Looking to boost your income in 2025 without quitting your full-time job? You're not alone. With the rise of flexible work options and the growing need to make money online in 2025, more people than ever are turning to side hustles to reach their financial goals.
The good news? You don’t need to be an expert or invest thousands to get started. Whether you're looking for easy side jobs in your spare time or aiming to build long-term freelance jobs from home, there's an option out there that suits your skills and schedule.
Below, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best side hustles in 2025 that are beginner-friendly, profitable, and flexible—ideal for anyone who wants to increase their income without extra stress.
Easy Side Hustles for Beginners
You don’t need extensive training or startup capital to get going. Many beginner-friendly side hustles allow you to start earning with minimal investment—perfect for anyone looking to make money in their spare time.
Before diving in, do some basic research. Find a side hustle that matches your interests, fits your schedule, and uses skills you already have. The goal is to make extra income—not add stress to your home or work life.
Free Business Plan Template for Side Hustles
Need help mapping out your side hustle idea? Download a free business plan kit that includes a sample plan and a fill-in-the-blank template. It's a great starting point for turning your idea into income.
What Can You Earn From a Side Hustle?
You don’t have to invent something new to start earning. Many side hustles have tried-and-tested models, which makes them less risky and quicker to launch.
One of the easiest ways to begin is by selling online. Platforms like eBay and Amazon let you reach large audiences instantly. As you grow, you can scale up by adding more products or branching out into higher-earning side gigs.
In fact, nearly half of Brits with a side hustle bring in around £800 a month on average.
Most Popular Side Hustles in 2025
There are countless side hustles out there, but here are 12 of the most popular and potentially lucrative options worth exploring this year.
1. Sell Used or Refurbished Items Online
Selling secondhand goods is no longer limited to car boot sales or thrift shops. These days, it’s both trendy and eco-conscious to sell pre-loved items like clothes, books, furniture, games, and accessories through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and Gumtree.
If your sales start gaining momentum, consider using Royal Mail’s free home collection service to save time on frequent Post Office visits.
Have a creative touch? Try giving old furniture a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint or updated materials. Upcycling clothing or restoring vintage electronics—such as record players, retro phones, gaming consoles, and radios—can also bring in a solid profit.
2. Make and Sell Handmade Products
You don’t have to sell secondhand items to earn money—turning a creative hobby into a business can be just as rewarding. If you enjoy crafting or baking, there’s a market for homemade goods made from scratch.
You can sell your creations through online marketplaces, your own website, or even at local craft fairs and markets.
Popular handmade products include baked goods, custom candles, and commissioned portraits of pets or children—all of which can attract loyal customers looking for something unique.
3. Sell Photos, Videos, and Digital Media
If you have a talent for photography, video editing, animation, or music production, you can earn money by licensing your content through platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. These sites cater to the growing demand for high-quality digital media.
Payouts vary depending on the platform—some pay a flat rate per download, while others offer commissions of up to 45% per sale or collection.
Depending on the content and its usage, you could earn anywhere from £1 to several hundred pounds per sale. However, keep in mind that these agencies have specific submission standards, so be sure to review their eligibility criteria before applying.
4. Earn Money Through Content Creation
Beyond photography, content creation offers a wide range of ways to generate income—from blogging and podcasting to vlogging and website design. With platforms like YouTube boasting over 2.5 billion users, there's huge potential to turn your skills or passions into a profitable venture.
Starting a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account can help you build an audience around your niche—whether it's cooking, fitness, home repairs, or lifestyle tips. Promote your content consistently to grow your reach and start monetizing.
As your following grows, you can earn through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing—linking to products and services your audience finds relevant. Eventually, you might even launch your own merchandise or digital products for added income.
5. Get Paid for Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you love animals, pet care can be a rewarding and flexible side hustle. Services like dog walking, pet sitting, and even grooming are in high demand—especially among pet owners who prefer keeping their pets at home instead of using kennels.
On average, dog walkers earn about £15 per hour, while pet sitters can make around £22 an hour. You can work independently or join a pet care platform to find clients more easily.
Be aware of local regulations—most councils limit the number of dogs you can walk at once (usually between four and six), and exceeding this can result in a £100 fine. If you plan to care for pets in your own home, you’ll need a Boarding for Cats and Dogs Licence from your local authority.
6. Offer Babysitting or Childminding Services
Childcare can be a reliable source of extra income, especially if you enjoy working with kids. It generally falls into two categories: babysitting, which takes place in the child’s home, and childminding, where you care for children in your own home.
