A HOLIDAY GRATITUDE SERVICE

Here’s a way businesses can say ‘Thank you‘ to the community. It’s also a way to help plump up the retailers business in December. Talk with your local business about what they’d like to contribute to your holiday kit that you will be offering to local residents. It could be a free gift, a discount, coupons etc. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The community receives some discounts and the businesses get more business. This type of service can also be run all throughout the year by offering newcomer packets to those who have just moved into the neighborhood, new baby and new pet packets etc. You could have a lot of fun with this one. 

RUBBER STAMPING

One idea is to create your own line of holiday cards with rubber stamps. Melissa Duquette has found this to be a profitable business. She explains, "The card season is upon us and everyone will soon be searching for the perfect holiday card to send to family and friends. This is your opportunity to break out into business and create unique hand-stamped holiday cards. Or why not offer a class teaching this great hobby? Rubber stamping can be worked into so many different businesses." I've been to a rubber-stamping party where we were able to create our own cards. I had a great time hanging out with my friends and making my own unique cards. If you are into rubber stamping, seriously consider having a rubber stamping card party. You would supply everything needed, and could charge either a flat fee or charge per card made.

T-SHIRTS

Kim Moya runs a T-shirt business and finds this a way to make extra cash during the holidays. She says you can create inexpensive holiday sweatshirts, and long- and short- sleeved T-shirts. And she doesn't stop at T-shirts, but also includes tote bags, felt and cloth ornaments, advent and traditional calendars, aprons and many other items that you can purchase wholesale and sell at retail prices!

FLEECE BLANKETS

I don't know about you, but I love fleece blankets. I was really excited when I found out I could make these awesome "Snuggly" blankets without having to sew a stitch. Cinda Louden has been making these types of blankets for a while now and explains, "These blankets are made out of Polar fleece material. They are soft, warm, cozy, durable, and wonderfully 'snuggly.' There's no sewing or needlework involved; all you do is cut and tie. Making Snugglies is a great way to start and create a business, make a little extra cash, or just make them for gifts. It's all up to you!"

ONLINE AUCTIONS

The hype of eBay has not gone away, but has only grown. When among a group of people, I can usually find someone who has either bought or sold something in an online auction. Colleen Wallace has made it her business to sell merchandise online. 
"The holiday season is the best time of year for me. People are always looking for unique and interesting gifts to give their loved ones. What better place to find something different than the online auctions," says Colleen. Start thinking about what you might have that you could sell online. Colleen has found that the items that sell well are those that can be used for stocking stuffers, are limited editions, or are signed items.

BAKING

Then there are the people who cannot stop baking during the holidays. Are you the type of person who finds that at the close of the season, all of your neighbors' and friends refrigerators and cookie jars are bursting at the seams because baking is just your thing? Believe it or not, this is not the favorite activity of everyone.

Stacy Robinson has found that "A Holiday Home Boutique" is a fun way to network with others who provide a holiday-related product or service. Each vendor displays her product or information about her service, and friends and neighbors are invited to come to shop and share fellowship.

"As a cake decorator, I sell gingerbread houses, as well as display and serve a holiday- themed decorated cake - which the hostesses love because this becomes part of the refreshments! Visitors to the boutique get a chance to taste and see my cakes, and I take orders for holiday party cakes. I also display a few 'dummy cakes' to showcase my designs for birthdays, weddings, etc."

The niche market that has been Stacy's holiday bread and butter since 1991 is selling gingerbread houses to real estate agents. She leaves a gingerbread house with order information in large real estate offices for a few days. She also offers free delivery to the real estate office, or delivery for a fee to their home-buying customers and other colleagues, such as mortgage brokers, closing attorneys, etc.

PLAN IT RIGHT

These are just a few ideas you can use to make a little extra cash this holiday season. Use your imagination. Remember, people are more than willing to spend money for that special gift and holiday service. Why can't you be the one who pockets that money? This is such a great time of year to make your business work. Being your own boss has never sounded better, now has it? Start thinking now if you want this to be seasonal work, or if you want to continue your business into the new year. All of the business ideas I listed above can be run throughout the year. This could be the start of something very profitable!

For additional resources on how to start the above business ideas visit:  http://www.bizymoms.com