5 Unconventional Businesses You Can Start This December

December in Nigeria is always full of opportunities. People are travelling, shopping, hosting parties, decluttering their homes, and preparing for the new year.

While most people think only about food, drinks and events, there are other less obvious ways to make money during the season – and even turn them into full businesses in 2026.

Errand and Personal Shopping Service

Traffic, queues and crowded markets make simple tasks very stressful in cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Many busy professionals and families are willing to pay someone to handle their errands.

You can offer services like market runs, supermarket and pharmacy runs, gift and Christmas décor shopping, and pick-up and drop-off. Focus on a specific estate or neighbourhood, set clear prices and communicate well. If you are reliable, give updates and deliver on time, people will quickly recommend you to others.

Gift and Hamper Curation

Many people want to give thoughtful gifts in December but lack the time or creativity to put them together. You can position yourself as a small “gift consultant” instead of just a basic hamper seller.

You can create themed packages for mums, dads, couples, bosses, kids and office staff, and add personal touches like handwritten notes and neat but straightforward wrapping. Offer home and office delivery for an extra fee. If you start now, you can continue this as a birthday and special-occasion gifting business throughout the year.

Mobile Content Creator for Events

December is packed with weddings, concerts, church events, office parties and house hangouts. People spend a lot on these events but often end up with poor photos and videos.

If you have a good smartphone and basic editing skills, you can offer to capture content for individuals or small events. You can follow a client around and record their best moments or create recap videos and short clips for social media. Fast delivery, clear communication and simple editing can help you stand out, even without expensive cameras.

Short-Let and Home Management Concierge

Many people leave their homes to travel in December, while others seek short-let apartments in busy parts of the city. You can act as a middleman managing both sides.

For homeowners, you can help them list their apartments, handle check-in and check-out, supervise cleaning, restocking and minor maintenance. For those travelling, you can offer house checks, basic security monitoring and looking after plants or pets. You earn by charging management fees per booking or a monthly service fee.

Declutter-and-Resell Service

December and January often feel like “fresh start” months. Many people want to clear out old clothes, shoes, gadgets and furniture, but never get around to it.

You can help them sort their items into what to keep, donate or sell. Then you photograph and list the items online, handle negotiations with buyers and arrange pickup or delivery.

You can charge a small service fee plus a commission on each item sold. This helps your clients free up space, puts money back in their pockets and gives buyers access to good, fairly used items.