Hobbies that make money: 20 ideas to inspire you

Given how expensive everyday life has become in recent times, more and more people are looking for ways to make extra money, and it’s no surprise that hobbies are a go-to option. 

After all, if you’re already pouring your energy into something you’re passionate about, why not take it a step further and see if it brings in money as well as personal satisfaction?

From baking to blogging, there’s plenty of potential to turn what you love into something more. With the right approach, even the simplest hobby could be the key to becoming your own boss.

Whether you’re thinking about how to start a side hustle or dreaming of something bigger, read on for an inspiring list of money-making hobbies and key tips on launching your business. 

20 hobbies which make money

There are a few practicalities to consider when you decide to make money from your hobby, and later in this guide we’ll talk about how to get your small business ideas off to a good start.

But first, some inspiration. Let’s run through 20 hobbies that make money.

1. Beekeeping

Beekeeping may be one of the more unusual hobbies to make money from – and is perhaps not for the faint hearted – but its potential to bring in extra cash and help the environment makes it worth considering.

Honey is the most obvious product to sell, whether at local markets or online, but you could also make beeswax products like candles, skincare, and even beeswax wraps as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.

You don’t need a huge garden either. Urban beekeeping is on the rise, and a small space can still accommodate a hive or two. Just keep in mind that smaller setups may limit your income potential.

The best way to get started is by joining your local British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), where you can attend a course and learn the ropes before investing in a hive, bees, and basic kit like protective clothing and a smoker.

2. Gardening

If you’ve got a love of gardening, it could be the basis for a profitable side hustle. Whether you’ve got a sprawling garden or a compact urban space, there are plenty of ways to turn your green thumb into cash.

One practical idea is to offer gardening services to others. Things like lawn care, planting, and general maintenance are always needed. And if you’ve got an eye for garden design or landscaping, you could really take things up a notch.

Alternatively, if you’re more interested in business ideas from home, you could work in your own garden, growing and selling fresh herbs, vegetables, or flowers to later sell at farmers markets or directly to local shops. You could also propagate seedlings or potted plants.

Even if space is limited, there’s still potential to make money. Herbs or microgreens are ideal for small-scale gardening and can bring in some extra cash without needing much room.

3. Urban foraging

You don’t need a garden to make money from nature; you don’t even need to live in the country. With cities full of edible treasures, urban foraging could be a good fit. From wild garlic and nettles to elderflower and even mushrooms, there’s a surprising variety of plants you can gather in local parks, woodlands, and green spaces.

Before jumping in, it’s crucial to know what’s safe to pick and where you’re allowed to forage. If you’re new to this, doing your homework by way of reputable reference books on the subject is vital, and you should also consider taking a guided walk and enrolling in a foraging class so you can accurately identify plants and understand how to forage responsibly.

Once you’re clued up, you can sell your finds to local restaurants, cafés, or at farmers markets, where there’s lots of potential to sell fresh, local produce. You could also think about making things like wild garlic pesto, herbal tea blends, or homemade jams – there’s definitely room to get creative and make an income from plants.

4. Baking

Baking is among the most popular hobbies you can make money from. Whether you specialise in decorated focaccia bread or custom birthday cakes, homemade treats are always a big hit when it comes to things to make and sell.

Getting started is pretty straightforward – you’ll need to invest in quality ingredients, some basic packaging, and, of course, you might need some transport depending on where you plan to sell. You could begin by selling to neighbours and then think about getting a spot at a local market as your business grows.

When it comes to advertising, don’t underestimate the benefits of social media for small businesses. Instagram and Facebook can be really effective for showcasing your creations and getting the word out. You could also look into using the Nextdoor app to connect with potential customers in your area.

Just keep in mind, if you’re getting into the food and drink sector, you’ll need to register with the Food Standards Agency at least 28 days before you start selling.

5. Needlework

Into sewing, knitting, or embroidery? There are lots of ways you could make money from your skills. Handmade items are always in demand, and needlework is a perfect fit for creating unique pieces people love.

