Do you do one of these hobbies that make money? If so, then what you really want to do all day can help pay the bills and get you out of the cubicle musical chairs game.
Years ago, when I was sitting at work taking my 100th “what do you want to do with your life” purpose surveys, I remember reading about a woman made enough money to live on just from her photography hobby that she turned it into her fulltime career.
She went through her daily routine of lazily getting up, coffee, checking her email, sending out a few orders and then maybe taking or editing photos in the afternoon.
To say I was jealous was an understatement.
But, with the internet and AI and technology screaming ahead, more and more people are actually looking for authentic hand-made items, or just people who possess a real skill that they are in awe of.
I know I am.
That’s where hobbies can come into play to help you make some real money – and with an online blog, store or teaching platform, you don’t even have to leave your house.
Let’s both get the dream started and figure out what the best hobbies that make money are so we can get off the merry-go-round of the 9 to 5 job terror ride.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I could earn a commission if you purchase through my links, however, there is no cost to you. Rest assured, I only promote products that I use or think are great. Thanks for reading!!
Hobbies That Make Money
1. Knitting the Threads of Fortune
Forget the outdated stereotype that knitting is solely for grandmas rocking their twilight years away in cozy recliners. Nope, it’s the 21st century everyone, and knitting is the new black. I haven’t mastered it, but this ancient craft is making a formidable comeback, and now is the perfect time to cash in on this resurgence.
You see, the marvel of the online marketplace has turned this once humble pastime into a potentially lucrative side hustle. Your fingers that expertly work magic with knitting needles can weave out trendy beanies to bespoke baby blankets – and now more than ever, there’s a massive demand for handcrafted knit items that machines just can’t replicate.
Platforms like Etsy and eBay are a knitter’s paradise for an instant audience, or consider opening your own online store. Create your store(s), populate them with your stunning creations, and take advantage of these global marketplaces.
Read my posts Unleash Your Inner Mogul: Start an eBay Side Hustle – No Skiing Involved or Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store for more info, or head on over the eBay or Shopify to get started.
2. Baking Your Way to the Bank
I do love a good baked item. I can resist salt and chips, but a chocolate chip cookie, not so much. I can actually bake my favorite treats somewhat decently too, but I know there are those out there that are one heck of a lot more talented than I am.
The modern world, thankfully, is crammed with platforms to showcase your talent. Pinterest and Instagram, with their emphasis on visual appeal, are the perfect places to make followers drool over your mouthwatering pastries. Similarly, YouTube offers an incredible platform for sharing tutorials, tips, and tricks of your baking journey.
But that’s not all. Why not step it up a notch and offer baking classes online? Virtual learning is all the rage, and eager learners worldwide would love to master the art of baking a warm, buttery croissant or a perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies.
I always recommend Teachable for an easy online teaching platform and Tailwind to manage social media. Or, read my post How to Create Online Course Income: 5 Side Hustles That’ll Make You Say, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” for more information.
3. The Green Thumb Dividends
A hobby that benefits your soul, environment, and bank account? Yep, gardening. I’ll admit, I try with gardening, but I usually end up failing every year – even with a Master Gardener Mother-in-Law. Ugh. But, gardening is one of the most unsung heroes of hobbies that make money.
If you are better than me, how about starting a blog or a YouTube channel dedicated to your gardening journey? There’s a massive audience out there thirsty for knowledge about the right soil mix, the best organic fertilizers, or the perfect sunlight exposure. Your experience and tips can be invaluable to both novice and expert gardeners.
And wait, there’s more. Have you ever thought about selling your homegrown herbs or perhaps starting a line of organic skincare products? The organic market is booming, and customers are more willing than ever to pay for locally grown, chemical-free products. It’s time to turn your backyard into a flourishing online gardening empire!
Check out my posts Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money and Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store and How to Make Money On YouTube Without Showing Your Face or Losing Your Dignity for more, or jump right in with a Shopify store.
4. Monetizing the Lens
Remember my dream photography woman from above? Yep, you can do it too.
