90 Profitable Things to Sell for School Fundraiser in 2026

The wrong way to approach a school fundraiser is by choosing products or services that do not resonate with your community or generate meaningful profit. The most successful fundraisers focus on items people already want, priced in a way that makes it easy for students, parents, teachers, and supporters to say yes.

Before diving into the full list, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most reliable items based on cost, pricing, and profit potential. This can help you quickly compare options and decide what makes the most sense for your school.

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Explore the most profitable things to sell for school fundraisers:

• 1. Food, Beverages 

• 2. Apparel & Accessories

• 3. Books, Stationery & Educational Supplies

• 4. Games, Toys & Entertainment

• 5. Health, Safety & Wellness

• 6. Crafts, Party Supplies & Decor

• 7. Technology gadgets

• 8. Outdoor sports equipment

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Things to sell at school as a student (to make money)

If you have ever seen students selling snacks between classes or small items to their friends, you have already seen these patterns in action.

At a smaller scale, students naturally gravitate toward items that are easy to buy, affordable, and appealing in the moment. These same principles apply to larger school fundraisers, just with more structure and planning behind them.

Understanding these patterns can help you choose ideas that are more likely to succeed, rather than guessing what might work.

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Best things to sell at school for personal profit

• 1. Snacks and candy (consistent, predictable demand)
  Snacks are one of the most reliable options, with low upfront costs and consistent demand. Most items fall in the 50–80% profit margin range, making them ideal for high-volume, quick sales (see comparison table above).

A common approach is buying in bulk from stores like Costco or Sam’s Club and selling items individually. For fundraisers, this model scales easily through snack carts, event stands, or bundled deals.

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• 2. Handmade or customized items (high margin, low cost)
  DIY items like bracelets, slime, and small crafts tend to have some of the highest margins, often reaching 80–95%. They are especially effective for fundraisers that want to keep costs low while maximizing profit.

These items work especially well for school fundraisers because they can involve students directly in making or customizing products.

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• 3. Trending or resold items (easy to scale)
  Small, trend-driven products are easy to source and scale, typically landing in the 60–85% margin range. These work well for impulse purchases and can quickly increase overall sales volume.

They are also easy to bundle or pair with other items to increase average purchase value.

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• 4. Apparel and school-branded items (high perceived value)
  Apparel usually has moderate margins (around 40–70%) but higher price points, which can lead to more revenue per sale. These items are best suited for larger fundraisers or events where school spirit plays a role.

These are ideal for larger fundraisers, events, or back-to-school campaigns.

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• 5. Food items with a higher ticket value (event-friendly)
  Event-style food items like pizza, pancakes, and baked goods typically generate 50–75% margins. While they require more coordination, they often drive higher total revenue during school events.

These work especially well during school events, sports games, or community gatherings.

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• 6. Digital or service-based items (low overhead options)
  Digital and service-based options have the highest profit potential, often reaching 80–100% margins, since there is little to no inventory cost. These are ideal for scaling fundraising efforts without increasing expenses.

These options remove the need for inventory while still generating funds.

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Pricing tips that actually work

No matter what you choose to sell, a few small decisions can have a big impact on how well your fundraiser performs:

• Test demand first by asking students, parents, or teachers what they would actually buy

• Keep pricing simple using round numbers like $1, $2, or $5

• Use bundle deals (for example, “3 for $2”) to increase total sales

• Make payment easy, especially with digital options where possible

• Start small and scale, using early sales to guide what to invest in next

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What’s allowed: school selling rules and tips

Before starting any fundraiser or student-led sales, it’s important to understand your school’s rules. Policies can vary widely, and checking first can help you avoid having items taken away or your fundraiser shut down.

Most schools require some level of permission, especially for selling food or collecting money. A quick conversation with a teacher, administrator, or school office can clarify what’s allowed and how to move forward.

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Things kids can make and sell at school

Not every school fundraiser needs to rely on purchased inventory. Some of the most effective ideas come from items students can make themselves, especially when you want to keep costs low and involve them directly.

Student-made items consistently deliver 70–95% margins while also increasing participation and engagement. They are one of the most accessible ways to run a low-cost, high-impact fundraiser.

