From gifts to groceries: What to do when you need extra money for Christmas

You glance at your bank account and then back at your growing Christmas list. Between buying gifts for the kids, hosting Christmas dinner for the family, and stocking up on extra groceries for holiday cooking, your paycheck already feels stretched too thin.

December is a time of welcomed indulgence. But holiday meals, family visits, and extras like office parties and gift exchanges can all add up. So it’s not unusual for most people to feel financially anxious.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a clear plan and a few smart tradeoffs, you can create a Christmas that feels full — without slipping into debt.

Start with a realistic holiday budget

Before you start scrambling for extra cash, create a shopping budget with a list of all your expected holiday expenses, like gifts, holiday meals, decorations, travel costs, party contributions, greeting cards, and even wrapping paper.

Then determine your spending limits for each category. For example, $200 on gifts, $150 on holiday groceries, and $50 on decorations. Having specific numbers helps you avoid the impulse spending that can spiral and leave your bank account dry.

Use budget-tracking tools to monitor your holiday spending in real-time, so you’re always aware of where your money is going.

Save on Christmas gifts

Getting creative with gifts doesn’t have to mean stretching your budget. In fact, some of the most meaningful presents, like homemade cookies in mason jars, a photo album of shared memories, or a playlist of songs tied to special moments, cost little but can carry lasting impact.

Pooling resources with family and friends can be another smart move, especially for higher-ticket items. Instead of everyone buying small gifts, chip in together for something practical and valuable, like a tablet or kitchen appliance.

Bulk buying and early clearance shopping can also go a long way. For example, you can repackage a large box of gourmet coffee into several smaller gifts or split a box of assorted bath products into multiple thoughtful sets. The trick is to start looking before the December rush so you’re not stuck panic-buying at full price.

Get help with free or low-cost gifts

Many communities run holiday programs to ease financial strain, offering free gifts and food support for families who need it. Charities like Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree often extend help to working households stretched thin during December. Applications usually open in November, so check early to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.

You can also find free or low-cost gifts through community swaps, Facebook Buy Nothing groups, and local drives. Churches and schools often provide food baskets or gift programs open to all families, making it easier to celebrate the season without adding financial stress.

Stretch your grocery budget for holiday meals

Holiday meals don’t have to drain your wallet when you plan ahead and think creatively. Plan out your menu early so you can shop sales strategically. Grocery stores often run special promotions on holiday staples like flour, sugar, and canned goods throughout December. Stock up on these and other non-perishables when prices drop and freeze items like bread or desserts until the big day.

Lean into seasonal produce such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips. They’re affordable, filling, and can round out holiday dishes. Swap pricey hams or turkeys for budget-friendly proteins like roasted chicken or pork shoulder, which can feed a crowd for less money.

Host potluck-style dinners to share costs. Instead of shouldering the entire expense of Christmas dinner, ask everyone to bring a side dish or dessert. It cuts costs and creates a more varied and festive spread where everyone gets to share a favorite holiday recipe.

Ways to earn extra cash before Christmas

If cutting expenses isn't enough, consider boosting your income. The good news is that December can offer unique opportunities to earn extra money quickly. For instance:

Short-term seasonal jobs are prevalent during the holidays. Retail stores often hire temporary workers for the shopping rush, delivery services need extra drivers, and catering companies look for more event staff. These jobs might only last a few weeks, but they can provide exactly the extra cash you need. Many retailers start hiring in October; so the earlier you apply, the better your chances.
Selling unused items online or locally can quickly generate cash. Look around your house for items you no longer use — electronics, clothing, books, or exercise equipment. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and local buy/sell groups can make it easy to turn clutter into Christmas money. The key is pricing items to sell quickly rather than holding out for top dollar.
Taking on microtasks or gig work can offer flexible earning opportunities. Apps like TaskRabbit, Fiverr, or Uber allow you to work when your schedule permits.
Consider any freelancing skills you already have, like writing, designing, tutoring, or providing virtual assistance. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer can help you connect people with short-term projects that can be completed in your spare time and earn you some extra holiday cash.
Early wage access (EWA) apps can provide another option for eligible users. Instead of waiting for your next paycheck, apps like EarnIn let you access money you've already made. Its Cash Out¹ feature lets you get up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays. You’re not borrowing against future income but getting paid as you work. Compare your options, along with EarnIn, to find what app might work for your situation.

Avoid holiday debt traps

Holiday expenses can tempt you to reach for quick fixes, like payday loans or high-interest credit cards. These short-term solutions might solve your immediate cash crunch, but fees and interest rates can turn temporary holiday stress into long-term financial trouble.

A two-week $300 payday loan, for instance, could cost you $345, assuming a fee of $15 per $100 — which is typical of payday loans. And additional fees could also get tacked on. Predatory lenders understand a borrower's urgency, offering fast approvals without checking your ability to repay or pressuring you to make quick decisions. Learning to spot the red flags of payday loans can help protect your finances down the line.

Instead of sinking into costly debt, look to safer, more legitimate alternatives like earned wage access (EWA) apps, like EarnIn, no-interest payment plans with retailers, or potentially borrowing from loved ones to meet holiday needs.

Get through the holidays with EarnIn

The holidays should be about connection and joy — not financial stress. With smart budgeting and creative earning strategies, you can create meaningful celebrations without sacrificing your financial health.

Start with a realistic budget that covers both gifts and groceries, find ways to save on presents through DIY options, group gifts, and community resources, and stretch your grocery budget with strategic shopping and potluck-style gatherings. If you need extra income, explore seasonal work opportunities and consider apps that help you access wages you've already earned.

Get an edge with EarnIn's Cash Out¹ feature — which is not a loan, but draws on wages you've already earned and just haven't gotten paid for yet — so there's no interest, no mandatory fees, and no credit checks. Get up to $150/day, with a max of $750 per pay period. With the right planning and resources, you can enjoy Christmas without the January debt hangover.

Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.

This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.

EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.

¹
A pay period is the time between your paychecks, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits ("Daily Max" and "Pay Period Max") based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out.

EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.