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Adding some fresh silent auction ideas to your fundraising events keeps your supporters engaged and bidding, helping you raise money for your cause. So, how do you get inspired and switch things up?
Check out our list of 50+ silent auction item ideas—from sports-related gifts to food-related items.
The silent auction items you choose matter
Choosing the right silent auction items can make all the difference for your nonprofit. This is an opportunity to showcase your mission and appeal to your unique audience.
Planning a successful silent auction is about raising money, but it’s also about building relationships. Choosing auction items that resonate can help you make the experience more engaging and entice people to bid more.
It’s great to consider your supporters who will be participating, placing yourself in their shoes to understand what might excite them and leave them with a great impression.
Consider asking yourself the following questions with your team before you solidify your silent auction ideas:
What is our fundraising goal?
What price point should our silent auction items be to get us to our goal?
How much variety should we present in our silent auction items?
Will all silent auction items be physical, or are there services we can introduce as options for bidding?
What will our audience respond well to?
What age ranges should be catered to?
Is there anything that will follow the theme of the event?
It’s all about balancing the appeal to your donors’ interests and highlighting what makes your nonprofit special. Thoughtful curation of silent auction rules, items, and strategy shows you’re invested in them as much as they are in you, building a more profound connection beyond the auction.
Donated sporting event tickets to professional games, championship matches, or major tournaments make great silent auction item ideas. Depending on the value you're hoping to attract from bidders, you can choose from local sports team events to season tickets for the big leagues.
Sports equipment
High-quality sports gear, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, basketballs, or yoga mats, is a nice way to assemble themed baskets. You can even add in signed memorabilia to take things up a notch.
Sports experiences
Offer unique experiences, such as golf lessons with a pro, skiing with a former Olympian, or a meet-and-greet with a sports celebrity. A few ideas that think outside the box and appeal to your ideal donors can go a long way in a fun bidding war.
Fitness classes
Gift certificates or memberships to local gyms, yoga studios, or fitness centers are charity auction items most supporters can get excited about and use practically daily.
Sports apparel and merchandise
Raise funds by offering branded apparel, hats, accessories, or merchandise from popular sports teams or leagues. People love to support their teams, making these silent auction ideas something sports lovers will swoon over.
Sports-themed vacations
Package vacations to destinations known for sporting activities, such as golf resorts, ski resorts, or beach resorts with water sports facilities. Silent auction attendees will bid more on an experience they can look forward to around the activities they love.
Fitness technology
Provide the latest fitness trackers, smartwatches, or gadgets to help users monitor and improve their fitness levels. If you're looking for high-value items, technology-themed baskets with accessories can help you raise more.
Personal training sessions
Donated sessions with personal trainers or fitness coaches offer personalized guidance and support for achieving fitness goals. Add them to your silent auction list to help out small businesses while influencing healthy lifestyles.
Silent auction item ideas for music & arts fans
VIP concert tickets
Offer tickets to upcoming concerts or music festivals, including VIP or backstage passes, for an exclusive experience. Event attendees will love seeing a local celebrity in action or seeing their favorite artists while supporting a great cause.
Instruments
At your next silent auction, offer guitars, keyboards, drums, or other instruments signed by famous musicians or local artists. Donors may just start a bidding war over these unique items that typically come at a high price point.
Autographed memorabilia
Provide signed albums, posters, or photographs of renowned musicians, bands, or actors. Any silent auction items that can be displayed also give your donors a way to remember the event forever.
Music lessons
Offer silent auction packages for private music lessons with local musicians or instructors tailored to various instruments or styles. Local businesses may jump in with experts who can teach different types of musical instruments or talent niches.
Entertainment systems
Think about an auction item that helps your supporters enjoy their favorite music at home. For an immersive audiovisual experience, you can include high-quality speakers, soundbars, or home theater systems.
Collector's items
Offer limited-edition vinyl records, rare concert posters, or vintage music memorabilia to collectors. These make great silent auction items and attract a specific audience who can share in conversation and have a great time as they bid to win.