For smaller fundraisers or classroom-led efforts, DIY items are easy to test and quick to produce in batches. The examples below highlight a few reliable options, along with realistic cost and pricing expectations.

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Common school rules to be aware of

• Permission may be required before selling anything on campus

• Food sales are often restricted due to allergies, safety, or nutrition policies

• Selling during class time is typically not allowed

• Certain areas (like hallways or entrances) may have restrictions

• Fundraisers may need to be school-approved or tied to a club, team, or cause

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How to get approval (and avoid issues)

• Start with a teacher or advisor who can help guide the process

• Explain what you plan to sell, when, and why

• Keep it simple and organized so it’s easy to approve

• Be flexible if the school asks for small changes

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What to avoid

• Selling without permission

• Bringing large amounts of cash without a plan to track it

• Offering homemade food where policies don’t allow it

• Disrupting classes or busy school transitions

• Advertising in ways that go against school guidelines

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Real examples of school fundraisers that worked

It’s one thing to see a list of ideas, and another to see how they play out in real situations. The examples below highlight what was sold, why it worked, and how those choices translated into real results.

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The Dearborn Education Foundation raises over $56,000

The Dearborn Education Foundation focused on school-branded merchandise and event-based fundraising, including items like apparel and community-driven campaigns.

These worked well because they combined school identity with practical use, giving parents and supporters something they were already willing to buy. By pairing merchandise with events and donations, they raised over $56,000, showing how higher-priced, meaningful items can scale when the whole community is involved.

This is similar to selling items like apparel, merchandise, and event-based fundraisers in this list, which is why these approaches often scale well when supported by a strong school community.

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The Shrewsbury Elementary PTO raises over $2,919 in a single campaign

The Shrewsbury Elementary PTO focused on event-based fundraising, collecting donations both online and in person through opportunities like a Trunk or Treat, where they sold a candy apple bar, bottles of water, and juice boxes as concessions.

This approach worked well because it made it easier for parents to contribute using digital payment options, removing the need for cash and increasing participation during events.

As a result, they raised $2,919 from a single campaign, showing how combining ticketed experiences with simple, convenient payment options can significantly increase fundraising results.

This is similar to selling event tickets, food, and bundled experiences from this list, which is why combining simple sales with convenient payment options often leads to higher participation.

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Food and Beverages to sell for a school fundraiser

1- Doughnuts

There's always a tendency for students to ask their parents to buy pastries for them when they come for school runs or a fundraising event. 

So, set up a pastry shop, collaborate with bakers, and sell doughnuts for your school fundraiser. As a plus, you can do some branding packages to promote your local restaurants among your school community.

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2- Popcorn fundraiser

This is one of the best fundraising ideas for schools because it’s one of the best snacks to sell at any event. It's a favorite for many—both young and old. Popcorn is not only sold at movie night, you can sell them to raise funds during day events. 

Hire a local popcorn vendor and sell popcorn of different flavors. Ensure that the popcorn stand is very close to the most active spots, like local businesses, at the fundraising event.

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3- Pizza fundraiser

There are two ways to leverage the universal appeal of pizzas for school fundraising:

• Organize a referral program with a pizzeria to sell discount pizza cards, raise money, and share profits

• Use social media and posters around the school to advertise the sale of pizza-making kits or frozen pizzas

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4- Candy & Lollipop fundraiser

Kids love candy, and so do their family members. To raise funds for school, partner with a local candy shop that sells candy bars and get a wrapping paper bundle to package the bars.

Look out for when high school students and elementary school kids are celebrating birthdays and sell candy to birthday celebrants so they can gift their classmates during celebrations. Collect donations and celebrate your wins!

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5- Ice cream

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" says Howard Johnson, once a famous Massachusetts ice cream purveyor. Ice cream is an enjoyable food fundraiser for schools.

Connect with a local business that will allow you to sell during their closed hours, especially when parents troop in for school run and during the holiday season.

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6- Tea

Tea is one of the most consumed beverage drinks. It is one of the best fundraising efforts in the food/beverage category during fun events and meetings.

