Gift Wrapping Saved This Entrepreneur’s Side Hustle, and Now It’s a Full-Fledged Business
When Michelle Hensley started her gift basket business, Nifty Packaging Co., she didn’t expect it to turn into a full-time job. But with a unique “blind-edge” wrapping style, she caught the attention of brands and celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Today, her business brings in over $466,000 in sales, with gift wrapping making up roughly 70% of its revenue.
However, starting a side hustle isn’t just about having a unique skillset or a good idea. According to a Sidehustle.com survey, nearly one in five Americans planned to start a side gig to help cover holiday spending, like travel and gifts. So, what are some easy-to-learn, holiday-themed side hustles to earn some extra cash?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Gift Wrapping: With an average hourly rate of $21, gift wrappers can make up to $50 an hour, depending on the number of presents and design complexity. You can market yourself on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Thumbtack.
2. Waiting in Line or Running Errands: Services like Taskrabbit can connect you with people willing to pay for tasks like waiting in line for them or running holiday errands. The average hourly rate for waiting in line is $27, while running errands can earn $32 per hour.
3. Hanging Christmas Lights: Companies like Taskrabbit can connect you with homeowners willing to pay for high-quality lighting services. According to Taskrabbit, the average hourly rate is $54, but high-end clients may be willing to pay up to $700 or more for a two-hour job.
4. Making Gift Guides: Social media influencers with over 1,000 followers can partner with brands to promote products and earn a commission per sale. According to Forrester, 25% of Americans 34 and under said social media posts from influencers would influence their holiday shopping decisions.
5. Dressing up as Santa Claus: With platforms like Cameo, you can offer personalized video messages as Santa Claus. The Rich family, for example, made $14,700 from Cameo alone last year, filming videos in their living room.
While these ideas may not replace your full-time job, they can certainly supplement your income and bring in some extra cash during the holiday season. As Michelle Hensley says, “It’s not about whether you love it. It’s about whether the client loves it.”