If you’re someone whose heart skips a beat at the perfect play of light and shadow, the harmonious balance of objects, or the heart-touching emotions captured in a still frame, then photography is your jam. But what if this passionate hobby could yield more than just beautiful pictures?
With sites like Shutterstock, iStock and Adobe Stock, you can transform your love for photography into a profitable venture. These platforms offer a marketplace for your images to reach businesses and individuals worldwide looking for the perfect shot for their campaign, article, or blog post.
You can also open a shop on Etsy and sell prints and printables, or you could open your own store and keep all the profits for yourself.
Check out my posts Couch Cash: How to Sell Printables Online Without Leaving Your Netflix Zone or Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store for more info or jump right in with a Printable Selling Course or Shopify store.
5. Crafting and Profiting
Crafters, it’s time to rise and shine. Your hands, which so skillfully transform everyday items into pieces of art, can generate not just admiration, but also revenue. Crafting is, in my opinion, one of the best hobbies that make money online. It’s what many people dream of.
From homemade soaps that smell like a piece of heaven to customized greeting cards that carry a part of your soul, there’s an immense online market yearning for unique, handmade products.
Sites like Etsy and Amazon Handmade have brought the charm of the craft fair to the digital world. These platforms allow crafters to connect with buyers who appreciate the human touch, making them the perfect marketplace for your creations.
Also consider digital creations in your crafting journey. Printable crafts and artwork don’t have the inventory or shipping hassles as physical traditional crafts.
Check out my post Couch Cash: How to Sell Printables Online Without Leaving Your Netflix Zone and Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store for more info.
6. Turning Pages into Paychecks
I’ll admit, I’m more of a magazine reader than a full-on book reader, but tf you’re a bibliophile whose idea of paradise involves losing yourself in the pages of a book, there’s good news. You can now transform your love for books into a profitable hobby. Starting a book review blog or a YouTube channel can help you monetize your passion for literature.
Create engaging and in-depth reviews of your favorite books. Your insight can guide fellow bookworms towards their next captivating read. But the icing on the cake is the potential to earn through affiliate links. By linking to online bookstores like Amazon, every click that leads to a purchase can earn you a commission.
Check out my posts Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money and Not A Pyramid: How To Make Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing for more info.
7. Virtual Fitness Guru
I really wish that I lived by the mantra of “health is wealth,” I mean, I eat healthy most of the time and try to move my body most days, but there are those of you out there that are a lot more regimented than I am.
If staying fit and healthy is your passion, consider sharing it with the world. With the rising trend of home workouts, there’s a vast online audience eager to stay fit without stepping foot in a gym.
Whether you’re an expert in Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, or HIIT workouts, the virtual world can be your gym. Start your online fitness classes, guide your virtual trainees towards their fitness goals, and get paid for it.
Check out Teachable or Erika’s Mastering YouTube Course to get and idea of how to get started.
8. Cash in on Calligraphy
For those who find joy in the dance of a pen on paper, creating beautiful lettering, your hobby can be more rewarding than you think. If calligraphy is your forte (or you can just write beautiful letters), consider teaching it online or creating custom designs for various occasions like weddings and events.
Your meticulous strokes and well-executed flourishes could translate into custom invitations, home décor, or personalized gifts, all of which command a premium price in the market.
Check out places like FlexJobs, Fiverr or locally at Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
9. Makeup Artistry for Money
I am no doubt a makeup and skincare junkie. If you’re like me and the beauty world fascinates you and a makeup brush feels as potent as a magic wand in your hands, it’s time to turn this love into an online business. Start a beauty vlog or a YouTube channel, and let your artistry captivate viewers.
Create stunning makeup tutorials on YouTube, share product reviews, skincare routines, and beauty hacks. By partnering with beauty brands, you can earn through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Check out my posts Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money and Not A Pyramid: How To Make Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing and How to Make Money On YouTube Without Showing Your Face or Losing Your Dignity for more, or head on over to YouTube.
10. Culinary Connoisseur Coinage
I’ll just say it now, I can’t cook. Bake, yes. Cook, no.