For example, during PTA meetings or events in the school gym, you can sell tea drinks to parents, teachers, and community members and keep proceedings for school funds.

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7- Apple fruit / Gourmet apple

Sell apples to keep the doctors away from your students, their parents and your teachers. Want to raise money even higher? Hold a school fundraiser that sells apples coated with caramel, chocolate, or vanilla flavors.

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8- Pasta

Not everyone wants to get a quick snack, some might want to eat pasta, and this is one of the best fundraising ideas. Pasta is a fast food so students and donors can get it on time.

Organize weekly pasta deliveries during lunch hours for students and donate profits for funds.

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9- Holiday-themed bake sale

Work with bakers at local businesses and set up a good-looking table to sell cakes and other pastries. For example, buy two, get one free, buy a brownie, get a shot of milk. Bake sales are very popular with everyone.

Among high school fundraising ideas and middle school fundraising ideas, this is one of the most common. Family members love baking, and community members love baked goods. You can’t go wrong. 

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10- Sausage rolls

Partner with wholesale bakers and local restaurants to deliver high-quality sausage rolls and fries. Sell during meetings, school hours, and school parties.

‍You can sell these at the school gym to athletes and parents looking for a quick protein hit in a yummy roll. Collect donations and rave reviews. 

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11- Candy grams (note and candy bundle)

Sell small bundles that include a piece of candy and a handwritten or printed note. These are especially popular around holidays, school events, or as peer-to-peer gifts.

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12- Biscuits and energy drinks

College students may enjoy buying biscuits during lunch hours and enjoying them with a soda drink or lemonade. Students still do it, so they sell a lot of it. It's a profitable food for your school’s fundraising efforts. 

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13- Pancakes

During school lunch and breakfast hours, you can partner with your school's local cafeteria to sell pancakes to students and collect donations. Since many parents don't have time to prepare a pancake at home, their kids can buy one in school and be filled.

You can even sell tickets for breakfast and generate more money for your school. All while feeding the kids a yummy, energizing breakfast. 

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Apparel & Accessories to sell for a fundraiser

14- Branded T-shirts

Selling branded T-shirts is a great school fundraising idea. Schools can create branded t-shirts with their logos and slogans. Parents and students are enticed to rock these tees and improve the school's visibility to get more supporters.

You can combine education programs with your school’s logo, sell tickets to events and have T-shirts outside the event, and raise school spirit. Everyone’s happy!

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15- Lunch Box sale

Most students take a lunch box to school daily. Sell lunch boxes and imprint your school logo and name. Make it part of the uniform kit for new students. 

Doing this helps your school raise more money.

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16- Tote bags

In colleges and universities, tote bags are popular. It's a good fundraising idea for colleges, especially for older high school students. Customized tote bags can be sold to students, teachers, and parents to raise money. In addition, you can set up a referral program so that supporters can sell to family members.

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17- Gently used clothing sale (Donors wear)

Students outgrow their clothes in a matter of weeks or months, not years. So, why not host a gently used clothing sale? You might even sell tickets for entry, and then parents, teachers, and students can donate clothes that don't fit them anymore (or that they just don't like), and you can organize an afternoon of shopping and events.

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18- Custom School bags

Students feel good when they put on a school bag made by their school with their names emboldened on it. Sell these ideas to parents at a cheaper rate compared to the market rate and see how they rush it. 

Students will want to bring their bags to a local park and carry them throughout the school year. This can foster school spirit and help schools raise money.

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19- Personalized water bottles

Water bottle fundraising is one of the most innovative school fundraising ideas that combines practicality with brand visibility. It is selling custom-branded reusable water bottles to support a specific cause.

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20- Towels

Towels can be common gifts in grade school. You can invite parents to pay a few bucks for end-of-year parties, and get a towel as a gift with your school's name. 

It’s one of the easiest fundraising ideas because everyone can use another towel. As a bonus, you can raise school spirit.

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21- Coffee mugs

People cherish mugs a lot, especially high school students, and selling them is a way to get funds, and it’s even better when you brand them. Take a look at the picture above and see how Harvard Medical School customized the mug with its logo.

