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101 Silent Auction Basket Ideas

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101 Ideas for Silent Auction Items

Silent auctions are a good way to raise additional funds at an event. Putting together the right basket makes the difference in an item that bids well vs one that does not receive any bids. Theme baskets are the best way to accomplish this. While individual gift certificates for restaurants and local businesses are great, they may only appeal to a few individuals at the event. Combine them with other items to make them stand out more and appeal to a larger base of bidders.

I love to buy silent auction items from Amazon. Not only do they offer free shipping on hundreds of items but their prices cannot be beat! It is also an easy way to find off season items that may be hard to find in local stores.

Silent Auction Basket Tips

You want to try to get the most out of your silent auction baskets. Here are a few tips to maximize results:
  • Limit the value - Save high ticket items for live auctions. Keep your silent auction baskets to under $200 in value. If you have a lot of items and a great theme, break them up into several smaller baskets. Ideal basket prices are in the $50-$75 range.
  • Package it right - Keep the theme tight. A beach basket that has items for teens, tweens, toddlers etc may look great but may not appeal to a family with only two small toddlers. Same goes with a basket that has items for both boys and girls. That may get passed over by a family with all boys or all girls. Instead, split up the baskets to focus specifically on an age group, gender etc.
  • Delegate - If you are fundraising for a school, ask the room parent in each grade to coordinate a "grade basket". Let them choose the theme and contact the parents in their classes for donations. Asking for help will produce a wider variety and more creative options.
  • Combine donations - Some items do better in a package then standing alone. For instance, a gift certificate for pizza's may work better in a "Family Night In" basket then on their own. People sometimes will try to get a deal on a gift certificate causing the auction item to close lower than its face value. When you combine it with other items you may get more bang for your buck.
  • Require a minimum bid - Always set a minimum bid for any silent auction item.
  • Collect Cash - If you are hosting a silent auction for a school or organization with a large number of members, ask for small cash donations to shop for the baskets. A $1, $5, $10 may be easier for a busy parent to dish out than shopping for a specific item. I personally have used this method. Then I was able to shop on Amazon and create several consistent baskets while keeping the costs affordable.
  • Know your audience - Know your target group and the demographics of the individuals attending. Is this an auction for a little league team or a school? Is this a group of young singles? Or maybe an auction at a gold tournament that is mainly attended by males? By knowing your audience you can appeal to local businesses for donations and design your auction baskets for the best result.
  • Assign items - If you are not in a position to accept cash donations to shop, make a list of ideal donations. Be descriptive to keep the baskets consistent. Use tools like Evite and send out an e-mail. Evite has a feature where you can make a list and participants can sign up to bring an item.

    • Silent Auction Organizer Tip

    Collect donations and then shop on Amazon. With free shipping on many items it is fast, affordable and easy.

    Find Gift Basket Items On Amazon

    Use this module to search for gift basket ideas or items.

    Coffee Lovers Silent Auction Basket

    Coffee is a hot commodity in many households. Homes with bare kitchen counters and condiment heavy refridgerators still grace a coffee maker. A basket with unique coffees, syrups and even a Keurig tend to be a bit hit at silent auctions.

    Keurig Single Cup Home Brewing System
    Coffee flavors
    Syrups
    Starbucks gift cards
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    Life's a Beach Silent Auction Basket

    Beach accessory basket

    A beach theme is a fun and cost effective way to make a silent auction basket. Several low cost items can quickly add up to an incredible basket. It also appealing for a school silent auction where there are families with small children. Package the basket in something fun like a beach cart or cooler.
    Ideas:
    Frisbee
    Snorkel
    Beach Towels
    Boogie Board
    Cooler
    Disposable waterproof cameras
    Beach cart
    Umbrella
    Pails and Shovel
    Sand castle molds
    Sunscreen
    Bubbles
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    Through the Grape Vine Silent Auction Basket

    Wine Lover's Auction Basket Ideas

    Create a wine basket with accessories, snacks, wines and reference books.
    Wine (different varieties- red, white, dessert etc).
    Bottle opener
    Small wine refrigerator
    Cookbooks
    Wine reference books
    Day trip to a local winery gift card
    Cheese
    Crackers
    Ice bucket
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    Family Night In Silent Auction Basket

    Family auction basket ideas

    A family night in with games, movies and popcorn is an appealing basket for any family type. Fill your basket with items such as:
    Family movies
    Popcorn
    Board games
    Pizza passes
    Movie candy
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    Lets Get Physical Auction Basket

    A Silent Auction Basket for Exercise Lovers

    An exercise basket can be appealing to a diverse group. Pick items that are the latest in fitness to make it fun and inviting.
  • BOSU Ball
  • Stability ball
  • Resistance bands
  • Free weights/dumbells
  • Yoga or exercise mat
  • Exercise DVDs
  • Certificate for personal training sessions
  • Certificate to sporting good store
  • Trial membership to a local gym

    Click on the times below to shop on Amazon for these and other great exercise items!
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    I'm a Chocoholic

    Fill this basket with chocolate galore!
    Fine chocolates
    Cookbooks
    Coffee
    Chocolate kits
    International chocolate varieties
    Gift cards to local bakeries.
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    Spa -tacular Silent Auction Gift Basket

    A spa auction basket could work well in an event that hosts moms and women. Start with a certificate to a local popular spa and embellish with a few items to dress it up.
  • Spa robe
  • Cute flip flops
  • Spa gift certificate
  • Nail polish
  • Lotion
  • Pedicure kit
  • Magazines
  • Cute spa bag/purse
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    Golf Lovers Silent Auction Basket