But, if whipping up delicious dishes is your passion, it’s time to share that with the world. After all, the world can never have enough chefs. (You can come to cook at my house.)
Start a cooking YouTube channel or recipe blog, share your secret recipes, and introduce your viewers to new flavors and cuisines. Offer online culinary classes to those eager to recreate your dishes. It’s not just about the joy of cooking; it’s about the joy of sharing, teaching, and earning.
Cooking is one of those hobbies that make money that will be around for eons since there are endless variations and it can be very personal.
Check out my articles Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money and How to Create Online Course Income: 5 Side Hustles That’ll Make You Say, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” or head over to Teachable or Erika’s Mastering YouTube Course to get started right away.
11. Antique Aficionado’s Earnings
If the sight of antique trinkets, vintage clothing, or retro furniture quickens your pulse, then you’re an antique aficionado. But what if this love for all things old and beautiful could be your pathway to a full bank account? It’s time to monetize your knack for finding hidden gems.
Starting an online store to sell your antique finds can be both thrilling and profitable. With online platforms such as Etsy, eBay, and even Instagram, your unique collection can reach a broad audience of fellow antique lovers. Every piece you sell is not just a walk down memory lane for your customers, but also a significant leap forward for your bank balance.
I recommend eBay more than the others for selling antiques. Also check out my post Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store for more information, or just open a Shopify store.
12. Home Decor Diva Dividends
I can watch HGTV all day every day and not even blink. But am I an interior designer? Not even close.
But, if you have a flair for turning ordinary rooms into beautifully designed spaces that scream “lifestyle magazine,” it’s time to share your talent with the world. From creating a minimalistic living room that exudes tranquility to choosing the perfect boho chic accessories for a vibrant bedroom, your eye for home décor can rake in dividends. Interior design is a career for some and one of the most creative hobbies that make money for others.
Consider starting an interior design blog or YouTube channel. Share your ideas, offer design advice, show your DIY skills, and discuss the latest trends. Partner with furniture brands for sponsored content or affiliate marketing. It’s not just about the joy of creating beautiful spaces; it’s about monetizing your exquisite taste.
See my posts Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money and Not A Pyramid: How To Make Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing and How to Make Money On YouTube Without Showing Your Face or Losing Your Dignity for more or get started right away with Bluehost.
13. Writing Wonders
If you are looking for one of the most profitable hobbies that make money, then writing is your game.
If the written word is your canvas and you have a knack for painting vivid images with your words, freelance writing can be your avenue to prosperity. There are countless online platforms, such as FlexJobs, Freelancer, and Fiverr, that connect gifted writers with clients in need of engaging content.
Whether it’s blog posts, website content, product descriptions, or even ghostwriting a book, your creative streak could land you profitable writing gigs. Not to mention, the flexibility of working from anywhere and setting your own hours. Your talent for storytelling could be the next chapter in your financial success story.
Check out FlexJobs for freelance gigs. Or, read my posts How to Start Freelance Writing with No Experience and Not Cry Yourself to Sleep and Master The Magical World of Passive Income: eBook Writing for Beginners for more info.
14. Voiceover Vocation
Just an FYI, I sound like a Smurf in recordings. But, in the world of voiceover work, a unique and expressive voice can be a cash cow. Do you have a voice that can soothe, excite, or captivate? If so, it’s time to make your vocal cords work for you.
The demand for voiceover artists is broad and varied. Advertisements, audiobooks, corporate videos, animation, e-learning – the list is endless. Online platforms like Voices.com and Fiverr can help you get started. Just let your voice be heard, and watch the cash flow in!
15. Social Media Savvy
I know you do a ton of late-night scrolling (and day time, and morning time), but if you are someone who understands the power of hashtags, the impact of viral content, and the importance of engagement on social media, it’s time to turn this knowledge into profit. Yes, scrolling for hours can be one of the best hobbies that make money out there.