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22- Caps

Teachers wear caps often, especially during rallies, sports, and outdoor events. Customized caps can be sold for your school’s fundraising as a way to foster their identity as employees. It can also serve as mementos and remind supporters of your school's merchandise.

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23- Shoe drive

Collect spare or lightly threaded shoes from donors, recruit volunteers, promote widely, and partner with a facilitator for easy fundraising ideas for schools. Once the shoes are given out to brands for recycling, the school gets a profit once you collect donations.

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24- School hoodies

During the fall and winter months, students, teachers, and parents need to stay warm. You can order brand new hoodies and add your school logo, slogan, and the name of the student. 

Sell them to newly admitted students and older high school students for school spirit.

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25- Umbrellas

Schools love to give students umbrellas, and they make a cool sum from them. As an elementary school fundraiser, put a price for end-of-year or festive parties and gift-branded umbrellas. However, you must make it cost-efficient since it's not too profitable.

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26- Custom socks

Students can't do without socks. Offer to give students two pairs of branded socks at a low cost and see how sales increase quickly in for a successful fundraiser. Note: You can even add this as a deliverable for students buying new school uniforms.

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27- Custom leggings

Girls of all ages love leggings. Customizing these leggings in different sizes and colors will reduce the burden on parents who constantly have to keep them stocked. Collect donations for buy one, get one free. 

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Pro tips to get you started with this category:

• Partner with a supplier that specializes in custom apparel.

• Work with designers to create a design that resonates with your cause and appeals to your audience (donors)

• Determine how much apparel you need to sell to reach your fundraising target.

• Host a fashion show where students, teachers, and parents can model and buy your merchandise.

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Books, Stationery & Educational Supplies to sell for school’s fundraising

28- Study kits

Bundle together highlighters, pens, flashcards, and sticky notes into a ready-to-use study kit. These are especially popular around exam periods and can be sold as a convenient, all-in-one solution for students.

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29- Exam care packages

Combine snacks, school supplies, and small comfort items into exam care packages. These work well as pre-order items for parents or as limited bundles sold during midterms and finals.

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30- Homework planners/assignment trackers

Sell simple planners or assignment trackers that help students stay organized throughout the school year. These can be customized with school branding or designed as printable or digital downloads.

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31- Virtual coupon books sale

A digital coupon book is a list of special discounts from businesses in tourist areas, shopping centers, or entire towns for promotional purposes.

For your school’s fundraising, you can partner with brands that have special discounts and create a list of the coupons. Sell your coupon books to parents and supporters either by directing them to the company's website or by presenting your inventory to them in person. This is a great fundraising idea for schools.

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32- Notepads

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Students and teachers use notepads a lot in school. In most schools, they add the price of customized notes to their tuition fees—this means that parents or guardians pay a sum for notes per academic session. For this reason, it’s one of the best fundraising ideas for schools.

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33- Pens

What is a school without a pen? Meaningless. Your school can brand pens with the name of each student and offer limited slots to students and teachers to arouse FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Craft kits are one of the top school fundraising ideas because it gets kids and parents engaged in the school’s fundraising and in a shared activity. 

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34- Textbook sales

Some students may be in a dilemma about purchasing textbooks from the school or getting them from external bookshops. While the latter is cheaper, the former can be more fulfilling, because you can still get the exact edition and copy preferred by the school.

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35- Art supplies

Students use art materials a lot for fine art and applied topics. Art materials like watercolors, crayons, drawing pencils, and drawing boards can be sold to raise funds. As a plus, you can customize these materials with the school's name and logo.

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36- Online tutorial subscriptions

Now, more than ever, students have access to technology at their fingertips. Schools can raise funds for online tutorial subscriptions for students in exam classes to practice Q/As, watch video tutorials, and answer practice questions.

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37- DIY craft kits

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Students engage in creative DIY activities in school. For example, in middle school, I painted art, and I did a local tie-dye shirt. These activities can draw the attention of students to express their creativity, so parents can buy them.

‍Craft kits are one of the top school fundraising ideas because it gets kids and parents engaged in the school’s fundraising and in a shared activity.