Music production experience
Donate a recording studio session or music production workshop for aspiring musicians or enthusiasts. Imagine if your silent auction items were the catalyst for someone chasing their dreams.
Broadway show tickets
Gift certificates or tickets to Broadway or local theater productions, including meet-and-greet opportunities with cast members can help you bring a fresh silent auction idea to life. This might be especially great around the holidays.
Music-themed travel
Package vacations to destinations known for their music scenes, such as Nashville, New Orleans, or Memphis. Your nonprofit's silent auction will be the talk of the town and you can entice more people to bid with the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Meet-and-greets
Some popular silent auction items are meet-and-greet opportunities and backstage passes to hang out with musicians, bands, or celebrities before or after their performances. Raising funds through a behind the scenes tour or interpersonal experiences can help you keep cost low and value high.
Music-themed accessories
Provide jewelry, accessories, or apparel featuring musical motifs or symbols, such as clef notes or guitars at your next auction. The idea is niche and can help you differentiate the items your auction guests have already seen.
Dance classes
Offer certificates for dance classes or workshops in various styles, such as ballet, salsa, or hip-hop. Other organizations who specialize in dance instruction can sponsor this auction idea to promote their services while giving back.
Family-friendly silent auction items
Theme park tickets
Provide tickets or passes to local theme parks, amusement parks, or water parks for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions. You can build entire vacation packages with more ways to make the most of the trip, or suggest a fun day trip to a local park.
Zoo or aquarium memberships
Who wouldn't want a silent auction item that appeals to the whole family and keeps the kids entertained? Offer memberships or season passes to the local zoo or aquarium, providing unlimited visits and unique member benefits.
Children's museum passes
Another auction item that kids will love is a way to spend the day learning and exploring. Donate passes to the children's museum or science center, where families can enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on learning activities.
Movie night basket
Create a basket filled with family-friendly movies, popcorn, candy, and cozy blankets for a memorable movie night at home. Grab help from local businesses to add in goodies that build the experience.
Outdoor adventure gear
Silent auctions attract all kinds of participants, so having something for those who love time outside is a great idea. Offer outdoor gear such as bikes, scooters, helmets, or camping equipment for family outdoor adventures and exploration.
Board games and puzzles
On game nights, provide a selection of board games, card games, and puzzles that promote family bonding and entertainment. This auction item is one any participant can bid on and enjoy.
Arts and crafts kits
Curate silent auctions around arts and crafts kits with supplies for creative projects such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or DIY crafts for family crafting sessions.
Cooking Class
Offer certificates for a family cooking class or baking workshop where parents and children can learn to prepare delicious meals or desserts together. Local restaurants may be up for hosting workshops to raise funds for a cause they care about.
Indoor play center passes
You can create a silent auction gift basket full of passes to indoor play centers, trampoline parks, or bounce houses where kids can burn off energy and have fun regardless of the weather.
Camping trip package
For a family camping adventure, put together a trip package with a tent, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and marshmallow roasting kits. The lucky winner of this auction item can invite friends, family, and others to enjoy the fun.
Season passes to local attractions
Donate season passes to local attractions such as botanical gardens, miniature golf courses, or adventure parks for year-round family fun.
Storytime basket
Create a basket filled with children's books, stuffed animals, and cozy blankets for bedtime story reading and family cuddle time.
Educational subscriptions
Offer subscriptions to educational apps, magazines, or streaming services that provide engaging content and activities for kids of all ages. You can create themed baskets that appeal to various education levels for anyone in your donor base to take advantage of.
Family photo session
Arrange a family photo session with a professional photographer, capturing precious memories and moments to cherish for years.
Silent Auction Items for School Auctions
Teacher experience packages
Offer packages where teachers provide unique learning experiences, such as a pizza party with the principal, a day as a teacher's assistant, or a classroom pet visit. Offer gift cards, spa treatments, or restaurant vouchers to show appreciation for teachers and staff's hard work and dedication.
Student artwork
Showcase student artwork, such as paintings, drawings, or ceramics, framed and ready for display in the home or office. A school auction is a great place to showcase a local artist and creative expression.
