Disclosure: This article uses affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase.

Tablets can supercharge side hustles: note-taking, route planning, digital art, inventory, signatures, and client walkthroughs. Here’s how to choose the right one without overspending.

What to Consider

• Battery life: Aim 8–10 hours minimum if you’re out all day.
• Stylus support: For notes/designs, pen latency matters.
• Storage: 64GB is fine for notes; creators may want 128GB+.
• Cellular vs Wi-Fi: Delivery/gig work benefits from LTE/5G.

Good Places to Start (browse)

• Android tablets (value): 10-inch Android tablets
• iPad (creator workflows): Apple iPad lineup
• Stylus & keyboards: Stylus pens • Bluetooth keyboards
• Vehicle mounts (delivery): Tablet car mounts

Side-Hustle Setups

Delivery / Field Service: Tablet + car mount + power bank + matte screen protector.
Design / POD: iPad/Android tablet with stylus + drawing app + cloud backup.
Real Estate / Sales: 11″ tablet + keyboard case + e-signature app.

Save Money

• Last-year models often deliver 90% of the performance for 60–70% of the price.
• Protect with a case. One drop can erase any “deal.”

Affiliate disclosure: Links below may earn this site a commission.

Why “Faceless” Works

Voiceover + visuals = scale. No camera anxiety, easier outsourcing, faster publishing.

Channel Ideas

1. Listicles in your niche (apps, tools, books)
2. How-to screen tutorials (software, spreadsheets, AI prompts)
3. Explainer animations (simple slides + B-roll)
4. Stock market or finance news recaps (focus on clarity, not hype)
5. Mystery/history summaries (public-domain images + voice)

Minimal Gear

• Mic: USB microphone options
• Headphones: Closed-back headphones
• Lighting (if you film hands/desktop): Desk ring lights
• External SSD (fast edits): Portable SSDs

Publishing Workflow

Write 6 bullet points → record 90–180s voiceover → add 6–12 supporting clips/images → export at 1080p → title with one main keyword (“How to [result] in Google Sheets”).

Monetization

• YouTube Partner Program (when eligible)
• Affiliate links to gear you actually use:
  mics,
  webcams,
  lights
• Digital downloads (templates, checklists)

Tip: Batch 4 scripts every Sunday, record on Monday, schedule uploads for the week.

Looking for fast, realistic ways to make extra cash from home? Here are ten simple side hustles you can start in a couple of hours. Each idea includes a quick “how to,” an estimated earning range, and a helpful resource link to get moving.

1) Print-on-Demand Designs

Create simple quotes or niche designs and sell on platforms like Merch on Demand, Etsy, or Redbubble.

• How: Use free tools (Canva/GIMP) to make PNGs. Upload to a POD marketplace.
• Earn: $50–$500+/mo once listings rank.
• Get a sketch/ideas notebook

2) Amazon Influencer/Associate Roundups

Make “best of” lists and share your affiliate links on a blog or social accounts.

• How: Pick a micro-niche, write 300–600 words, add 3–8 product links.
• Earn: Commission on qualifying purchases.
• Ring lights for product shots

3) Local Errand & Task Gigs

Offer grocery runs, small moves, furniture assembly, or yard cleanup in Facebook groups/Nextdoor.

• How: Make a simple post with your services + rates.
• Earn: $20–$60/hr depending on job.
• Hand truck / folding dolly

4) Flipping Free/Low-Cost Finds

Pick up undervalued items (free section, yard sales) and resell on FB Marketplace or eBay.

• How: Clean, stage, take 5 clear photos, write real dimensions.
• Earn: $100–$1,000+/mo depending on volume.
• Phone tripod for crisp photos

5) Simple Digital Downloads

Sell planners, budgeting sheets, habit trackers, or checklists.

• How: Make a clean template; sell on Etsy/Gumroad.
• Earn: $50–$500+/mo once you have a few winners.
• Budget planners (ideas & inspo)

6) Short-Form Video Editing

Offer TikTok/Reels/Shorts editing to busy creators and local businesses.

• How: Make 3 sample edits as a mini-portfolio.
• Earn: $15–$75/video or $300–$1,000/mo per client.
• Portable SSD for video files

7) Resume & LinkedIn Refresh

People pay for clean, keyword-smart resumes and profiles.

• How: Offer a flat package (resume + LinkedIn + cover letter).
• Earn: $75–$300 per package.
• Comfortable chair for longer sessions

8) Simple WordPress Site Setup

Set up basic sites for local pros (cleaners, barbers, tutors, clubs).

• How: Use a fast theme + 1-page layout; charge for hosting setup.
• Earn: $150–$600 per starter site.
• Reliable wireless mouse

9) Notion/Sheets Systems

Build simple, reusable tracking systems for freelancers and students.

• How: Create one great template; sell licenses or custom setups.
• Earn: $15–$99 per template; $50–$200 for custom setup.
• Comfortable keyboard

10) Event Photo Booth (Super Lean)

Use an iPad/phone + stand + backdrop; offer digital delivery.

• How: Start with birthdays and school events; flat per-hour fee.
• Earn: $200–$600 per event.
• Backdrop stand kit

Quick Start Checklist

• Pick one idea and set a 7-day target (first client, first listing, first video).
• Create a simple offer + clear price (don’t overthink it).
• Post proof of work as you go — people hire momentum.
• Reinvest first $100 into better tools that save time.

Pro tip: Keep a running list of what sells and do more of that. Momentum beats perfection.

Affiliate disclosure: I may earn from qualifying purchases via the links below.

Goal

Launch 20 designs to Etsy (or Redbubble/Merch) in 48 hours and validate your niche fast.

What You Need

• Design tool: Canva/Photopea + a drawing tablet helps. Drawing tablets
• Mockups: Use lifestyle mockups so your listing looks real, not “stock.”
• Shipping (if you add small DIY items): Thermal label printers
• Photo backdrop for handmade add-ons: Foldable photo backdrops

48-Hour Sprint Plan

Day 1 morning: Pick a niche with clear buyer identity (profession, pet breed, hobby).
Day 1 afternoon: Create 10 text-based designs (fast). Export transparent PNGs, 4500×5400 px.
Day 1 evening: Upload to your POD partner; generate mockups.

Day 2 morning: Create 10 more designs (add simple icons).
Day 2 afternoon: Write search-friendly titles and 7–13 tags per listing.
Day 2 evening: Launch a 10% off coupon and post 2–3 niche-relevant TikToks.

Listing Formula

Title: “[Niche] Shirt — Funny [Niche] Gift — [Keyword] Tee — [Occasion]”
Description: 3 bullet benefits + care + size guide + shipping note.

Scale Smart

• Track views, favorites, conversion. Kill underperformers after 200–300 views.
• Split test thumbnails and first 150 characters of description.
• Batch new designs weekly (aim +10/week).

Helpful Tools on Amazon:
Desk ring lights •
Photo light boxes •
Drawing tablets