parents are often looking for reliable babysitters. If you’re great with kids, this can be a fun and profitable hustle.
You can advertise locally or sign up on childcare apps to find gigs.
Try Freelance Writing or Editing
Winter is a great time to pick up freelance writing gigs, especially if you’re stuck indoors anyway. From blog posts to resumes, there’s always demand for good writing.
Check out side hustle apps that connect freelancers with clients to get started.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Winter Side Hustles
Not sure which hustle is right for you? Here are a few tips:
- Choose something that matches your skills or interests.
- Seasonal gigs like snow removal or pet sitting often rely on word of mouth, so start with your neighborhood.
- Test the waters with a single hustle before committing to anything big.
Start Your New Winter Side Hustles Today
Winter doesn’t have to mean empty wallets. Try flipping books with BookScouter or offer snow removal services if that’s more up your alley. There are plenty of holiday side gigs to make extra cash during the colder months.
Give these extra income ideas a try and see how much you can earn while staying productive this season. For more inspiration, check out these side hustles for women and side hustles for college students. Happy hustling!
