Wondering how to make extra money for Christmas? That’s understandable; it’s an expensive time of year.
Lucky for you, the holiday season is the ideal time to pick up extra work and bring extra cash into your household.
Think about it – retail stores are going nuts, people are shopping online like never before, and there’s an upward sentiment in the economy around the holiday season.
What that means for you is that if you’re a little bit savvy and prepared to invest some of your time, you can make extra money this Christmas by applying these tips.
13 Simple Ways to Make Extra Cash For Christmas
Use these money-making ideas to boost your holiday budget – get started now.
1. Take paid online surveys
One of the best ways for me to make extra money has always been taking paid online surveys.
Online surveys are a quick and easy way to stash cash or gift cards for the holidays.
I can easily earn $20–$50 a month by answering surveys online, which is plenty for my frugal family Christmas.
💌 Our Readers Love These Survey Sites:
Pureprofile — get paid cash and vouchers for completing offers and surveys.
Opinion World — online survey heavy-weight with a worldwide presence.
Octopus Group — frequently rated the highest-paying surveys.
Each survey site has different requirements, so make sure you find the best fit for you.
Some pay you in reward points, and others in cash via PayPal or with gift vouchers.
You can click through to our complete guide: 14 Best Paid Online Survey Sites in New Zealand
2. Use cashback sites for all your Christmas shopping
Whatever you’re planning to buy for Christmas, there’s definitely a way to get it cheaper than retail.
Using a cashback site like Shopback means you get back some of the money you spend on your purchases. It’s a no-brainer, really.
You can buy discounted movie tickets, gift cards, all types of online shopping, travel bookings, Kmart, The Warehouse…honestly there are endless deals on there including Upsized cashback days.
Check it out.
3. Get paid just for using your computer like normal
This one’s genuinely my favourite because it takes zero extra time out of your day.
Nielsen Computer Panel pays you (in gift cards or PayPal cash) just for browsing the internet like you normally would. You install it, carry on with your life, and it quietly does its thing in the background.
It won’t fund your whole Christmas, but it’s free money for doing absolutely nothing extra – so there’s really no reason not to have it running.
4. Get a Christmas casual retail job
Wondering how to make extra money before Christmas?
Capitalise on the crazy retail rush and get yourself a casual retail job.
Christmas casual jobs aren’t just for students. They’re an excellent way to work on the weekends and evenings and bring extra money in for a short period of time.
I know it’s not fun to give up your weekend and evenings, but it’s only usually for the 8–12 weeks in the lead-up to Christmas and gift-giving season, so knowing you have a time limit helps.
You might even qualify for a staff discount to help lower your gift spending.
Prominent New Zealand retailers like The Warehouse, Mitre 10, Bunnings and Kmart all take on Christmas casuals – and listings start going up on Seek and Trademe jobs from late August through to November, so it pays to check back regularly rather than leaving it too late.
Couriers and delivery companies are also worth a look. Parcel volumes go through the roof in December, and NZ Post, CourierPost and other delivery firms regularly bring on extra drivers to cope with it.
5. Become a mystery shopper
Mystery shopping is a fun way to earn money at the shops.
Mystery shopping companies will pay you to carry out various tasks and report back to them.
This could mean purchasing an item in-store, making enquiries about the availability of items or even online shopping.
Check out this article for more information on how to become a mystery shopper in New Zealand.
6. Work as an exam supervisor
NCEA exams run right through November, which lines up nicely with when you need extra cash for Christmas.
Local high schools take on exam supervisors directly for the exam period — contact your local school’s office to ask who to speak to. It’s mostly sitting in a silent hall keeping an eye on things, plus escorting students to the bathroom when needed (so don’t expect to get any of your own reading done, despite what it sounds like). You don’t need special qualifications, just reliability and a valid police vetting check, which is standard for the role.
It’s a handful of set exam sessions rather than an ongoing commitment, so it suits people who want defined, short bursts of paid work before the holidays properly kick off.
(Hat tip to reader Claire for mentioning this).
7. Get paid for your opinion as a user tester
This is one people don’t think of, and it pays a lot better than a standard survey.
Sites like Respondent and Octoqual (Octopus Group’s user testing arm) connect you with companies who’ll pay you to test their website, app or product and talk through your experience – sessions typically run 20–60 minutes and pay considerably more than a typical survey does for the same amount of time.
You don’t need any special skills, just an honest opinion and a bit of time on a call or screen-share.
8. Sell your kids’ old toys
Buying used is becoming more popular.
It’s an excellent way for families to lower their environmental impact, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!
If you have some gently used toys (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) that still have life in them, consider selling them online.
9. Offer to work your regular job through the holiday season
If you have the option to work throughout the holidays, say yes!
I’ve always chosen to work in my office job over the holidays as I would usually get paid time off for the public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) and found the office is quieter, so it’s a great time to get work done.
10. Make Crafts You Can Sell for Profit
People love to decorate their homes and give gifts with meaning, making the holiday season the perfect time to sell handmade and homemade wares.
You can sell your crafts online, at local artisan markets or through your own website.
If you don’t know which craft items would make the most money, we’ve got a handy article with 20 craft ideas you can make and sell for profit.
Etsy is a great place to sell crafty items; these are the most popular items to make and sell on Etsy for maximum profit.
11. Sell your junk
A really good way to make cash when you need extra money for Christmas is by selling your unwanted stuff.
If you’re anything like me, you have some things lying around the house that you are keeping for a future project.
Or perhaps you’ve received a gift that you didn’t use, and it’s still in the original packaging.
Remember the saying, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.
Get onto selling your unused or unwanted potential gifts early, to maximise your opportunity for a sale.
Here are some tips for selling on Trade Me (which also apply to Facebook Marketplace) to get you the most coin for your collection.
12. Tend bar or work as a waiter at Christmas functions
Do you know how to pull a pint? Or pour champagne? Can you hold three plates?
If so, seasonal function work might be for you if you need extra cash for Christmas.
Get in touch with local catering companies or labour supply agencies asap to register your interest in casual function work.
It’s a great way to earn money, meet new people and sometimes if you’re lucky you get a free meal.
13. Work the 2026 General Election (one-off this year)
Because 2026 is an election year, there’s a big seasonal opportunity that won’t be around next Christmas: the Electoral Commission needs over 22,000 people to help deliver the general election on 7 November.
Roles include voting place staff, electorate HQ support, and admin — pay ranges from $28.95 to $36 an hour plus 8% holiday pay, with paid training and no CV required. Advance voting opens 26 October, and recruitment starts as early as July/August.
Worth noting: election workers are required to stay politically neutral while in the role. You can find out more here: https://work.elections.nz/home
There are plenty of ways to make extra money for Christmas, if you think outside the box.
You might even get discounted goods or free meals if you’re lucky, as well as having an extra income stream during the most expensive time of the year.