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38- Customized envelopes

Apart from customizing these items with your school logo and name, you can brand envelopes with different taglines for different gift purposes. For example, a birthday envelope card, a Valentine card, or an envelope of the students' academic results.

Community members can use these envelopes with pride, and your school can raise money. It’s a shared experience that brings people together. 

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39- School academic calendars

Most parents and students want to be kept abreast of the academic schedule for each year. So, selling customized school calendars to them can be a way to raise funds. In addition, you can customize each calendar with a picture of each class.

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40- Coloring books

This is a great item to help raise money for elementary school students and middle school students. Kids love to draw and play with colors. Add different themes and colors. Brand it with your school logo and market it beyond your school community.

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41- Calculators

Students in high school, colleges, and universities use calculators for mathematical studies. How about you partner with a calculator brand to sell calculators with their names printed or embroidered on it for safety and as a keepsake?

It’s one of those fundraising ideas that will benefit everyone and last a long time.

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Games, Toys & Entertainment to sell for school fundraiser

42. Trivia or game night entry tickets

Organize a trivia or game night and sell entry tickets to participate. This is a simple way to raise funds while creating an engaging group event.

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43. Talent show participation tickets

Charge a small fee for students to participate in a talent show or performance event. You can also sell audience tickets to increase total fundraising revenue.

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44. Movie night tickets

Host a school movie night and sell entry tickets. Adding snacks or bundled deals can help increase overall sales during the event.

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45. Comic CDs

Students love to watch comic shows and cartoons. However, some comic shows are not rated for kids to watch, and parents don't like them. Partner with film CD sellers and curate a list of comics suitable for students to watch. Offer this to their parents and teachers.

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46. Puzzle and game books

For kids who are just starting out in school, their parents may want to buy creative building blocks, illustrations, and puzzle cards for them. Your school can come up with creative games and illustration books and sell them at an affordable rate.

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47. Cultural exhibition shows

During cultural exhibition shows. You can encourage parents to prepare a variety of delicacies. Host an eating contest, add a registration fee, and give prizes to parents with the most tasty delicacy.

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48. Custom educational video games

Educational video games with my classmates can help support learning during breaks. It stays fun and tests precision and cognitive ability to answer questions fast.  

The good thing is, I paid a penny to play these games for hours. This fundraising idea is worthwhile.

49. Language learning games

Sell flashcards, board games, or subscriptions that make learning a new language fun for students, teachers, and parents. Some schools offer foreign languages as courses; this is a great way to foster diversity and raise funds.

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50. Cartoon character costumes

Kids love to wear their favorite cartoon character costumes. Whether it’s Woody from Toy Story or Captain America from Marvel, dressing up is great for your school’s fundraising. Get a ton of these costumes and sell them to parents. They can wear these costumes during fun parties and events.

‍After the event, you can even collect donations of the costumes and sell them again next year. What could be more fun than an annual costume party fundraiser? 

51. Balloon pop

Balloon pops are exciting and fun fundraisers for students of all ages, particularly younger students.

All you have to do is fill balloons with small prizes or messages and sell them. Participants pop the balloons they've bought to find out what they've won! Invite students to pop balloons and have fun doing it.

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Health, Safety & Wellness items to sell for school fundraiser

52. Custom face masks

It's post-COVID, and a lot of people still wear face masks. It has become part of fashion. Customize face masks—preferably one with clothing material—with your school logo and name. Sell to students and parents during winter and spring.

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53. Hand gloves

Students in high school and college go to laboratories for practicals. Your school can partner with glove manufacturing companies to prepare customized gloves that can be sold to them. In addition, you can ask donors to donate funds to get gloves for school cleaners.

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54. Hand sanitizer

Some students play a lot during break hours at school. Selling hand sanitizers is a way to encourage cleanliness and hygiene. 

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55. First aid box

Some parents and teachers have no aid box at home for emergencies. Partner with the Red Cross Society in your local environs or health centers and give discount cards to parents.

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56. Workout apparel

During fundraisers, create a booth for selling workout apparel. You can sell hair bands, sneakers, workout kits, and little dumbbells for students. Parents find this enticing since they take their wards on outdoor sports often.

