cnbc.com
Holiday Side Hustles Boom: Gift Wrapping, Line Waiting, and More Generate Significant Income
Michelle Hensley's gift-wrapping business, Nifty Packaging Co., thrived by leveraging Instagram, generating over $466,000 in sales last year with gift wrapping comprising 70% of revenue; other holiday side hustles like line waiting, light hanging, and gift guide creation are also gaining popularity, showcasing the potential for income generation through specialized skills and platforms.
- What are the potential future implications of the growing trend of holiday-themed side hustles on the broader gig economy and consumer behavior?
- The increasing popularity of holiday side hustles reflects a broader economic trend of individuals supplementing income through gig work. The success stories presented suggest a potential shift towards more personalized and specialized services, driven by consumer demand and digital platforms.
- What is the primary factor driving the high profitability of specialized holiday side hustles, as exemplified by Michelle Hensley's gift-wrapping business?
- Michelle Hensley's gift-wrapping business, Nifty Packaging Co., generated over $466,000 in sales last year, with gift wrapping accounting for 70% of revenue at a minimum of $180 per hour. This demonstrates the high profitability of specialized holiday side hustles.
- How do different holiday side hustles, such as line waiting, light hanging, and gift guide creation, leverage unique skills and platforms to generate income?
- Hensley's success highlights the potential for monetizing unique skills through social media marketing. The significant growth of her business from a side hustle to a full-time job with nearly 70 employees showcases the demand for specialized services during the holiday season.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames these side hustles primarily through the lens of financial gain, emphasizing high hourly rates and substantial earnings. While this is relevant, it might overshadow the personal fulfillment or other motivations individuals may have for engaging in these activities.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and enthusiastic, which could be seen as slightly promotional. Phrases such as "flocked to hire" and "easy-to-learn" create a potentially overly optimistic tone. More neutral alternatives might be "were hired by" and "can be learned relatively easily.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the financial success of the side hustles, potentially omitting the challenges and difficulties some individuals might face in starting and maintaining these ventures. It does not explore the potential for exploitation of gig workers or the lack of benefits and job security.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the holiday side hustle market, implying that anyone can easily pick up these skills and earn substantial income. This overlooks the fact that success often requires significant effort, marketing skills, and business acumen.
Gender Bias
The article features several examples of successful individuals, including women and men. There's no overt gender bias in the presentation of these examples. However, it could be improved by including data on the gender breakdown of individuals engaged in these types of holiday side hustles.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights several side hustles that enable individuals to generate additional income, contributing to economic growth and improved livelihoods. Examples include gift wrapping, waiting in line services, Christmas light installation, creating gift guides, and portraying Santa Claus. These activities create employment opportunities and boost individual earnings, positively impacting economic growth at a micro and potentially macro level.