Easy Short-Term Side Gigs: Practical Ways to Earn Extra Cash

This updated guide outlines flexible short-term side gigs you can start quickly: selling items online or at local markets, babysitting and eldercare, dog walking, home and yard services, cooking and food prep, and niche jobs like horse care and tailoring. It recommends platforms (Facebook Marketplace, Rover, Care.com, TaskRabbit), emphasizes starting small and using referrals, and warns to check state and local rules for selling prepared foods and plants.

Many short-term side gigs let you earn extra cash without quitting your day job. You can pick options that fit your skills and schedule, then scale them up if you want more income.

Sell unwanted stuff and handmade goods

Host or join a garage sale, flea market, or community swap to turn clutter into cash. Online marketplaces - Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and Nextdoor - make it easy to reach local buyers. If you make crafts, baked goods, or small-batch foods, consider selling at farmers markets or via Etsy. Note: home food sales and market vending are regulated differently by state and local authorities, so check local rules before selling prepared foods or produce.

Childcare and eldercare

Babysitting, after-school care, or part-time eldercare are dependable ways to earn extra money. Platforms like Care.com and Sittercity can help you find local gigs, but referrals and neighborhood groups also work well. Make sure you disclose relevant certifications (CPR, first aid) and follow local requirements for paid childcare.

Dog walking and pet services

Dog walking, pet sitting, and basic grooming are in steady demand. Apps such as Rover and Wag! connect walkers with pet owners, or you can advertise locally through community boards and social media. Clear communication about availability, experience, and insurance or bonding status helps build trust.

Home and yard services

House cleaning, ironing, mending, lawn care, and gardening are flexible options that fit evenings and weekends. Use local flyers, community apps, or TaskRabbit and Handy to reach customers. If you plan to sell plants or produce you grow, check whether your town or market requires permits or vendor registration. ¹

Cooking and food prep

If you cook well, offer meal prep, catering for small events, or baked goods to neighbors. Selling prepared foods from home can be profitable, but be sure to follow state cottage food laws and any health department rules before accepting orders. ²

Niche skills: horse care and textile work

If you have specialized skills - horse care, riding instruction, tailoring, or clothing alterations - local stables, equestrian centers, and dry cleaners often need part-time help. Advertise on local forums, stable bulletin boards, and social media groups.

Quick tips to get started

• Start small: test demand with a few clients before scaling.

• Use clear pricing and written agreements for recurring work.

• Ask satisfied customers for referrals and online reviews.

• Check local rules for food sales, vendor permits, and any licensing requirements. ³

1. Confirm current state and local cottage food laws relevant to selling baked goods or prepared foods in target audience areas.
2. Verify permit or vendor registration requirements for selling plants or produce at local farmers markets and community events in target locations.
3. Confirm any recent changes to platform availability or naming (e.g., Rover, Wag!, Care.com, TaskRabbit, Handy) in 2025 for target markets.