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57. Bicycle helmets

This is a great product to sell in elementary and high school. Kids ride bicycles at home, and for safety purposes, they'll need a helmet. Sell customized and fitted headgear of all sizes.

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Crafts, Party Supplies & Decor to sell for school fundraiser

58. Locker décor kits

Put together small kits with magnets, mini mirrors, organizers, and decorative items for lockers. These are especially appealing to middle school students who want to personalize their space.

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59. DIY self-care kits

Create bundles with items like lip balm, face masks, candles, or bath products. These are easy to package and feel more valuable as a set than as individual items.

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60. Gift bundles (birthday, holiday, teacher appreciation)

Offer pre-made gift bundles for common occasions like birthdays, holidays, or teacher appreciation. These save buyers time and tend to sell well because they are ready to give.

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61. Photo booth props

From chalkboards where guests can write messages to include in the photo, to Mr. and Mrs. (your name here) signs and other funny expression signs — these props can be sold during photography contests to raise more money.

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62. Wristbands

Another cool item to sell is a customized wristband. Churches and other organizations sell this a lot. Your school can partner with wristband manufacturers to create customized bands and sell them to anyone associated with the school.

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63. Embroidery kits

Students in high school love to express their creative imagination and artworks during the holiday seasons. Set up a contest, ask for donations, and supply these kits to them for holiday work. When school resumes, you can auction a few artworks.

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64. Crochet kits

Similarly to selling embroidery kits, you can sell crochet kits to female students who want to create clothing. In return, you can offer them prizes and brand the wears.

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65. Beaded jewelry kits

Ask parents and teachers for minimally worn jewelry. Extract some beads from them and host jewelry-making contests for female students to showcase their creative ability. In turn, parents and teachers can purchase the renewed jewelry beads.

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66. Fridge magnets

As a keepsake for students and parents, sell customized fridge magnets. Add your school logo and slogan.

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67. Festive seasonal decors

During Halloween, Christmas, and other festive parties, sell decor ranging from costumes to caps and dresses.

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68. Custom Keyholders

A KeyHolder is a very useful item in households. It doubles as a souvenir. In the image above, a text is inscribed on the keyholder, do the same by adding your school's motto and sell to parents during fundraising events

69. Wall art

“Character, commitment, and excellence” — that's the motto of the high school I attended. It still sticks because I remember it. How about you sell artwork that can be pasted on the walls of the homes of your students?

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70. Car stickers

Car stickers serve as keepsakes. Sell branded car sticker designs to parents and teachers. It's a way to advertise your school in public

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71. Door stickers

Just like other items in this category, door stickers are keepsakes and an advertising medium. Encourage donors to use it on their doors to attract prospective school customers.

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Technology gadgets to sell for school fundraiser

72. LED room lights

Sell LED strip lights or small decorative lighting for bedrooms or desks. These are popular with students and have strong resale appeal due to their aesthetic value.

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73. Mini desk fans

Offer compact desk fans that students can use at home or during warmer months. These are practical, easy to source, and simple to sell at an affordable price point.

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74. Laptops

If your school has a computer-based center with lots of desktops and laptops, and you want to raise funds, get a few of the gently used laptops and auction them. Let the highest bidders win. This is a surefire way to raise more funds.

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75. USB flash drives

If they have a laptop, then they most likely need a USB flash drive. Students in college use flash drives often to receive tutorials. You can sell these drives to them in a customized flash drive sleeve.

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76. Earbuds

Students might not find this relevant. However, you can sell to parents and teachers. Partner with an earbuds brand, and get limited gift cards. Share with parents who are interested in getting these buds at discount rates.

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77. Customized smartphone cases

Think about the feeling that comes with having a customized picture of yourself on your phone case. Reach out to highly supportive donors and give them free cases. Afterward, run a quick pre-order sale—by now, other donors are craving the package.

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78. Virtual reality tickets

This is one of the best tickets to offer when fundraising for school. It can attract a ton of donors. Partner with VR shops and come up with an attractive user experience.  Sell tickets to VR experience events for parents and students — align each experience to their taste.

