How to Use Gig Apps to Find a Holiday Side Hustle

The holidays are right around the corner. Between gifts, travel, and holiday parties, your spending can add up quickly. The Bank of America’s Consumer Holiday Spending Statistics, expects consumers to spend 7% more in 2024 than in 2023. 

While the holiday season should be merry and bright, it can also bring financial stress. If you're looking to ease the financial strain while still enjoying the season, picking up a side hustle can be a game-changer.

Gig apps make finding flexible, short-term jobs easier than ever, allowing you to earn extra income without the commitment of a traditional job. Whether you're a college student on winter break, a teacher enjoying time off, or simply looking for a way to fund your holiday plans, gig work can fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.

From retail and hospitality to delivery and event services, gig apps allow you to secure flexible, short-term work during the busiest (and most expensive) time of the year. Let’s dive into some of the additional benefits that gig apps offer.

Why Pick Up a Holiday Side Hustle?

For many, the holidays come with extra costs—gifts, travel, entertaining, and more. A seasonal gig can offset those expenses and even leave you with a little extra to treat yourself. Beyond the financial perks, working during the holiday season offers the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and stay productive during your downtime.

Here are a few groups that particularly benefit from picking up side hustles for the holidays:

College Students on Winter Break

After finals are over, college students often have several weeks of free time. Many students pick up jobs during the school year on-campus or in their college town, which can leave some hesitate to look for a new role during holiday break. Rather than spending every day binge-watching holiday movies, why not use some of that time to pick up a holiday side gig? Gig apps give students the flexibility to work shifts and earn extra money but still have time to spend with family and friends.

For many gig apps, the minimum age requirement is 18, so it’s perfect for college freshmen to graduate students. College students often generate quick earnings through food delivery, retail, and hospitality gig apps.

Teachers on Seasonal Hiatus

Like college students, teachers often find themselves with a few weeks of free time during the holiday season. While some may enjoy the downtime, others may get cabin fever and seek a productive way to occupy their days.

Gig apps provide a flexible schedule for teachers, allowing them to choose which days and hours they want to work – and even continue the work throughout the school year. As many teachers have to fund their own classroom supplies, picking up a holiday side hustle allows them to earn extra income to treat themselves, their families, or to get ahead of supply shopping for the next school year.

Anyone Looking for Extra Holiday Cash

According to the Bank of America’s Consumer Holiday Spending Statistics, that equates to an average of $2,100 throughout the holiday season. 

Whether you’re saving for a big-ticket gift, covering holiday bills, or just funding your future, now is the time to discover how to make extra money during the holiday season. Gig work allows you to make the most of high-demand opportunities without committing to a long-term job.

The Benefits of Gig Apps

Gig apps have revolutionized flexible work, making it easier than ever to earn on your terms. Here’s why they’re a great choice for holiday side hustles:

• Convenience: Browse and book jobs directly from your smartphone, anytime and anywhere.
• Flexibility: Choose shifts or tasks that fit your schedule, making it easy to balance work with holiday plans.
• Variety: Access a wide range of opportunities, from hospitality to delivery and event staffing, so you can find work that matches your skills and interests.
• Quick Pay: Many gig apps offer fast payouts, giving you access to your earnings when you need them most.
• Reputation Building: Ratings systems help you build a strong profile, leading to more and better job opportunities.
• Seasonal Demand: During the holidays, high demand means more work opportunities and often better pay rates.
• No Long-Term Commitment: Work as much or as little as you want. Unlike a traditional 9 to 5, you make your own schedule.

Gig apps make earning extra money during the holiday season simple, accessible, and rewarding!

Best Gig Apps for Holiday Side Hustles

If you’re ready to dive into seasonal work, here are some of the best holiday side hustles available through gig apps:

shiftNOW

• Focus: One-time, part-time, and full-time hospitality work.
• Why It’s Great: shiftNOW connects you to hospitality shifts with restaurants, caterers, hotels, and event venues, making it ideal for anyone looking to work in dynamic, fast-paced environments during the holidays.

Instacart

• Focus: Grocery shopping and delivery.
• Why It’s Great: With families stocking up for holiday meals, grocery delivery demand skyrockets during the season. Instacart shoppers can take advantage of high-earning potential while working flexible hours.

DoorDash

• Focus: Food delivery.
• Why It’s Great: DoorDash is a favorite for gig workers, especially during the holidays when restaurants experience a surge in takeout orders. Delivering meals can be a fun way to explore your community while earning extra cash.

TaskRabbit

• Focus: Odd jobs and personal tasks.
• Why It’s Great: Holiday tasks like assembling toys, decorating homes, or running errands become high-demand services, making TaskRabbit a lucrative platform during the season.

Rover

• Focus: Pet sitting and dog walking.
• Why It’s Great: With many families traveling during the holidays, pet care is a much-needed service. Rover lets you set your own rates and schedule, making it a flexible option.

Shipt

• Focus: Retail delivery.
• Why It’s Great: Shoppers on this platform deliver goods from stores to customers. The increased volume of last-minute holiday shopping ensures plenty of opportunities to earn.

Uber and Lyft

• Focus: Ridesharing.
• Why It’s Great: The holidays mean holiday parties, family gatherings, and increased travel. Rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, experience higher demand during the holidays, providing drivers with the opportunity to earn more.

Amazon Flex

• Focus: Package delivery.
• Why It’s Great: Amazon Flex drivers deliver Amazon’s high order volume throughout the holiday season. This gig offers consistent opportunities to earn and fits well into most schedules.

Turo

• Focus: Car rentals.
• Why It’s Great: If you won’t be using your car much during the holidays, consider renting it out on Turo. Travelers heading home for the season often need rental cars, providing you with a passive way to earn.

Thumbtack

• Focus: Skilled services.
• Why It’s Great: If you’re handy, creative, or skilled in a trade, Thumbtack connects you with people needing your expertise. Holiday-specific jobs like hanging lights, organizing parties, or fixing last-minute household issues are in high demand.

Tips for Thriving in a Holiday Side Job

To make the most of your seasonal gig, keep these tips in mind:

1. Plan Ahead: Download gig apps and start exploring opportunities early. Waiting until the last minute could limit your options.
2. Focus on High-Demand Days: The days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s are often busiest, with higher earnings potential.
3. Be Professional: Whether you’re delivering food or staffing an event, showing up prepared and on time can help secure repeat gigs and higher ratings.
4. Know Your Limits: While extra income is great, balance is key. Be sure to leave time for rest and holiday celebrations.

Why Use shiftNOW for Holiday Work?

shiftNOW is one of the best gig apps for finding holiday side jobs. Through the shiftNOW app, workers can find opportunities within the hospitality industry, which sees significant demand during the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a single shift or full-time work, shiftNOW allows you to find jobs that fit your schedule and skill set.

Get Started Today

If you’re wondering how to make extra money during the holidays, look no further. With gig apps, like shiftNOW, you can take control of your earnings and enjoy the flexibility to work when it’s convenient for you.

Don’t let the season pass you by without seizing the opportunity to earn. Download a gig app, explore holiday side hustles, and turn your spare hours into meaningful income. It’s the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season!