Platforms like Etsy and Folksy make it easy to sell your creations online, whether you’re crafting scarves, custom cushions, or embroidered gifts. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even set up your own beautiful online store to showcase your brand and style. Craft fairs are another way to put your products in front of customers.

As with baked goods, you can use social media to your advantage when it comes to how to advertise your business. A Facebook page or Instagram account are good places to start. Posting behind-the-scenes clips or time-lapse videos of your processes can help keep people engaged and excited about your products.

For a little extra income, you could even offer custom orders or take on commission work. Bespoke designs often prove popular, especially when you add that personal touch.

6. Woodworking

Woodworking is another one of those versatile craft hobbies that make money. Whether you enjoy wood carving or creating practical pieces, there’s a market for everything from decorative items to functional products.

Birdbox making is a particularly good pick if you’re looking to start an eco-friendly business. Using reclaimed wood can make your birdhouses even more sustainable, and a cute twist on the traditional design could be creating tiny replicas of your customer’s homes.

These personalised pieces are sure to stand out and could be made available for customers to order online through various platforms.

Wood carving is another option, with everything from personalised signs to small decorative items like wooden bowls or picture frames likely to drum up interest. Custom pieces are often sought after for special occasions and can help keep orders rolling in.

7. DIY

If you’ve got a knack for tackling odd jobs and home repairs, DIY could be a practical answer to how to make extra money. Platforms like TaskRabbit come in handy here, allowing you to list your skills and pick up small tasks like assembling furniture or fixing minor household issues right away.

Local community boards or apps like Nextdoor are also great for snapping up quick jobs. We’ve touched on Nextdoor before, but it’s particularly good for DIY services. Customers often post last-minute tasks that need doing fast, making it a good way to pick up easy work in your area.

Once you start building a reputation, recommendations and positive reviews can help grow your customer base. Sharing your finished projects on your socials or offering simple DIY tips can also help with how to get clients.

8. Upcycling furniture

Love turning old and unwanted pieces into something fresh and unique? Upcycling furniture for money could be the way forward. Whether you’re revamping an old dresser or transforming a wooden pallet into a trendy coffee table, people love the charm of upcycled pieces.

One of the best ways to sell your creations is through local pop-up markets or fairs. Customers can see your work in person, and you might even get custom requests. You could also explore partnering with a local shop or café to display your smaller pieces – this is an easy way to reach new customers without a lot of effort.

Facebook Marketplace and local buy-and-sell groups can also help you find buyers looking for something unique. And once you start turning heads with your designs, that wow factor should help your business grow naturally.

The beauty of upcycling is that it’s not limited to furniture. You could breathe new life into anything from picture frames to old lamps, giving you plenty of creative outlets to explore.

9. Fitness

If you love staying active, helping others reach their fitness goals could be a natural next step. With the option to offer personal training or run group classes in parks or online, it’s a fairly flexible way to turn your hobby into income.

If you have the necessary experience, specialising in areas like yoga, Pilates, or strength training can help you stand out. Either way, offering free taster sessions could bring those all-important first clients through the door. It’s a good idea to advertise locally, especially in community or wellness centres.

Having the right credentials is important. Most clients will expect you to have at least a Level 2, if not a Level 3, qualification – whether in personal training or a specialist field like yoga. Plus, you’ll struggle to get insurance without certification. The good news is these qualifications can often be studied online and completed in just a few weeks.

10. Beauty

A passion for makeup, nails and skincare can be monetised with the right approach, with you providing your skills for big events like weddings, or simply helping people get ready for nights out.

Qualifications aren’t always necessary for a small-scale venture, though taking a short course can boost your confidence – especially if you want to try more specialised looks. Offering your services to friends, family, or neighbours can allow you to build up a small portfolio of your work as you get underway.

One of the big perks about getting into beauty is that you don’t need a salon or fancy setup. Offering mobile services or inviting clients to your home is an easy way to get started. You could also think about running mini makeup lessons for small groups, perhaps even creating an extra income stream by selling products during the sessions.