For example, kids want to play games. Parents might want a sophisticated experience

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79. Phone grips

A phone grip or pop socket is a simple plastic circle that mobile owners attach to the back of their phones using an adhesive. Add your school logo and sell it out. Ensure it has a quality adhesive.

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80. Laptop sleeves

If you have a laptop, then you need a sleeve for it. Now, you want to sell laptops to students in middle and elementary school. Add laptop sleeves to the bundle!

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81. Tablet sleeves

Most kids use tablets rather than laptops. Sell these sleeves to their parents. Imprint your school logo and slogan on it.

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82. Trivia or game night entry tickets

Organize a trivia or game night and sell entry tickets to participate. This is a simple way to raise funds while creating an engaging group event.

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83. Talent show participation tickets

Charge a small fee for students to participate in a talent show or performance event. You can also sell audience tickets to increase total fundraising revenue.

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84. Movie night tickets

Host a school movie night and sell tickets for entry. Adding snacks or bundled deals can help increase overall sales during the event.

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Outdoor sports equipments to sell for school fundraiser

85. Swim goggles and caps

Most students in elementary and middle schools are engaged in swimming lessons. Sell swim goggles, caps, and custom towels to their parents. As a plus, offer to engage them in monthly swimming lessons at school.

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86. Soccer balls

Students play football often. And a big catch is getting them to pay for any ball they use on the school field. This is a great way to get their attention because they'll often get balls outside the school premises.

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87. Sports training kits

Students always find a sense of community in joining the sports team. Sell branded school sportswear and make it mandatory for parents to buy.

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88. Skateboarding contest

Host a skateboarding contest during sports hours. Encourage students who have skateboards to register and participate. Give out prizes in return.

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89. Yoga mats

Create customized yoga mats. As a plus, offer online yoga sessions for parents, teachers, and students. Put a price tag on everyone who wishes to join the yoga community.

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90. Tennis rackets and balls auction

Many schools have gently used tennis rackets and balls. Put them on auction and get the highest bidders to take them. You can also partner with gym centers and sports brands to sell gently used sports equipment.

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4 best tips to sell school fundraising items like a pro

Successfully raising funds for your school requires more than just having valuable items to sell. It's about fostering a sense of community, consistently engaging supporters in meaningful ways, and building lasting relationships that benefit. 

The following tips make selling items easier and encourage long-term relationships with your school's supporters.

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1- Embrace community building first

Before you start selling items, ensure that you've built an engaging community of school supporters, parents, and teachers. Create an online group and add parents to share their ideas and communicate with teachers.

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2- Be consistent with your fundraising campaign promotion

Make sure that all your marketing material is consistent with your school's branding. Always use the same logo, colors, and fonts. This will allow your campaign material to be recognizable. And supporters will know it's you (their favorite charity) right away

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3- Use multiple promotion channels

Don't rely solely on one channel for promoting your school's fundraising campaigns. Distribute your posters, videos, and social media templates consistently so you can target more potential supporters and new students.

Maximize your online presence and email lists. Take the words to the streets via promotional walks. Partner with media organizations for publicity on air.

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4- Offer rewards to donors and buyers

Appreciate those who buy your school items. Send them automated “thank you” messages when they purchase online. 

Offer rewards and incentives for active donors within your school community—for example, you can choose to publicize donors' businesses in your school's yearly magazine. This act of gratitude encourages them to donate more funds to your school.

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Start Selling Fundraiser Items with Zeffy

Once you’ve picked out what to sell, the next big move is making it easy for people to actually buy. That’s where Zeffy comes in. It’s the only platform that lets schools and nonprofits raise money online without paying a single cent in platform fees - seriously, 100% free.

Whether you’re selling snacks, school swag, raffle tickets, or tech gadgets, Zeffy helps you set up an online store, accept donations, manage ticketed events, and even run auctions or membership programs all in one spot. No hidden fees, no complex setup, and no cutting into your funds.

Used by over 50,000 organizations, it’s built to help you launch your school fundraiser fast and keep every dollar you raise.

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FAQs

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