A side hustle can be as defining for one person as avocado toast is for brunch. If you’re after something a little different—with low competition but high potential—this is your kind of gig.

Whether it’s helping with holiday errands or offering dating advice, there’s unexpected money waiting in the quirkiest corners of the hustle world.

1. Corporate Gift Consultant ($25–$50 Per Hour)

Ever received a gift from your boss that felt… off? Maybe it was impersonal or given just to check a box. Truth is, most managers aren’t great at picking meaningful gifts—but that’s where you come in.

As a corporate gift consultant, you help businesses express real appreciation. And that matters—a lot. Studies show that feeling valued can impact employee loyalty even more than salary.

This side hustle involves interviewing employees, gathering insights, and curating thoughtful gift options. You act as both advisor and concierge, managing the gift selection and delivery process for maximum impact.

Pay averages around $30 an hour, but the real value lies in helping companies keep their top talent happy—and that’s priceless.

2. Public Speaking Coach ($100+ Per Hour)

If you’ve ever had to speak in front of a crowd, you know how nerve-wracking it can be. That’s exactly why public speaking coaches are in demand—and why this is a powerful high-paying side hustle.

Take a trial lawyer, for example. They speak with confidence and clarity every day in court. But you don’t need to be a lawyer to guide others. If you have a background in communication-heavy fields like English, theater, education, or psychology, you’re already equipped to help others find their voice.

Who needs coaching? Sales reps, executives, teachers, startup founders, even clergy. And they’re willing to pay. One-on-one coaching can fetch $100–$300 an hour, while corporate clients might invest thousands for training sessions or workshops.

Your job? Help someone own the room.

3. Holiday Errand Assistant – Elf for Hire ($25–$50 Per Hour)

A while back, I spoke with someone completely overwhelmed by the holiday season. She wasn’t lacking holiday spirit—just time. Between shopping, event planning, and family obligations, she was drowning in to-dos.

That’s when it hit me: the holidays are prime time for offering convenience. People will gladly pay to have someone else take the pressure off.

That’s where a personal holiday errand service comes in. Offer to handle gift shopping, party prep, returns, decorations, or anything else that eases holiday stress. Think of yourself as a seasonal personal assistant—just with a bit more tinsel.

→ Pro tip: Older adults often need extra help with shopping, especially if getting around is difficult. This makes them ideal clients for this kind of service.

While personal assistants typically earn around $15/hour, holiday demand boosts your value. Add in travel fees, last-minute requests, and seasonal rush rates, and you can easily earn $25 to $50 an hour.

4. Dating Consultant ($100+ Per Hour)

Modern dating is a maze—swipe fatigue, ghosting, and confusing signals. That’s where a dating consultant steps in.

If you’ve cracked the code to online dating or understand relationship dynamics better than most, there’s real opportunity here. You could help someone refine their dating profile, build confidence for in-person dates, or even coach them through early relationship stages.

Most dating consultants seem to target men—but there’s plenty of demand from women and the LGBTQ+ community too. That’s a wide-open niche just waiting to be tapped.

→ Pro tip: Positioning is key. Build your brand around authenticity, confidence, or even humor—whatever makes you relatable and valuable.

This isn’t just a side gig—it can grow into a premium service. If you’re persuasive and know how to market yourself, it’s not unrealistic to earn several thousand per client… some even pull in $20,000 a month.

5. Meal Prepper (Under $25 Per Hour)

Cooking after a long day can feel like running a marathon at midnight. That’s where a personal meal prepper comes in.

Unlike meal kit services that still require chopping, slicing, and clean-up, your offer is simple: ready-to-heat homemade meals tailored to someone’s taste and dietary needs—no assembly required.

The demand is there. Americans want healthy, home-cooked meals without the hassle. But even with all the big-name delivery services out there, many still struggle to stick with them. Why? Because people don’t want half the work—they want none of it.

→ Pro tip: Price your service competitively by reviewing what meal kit brands charge, then add a prep fee for the convenience of “oven-ready” food.

This gig is especially valuable to busy parents, working professionals, or seniors who want nutritious meals without lifting a finger. A few loyal clients can turn this into a consistent income stream—and you’ll become a weekly lifesaver.

6. Event Space Host ($100+ Per Hour)

Renting out a unique property for events can be a goldmine—especially when love is in the air. Weddings, elopements, and pop-ups all need memorable spaces, and if you own something with charm or character, you’re already ahead.

A cozy barn becomes a rustic wedding dream. A quirky backyard transforms into an intimate elopement spot. Even an industrial loft in the city can be reimagined as a trendy pop-up venue.

→ Pro tip: Before inviting bookings, check your local zoning laws and insurance requirements. Liability coverage is key.

You don’t need a giant estate—just a space with personality and potential. Start with short-term listings for small gatherings, and word-of-mouth will do the rest. For the right client, $100 an hour is just the beginning.

7. Bounce House Owner ($50–$100 Per Hour)

Last weekend, I spotted a bounce house at a neighbor’s party, and the joy on those kids’ faces said it all—this thing was a hit. It got me thinking: there’s serious earning potential in inflatable fun.

One bounce house can rent for $60 to $100 an hour. With a four-hour minimum at $75/hour, you’d cover the $399 cost of the unit in just two bookings. The rest of the season? Pure profit.

→ Pro tip: A liability waiver is a must for this kind of business. Better to be safe—consult a lawyer before your first rental.

Book every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, and you’re looking at around $4,000 in seasonal income from just one inflatable. Not bad for a side gig that brings joy and practically markets itself at every party.

8. Private Home Film Set ($100+ Per Hour)

I haven’t personally done this, but after learning about a family earning over $2,000 a day just by renting their home for filming, I couldn’t help but look at my living room a little differently.

With the right setup—think large windows, open layout, and easy access—a home can double as a movie or TV set. One couple near Manhattan even redesigned their property with filming in mind.

→ Pro tip: If your space has good lighting, plenty of room, and a unique style, film scouts may find it ideal. List your home on location rental platforms and see what happens.

You might not host a Hollywood blockbuster, but earning $100 or more an hour while someone films in your kitchen doesn’t sound too bad either.

“You’ve been served.”

That iconic movie line is actually part of a real job—one that doesn’t always come with dramatic music.

A process server is responsible for delivering important legal documents like subpoenas, divorce notices, or court summonses. Sometimes that means finding people who aren’t exactly eager to be found.

→ Pro tip: Requirements for this job vary by state. Some places require a certification or even a background check, so it’s worth doing a little research before jumping in.

While Hollywood makes it look thrilling, the reality is often less intense. Still, if you like being out and about, enjoy a little detective work, and want flexible part-time income, this could be a rewarding low-cost gig. Average pay starts around $20 an hour.

10. Holiday Display Stylist (Under $25 Per Hour)

If your eyes light up when you pass an elaborately decorated store window, and you’ve ever tried (even semi-successfully) to copy one at home, you might be sitting on a creative side hustle.

Visual merchandising isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s rooted in psychology. The way a product is displayed can influence how people feel and whether they decide to buy. That’s powerful.

Big retail brands often hire professionals for this work, but smaller shops and boutiques need help too—especially around the holidays. This is where a solo display stylist can shine.

→ Pro tip: Rather than charge hourly, offer flat-rate packages for seasonal setups. It helps you earn more while giving clients a clear price.

Even with a few well-designed displays under your belt, word can spread fast. Turn your holiday design hobby into a money-making creative gig.