15 Easy Ways To Make Money Before Christmas

Let’s be real, Christmas is expensive. Between gifts, food, travel, and festive nights out, it’s no surprise most of us are looking for ways to top up our bank balance before December hits.
The good news? You don’t need to pick up another full-time job to make it happen. There are loads of easy ways to earn money online from home, all before Christmas.
Whether you want a quick cash boost or a side hustle that can grow long term, this list has you covered. And the best part?
You can find personalised ideas that match your skills and schedule by heading to Prograd.
Take Paid Online Surveys
Getting paid to complete surveys is one of the simplest ways to earn money without any experience.
Companies pay for your opinions to help improve their products, and you can do it while watching Netflix. Use trusted sites like Swagbucks, LifePoints or YouGov for cash or gift card rewards. It’s perfect for quick wins when you’ve got 10 spare minutes.
Earning potential: £50–£200 a month
Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing essays or have a way with words, freelance writing can be a great online money-maker. Businesses need blog posts, web content and social media captions all the time. Check out Prograd’s freelancing tips to learn how to pitch and price your work.
Earning potential: £20–£50 per article
Sell Items You Don’t Need
Before you buy new gifts this year, why not sell some of your old stuff? Clothes on Vinted, books on eBay, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace can all add up. Selling online is one of the fastest ways to make money before Christmas.
Earning potential: £100+ depending on what you sell
Play Online Games for Cash
Yes, really. Some gaming apps and sites pay you to test new games or compete in online tournaments. It’s fun, fast, and a great way to make money from your phone. Always double-check the platform’s legitimacy before signing up.
Earning potential: £5–£10 an hour, more for tournaments
Become a Virtual Assistant
Businesses everywhere are looking for help managing emails, scheduling meetings and organising tasks online. If you’re organised and tech-savvy, virtual assistant work could be the perfect flexible online job for you.
Earning potential: £12–£20 an hour
Try Affiliate Marketing
Got a social media following or a blog? You can earn a commission by recommending products and including special links. When someone buys through your link, you get paid. It takes time to build up, but with Christmas shopping in full swing, now’s the perfect time to start.
Earning potential: £100–£500 a month depending on reach
Online Tutoring
With school exams approaching and students revising, tutoring is a great online earner before Christmas. You can teach over Zoom or Google Meet from home, and all you need is solid subject knowledge and good communication skills.
Earning potential: £15–£30 an hour
Create and Sell Digital Products
Think printables, templates, or simple digital downloads that people can instantly buy online. Use platforms like Etsy or Gumroad to sell them. Once you’ve made the product, it can earn money passively for months.
Earning potential: £50–£500 a month
Offer Social Media Management
Small businesses want festive content but don’t always have the time or skills to create it. If you know how to design posts or manage Instagram, you can earn extra cash helping them grow their presence before Christmas.
Earning potential: £200–£500 a month per client
Do Data Entry
This is an easy remote job that doesn’t require experience. You’ll help companies input or clean up data in spreadsheets or online systems. It’s repetitive but perfect if you want reliable, flexible online work.
Earning potential: £10–£15 an hour
Sell Handmade Gifts Online
Christmas is the perfect season to sell crafts, decorations or candles. Sites like Etsy or Folksy make it easy to reach buyers who love handmade gifts. Pro tip: promote your products early on social media for maximum sales.
Earning potential: £100–£500 a month
Try Dropshipping
If you want to run an online store without holding stock, dropshipping is a great start. You list products for sale, and when someone buys, your supplier ships it directly to the customer. You just focus on marketing and customer service. Learn more in our Prograd guide to starting an online business.
Earning potential: £200–£1,000 a month once established
Offer Online Coaching or Mentoring
If you’re good at something, whether it’s fitness, mindset, or budgeting, people will pay to learn from you. Set up a few sessions via Zoom or sell short coaching packages. It’s rewarding and can grow into a long-term business.
Earning potential: £20–£100 per session
Test Websites and Apps
Companies pay users to test their websites and report issues. You simply browse, follow instructions, and share your experience. It’s quick, easy, and ideal if you like trying new tech.
Earning potential: £5–£15 per test
Start a Side Hustle with Prograd
If you’re not sure where to begin, Prograd can help. It matches you with real, flexible ways to make money online that actually fit your lifestyle and skillset, from freelance work to digital side hustles.
It’s free, fast and a great way to find extra income streams before Christmas rolls around.
Earning potential: varies depending on your chosen hustle, typically £100–£500 a month
Wrapping Up
Making money online before Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re freelancing, selling items, or playing games for cash, every little bit helps.
The earlier you start, the easier it’ll be to cover gifts and celebrations without worrying about your overdraft.
Ready to find your perfect online side hustle? Head to Prograd and explore tailored earning options, including guides on how to make money online, freelancing for beginners, and saving smarter during the festive season.