As with many side hustle ideas, word of mouth is your best friend here. Encouraging your clients to share their before-and-after shots or give you a shout-out on social media can help showcase your skills and perhaps bring a bit more business your way.

11. Music

Musically inclined? There’s no shortage of ways to turn a passion for music into extra income. Performing live is a great pick if you enjoy playing an instrument or singing – local venues, pubs, and events are often on the lookout for live acts.

If you create your own music or sound effects, selling them online is another income stream worth exploring. Platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud let you share your music without the need for a record label, while stock audio sites allow you to sell sound effects to creators for use in their content and ads.

And don’t forget about music lessons. Tutoring kids could be satisfying, and parents are always keen to book skilled teachers, whether it’s for piano, guitar, or voice coaching. Just make sure to get a DBS check before you start.

12. Drawing and painting

There are plenty of ways to cash in on a talent for drawing and painting. Selling original artwork is the obvious choice, whether it’s through local fairs, online marketplaces, or even your own online store.

Another idea is offering custom commissions like portraits, pet illustrations, or personalised artwork. These can be especially popular for gifts, so the right small business marketing strategy could result in a flurry of orders, especially in the run up to Christmas, Valentine’s and other events.

If you’re keen to explore passive income ideas, you could also look into print-on-demand (POD). This lets you turn your designs into products like prints, t-shirts, or mugs without having to worry about inventory or shipping. Platforms like Redbubble or Printful handle all those details, so you can just focus on the artwork.

Getting to grips with social media is often a game-changer too. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing your art and connecting with potential buyers.

13. Photography

Photography is one of the most versatile hobbies that make money, even for beginners. Selling stock photos on platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock is the traditional route, but FOAP, with its app-based approach, is also worth a look. With the FOAP app, you can upload photos and start earning, even when you’re out and about.

Once you get a sense of what types of photos sell best, you could set up a pop-up shop or market stall to sell prints. Launching an online store or partnering with local cafés and bars to display your photos can also bring you more exposure.

If you’re into tech, drone photography is another avenue to explore. Estate agents and tourism companies often seek out stunning aerial shots. You’ll need to register as an operator with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), but once that’s sorted, it can open up plenty of new opportunities.

14. Writing

Writing is a popular hobby to monetise, especially if you’re interested in how to start a business from home.

Self-publishing is a straightforward path for many authors, with platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allowing you to publish eBooks, paperbacks, and even hardbacks with no upfront costs and paying you royalties each time a copy sells.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-length book, selling digital guides or newsletters could be another way to make money from your writing skills. Websites like Gumroad and Substack are ideal if you’d prefer to get started with smaller projects – they’re simple to use and let you sell directly to your audience.

Freelancing is another practical option. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are good for finding paid writing gigs, but reaching out to businesses directly can often lead to better-paying opportunities. Keeping a portfolio handy and doing a spot of small business networking on platforms like LinkedIn can help you open more doors.

15. Niche website

If you have a deep understanding of a specific hobby, creating a niche website can help you turn that knowledge into extra income. Whether it’s classic car restoration, hiking, or board games, focusing on a particular interest helps you attract an audience of like-minded enthusiasts.

Not only can you share your expertise through writing, but you could also create videos, tutorials, or even podcasts to offer more engaging content.

Setting up a website doesn’t require advanced tech skills. Platforms like WordPress or Wix make it easy to get started, and there are plenty of online tutorials to help you along the way. Once you’re up and running, consistently sharing valuable content – whether it’s written guides, how-to videos, or product reviews – will help you grow your audience.

When your site has steady traffic, you can look into monetising it through affiliate links, either through programs like Amazon Associates or working directly with brands in your niche. Then there are display ads – signing up for networks like Google AdSense and Mediavine are another way to monetise your traffic.

