Few fundraising events are as captivating and as successful as charity auction experiences. Auctions are extremely effective at maximizing fundraising revenue while at the same time keeping donors engaged and generating buzz for the charitable organization.
And unlike other fundraising events, charity auctions provide donors with an incentive to donate and the opportunity to bid for and win a highly coveted auction item. It provides a win-win situation.
However, creating the right atmosphere for donors to contribute and participate in a charity auction starts with the right charity auction item ideas. Your auction items should appeal to your donor base and must be items that they will want to bid on.
Offering a diverse range of best-selling auction items will encourage healthy competition amongst your guests and create some extra excitement as the event unfolds. This will also ensure your event is successful in hitting its desired revenue goals.
So, what auction items should you try to procure to create an entertaining night that’s memorable for your guests? Below, we list the seven best auction items that will extract the highest bids from your donor base.
1.Travel packages
A highlight of any charity auction, travel packages have significant appeal across numerous demographics and donor bases. After all, who doesn’t love a little R&R? Travel packages are a top seller at any auction because they can be adapted to suit any organization’s budget and donor preference.
Several travel-related auction items to include are:
- Vacation getaways
- Luxury resort stays
- Airline gift certificates
- Helicopter rides
- Hot air balloon rides
- Private boat cruises
- Winery tours and tastings
- Stylish luggage sets
2. Staycation packages
If your donors are fond of the idea of a luxurious trip but don’t have the time to travel far distances, staycations can be an appealing auction item. Staycations can include a wide range of activities but should be within driving distance to the winning bidder’s location.
Some staycation ideas to get you started include:
- Weekend spa retreats
- Weekend cottage getaway
- Theme park tickets
- Private museum tours
- Tickets to highly sought-after local events
- Gift certificates to upscale restaurants
3. VIP experiences
Unique VIP experiences are another exceptional auction idea that doesn’t require travel to far-flung places. These generate significant buzz (and high-value bids) because they typically offer donors a chance to participate in an event not available to the general public.
And because it’s difficult to put a price tag on these exclusive experiences, they generally have a higher perceived value.
Popular VIP experiences that resonate with many guests include:
- Private winery or brewery tours
- Private art gallery tour
- Private sunset or harbor cruise
- Being a judge at a county fair
- Historic city tour with the town mayor
- Cooking class with a locally celebrated chef
- Dinner with a VIP
- A round of golf with a local celebrity golfer
4. Memorabilia
For die-hard fans, few auction items are as appealing as memorabilia. High-value memorabilia has a huge draw because of its nostalgic and sentimental value, particularly if that specific item is rare and has been signed by a celebrated public figure. This can create greater demand and spark a bidding war.
Make the most of this auction item by including the following:
- Signed sports memorabilia
- An autographed instrument
- A signed movie prop
- Vintage Photographs
5. Music items
No matter what music genre your audience likes, music-related items are always a big draw. And while concert tickets and backstage passes will always get your guests excited, there are other music-related items you can auction off during your event.
A few ideas that go beyond concert tickets are:
- Signed music memorabilia
- Music (instrument or vocal) lessons
- Broadway VIP tickets
- Music festivals
- Exclusive ballet or opera tickets
- iTunes gift cards
- Dancing lessons
- Red carpet appearances at a music awards show
6. Event Tickets/Items
Event tickets are auction items that also generate excitement and elevate the auction process for your guests. Guests love bidding on bucket list-type tickets like Super Bowl experiences or front row seats to the U.S. Open finals or music festivals.
Red-hot tickets that always draw lots of attention from bidders include:
- Box seats to championship sports events
- VIP passes to golf tournaments
- Catered tailgate party before a big sporting event
- Tickets to a popular talk show and post-event meet and greet
- Comedy and improv show tickets
7. Indulgent gift baskets
Gift baskets are staples at many charity auctions. Due to their “grab bag” feel, gift baskets are not typically seen as a “big ticket” item. However, gift baskets are incredibly versatile. Bundled the right way, with the right assortment of products, gift baskets can grab people’s attention.
To increase the fundraising potential of your gift baskets, consider the following themed ideas:
- Wine collection gift basket
- Epicurean gift basket
- Food and wine gift basket and hands-on culinary workshop
- Spa gift basket to accompany a spa retreat
- Electronic gizmos and gadgets
- Weekend getaway gift basket complete with a voucher to a luxury resort
A bid to success
The auction items list above is a guideline to the type of things you can consider offering at your next auction event. The underlying theme with most of these auction items is that they are experiential, which means they are unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that create memories for your guests.
The key to having a successful auction is having a diverse array of items that keep bidders interested and have a little bit of something for everyone.
When you auction off experiential experiences rather than material items, your auction will create a lasting impression. Guests who claim the winning bid will want to share their experience with their family and friends, increasing your donor base for your next charity event.
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