Best School Auction Ideas & Themes that Raise Money
By Whit Hunter
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People from all walks of life enjoy bidding on desirable items in hopes of walking away with a big prize. This is why school auction fundraisers are usually incredibly popular.
With the help of online platforms such as BetterWorld, they are also easy for schools and PTAs to organize. For more information on how your school could benefit from our platform, schedule a free demonstration.
What Are the Best School Auction Items?
If you want to run a successful school auction, you need to secure some great prizes. People especially love bidding on themed baskets! Here are some of the best school silent auction basket ideas that we’ve seen.
1. Weekend Travel Package
Who doesn’t need to get away every once in a while? Weekend travel packages are almost always high-ticket items at any school auction!
To draw in a crowd and drive up the bids, pair a stay at an Airbnb with restaurant gift cards or travel certificates. Consider adding in excursion gift cards for an added flair!
2. Theme Park Tickets
Have a theme park nearby? Ask if they will donate tickets!
Theme park tickets are especially a hit at school auctions because they are a high-value but family-friendly time that the entire family will enjoy. People won’t hesitate to bid on them because the price of a bid is minimal compared to tickets for a family of four.
3. Gift of Lessons
Whether it’s dance, instrument, or sports-related activities, kids are almost always into something! Those lessons can be expensive. Help your school families with the cost of their kids’ extracurriculars while also raising a ton of money for your school by adding donated lessons to your school auction.
Families will bid on the package because either they would be paying for these lessons for their kids anyway or because it would be a cheaper way for their child to try a new activity they might be interested in. Either way, it’s going to be a big moneymaker for your school!
4. Home Services Gift Cards
Families are busy! Between school, work, family obligations, and more, there never seems to be enough time in the day. This is why gift cards for home services are always one of the best school auction ideas.
Some services to consider would include housecleaning, cooking, handyman services, landscaping, or painting. No matter what type of service you auction off, chances are, a lot of your school families will be interested!
5. College Gift Basket
Moving onto a college campus is costly. Ease the burden by pulling together some of the most necessary freshman supplies.
Consider including items such as bath towels, plastic dishes, water filters, laundry basics, school supplies, or snacks to make the perfect going away to college basket. To increase the school spirit, add some merchandise from your most popular local university.
6. Special Lunch Privileges
If you are fundraising for a high school that doesn’t normally allow students to leave campus for lunch, you could auction off an off-campus lunch. Don’t want students to leave campus? Let them order in! This popular school auction idea can be tailored to your specific school.
If your school auction is geared more toward elementary or middle school students, consider auctioning off a lunch with the school mascot or popular teacher, a private lunch party, or a behind-the-scenes tour of a local restaurant.
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7. Concert Tickets
Is there a big concert coming up in your town? Grab some tickets and auction them off!
People love live music so pick a show that would be the most popular with your audience. Sweeten the deal by adding in additional perks such as a dinner or a limo ride to the event. No matter what, this is sure to be a successful school auction idea!
8. Prime Parking Spot
If you go to school in the city or at a school without a parking lot, parking can sometimes be tough! A lot of people will pay top dollar for a personalized spot close to the school doors.
Add in a personalized parking sign or a car wash donated by a sports team and watch those bids roll in.
9. Childcare Gift Card
One of the best school auction ideas for an elementary school auction is a gift certificate for a night of childcare.
Parents of young children often need a break but finding a babysitter can prove to be a challenge. Eliminate that stress by auctioning off childcare by a beloved teacher or popular high schooler. The parents get a night away and the children get a night of play with a responsible adult. It’s a win-win – and one parents will pay big for!
10. Tickets to the Big Game
Do you belong to a school that’s big on sports? If so, use that to your advantage! Tickets to a big game are always a popular auction idea. They will bring in even more money if they include special seating, a VIP parking pass, or food and drink during the game.
Not a big sports school? This idea also works great for professional sporting events. Just be sure to choose a sport that is popular in your area!
11. Celebrity Meet & Greet
This is one of the best school auction ideas that we’ve seen but it can be tough to pull off!
If you can secure the time and attention of a celebrity, your audience will go wild. Pair it with a limo ride to the event, lunch certificates, or memorabilia associated with the celebrity to increase the bid amounts even more!
Count on BetterWorld
This list of school silent auction basket ideas is great to get you started but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Tap into your school community and capitalize on the skills and talents of those around you. A wide range of items that will resonate with different members of your audience will generate the most money.
When you’re ready to set up your auction, give us a call! BetterWorld has everything you need to streamline this process and make the most out of your school auction. Sign up for free at BetterWorld today!

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