So Christmas and Hanukkah are well on their way. Can I just say how ridiculously fast 2009 has gone? Anyone else?
I don’t believe in spending a ton of money on my kids for Christmas; after all, that’s not at all what the season is about. However. Their dad and I do like to get them an item or two that are at the top of their lists because they are such good kids, they don’t get a lot in the way of material goods during the year and, well, because it just feels so darn good to see your kids’ happy and excited faces when they open something they’ve been wanting!
With that in mind, I have begun my small campaign to earn a few extra dollars for Christmas gifts. The only thing on my list of ways to make a quick buck is to sell stuff I no longer need on eBay. It’s amazing how much I have bought on clearance that just didn’t ever make it past my closet or cupboard. I also love the concept of “trading” the things I don’t need, use or want for things I or my kids do. It makes me feel balanced.
Selling on eBay is the only piece of ammunition I have in my artillery though. I’m sure there are countless other ways to get a little extra spending money for the holidays, undoubtedly ideas I should have thought of a lot sooner than 25 days beforehand. 
So, let’s hear it. What do you do for extra money? Do you have any tips or tricks to share?
I barter a lot with friends for homemade gifts, I babysit for a friend in exchange for a quilt to be made for a gift.
These are great ideas, Karen! Thanks for sharing.
We have something awesome in Ashland, OR called the Abundance Swap where you bring gently used items and then get to pick out new-to-you stuff. You spend no money, get rid of things you don’t want, and end up with nice holiday gifts as well…
.-= jennifer margulis´s last blog ..Giving Thanks at Mothering =-.
Jennifer, that is such a cool idea! If only I lived in a bigger area, I’d think about setting up something similar. So many items just go to waste.
I try to make and give as many homemade goodies as possible. I’m just too busy to try to make extra money at this time of year.
.-= joene´s last blog ..Gardening Oops (GOOPs)- last of 2009 =-.
I am doing something similar, we have signed up for a table at our local flea market. So, before all the Christmas decorations are unpacked, the whole family went round, sorted out clothes, books, DVDs, everything that is somehow sellable and we’re off this Saturday morning to hopefully get rid of stuff and make some money.
It’s not just the money, but it’s also very cathartic to streamline our possessions, and as for books – with Christmas coming up, we’ll need space on the shelves!
Thing is, we always find some nice things at the fleamarket to take home with us….