13 Money Making Hobbies to Earn You Extra Income

You know that moment when someone says, “You should sell these”, about something you made, baked, fixed or organised for fun? Sometimes they’re right.

A hobby that earns a little on the side won’t replace your job, and it won’t feel like pure fun every single day. But for plenty of women it’s a way to cover the extras, build a cushion or save towards something, using skills they already have. Some of these ideas bring in a bit most months. Others come in bursts around busy times of year, like Christmas or birthdays. We’ve been honest about which is which.

Each idea below shows roughly how much time and money it takes to get going, who it suits, and what to watch out for. Earnings vary a lot, so we haven’t put numbers on any of them.

1. Reselling pre-loved clothes and homeware

Time: a few hours a week | Start-up cost: very low

The wardrobe you’ve outgrown, the kids’ clothes in the loft and the vase you never liked are all potential income. Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to list and sell from your sofa.

Good for: anyone who enjoys a good clear-out, or a rummage in charity shops.

Starter kit: mailer bags, a small set of parcel scales and packing tape.

Heads up: clear photos and honest descriptions get better reviews. If you start buying items just to resell them, keep a note of your costs and income. Our guide to selling your stuff is a good place to begin.

2. Photography

Time: evenings and weekends | Start-up cost: low if you already own a camera

Family mini-sessions, pet portraits, small events and product photos for local sellers can all bring in bookings, and word of mouth does most of the marketing. Starting with friends and neighbours is a good way to build a portfolio.

Good for: anyone with a good eye who doesn’t mind editing in the evenings.

Starter kit: a tripod, a reflector and a couple of spare memory cards.

Heads up: agree what’s included in writing, get permission before photographing children, and think about public liability insurance. Equipment and editing software can add up, so start with what you have.

3. Upcycling furniture

Time: a weekend per piece | Start-up cost: low to medium

A tired chest of drawers, a pine table or a set of chairs can be transformed with some sanding, paint and new handles. Local selling groups and Facebook Marketplace are full of people looking for something with character.

Good for: anyone who loves a DIY project and has a bit of space to work.

Starter kit: sandpaper, a good furniture paint, brushes and dust sheets.

Heads up: budget for the cost of the furniture and materials, and be sure you can transport and store large pieces. Use paint and finishes suited to furniture, and follow the safety instructions.

4. Candle making and handmade gifts

Time: flexible, busiest before Christmas | Start-up cost: low to medium

Candles, cards, wreaths and personalised gifts sell well on Etsy, at craft fairs and through local social media groups.

Good for: creative people who enjoy repeating a design they’ve perfected.

Starter kit: a beginner kit for your chosen craft, so you can test whether you enjoy it before buying in bulk.

Heads up: price in your time, materials, packaging and platform fees. Candles and cosmetics have specific safety and labelling rules, so check them before you sell.

5. Custom cakes and baking

Time: depends on orders | Start-up cost: low to medium

Birthday cakes, cupcakes and celebration bakes spread by word of mouth, particularly in local community groups.

Good for: confident bakers who don’t mind weekend orders.

Starter kit: good tins, piping equipment, cake boards and boxes.

Heads up: if you sell food regularly, you’ll generally need to register as a food business with your local council, and you must follow allergen and hygiene rules. Look into insurance too.

6. Sewing and alterations

Time: a few hours a week | Start-up cost: low if you already own a machine

Hemming trousers, replacing zips and altering dresses is always in demand. Local noticeboards, parent groups and word of mouth can bring regular customers.

Good for: anyone with a sewing machine and steady hands.

Starter kit: good scissors, pins, thread, a tape measure and a seam ripper.

Heads up: write a short price list so you don’t spend time haggling over small jobs.

7. Digital printables and planners

Time: a lot upfront, then very little | Start-up cost: very low

Budget trackers, meal planners, cleaning checklists and party games can be designed once and sold as downloads, often on Etsy. You make them once and sell them repeatedly.

