Hey there! I’m Mahad, and I’ve been hustling since I was a teen. Winter used to be a time when I’d just hibernate and play video games. But then I realized – there’s money to be made in the cold! So I started exploring winter side hustles, and let me tell you, it changed my whole perspective on the season.
I know what you’re thinking. “Winter? Side hustles? Isn’t that when we’re supposed to be drinking hot cocoa and binging Netflix?” Trust me, I get it. But hear me out. Winter brings its own unique opportunities, especially for teens looking to make some extra cash. And the best part? Most of these hustles don’t require much startup cost or experience.
In this post, I’m going to share 7 winter side hustles that are perfect for teens. These aren’t your average “shovel snow for your neighbor” gigs (though that’s not a bad idea either). I’ve tried most of these myself, and they’re legit ways to earn money during the colder months. Whether you’re saving up for college, want to buy that new gaming console, or just want some extra spending money, these hustles can help you get there.
So grab a warm drink, get cozy, and let’s dive into these winter money-making opportunities. Who knows? You might just find your next favorite side hustle.
1. Snow Removal Services
Let’s kick things off with the most obvious winter hustle – snow removal. But hold up, I’m not just talking about shoveling your neighbor’s driveway (though that’s a good start). I’m talking about turning snow removal into a legit business.
Here’s the deal: When it snows, people need their driveways, sidewalks, and even roofs cleared. And not everyone has the time, energy, or ability to do it themselves. That’s where you come in.
Start by investing in a good snow shovel and some rock salt. If you’re serious about this, you might want to consider a snow blower. Yeah, it’s a bit of an investment, but it’ll make your job way easier and faster, meaning you can take on more clients.
Now, here’s where you can level up: Offer a subscription service. Instead of waiting for people to call you after each snowfall, get them to sign up for the whole season. You guarantee you’ll clear their property within a certain time after each snowfall. This gives you a steady income stream and makes your clients’ lives easier.
Don’t forget about businesses, either. Local shops need their parking lots and entrances cleared early in the morning. This could mean some early wake-ups, but the pay is usually better.
Pricing can vary, but you can easily charge $20-$30 for a standard driveway. If you’re clearing a larger area or using a snow blower, bump that up to $50 or more. And if you’re doing roofs? That’s premium pricing right there.
Remember, safety first. Snow removal can be physically demanding, so know your limits. And be careful on roofs – if you’re not comfortable, it’s better to pass on the job than risk an injury.
Want to take it a step further? Learn about how AI can help you manage your snow removal business. From scheduling to invoicing, AI tools can make your hustle more efficient and professional.
2. Holiday Decoration Services
Alright, let’s talk about something a bit more festive – holiday decorations. You know those houses that go all out with lights, inflatable Santas, and enough decorations to be seen from space? Well, someone’s gotta put all that up (and take it down later).
Here’s the thing: People love holiday decorations, but not everyone has the time, energy, or ladder skills to deck out their homes. That’s where you come in, armed with your youthful energy and willingness to climb on roofs (safely, of course).
Start by offering your services to your neighbors. You can do basic stuff like stringing lights along the roof, setting up lawn decorations, or even decorating Christmas trees inside. As you get more experience, you can offer more complex services like creating themed displays or synchronizing lights to music.
Pro tip: Invest in some quality tools. A good ladder, light clips, and a timer for the lights will make your job easier and more professional. And don’t forget to brush up on basic electrical safety – you don’t want to be the one responsible for blowing a fuse.
Pricing can vary based on the complexity of the job. For basic light hanging, you could charge around $50-$100 for an average-sized house. For more complex jobs, don’t be afraid to charge $200 or more. Remember, you’re not just selling your time – you’re selling the convenience and the result.
Here’s a cool idea: Offer a full-service package where you put up the decorations, maintain them throughout the season (replacing burnt-out bulbs, fixing fallen decorations), and then take everything down and store it after the holidays. This could be a great way to secure repeat customers for next year.
And hey, if you’re artistically inclined, why not combine this with AI art as a side hustle? You could use AI tools to design custom holiday displays, giving your clients something truly unique.
