I had written up this list of thoughts for one of the other boards, but thought I would add it here as well.
1. Computer tutoring – teaching others how to use computer programs, surf the internet, etc.
2. General tutoring – tutoring students in Math, English, Science, Social Studies, etc.
3. Concierge service – running errands for people like picking up and returning library books, Blockbuster rentals, dry cleaning, groceries, etc.
4. Organization service – helping people to declutter their homes and/or home offices and then organize the materials that remain.
5. Specialized organization services – a subset for specific projects like helping people to organize their photographs or recipes.
6. Handyman services – helping people with minor household projects like hanging pictures, painting, spring cleaning, etc.
7. Yard cleaning services – lawn mowing, weeding, pruning, planting, etc.
8. Child care – taking care of peoples kids as a daycare type business or just date night type babysitting.
9. Dog walking service
10. Pet sitting – for people that travel and want someone to take care of their furbabies.
11. Elder care – checking in on elderly people to ensure they take their medications, assisting with light housekeeping, taking them grocery shopping, etc.
12. Garage / Yard sale
13. Internet based work – such as writing reviews, getting paid to write blogs, filling out online surveys, etc. (watch out for scams!)
14. Writing – freelance writing of articles for magazines or the local newspaper
15. Typing – freelance typing for local students, businesses, etc.
16. Scanning photographs and creating digital photo albums for people
17. Sewing – mending, clothing repairs, creating new clothing or decorative items for the home, etc.
18. Crafts – creating craft projects and then selling them from your home. Particularly good if you do something customized, like painting pictures of people's homes for instance or creating custom embroidered Christmas stockings with people's names on them.
19. Ebay – selling your own things or things you “rescue” on garbage day. You can sell for others and take a commission on the sale (usually about 50%).
20. Cake decorating – wedding cakes, birthday cakes, etc. (Michael's offers inexpensive classes, though the starting equipment can be a little pricey if you don't already own it)
21. Teaching classes - Michaels and other craft stores are often looking for people to come in and teach classes. So are local continuing education groups, park districts, libraries, etc. Do you have knowledge you could share with others? Could be on computers, organizing, cooking, crafts, etc.
22. Jewelry making - can be relatively easy to learn some of the low end beading / silverwork.