Sometimes, it seems as though all the ideas out there to make more money revolve around long-term activities that require time and effort.

While you might eventually want to start a home business that can provide you with an income source later on, what you might really need right now is a little quick cash. Something you can do this weekend to put money in your pocket.

If you are looking for ways to make money on the weekend, here are 22 ideas:

  1. Work in a restaurant: Whether you wait tables or bus them, or whether you tend bar, you can make money working in a restaurant. You can earn tips for the service you provide. Even if you don’t receive tips from customers, bussers, hosts/hostesses, and others often receive a portion of the tips for the evening.
  2. Antiquing: Do you like looking for treasures amongst what others consider trash? If so, this is a great opportunity to make some money on the weekend. Go to estate sales and garage sales, and visit antique malls. Take what you find, and sell it online. Often, you can find a good deal and then turn a profit by selling online.
  3. Recycle: It’s still possible to make recycling things that you find around town, or even in your own home. You can take scrap metal in to recycling plants, and even, in some cases, get money for old electronics. Consider gathering glass bottles for the deposit in states that offer a partial refund (you can’t transport the bottles across state lines for the deposit, though).
  4. Donations of body parts: You can donate blood plasma and receive payment for it. It’s also possible to donate white blood cells and bone marrow over the course a weekend. You can make money with these donations, and your body renews these resources, so you can donate again later.
  5. Consignment: Do you want to get money for your old stuff, but you don’t want to go through the trouble of selling it yourself? Consider using consignment. You take your items in to a second-hand, and someone else sells them, giving you a cut of the proceeds. Baby and children’s clothing and items are especially popular. Clean them up (iron clothing as well) before bringing them in, and you will have better luck.
  6. Perform weddings: You might be surprised at how easy it can be to become certified to perform a wedding. You can get a Justice of the Peace license, or even receive an ordination in some recognized religions, without too much trouble. Then you can charge to perform weddings on the weekend. It’s not a bad gig, helping people tie the knot.
  7. Cleaning: You can be a cleaner, and not just for residential families. You can aslo clean foreclosed properties for banks, and even do janitorial cleaning. My husband and I cleaned bank lobbies and bathrooms for a memorable year to earn extra money shortly after the birth of our son.
  8. Media formatting: Help others switch up their media formats. Put old home videos on computers or DVD, scan old photographs, and perform other duties that busy people just want to deal with. You will help preserve memories, and at the same time earn a little extra money.
  9. Family history: If you have a knack for genealogy, you can offer your services to those looking to learn more about their past. Just do a little work for a few hours on the weekend, and you can provide a great service to others. You can also charge to provide tutoring and classes to those who want to learn how to do it on their own.
  10. Photography/Videography: If you are reasonably talented as a photographer, or at make videos, you can put these talents to use at weekend events. People like having these services for wedding, company parties, family reunions, and other events. Offer your services, and you could see a steady income on the weekend.
  11. Provide live music: Several of the eating establishments in my town have live musicians perform on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. If you have a musical talent, you could capitalize on it over the weekend. You can play for the dinner crowd, and collect money in tips.
  12. Farmers’ Market: If you have a productive garden, you can sell your produce at a farmers’ market. Many towns and cities features these opportunities for you to sell your items. You can also set up a stand to make money. Of course, this won’t work until harvest time, but it’s still one way to make money on the weekend during the late summer and early to middle of the autumn.
  13. Crafts: Sell crafts. You can work on them during the weekend, and sell them online, or go to craft fairs and sell the items. You might be surprised at what you can get just on the weekend by selling in local craft fairs. You can even sell your wares at a local craft boutique. Find out about your options, and see what you can come up with.
  14. Clothing alterations: If you are a talented seamstress or tailor, you can sell your abilities to make clothing alterations. You can set your own hours over the weekend, and then alter others’ clothing so that it fits better.
  15. Online surveys: When you have a few minutes on the weekend, take a few online surveys. They can provide you with a way to make a few extra bucks, or at the very least get access to free samples of products.
  16. Auto detailing: You can clean others’ cars on the weekends. Set up in a high-traffic area, or make flyers and encourage clients to call and make an appointment. It’s an easy way to make a few bucks as you wash cars inside and out.
  17. Tax prep: Depending on your level of knowledge, you can make money on the weekend during tax season as a tax preparer. You can get certified with one of the major chains, and work Fridays and Saturdays, or you can offer services on your own. From January to April, you will likely have full weekends, and make some good money on the side.
  18. Parking spaces: Do you live near an events center? Whether it’s a theater, sports arena, or some other popular spot, people will be looking for parking. You can charge to let them park in your driveway, or along your curb, providing a service for others, and getting a little extra for the effort.
  19. Freelance work: Whether it’s web design, graphic arts, writing, or coding, you can do freelance work on the weekend. A number of people need these services, and are willing to pay for them. You can even contract as a consultant on the weekends, for whatever you are an expert in. Freelance work over the weekend can be a great way to earn a little extra cash.
  20. Run errands: Many people don’t have time to run their own errands, so it makes sense that they might be willing to pay you to do it for them. From picking up the dry cleaning, to do the grocery shopping, it’s possible for you to get paid as a personal errand-runner on the weekends.
  21. Computer help: There are plenty of people who don’t know how to set up their computers. You can provide this service for them. Help them by setting up computers and getting them working, and then showing them how to run them. You can also help with computer repair. Follow up with customers after a year or so in order to offer services for virus cleaning. This is a great weekend job; it doesn’t take a lot of time, and it sets you apart as being available during the weekend.
  22. Direct sales: If you’re into that sort of thing, you can make money on the weekend with direct sales. My mom had reasonable success with Avon for a few years, and I know people who do Tupperware, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Lia Sophia, and other programs. Check into your options, and see what would best fit your personality and location. You can host parties on the weekend, and get others involved on your team.

It’s possible to make money on the weekend, whether you walk away with cash in your pocket, or simply earn income that can be deposited in your bank account at a later date. With a little thought and creativity, there is no reason that you can’t turn your weekend into something profitable.

What are your favorite ideas for making money on the weekend?

Miranda

Miranda

Miranda is freelance journalist. She specializes in topics related to money, especially personal finance, small business, and investing. You can read more of my writing at Planting Money Seeds.