This article was written prior to 15 March 2021, before the launch of the new Financial Advice Regime, and was published for information purposes only. It is not being actively promoted by Dollar Insurance. Dollar Insurance does not provide financial advice about the suitability of their products and cannot take into account your personal situation or goals. Before you decide to take out a Dollar Insurance Policy, you should read the relevant Policy Wording document which contains the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the Policy, and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure the insurance policy is suitable for you.

Let’s face facts: the silly season can be expensive. Money just seems to fly out of our wallets from late November until after the new year. So how can you make it to February with a little more in your pocket?

A side gig might be the answer—just put your talents, know-how or work ethic to the task! Offer your services on social media, apps or through old-school means (newspaper ads, community bulletin boards, word of mouth) to people who need a bit of help managing the Christmas rush. You might even earn enough to come out ahead by Waitangi Day!

Here are 19 side gigs to help get you through the silly season:

1. Gift wrapping

A Christmas classic – if you’re known for your pretty packages, charge people per pressie for your trouble. You might want to up your fee for large or oddly shaped items.

2. Personal shopper

Some people need a bit of help before they can even think about wrapping. Help hapless shoppers find the perfect gift for that special someone.

3. Assemble toys or furniture

Stressed parents will love you for taking those “some assembly required” jobs off their hands! And for families hosting out-of-town guests, you could put together that new spare bed for them, too.

4. Run errands

Taking care of all those little everyday jobs could be a blessing at Christmas time. Think grocery shopping, mailing packages or returning unneeded purchases.

5. Personal assistant

It can be tough for social butterflies to navigate all those silly season parties and their normal appointments! Offer to take care of their scheduling, including sending daily calendar reminders.

6. Address Christmas cards

Put that pretty penmanship to good use! Address Christmas card envelopes for people (and maybe post them too). You can even charge more if you’ve got fancy calligraphy skills.

7. Pet sitting

Animal lover? Look after people’s furry friends whilst they’re away. You can host a pet or two in your home, or pop in a couple times a day to refill food and water, take a pup for walkies or play with a frisky feline!

8. House sitting

Pets or no, sometimes people don’t like to leave their house empty. Stay over whilst they’re on holiday to help keep thieves at bay.

9. Rent a room

Got a spare bedroom? Start taking bookings through sites like AirBnB. You could earn a little extra from last minute Christmas or New Year’s travelers.

10. Designated driver

Anyone can get carried away at a family gathering, office bash or night out. Give merrymakers a safe way to get home by driving for a ride sharing app like Zoomy or Uber.

11. House cleaning

Hosting guests, throwing a party, cleaning up afterwards—there are plenty of reasons to hire some housekeeping help this time of year!

12. Yardwork

Don’t forget about the garden! Help homeowners get their yard in tip top shape for summer barbecues, outdoor parties or just to enjoy over the summer.

13. Baking

Sweet treats are crowd-pleasers at parties and as Christmas pressies! Sell your prize-winning biscuits, pies or lollies to those who aren’t a whizz in the kitchen.

14. Hair & makeup

Everyone wants to look their best in photos. Help others get flawless curls, the perfect smoky eye or a clean shave for all those holiday selfies.

15. Party entertainment

Musicians and singers are classic party entertainers, but even stranger talents could be in demand. Advertise your belly dancing skills, standup routine, juggling or acting ability.

16. Bartender

Know someone throwing a big party at their home? They may need some bar help. You don’t even need to mix drinks: lend a hand by popping champers, opening beers, cleaning glasses and hauling bottles to the recycling bin.

17. Personal trainer

Help people get a jump on their New Year’s resolutions. Workout with a friend, your brother-in-law or neighbour—help pacing their runs, spotting them at the gym or offering encouragement!

18. Home organisation

Plenty of people have closets, drawers and garages filled to the brim—especially after Christmas. Help them clear out, donate or sell all that unwanted junk.

19. Tutor schoolkids

Know a student who could use a refresher before the school year starts? Become a math tutor, writing guru, science aide or language teacher.

About the author: Dollar Insurance is all about making insurance as painless as possible, with easy to get funeral cover, for just $1 a day. 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure an insurance product is suitable for you.

Any product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Dollar Insurance website.