Whether it’s managing business profiles, promoting products on your platform, or even starting a social media consulting service, the opportunities are vast. Your adept understanding of the ‘like’ and ‘share’ buttons can not only boost a brand’s online presence but also pave the way to your financial success.
Check out FlexJobs or Fiverr for freelance gigs to get you started.
16. Quilting Quarters
Quilting is one of those hobbies that make money that you wouldn’t really think of, but you should.
If you find joy in weaving together pieces of fabric to create beautiful, warm quilts, it’s time to turn this passion into profit. Your quilting hobby can be a source of some impressive earnings.
From crafting unique quilt patterns that reflect your creativity to offering custom-made quilts tailored to the tastes of your customers, the possibilities are endless. Consider selling your creations online on platforms like Etsy or your own website.
Or, if teaching is more up your alley, you could share your quilting knowledge with the world. Offer online classes and teach your unique techniques to other quilting enthusiasts.
Check out my post Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store for more info, or head on over to Shopify and open a store, or Teachable to start teaching.
17. Dancing Dividends
I. Can’t. Dance. At. All. But, I know there are those of you who absolutely can. Whether you can gracefully pirouette like a ballerina or breakdance with the best, your dance skills can twirl some serious cash into your account.
You can teach dance classes online, offering lessons in everything from ballet to hip hop, from salsa to contemporary. With the rise of virtual events, there’s also a demand for choreographers to create memorable dance performances.
YouTube is going to be a safe bet here, otherwise you could do an online class on Teachable. Check out my post How to Make Money On YouTube Without Showing Your Face or Losing Your Dignity or Erika’s Mastering YouTube Course.
18. Earnings from English
Are you someone who corrects apostrophe misuse and appreciates a well-placed semicolon? If so, your grammar guru status can help others master the intricacies of the English language while lining your pockets.
Offer online English tutoring to non-native speakers or students needing help. Or, consider providing editing services for writers and businesses. From editing blog posts to proofreading resumes, your expertise can ensure that every piece of content is polished and professional.
I’d start with FlexJobs to look for freelance work, or Fiverr for quick jobs to help build a portfolio.
19. Pet Care Payday
We all know that our pets are not pets, they’re fur babies. My 15-year-old woofie mutt definitely is.
For all the other animal lovers out there who understand that a pet is not just an animal but a beloved family member, turn your love for animals into one of the best hobbies that make money. Start a pet care blog or YouTube channel, where you can share your pet training tips, review pet products, and offer health and nutrition advice.
Check out my Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money post for more or jump on over to Bluehost to get started. Or go the YouTube route: How to Make Money On YouTube Without Showing Your Face or Losing Your Dignity or Erika’s Mastering YouTube Course.
20. Jewelry Jamboree
Full disclosure: I tried making jewelry to sell online and I realized I just don’t have the patience for it. I spent a fair about of money coming to that realization though. Live and learn, right? Right?!?
If, however, your fingers work magic with beads and wires to create stunning pieces of jewelry, it’s time to start making some cash.
From delicate earrings to statement necklaces, handcrafted jewelry has a unique charm that’s highly sought after. Start your online jewelry store on platforms like Etsy or your own Shopify website. Let your handcrafted pieces adorn not only your customers but also make your bank statement sparkle.
Check out my post Make the Dream Real: How to Start Your Own Online Store or head on over to Shopify to set up a store.
Hobbies That Make Money – Lots O’ Money
Remember the photographer that I was drooling over at the beginning of this article?
I followed up on her to see if she was still going strong, and sure enough she is. Still living the dream.
And, you definitely can too. She is not an enigma. She is just a real person who followed through one step at a time.
If you have a hobby that you enjoy, I strongly urge you to figure out a way to monetize it. It can change your life for the better in so many ways you might not even be able to think about now.
Having fun, being in a flow state and making money – what could be better than that?
I can tell you – not much.
So, pick up your crafting gear, camera or writing supplies and get going.
(If you want more side hustle ideas, check out my post Get off the 9 to 5 Hamster Wheel: Passive Online Side Hustles from Home.)
