Easy ways to make extra money before Christmas in 2025

Christmas always seems to creep up quicker than planned. One minute you feel on top of things and the next you are thinking about presents, food, school events and days out.

Costs add up fast, so bringing in a bit of extra money now can make the whole season far less stressful.

These ideas suit busy families, shift workers, students and anyone who wants simple wins without loads of hassle. They are safe, realistic and fit around everyday life.

Surveys that actually pay

Surveys work well if you want money coming in quietly in the background. You do not need special skills, and most take only a few minutes.

Prolific

Still the top choice in the UK. Surveys are clear, interesting and usually pay between £1 and £4 each. You only see surveys you qualify for, which means less time wasted. You can cash out from £5 through PayPal. Sign up to Prolific here.

YouGov

Takes longer to reach a payout, but it is steady and well known. Many people use it as a slow saver for Christmas or birthdays. Sign up to YouGov here.

AttaPoll

A handy app for quick surveys on your phone. Payout is from £2, which suits anyone who wants money faster. Sign up to AttaPoll here.

Qmee

Good for tiny bursts throughout the day. You can cash out at any amount, which makes it ideal when you need just a couple of quid to top up your budget. Sign up to Qmee here.

Tip: Try a mix of these so you always have something available, even if one app is quiet.

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Mystery shopping that still exists

Mystery shopping is when you visit a shop, café or restaurant and report back on what happened.

Some tasks pay cash, and others refund what you buy, which is helpful when planning Christmas food or days out.

Market Force

Offers visits in supermarkets, coffee shops and fast-food chains. Jobs are easy to follow, and reports are short. Sign up to Market Force here.

Grass Roots

Still reliable in 2025. You might be asked to check customer service, product displays or simple shop layouts. Sign up to Market Force here.

ESA Retail

Often involves high street shops and petrol stations. Good if you already pass these places during your day. Sign up to ESA Retail here.

Tip: Mystery shopping can be a great way to cut the cost of treats. Some restaurants and takeaways offer part or full reimbursement.

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Smartphone task apps

These apps give you small jobs that you complete while you are already out and about. Most tasks take only a few minutes and pay between £1 and £12, depending on difficulty.

Field Agent

Popular for quick checks in supermarkets. You might be asked to photograph a display or confirm a product price. Sign up to Field Agent here.

Roamler

One of the highest-paying apps, but you usually need an invite. If you can get in, it can bring in good money before Christmas. Sign up to Roamler here.

BeMyEye

Covers everything from checking if a shop is open to taking photos of shelves. Simple and fast. Sign up to BeMyEye

Shepper

This feels like mystery shopping but with less writing. You take photos, check signs or confirm opening times. Each task is quick and pays an average of £7. Sign up to Shepper here.

Example: If you walk past the supermarket on the school run, you could pick up a £5 task on the way home.

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Cashback that boosts your budget

Cashback is free money on the things you already plan to buy. December is one of the best months for this because of gift shopping and food shopping.

TopCashback and Quidco

Always check before buying Christmas presents online. Some toy shops, fashion brands and tech stores offer high cashback in November and December. Sign up to Topcashback | Sign up to Quidco.

Airtime

Links to your bank card and takes money off your mobile bill. Regular offers include Boots, Greggs and Sports Direct. Sign up to Airtime – use code WNAT887N to earn £2 when you spend £5 in the first 7 days.

Cheddar

Works with everyday supermarkets and high street shops and keeps things simple. Sign up to Cheddar.

JamDoughnut

Gives you instant cashback when you buy a digital gift card. If you know you will shop at Asda, Tesco or Primark, this can add up quickly. Sign up to JamDoughnut.

Tip: Use cashback for gifts, then use the money you save to cover Christmas food without dipping into your normal budget.

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Decluttering that pays for Christmas

Selling the things you no longer use is one of the quickest ways to raise money.

You do not need to overthink it. One evening of listing can bring in £50 to £150, depending on what you have at home.

Vinted

Best for clothes, kids’ items, trainers and accessories. No selling fees, which means you keep more of what you earn. Start selling on Vinted.

Facebook Marketplace

Good for furniture, toys, prams, bikes and larger items. Buyers collect from you, which means no postage costs. Sell your stuff on Facebook Marketplace.

Music Magpie

Quick way to sell games, DVDs, old phones and tech. Ideal if you want simple, no-contact sales. Sell your stuff on Music Magpie here.

eBay

Great for collectables or anything unusual. If you have something rare, this is where it is most likely to sell for a higher amount. Sell your stuff on eBay.

Example: Kids’ Christmas pyjamas, unworn jumpers, unopened toys and old consoles often sell within days in November.

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A few extra ways to earn in 2025

Vinted flipping

Buy cheap bundles, sort the items and list them individually. Profit can be £10 to £40 per bundle. Check out can you make money reselling on Vinted?

Supermarket reward tricks

Christmas is the best time to stack points. Clubcard Prices, Nectar Prices and Morrisons More Points can knock a surprising amount off your food shop, meaning more money left in your bank account. Check out the best loyalty cards and rewards apps in the UK

Amazon trade-in

If you have old books, games or tablets, you can trade them for Amazon credit and use it on Christmas gifts. Trade in your stuff on Amazon here.

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Final thought

Making extra money for Christmas does not always mean taking on big jobs or long hours.

A few simple steps each week can make December feel far more manageable. Pick the ideas that fit around your life and start with the ones that feel easiest.