Good for: organised, creative people who like working on a laptop.

Starter kit: a laptop or tablet and a design tool.

Heads up: lots of people sell printables, so choose a specific niche, such as planners for busy families, and make sure everything you sell is your own original work. It can take months to see sales.

8. Proofreading and freelance writing

Time: flexible | Start-up cost: very low

If you spot typos at a glance or enjoy writing, small businesses often need help with their websites, newsletters and documents. Upwork and Fiverr list beginner jobs.

Good for: people who like detail and can work quietly alone.

Starter kit: a laptop, a notebook and a decent desk setup.

Heads up: the lowest-paid work is the easiest to find. Choose a subject you know well and build up a few samples.

9. Virtual assistant work

Time: regular hours agreed with clients | Start-up cost: very low

Business owners hand over email, diaries, social media posts and invoices to a trusted helper. If you’ve worked in an office, you already have the skills.

Good for: organised people who like variety.

Starter kit: a laptop, a headset and a planner for your own time.

Heads up: agree hours and rates in writing, so the work doesn’t spread into evenings and weekends.

10. Tutoring

Time: evenings and weekends | Start-up cost: very low

If you’re strong at maths, English, languages or music, you could tutor through sites such as Tutorful or Preply, or find students locally.

Good for: patient people with a subject they know well.

Starter kit: a headset, a webcam and a quiet corner.

Heads up: if you work with children, find out whether you need an enhanced DBS check, and keep lessons on trusted platforms.

11. Pet sitting and dog walking

Time: flexible, busiest in school holidays | Start-up cost: low

Walking and sitting for local pets is popular, and sites like Rover and Tailster connect you with owners nearby.

Good for: animal lovers who like being outdoors.

Starter kit: poo bags, a spare lead, a first aid kit and a torch for winter walks.

Heads up: always meet the owner and pet first, and check the insurance you need.

12. Houseplants and cuttings

Time: a little each week | Start-up cost: low

If your windowsills are overflowing, you can propagate cuttings and sell them locally or online. Rare and unusual plants can sell well, and you can add pots to make them look more like gifts.

Good for: patient plant lovers.

Starter kit: propagation jars or trays, compost and small pots.

Heads up: only sell healthy plants, and check the rules on any species you plan to sell.

13. Home organising and decluttering

Time: a few hours per client | Start-up cost: very low

If friends already ask you to help sort their cupboards, wardrobes or loft, you could offer it as a paid service. It fits perfectly with the idea of making a house feel like a home.

Good for: practical, calm people who enjoy a transformation.

Starter kit: storage boxes, labels, hangers and drawer dividers.

Heads up: respect clients’ privacy, be clear about what you will and won’t do, and think about public liability insurance for work in other people’s homes.

Before you start: the short version on tax and rules for UK readers

You don’t need to be an expert, but a few basics are worth knowing. This is general information and rules change, so check GOV.UK for your situation.

• The trading allowance: if your total gross income from trading in a tax year is £1,000 or less, you generally don’t need to tell HMRC. Above that, you’ll usually need to register for Self Assessment.
• Selling your own things: clearing out items you own isn’t usually trading. Buying or making things to sell for profit usually is.
• Records: keep a simple note of income, costs and receipts from day one.
• Food and insurance: food businesses must register with the local council, and services like pet care, organising or tutoring may need insurance.
• VAT: it only applies once your taxable turnover passes £90,000, so it won’t affect most side hustles.

Staying safe

Be wary of anything that asks you to pay upfront or promises easy money. Meet new clients in public the first time, keep personal details private, and agree prices and details in writing before you start.

Final thoughts

The best money-making hobby is the one you’ll still enjoy in six months. Start small, try it with a few customers, and add to it when it feels right. If you’d like a simple way to keep track of what you earn and spend, a budget planner can help.

Featured image by Shutterbug75 from Pixabay