10 Easy Side Hustles for Stay-at-Home Moms (and Other Busy People)

Best Side Hustles for Moms in 2025

Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job in itself, but what if you could make some extra income during those precious moments of downtime? Whether you have 30 minutes during a baby’s nap or a couple of hours while the kids play, there are plenty of side hustles that can fit into a busy schedule.

Here are 10 side hustles that are not only flexible but can also bring in hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each month. Let’s dive in!

1. Affiliate Marketing

If you love sharing your favorite products with friends or on social media, affiliate marketing might be for you. This side hustle involves earning commissions by promoting products through unique affiliate links.

• How It Works: Sign up for programs like Amazon Associates or Like to Know It. Share links to products you recommend on social media, in texts, or even on a blog. When someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission.
• Earning Potential: $50 to several thousand dollars per month, depending on your audience size and engagement.

Getting started is easy, and once your links are set up, it’s a mostly passive way to earn. For moms, this is a win-win since you’re likely already sharing product recommendations with friends!

2. Freelance Writing

Do you enjoy writing? Freelance writing is a fantastic option that allows you to work in short bursts, making it ideal for a busy schedule.

• What You Can Write: Blog posts, social media content, or even ghostwriting.
• How to Start: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer are great places to market your services. Start small and build a portfolio to attract higher-paying clients.
• Earning Potential: Anywhere from $100 to $1,000+ a month, depending on your workload.

Even with just two writing gigs a month, you could bring in an extra $500—a significant contribution for minimal time.

3. Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) perform tasks like email management, social media scheduling, and data entry—all of which can be done from home.

• Why It’s Great: Tasks are usually quick and easy, making it perfect for squeezing into short breaks.
• Getting Started: Check out websites like Fancy Hands to find VA opportunities. They often offer flexible schedules, so you can work as much or as little as you want.
• Earning Potential: $200 to $2,000+ per month, depending on your workload and rates.

This growing field offers plenty of opportunities for moms who are organized and detail-oriented.

4. Testing Websites or Apps

If you have a good internet connection and a computer, you can get paid to test websites or apps.

• What You’ll Do: Provide feedback on usability, design, or functionality through video recordings or written reviews.
• How to Get Started: Sign up for platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics.
• Earning Potential: $100 to $500 per month, depending on the number of tests you complete.

Most tests only take 10 to 30 minutes, making this a perfect side hustle for nap times or quiet moments.

5. Sell Products Online

Whether you’re crafting handmade items or flipping thrift store finds, selling products online is a great way to turn your hobbies into income.

• Platforms to Use: Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Earning Potential: Highly variable, but some sellers make thousands of dollars a month.

You can start small and grow your shop as you get more comfortable with the process.

6. Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in a subject, consider becoming an online tutor. Platforms like VIPKid or Tutor.com connect you with students looking for help.

• Why It’s Ideal: Flexible schedules and the ability to work from home.
• Earning Potential: $15 to $25 per hour.

This side hustle is particularly great for those with teaching experience or strong skills in math, science, or languages.

7. Create Digital Products

Do you have a knack for design or organization? Creating and selling digital products like planners, templates, or printables is a low-effort way to earn passive income.

• Platforms to Sell On: Etsy or your own website.
• Earning Potential: $100 to $1,000+ a month.

Once your products are created and listed, the income becomes passive, making it a great option for busy moms.

8. Photography

If you love taking photos, you can turn this hobby into a source of income by selling stock photos or offering local photography sessions.

• Where to Start: Upload photos to stock websites like Shutterstock or offer services for family portraits in your community.
• Earning Potential: $200 to $1,000+ a month.

Photography can be a fun and creative way to earn extra money while doing something you enjoy.

9. Social Media Management

Many small businesses need help managing their social media accounts, and this is something you can do from home with a flexible schedule.

• Tasks Involved: Creating posts, scheduling content, and engaging with followers.
• Getting Started: Market your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Earning Potential: $300 to $2,000 per month.

If you’re already spending time on social media, why not get paid for it?

10. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and rewarding side hustle.

• How It Works: Sign up on apps like Rover or Wag! to find clients in your area.
• Earning Potential: $15 to $30 per hour.

This is a great way to get some fresh air while earning money!

Final Thoughts

Balancing motherhood (or a busy life) with extra income is all about finding what works for you. Whether you have 10 minutes or a couple of hours to spare, there’s a side hustle out there that fits your schedule and interests.

With a little creativity and effort, these opportunities can help ease financial stress while allowing you to stay flexible for your family. Happy hustling! 🌟