To get started, build trust by offering your services to friends or family first—strong references are key. It’s also wise to research the responsibilities involved, so you’re fully prepared for the challenges that may arise.
Babysitters typically earn around £14 an hour. If you plan to offer childminding at your home, you’ll need to register with Ofsted, which costs £35. For added credibility and safety, consider completing a certified paediatric first aid course through providers like the Red Cross or Mini First Aid.
7. Earn with Delivery Jobs or Car Sharing
If you own a car, bike, or motorbike, delivery work can be a flexible way to boost your income. Companies like Just Eat, Deliveroo, Gophr, and CitySprint offer opportunities for food and parcel delivery—especially in busy urban areas. You can also launch your own local delivery service for extra freedom.
Earnings vary based on your location, the time of day, and delivery distance, but you’ll always keep 100% of your tips. Make sure to notify your motor insurer if you’re working as a delivery driver, and get the appropriate insurance if you’re using a bike.
You can also make money through peer-to-peer car sharing. Platforms like Turo and Hiya allow you to rent out your vehicle to verified drivers. You decide how long to list your car—whether for a few hours or several days—and earn a share of the rental fee.
Most hosts earn between 60% and 70% of each rental. On average, Turo users report around £6,500 per year, while Hiya users earn about £650 per month.
8. Make Money Offering DIY and Handyman Services
If you’re skilled with tools and enjoy hands-on work, offering DIY services can be a highly profitable side hustle. Tasks like assembling furniture, cleaning gutters, gardening, washing windows or cars, and general home maintenance are always in demand.
Rates depend on the type of job and your level of expertise, but many part-time handypeople earn up to £5,000 a month—especially if they take on consistent, varied work.
You’ll usually need to bring your own tools, though many clients will let you use their equipment for specific tasks, like lawn mowing. It’s also a good idea to invest in public liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidental damage or injury while working on someone’s property.
9. Get Paid to Shop as a Mystery Shopper
If you enjoy shopping and giving feedback, mystery shopping can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. You'll be paid to assess customer service by completing surveys based on your experience at a store, restaurant, petrol station, or even during online interactions.
Assignments can involve visiting physical locations, making phone calls, sending emails, or engaging with companies via web chat or social media. To get started, sign up with mystery shopping providers like Serve First or Mystery Shoppers.
Earnings typically range from £4 to £40 per task, and most agencies reimburse any expenses related to the assignment. Payments are usually made monthly via bank transfer
10. Earn from Surveys, Focus Groups, and Competitions
Many companies use competitions, surveys, and focus groups to gather public feedback and promote their brand. While entering competitions can lead to prizes or cash, winning is rare unless you participate in large numbers regularly.
For more consistent earnings, consider joining survey panels and focus groups. These platforms pay for your time and opinions on various products, services, and topics—usually through online forms or virtual group discussions.
Survey sites like Ipsos i-Say reward users with points that can be redeemed for vouchers at major retailers like Amazon, Tesco, and M&S. For example, 250 points typically equal £2.50, and you can cash out once you reach thresholds like £5 or £10.
Focus groups offer higher payouts, often between £40 and £200, and usually pay in cash for your participation.
11. Earn Extra Income as a Private Tutor
Tutoring is a flexible and rewarding side hustle that lets you turn your expertise into income. Whether you’re skilled in a school subject, a musical instrument, or a foreign language, you can help students reach their academic or personal goals.
Tutors typically charge between £15 and £40 per hour, with average rates around £20. Your rate may vary depending on the subject you teach, your experience level, and whether sessions are online or in-person.
If you’re considering this route, check out a detailed guide on how to become a private tutor to get started and attract your first students.
12. Make Money as a Freelance Translator
As businesses expand into global markets, the need for skilled translators continues to grow. If you're fluent in more than one language, translation can be a lucrative way to earn extra income using your language skills.
You can find freelance translation work on platforms like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Lionbridge. Before signing up, it's worth comparing rates and reviews on sites like Trustpilot to choose the most reputable options.
Translators usually charge by the word or hour, with rates varying based on the subject matter, language pair, complexity, and deadline requirements.
Final Thoughts
Starting a side hustle in 2025 is one of the smartest moves you can make to take control of your finances. Whether you prefer easy side jobs like surveys or more advanced freelance jobs from home such as tutoring or translation, the opportunities are endless.
Choose one or two side hustles that align with your interests and time, and take the first step today. With consistency and the right mindset, you'll discover just how easy it can be to make money online in 2025—even while working a full-time job.