16. Calligraphy

Unlikely as it may sound, calligraphy also ranks among hobbies which make money. Elegant, personalised items always go down a storm, whether it’s custom prints or handmade greeting cards for special occasions.

A simple way to start is by offering personalised pieces like greeting cards or framed quotes. People love one-of-a-kind gifts, and online arts and crafts marketplaces make it easy to sell your creations online. You could also try selling at local markets or craft fairs.

Calligraphy is popular for events too. Offering products like name cards or custom invitations for parties and weddings can be a great way to build a small business without overcommitting.

If you do have time to branch out and consider extra income streams, you could think about creating online tutorials or even hosting workshops. Selling calligraphy starter kits to attendees is a relatively easy way to increase how much money these events bring in.

17. Social media

Perhaps you spend a lot of time on social media? Monetising that time is a smart move. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and even Facebook groups offer real opportunities to turn your following into extra income.

Sponsored posts and brand partnerships are especially popular on Instagram and TikTok, where brands look for influencers to showcase their products. Facebook groups can also be monetised, particularly if you’ve built a community around a specific niche or interest.

And don’t forget about affiliate marketing. By promoting relevant products and sharing affiliate links, you can earn commissions whenever someone makes a purchase through your recommendations.

Keep in mind that different platforms have different thresholds for earning. For example, YouTube requires a minimum number of subscribers and watch hours before you can start earning through subscriptions and ads. It’s worth checking each platform’s criteria to see what you’ll need to hit before you can start earning.

18. Shopping

A love of shopping is a fun way to bring in more money. Reselling is the obvious choice, and ideal if you’ve got an eye for spotting a bargain. Whether it’s vintage clothes or limited-edition finds, picking up items to sell on platforms like eBay or Depop could turn your next shopping trip into a good little earner.

If parting with your purchases isn’t your style, don’t forget our previous tip about monetising social media. Shopping reveal and unboxing videos are hugely popular on TikTok and YouTube, and if you’re into fashion, you could specialise in anything from luxury shopping to charity shop hauls.

Mystery shopping could also be a good fit if you love being out and about. You get paid to review stores or restaurants while you shop – giving you a chance to make money while doing something you’d likely be doing anyway. Whichever idea you choose, shopping could be your ticket to how to make money on the side.

19. Video games

Gaming is also among the hobbies that make money. Game testing is one method for monetising this interest, with developers paying gamers to try out new titles and provide feedback. Websites like PlaytestCloud are a good starting point for finding paid opportunities, allowing you to try out new games before they hit the market.

Streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube is another way to make money from gaming. By building a following, you can earn through ads, donations, and subscriptions. Regular posts are key here – the more people watching, the more money you can make.

If you’re more into creating content, you could make tutorials or guides for specific games. Players are always looking for tips and tricks, especially for popular games or hard-to-find collectibles. Uploading these to YouTube or even selling detailed guides on Gumroad can turn your gaming know-how into profit.

Another idea is to sell virtual items or game accounts. Some players are willing to pay for rare in-game items, character skins, or even high-level accounts. Just be sure to check the rules of your favourite games to confirm this is allowed.

20. Travel & sightseeing 

Love exploring new places? Travel is one of the hobbies that make money UK and abroad, allowing you to turn your adventures into a side gig. 

Creating travel guides is an obvious idea. You can focus on specific regions, cities, or even types of travel, like budget trips or luxury escapes, and sell these guides online via platforms like Thatch and Saltete.

Starting a travel blog is another way to earn, letting you share your experiences, tips, and recommendations. Over time, as your blog gains readers, you can monetise it through ads or by promoting travel gear and accommodation as an affiliate.

If writing’s not your thing, you could look into offering guided tours to your favourite destinations. Airbnb Experiences is a platform where you can host local tours and events, which is perfect if you know your city inside out.

As with so many hobbies that make money, getting involved with social media can boost your income. Platforms like Instagram can help you showcase your travels, leading to potential brand partnerships, especially in niches like adventure travel, kid-friendly destinations, or solo trips.

