'Tis the season for great deals.
If you're planning a raffle, take advantage of the good prices this season brings. To encourage holiday shopping, stores will put big-ticket items on sale. Choose the most current technology from respected brands to generate the best raffle sales.
MAKE IT: Cinnamon ornaments
These festive, sweet-smelling ornaments make a great holiday activity or fundraiser. Watch our video for step-by-step instructions (featuring Sherra Eutsler, Pay Your Way expert)!
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GET CREATIVE: Hot beverage stand
After a long day of skiing, sledding, and snowball fights, nothing sounds better than a hot beverage. Set up a hot drink stand at a local park, sledding hill, or ski resort to make wintertime fun a little warmer.
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GET CREATIVE: Ski swap sale
As the snow starts falling, not everyone is groaning. In the back of the room, a smile breaks out on at least several people's faces. They are enthusiasts who know that with snow comes the SKI SEASON.
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DO IT: Christmas card creations
Are you a design wizard or budding art director? Now is the perfect time to show off your skills by providing your friends, family and social network their own special Holiday cards.
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DO IT: New Year's Eve childcare party
Who knew that you could learn economics through babysitting? Well, you can! Lots of people are looking for childcare on New Year's Eve and there aren't a lot of available sitters.
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DO IT: Hi-tech holiday elf
You are familiar with computers and technology, but many people aren't. The holidays present a very special opportunity to help tech-illiterate people with their new gadgets and get some serious cash for your tuition!
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DO IT: Holiday gift-wrapping service
Give your customers the chance to offload gift wrapping while you make a bundle by providing a handy and professional gift wrapping service at the local store or mall.
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MAKE IT: Lighted present decorations
Make the holidays a little brighter with pretty decorations for a table, fireplace, or under the tree. Design several "presents" in different sizes with coordinating ribbons to sell as sets.
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MAKE IT: Flower barrettes
Hop on the flower craze by making your own colorful hair decorations to sell.
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MAKE IT: Holiday cards
By taking photos of your hometown, you can create custom holiday cards and say “Greetings” to a Student Ambassador Program next summer!
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MAKE IT: Letters from the North Pole
In November, put the word out to your family, friends, and all of their coworkers that you will be playing Santa. Let them know that you will be writing encouraging, personalized letters to children on behalf of Santa.
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MAKE IT: Santa cookie kit
Bake and create a premade plate of cookies for friends and family to put out for good ol’ Saint Nick!
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MAKE IT: Christmas ornaments
Who would have thought making Christmas ornaments was so easy? Make a few hundred of these adorable decorations and sell them each for a buck or two!
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MAKE IT: Custom wrapping paper
Create and sell custom wrapping paper this holiday season and wrap up your tuition credit in a hurry!
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MAKE IT: Pies!!!
Sell pies such as pumpkin, sweet potato, apple, or pecan during the Thanksgiving season. Purchase pies from a wholesaler, or make your own.
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GET CREATIVE: Holiday de-stress kit
Let's face it. The holidays can be stressful. Making Holiday De-stress Kits is a fun, tongue-in-cheek way for you to step in and save the day (and maybe prevent ulcers)!
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MAKE IT: Luminaries
Luminarias are white paper bags filled partially with sand with a candle in the bottom. When the candle is lit, itmakes the bag glow and is very beautiful at night...
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DO IT: Black Friday child care
Black Friday provides you the chance to make your own profits! Let the adults go wild at the mall while you take care of their kids. The earlier you start advertising, the more clients you'll be able to reel in.
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DO IT: Holiday taxi service
If you are a safe driver with a good record, start a holiday taxi service. Offer to drive your parents, family friends, or neighbors to and from their holiday parties to make some extra money and keep them safe.
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Holiday decorations set up and/or tear-down
Many people don't like the hassle of putting decorations up, and most people don't like taking them down. Here is chance to make some money.
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DO IT: Christmas tree collection
How many people do you know who need their Christmas tree collected? This is an easy way to make a couple of bucks and help out your neighbors as well.
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GET CREATIVE: Caroling for cash
Ah, Christmas carols! Nothing is sweeter than a harmonious choir, bundled up and chirping melodiously in the crisp winter air. There's no faster way to spread Christmas cheer!
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GET CREATIVE: Snow sculpture gallery
Go beyond Frosty the Snowman and create fun, intricate snow sculptures in your yard, in a park, or around your neighborhood. Advertise your “art gallery,” and ask for donations.
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HOST IT: Breakfast with Santa
In December, hold a big breakfast (or lunch/dinner if that work's best) at a local community center or school. While Saint Nick is around, enlist his help for other activities, such as photos or story-time.