    Basket ideas for golf enthusiasts

    Create a basket with passes to local golf courses, golf items and accessories. Basket items could include
    Golf tees
    Balls
    Soft Cooler
    Oversized umbrella
    Club covers
    Autographed items
    Golf passes to local courses
    Tournament tickets
    Sunglasses
    Golf glove
    Visor
    Hat
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    Jewelry Silent Auction Basket

    Jewelry basket ideas

    Stella and DotSave high ticket jewelry for a live auction but unique costume jewelry or mommy and me jewelry sets are excellent for most silent auctions.
    Bracelets
    Charms
    Earrings
    Necklaces
    Jewelry Cleaner
    Travel cases
    Jewelry box

    Regional Fun Silent Auction Basket

    Local Area Fun Basket

    Make a basket of regional books, gift cards, fun facts to allow the buyer to explore the local area.
    Gift cards to local venues/restaurants
    Park pass
    Museum passes
    Hiking book
    Family regional book
    Disposable camera
    Photo book

    Garden Gift Basket

    Gift basket for green thumbs

    Garden gift baskets work well for spring time auctions.
  • Seeds
  • Plants
  • Garden tools
  • Gift card to garden center
  • Gardening books
  • Garden caddy
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    Yoga Gift Basket

    A Yoga basket is a unique basket theme. Items you could include in your basket are:
  • Yoga mat
  • Yoga DVD
  • Yoga books
  • Starter kit
  • Gift card to local yoga studio
  • Relaxation CDs
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    The Jokes on You Silent Auction Basket

    Prank Basket

    This basket of pranks is a hit for family's with young boys. It is a perfect silent auction item for schools, clubs or boy's sport events.
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    Magic Silent Auction Basket

    A Be a Magician silent auction basket works well for school silent auctions or events that attracts adults with children. It is an affordable and popular auction item. Ask local magic stores for gift card donations or items in exchange for advertising to round out the basket.
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    Boy Sports Fan Silent Auction Basket

    Fill a basket with fun sports items for boys. You can target it to toddler boys with plastic and soft sports equipment or a larger age range with more performance based sports equipment. Pick a specific sport or mix and match. Top it off with a gift card to a local sporting good store or tickets to a local sporting event.


  • Football
  • Baseball bat, glove, ball.
  • Hockey sitcks
  • Hackey sak
  • Basketball
  • Fact books
  • Indoor sport items such as an over the door basketball goal.
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    Throwback Gift Basket

    Back in time with your favorite treats from you favorite decade

    Were you a child of the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s etc and miss that favorite candy or soft drink? These retro throwback gift baskets are full of decades of fun!
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    Pizza Maker Silent Auction Basket

    A pizza silent auction gift basket is something the entire family can enjoy together. Layer your basket with a children's pizza kit, cookbook, pans, pizza cutter and sauce. Round it out with a gift certificate from a local kitchen store or grocery store to complete this fun basket.
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    Melissa and Doug Basket - Fun Fake Food

    For Little Chefs

    These high quality Melissa and Doug toys are keepsakes. Their incredible craftmanship and unique design capture the imaginations of children. Make them theme based such as this group of food products.
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    Beer Making Kit Silent Auction Basket

    Make your own beer.

    For the hobbyist that love beer, the beer making kit would make a great gift or personal prize. Keep costs low and simple on this one. No home breweries are starting here, you just want to draw on those who have a peaked interest to keep your audience broad. Include mixes, beer brew books or a certificate to a local beer barn (in the event their brew goes south!).
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    Young Children's Classics Silent Auction Gift Basket

    Create a basket that will bring a lifetime of memories with a gift basket of children's classics. Click on any of the book pictures below to shop on Amazon.

    1. Dr Suess Books
    2. Nursery Rhymes
    3. Soft books
    4. Shel Silverstein
    5. Beatrix Potter
    6. Eric Carle
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    Pupply Love Silent Auction Gift Basket

    Appeal to the dog lovers with a an auction gift basket that makes their dog the crown prince.
  • Treats
  • Dog toys
  • Dog bed
  • Bowl
  • Fashion
  • Pet store gift card
  • Pet books
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    Scrapbook Silent Auction Basket

    A school, child care center or other family centered organization can have success with a scrapbook gift basket. Craft stores like Micheals, Hobby Lobby and even Walmart offer an array of unique designer scrapbook papers and accessories. A few ideas include:
  • Keepsake scrapbook
  • Scrap paper
  • Paper punches
  • Stickers
  • Carrying bag/organizer
  • Photo organizer

    • Spice of Life

    Compile a basket of unique spices, spice racks and cookbooks. Create a basket with unique hard to find spices and cookbooks.

    101 Ways to Fundraise

    If you are looking for more ways to raise funds for your non-profit or charitable organization, this article has some very unique ideas!
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    Please sign my guestbook

    Feedback is golden!

    • Kathleen Houset May 16, 2012 @ 8:47 am | delete
      Very helpful.
    • Nikki May 15, 2012 @ 3:58 pm | delete
      Good ideas!
    • ResearchAddict May 4, 2012 @ 4:23 pm | delete
      Love the magic gift basket! Great idea!
    • Serena Apr 21, 2012 @ 9:06 pm | delete
      Love the dog lovers suggestion! Wonderful ideas here!
    • Becki Apr 12, 2012 @ 2:29 pm | delete
      Love the Yoga basket suggestion!
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