3. Winter Car Care Services
Now, let’s talk about something that everyone with a car dreads in winter – dealing with a frozen vehicle. You know the scene: It’s early morning, it’s freezing, and your car looks like an ice cube on wheels. Most people would rather skip their morning coffee than deal with this hassle. And that’s your opportunity.
Here’s what you do: Offer a winter car care service. This isn’t just about scraping ice off windshields (though that’s part of it). You’re offering a full service to make sure people’s cars are winter-ready and easy to use on those frosty mornings.
Start with the basics: de-icing windshields, clearing snow off cars, and making sure doors aren’t frozen shut. But don’t stop there. Offer to check and top up antifreeze, test batteries (cold weather is tough on them), and even swap out regular tires for winter ones.
Here’s where you can really stand out: Offer an early morning service. Imagine how happy your clients would be if they walked out to a fully de-iced, warm car ready to go. You could charge a premium for this, especially if you’re doing it at 5 or 6 AM.
For pricing, you could offer different packages. A basic de-icing and snow clearing might go for $15-$20. A full service including fluid checks and tire pressure could be $30-$40. And that premium early morning service? Don’t be afraid to charge $50 or more for that convenience.
Safety tip: Make sure you’re using the right tools and techniques. You don’t want to damage someone’s car while trying to help them. Invest in good quality ice scrapers, de-icing spray, and maybe even a portable jump starter for those really cold mornings when batteries fail.
Want to take it to the next level? Learn about how AI can help you manage your car care business. You could use AI tools for scheduling, customer management, and even predictive maintenance recommendations.
4. Winter Pet Care
Alright, let’s talk about our furry friends. Winter can be tough on pets, and busy pet owners often need an extra hand during the colder months. That’s where you come in with your winter pet care service.
Here’s the deal: Many dogs still need their walks, even when it’s freezing outside. But their owners? They might not be so keen on braving the cold. Offer a dog walking service specifically for winter. Bundle up, strap on some ice cleats, and take those pups out for their much-needed exercise.
But don’t stop at dog walking. Offer a full winter pet care package. This could include:
- Shoveling paths in the backyard for dogs to do their business
- Checking and refilling outdoor water bowls that might freeze
- Putting on and taking off doggy jackets and booties
- Wiping down paws after walks to remove salt and ice
- Even offering indoor playtime for pets that can’t go out much in winter
For cats, you could offer to check on outdoor cats or feral cat colonies, making sure they have unfrozen water and warm shelter.
Pricing could vary based on the services. A 30-minute winter dog walk might go for $15-$20. A full service visit including walk, paw care, and yard maintenance could be $30-$40. Consider offering package deals for regular clients.
Here’s a pro tip: Get certified in pet first aid. Winter can bring specific health risks for pets, and having this knowledge will make you stand out and give pet owners peace of mind.
Want to level up your pet care game? Check out how AI can help you manage your pet care business. You could use AI tools for scheduling, tracking pet health info, and even generating personalized care tips for different pets.
5. Winter Tutoring and Homework Help
Now, let’s switch gears a bit and talk about a winter hustle that doesn’t involve braving the cold – tutoring and homework help. Winter means we’re smack in the middle of the school year, and many students are struggling with tough subjects or prepping for big exams.
Here’s where you come in: Offer tutoring services in subjects you excel at. Maybe you’re a math whiz, or perhaps English is your strong suit. Whatever it is, there’s probably someone who could use your help.
But here’s how you can stand out: Focus on winter-specific needs. Many students struggle after coming back from winter break, having forgotten some of what they learned. Offer a “back from break” refresher course. Or, if you’re in an area with lots of snow days, provide “snow day catch-up” sessions to help kids stay on track.
Don’t limit yourself to academic subjects either. Are you good at a winter sport like skiing or ice skating? Offer lessons. Or maybe you’re a pro at standardized tests – winter is prime time for SAT and ACT prep.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: You don’t have to limit yourself to in-person tutoring. With online platforms, you can tutor kids from anywhere. This is especially great for those super cold days when no one wants to leave the house.
Pricing for tutoring can vary widely based on your experience and the subject. As a high school student, you might start at $15-$20 per hour for basic subjects. For test prep or advanced subjects, you could charge $25-$40 or more.
Pro tip: Create study guides or practice tests that students can use between sessions. This adds value to your service and helps reinforce what you’re teaching.
