No Money For Christmas? Last Minute Ways to Make Cash FAST (2024)

Did the holidays sneak up on you? Have you found yourself three weeks out with no money for Christmas?

Don’t worry, there is still time to make extra cash before Christmas. How?

We can’t make any guarantees and you’ll need to act fast, but you can definitely get out and hustle yourself up some cash for the holidays. Don’t resort to credit cards and loans as a solution. Check out our list of last minute ways to make cash fast.

Focus Groups

Short on cash but not on time? Focus Groups are a great way to earn cash at any time during the year.For a little of your time and your honest feedback, a focus group can be the answer to your money woes.

The average pay can range from $60-$140, but you can earn more than that with the right group. Our very own Chonce earned $500 for participating in a focus group for a few hours. You can even receive payment the same day you participate, so sign up today. Check out Focus Group and Respondent to get started and apply for opportunities.

Related:How to Make Money With Focus Groups

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Sell Gigs on Fiverr

Have a special skill or talent? Do you draw or know calligraphy? Are you a writer or graphic designer? Pick up a few gigs on Fiverr and earn money fast.

You set your own rates and can request payment once your task is complete.

Drive for Uber Eats or DoorDash

People have only increased their ordering, and Uber Eats and DoorDash need more gig workers. Both delivery services pay weekly, plus you get to keep all tips and choose your shifts to fit in your schedule. This helps you get your cash fast.

As long as you are at least 21 years of age and licensed for at least one year, you could get started today. If you want to ride a bike, you’ll be limited to where you can go, but you could also bike for the delivery services. You only need to be 18 for that. Both also offer sign-on bonuses for new drivers or referral rates, so try to grab one if you can.

I’ve tried DoorDash before, and you can easily earn $100 – $150 per week working just a few hours each week, and I’m sure it’s even busier around the holidays.

Related:20 Ways to Make Extra Money Today

Sell Old Items and Toys Online

Raid your closet for buried treasure. Whether it’s clothes or shoes, it may have value. I once searched the internet far and wide for a pair of boots that were no longer in stores. Poshmark was the answer to my prayers.

Are you a parent? Then you more than likely have toys that your kids no longer play with collecting dust in your home. Turn those toys into cash by selling them on eBay or Amazon. Buyers will be motivated to buy as soon as possible thanks to the holiday. Ship their items quickly and collect your cash.

Related:Side Hustles Explored: Selling Items on Amazon and eBay

Babysit

Remember those holiday parties I mentioned above? Well, that’s one of the great reasons people need babysitters this season. Parents want to take part in holiday festivities too and will pay good money for the night out.

Offer babysitting services and use your network to spread the word. You will get paid the same day so that you can add it to your holiday haul.

Dog-walk or Pet Sit

Much like kids, fur babies also need attention. Become a dog walker or pet sit. Dog walking allows you to get in a little exercise while earning money. Whether it’s just for a night out or traveling for the holidays, you can give pet owners peace of mind in exchange for some cash.

Rover connects you with thousands of pet owners in need of your services. Users can earn up to $1,000 per month. Sign up and get started with your cash.

Sell your Plasma

Blood and plasma donations not only benefits those in need but can benefit you as well. There is always a need for these donations and plasma centers pay the same day in cash.

The FDA allows up to two donations per week, although the American Red Cross recommends once every 28 days.

Be a Task Rabbit

Pick up a quick gig on Task Rabbit. Are you handy around the house? Do you have time to run errands? For a few hours or less, you could help move furniture, mount a TV, or run someone’s errands for cash.

The project rates are available, so you can decide which ones are worth your time.

Go Shopping

No money for Christmas doesn’t mean that you just stop shopping altogether. By simply making your regular household purchases, you can earn cash. If you haven’t already, download the Ibotta app and Fetch Rewards to start earning money today. You can earn cashback for in-store and online items, and cash out via Paypal or Venmo once you’ve earned $20 or more.

Shopkick used to be my default app to earn gift cards, but they are now offering cash too. The great thing about Shopkick is that you don’t always need to purchase to earn kicks.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can earn kicks by just walking into your favorite stores. You can also do the “scans” and earn kicks by scanning items for the available list. When you reach your kick limit, you can cash out via PayPal.

Related:15+ Apps For Freebies

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Rent your Space or Car

Do you have an extra room in your home? Perhaps you plan to go away for the weekend. Turn that space into cash by renting out your room on Airbnb. You can even rent out your car using the Getaround app. You can set your own rates and collect your money.

Turo is another site you can use to rent out your car.

Become a Delivery Driver

This has been a go-to for many who need to earn extra cash. Whether it’s Pizza Hut, Domino’s or UberEats and Postmates, the need for delivery drivers is increasing. You can even shop for others via Instacart. With Instacart, you get to set your own schedule a week in advance, so you get guaranteed work and pay.

Delivery drivers get paid weekly and set their own schedule, making it convenient for you as well.

Decorate

Many people love Christmas and the festive feel it brings. But not everyone has the time (or tools!) to hang up their decorations, decorate outside, decorate their trees, and so on. If you’re handy, don’t mind using ladders, or have an eye for decorating, you can add this to your resume. You could also wrap gifts for a small fee if you’re good at that.

This is a great seasonal option to make more money fast before Christmas. Start by asking around in your neighborhood. After you’ve done a few jobs, ask for referrals or send out a blast on a social media site like Facebook or Instagram to advertise your services!

Related: Guide: How to Start Side Hustling and Making Extra Money

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Have you ever needed cash on the fly? What are your favorite ways to quickly earn money?