How to get started with money-making hobbies

There are a few practical things to think about in terms of hobbies that make money. Whether you’re focused on hobbies that can make money online or want to meet customers in person at local markets or craft fairs, taking it step by step will set you on the right path.

Assess the viability

Before diving in, take some time to assess the viability of money-making hobbies. This isn’t just about having the right skills or doing market research to see if there’s demand for what you’re offering. Both of those are important, but you also need to assess whether you can stick with it long-term.

You don’t need to build an empire; it’s perfectly fine to focus on hobbies which make money in your spare time. But a bit of soul-searching helps: will this still excite you in six months? And do you have enough time to profit without feeling overwhelmed?

Select a business model

Next, think about how you’re going to sell your product or services. Will you set up an online store, take your creations to local markets, or do a bit of both?

For example, if you’re selling homemade cakes or preserves, offering them at local farmer’s markets might be the best way to start, especially since people love to sample before they buy.

An online store could work well alongside this, encouraging customer loyalty by allowing them to reorder easily. You could offer local delivery or arrange for customers to pick up their orders on market days. The key is to find a business model that fits both your routine and what you’re selling.

Create a brand

Once you’ve settled on your business model, it’s time to start thinking about your brand. A great business name is key, so spend some time brainstorming business name ideas that feel like the right fit.

Check if the domain name is available and see if the social media handles are free too. Even if you’re not ready to launch on every platform just yet, it’s worth grabbing them early to avoid issues later. Plus, having everything set up gives you a head start when you’re ready to go live.

Consider pricing

Pricing strategies can make or break your business. When it comes to how to price a product,you’ll need to factor in the cost of materials, your time, and any extra expenses like packaging or delivery. For services, you’ll be considering things like the skill level required and how long each job takes.

It’s a good idea to research what others are charging for similar products or services. Make sure your prices reflect the quality and value you’re offering.

It’s a bit of a balancing act – if you charge too little, you won’t cover your costs, but if you charge too much, you could scare potential customers away. Understanding how to do a competitor analysis can help you find that sweet spot.

Work out payments

You’ll need a way to get paid, and how you do this depends on your business model. 

If you’re using platforms like Folksy or monetising a niche website through affiliate links, payments are handled for you. But if you’re selling independently, you’ll need to set up your own small business payment options.

Cash only businesses can miss out on sales, so it’s a good idea to offer card payments. This is usually a must for online business ideas.

Meanwhile, a simple card machine works well for in-person sales, while QR codes can make things even easier by allowing customers to just scan and go. For some business ideas, remote methods like payment links or taking card payments over the phone can be really convenient.

If you’re considering in-person retail, getting a point-of-sale (POS) system could be a game changer. You don’t need to be a big enterprise to benefit – a simple POS app on your phone can help you stay organised by tracking sales, inventory, and payments.

Write a business plan

Once you’ve ticked off all the steps we’ve just discussed, make sure you understand how to write a business plan.You don’t need anything too complex for hobbies that make money, but getting your ideas down in one place helps keep things on track.

A simple plan gives you a roadmap to follow, outlining your goals, target market, and pricing strategy, and helps you figure out your small business budget.

Be sure to account for any upfront costs, including the cost of necessary insurance policies. For example, if you’re offering personal training or beauty services, you may need public liability insurance before you can get started.

Remember, any costs associated with the legal requirements for starting a small business – as well as those involved in keeping it running – can be deducted from any taxes you might end up paying out of your profits at the end of the year.

Don’t forget the taxman

Speaking of taxes, once your hobby starts bringing in money, you’ll need to keep HMRC in mind. If you earn more than £1,000in any one tax year – about £20 a week – you’ll need to register for Self Assessment.

Once registered, it’s important to track your income and small business expenses to make filing your tax return easier. Staying organised is key for taxes, and a small business accountant can help if you’re unsure about anything. It’s better to get everything sorted early to avoid any complications later on.