Want to really impress your students (and their parents)? Learn about how AI can help you become a better tutor. You could use AI tools to generate practice questions, create personalized study plans, or even offer 24/7 homework help through a chatbot.
6. Winter Photography Services
Alright, let’s talk about capturing the beauty of winter. Snow-covered landscapes, frost patterns, the warm glow of holiday lights – winter offers some stunning photo opportunities. And guess what? People pay good money for great winter photos.
Here’s your angle: Offer winter-themed photography services. This could include:
- Family portraits in the snow
- Holiday card photos
- Winter landscape photography
- Photos of winter sports and activities
- Real estate photography (houses often look charming in winter)
Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a professional photographer!” Here’s the secret: You don’t need fancy equipment to start. A decent smartphone camera can take amazing photos these days. What matters more is your eye for composition and your ability to capture those magical winter moments.
Of course, if you’re serious about this hustle, investing in a good camera and learning some basic editing skills can really up your game. But don’t let lack of gear stop you from starting.
Pricing can vary based on the type of shoot and your experience. You might start at $50-$100 for a basic portrait session. For more complex shoots or if you’re providing edited digital files, you could charge $150-$300 or more.
Here’s a cool idea: Offer a “winter wonderland” mini-session event. Set up in a picturesque snowy location and offer short, affordable photo sessions to multiple clients in one day. This can be a great way to build your portfolio and client base.
Pro tip: Learn about the unique challenges of winter photography, like dealing with reflective snow and keeping your gear (and fingers) from freezing.
Want to take your winter photography to the next level? Check out how AI can enhance your photography business. AI tools can help with everything from scheduling shoots to editing photos to creating stunning AI-generated backgrounds.
7. Online Winter Craft Sales
Let’s wrap up with a cozy indoor hustle – selling winter-themed crafts online. This is perfect for those creative teens who prefer to stay warm indoors while still making money.
Here’s the deal: Winter and the holiday season create a huge demand for handmade, unique items. People are looking for gifts, decorations, and cozy winter accessories. If you can make it, there’s probably someone out there who wants to buy it.
Some ideas for winter crafts:
- Knitted or crocheted scarves, hats, and mittens
- Holiday ornaments and decorations
- Winter-themed artwork or prints
- Scented candles with winter fragrances
- Handmade soaps or bath bombs with wintery scents
- Customized gift baskets filled with winter goodies
The great thing about this hustle is that you can do it entirely from home. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or even Instagram make it easy to set up an online store and reach customers.
Pricing will depend on your materials and time investment. A handknit scarf might sell for $30-$50, while a set of holiday ornaments could go for $15-$25. Custom or more complex items can command higher prices.
Here’s a pro tip: Start preparing well before the winter season hits. Many people start their holiday shopping early, so having your items ready to go by late fall can give you a head start.
Don’t forget about marketing! Take great photos of your products (remember those photography skills we talked about earlier?), and use social media to showcase your creations. Engage with your followers and build a community around your brand.
Want to really stand out in the crowded online marketplace? Learn about how AI can boost your e-commerce business. AI tools can help with everything from product descriptions to customer service chatbots to targeted marketing.
Wrapping Up: Your Winter Side Hustle Journey
So there you have it – 7 winter side hustles that can help teens earn some serious cash during the cold months. From braving the snow for outdoor services to cozying up indoors with crafts and tutoring, there’s something here for every teen entrepreneur.
Remember, the key to success with any side hustle is consistency and quality. Whether you’re shoveling driveways or selling handmade scarves, always aim to provide the best service or product you can. Happy customers lead to repeat business and referrals, which is how you really grow your hustle.
Don’t be afraid to start small and scale up as you gain experience. Maybe you start with just snow shoveling this winter, but by next year, you could be running a full-fledged winter services business. The possibilities are endless!
And hey, don’t forget about the power of technology in boosting your side hustle. From using AI tools to enhance your services to leveraging social media for marketing, tech can be a game-changer for young entrepreneurs. Check out our guide on how teens can earn more with AI side hustles for more ideas.
Lastly, always prioritize your safety and well-being. Winter can be harsh, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself while you’re out there hustling. And of course, make sure to balance your side hustle with your schoolwork and other responsibilities.