Tutoring services
Donate tutoring sessions in various subjects, provided by certified teachers or academic professionals, to help students excel in their studies.
Educational experiences
Provide educational toys, puzzles, or board games that promote learning and critical thinking skills for children of different ages. Offer certificates for workshops or seminars led by experts on parenting, early childhood development, or college planning. The sky is the limit on this one (imagine a hot air balloon ride!).
School spirit gear and supplies
Offer branded merchandise, such as T-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, or backpacks, featuring the school's logo or mascot. Provide bundles of school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, markers, and backpacks, to support students and teachers throughout the school year.
STEM kits
Offer science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) kits and experiments for hands-on learning experiences at home or in the classroom. Students and their families will have their bid sheets full.
Provide resources and services to support college readiness, such as SAT/ACT prep courses, college application assistance, or financial aid workshops.
Travel and experience-based silent auction items
Beach getaway package
Offer a weekend stay at a beachfront resort or vacation rental, with beach chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler with snacks. Provide guided tours for outdoor activities like kayaking, zip-lining, hiking, or white-water rafting in scenic locations.
Music festival tickets
Donate passes to popular summer music festivals or outdoor concerts, including VIP or backstage access. You don't need front row seats to get your donor base excited about this auction item.
Summer camp scholarships
Gift certificates for children to attend day or overnight summer camps focused on sports, arts, or outdoor adventures.
Farm-to-table dining
Offer a farm tour and a gourmet dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. Silent auctions that support sustainability are always a great idea to try out.
Fall foliage tours or apple picking
Provide guided tours or hot air balloon rides to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors in picturesque destinations. Provide a family-friendly outing to an orchard for apple picking, cider tasting, and hayrides.
Wine tasting
Offer tours of local wineries or vineyards, complete with tastings of seasonal wines and gourmet food pairings.
Apple picking and orchard tour
Provide a family-friendly outing to an orchard for apple picking, cider tasting, and hayrides.
Ski Resort packages
Offer ski or snowboarding packages at popular winter sports destinations, including lift tickets, equipment rentals, and accommodations.
Holiday lights tour
Provide guided tours of festive holiday light displays in the area, followed by hot cocoa and cookies.
Ice skating party
Host an exclusive ice skating party at a local rink with skate rentals, music, and refreshments.
Cozy cabin getaway
Donate a weekend stay at a cozy cabin or mountain lodge with a fireplace, hot tub, and scenic views.
Holiday cooking workshops
Gift certificates for cooking workshops focused on holiday baking, including gingerbread house decorating or cookie decorating classes.
Fill a basket with luxurious spa essentials such as bath bombs, scented candles, massage oils, plush robes, and a gift certificate to a local spa or massage therapist.
Gourmet food
Create a basket filled with gourmet treats such as artisanal cheeses, crackers, chocolates, gourmet coffee or tea, specialty jams, and fine wines or craft beers.
Movie night
Put together a basket with various movie snacks, such as popcorn, candy, gourmet popcorn seasonings, a selection of classic DVDs, or a streaming service gift card.
Outdoor adventure
Fill a backpack or cooler with outdoor essentials such as trail mix, water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, hiking maps, and gift certificates for outdoor gear rental or guided tours.
Family game night
For a fun-filled family game night at home, include board games, card games, puzzles, snacks, and hot cocoa mix.
Unique silent auction items
Custom jewelry design
Consult a designer to create a one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewelry, incorporating the bidder's preferred gemstones and metals.
Private concert
Secure a private performance by a local musician or band at the bidder's home or event, tailored to their musical preferences.
Unique collectibles
Offer rare or collectible items such as antique furniture, vintage automobiles, historical artifacts, or memorabilia from iconic events.
Exclusive sporting event package
This package provides VIP tickets to a major sporting event, including premium seating, access to exclusive hospitality suites, and meet-and-greet opportunities with athletes.
High-end items for silent auctions
Designer fashion and accessories
Offer high-end designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories from renowned fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
Fine jewelry
Provide exquisite fine jewelry, including diamond necklaces, gemstone earrings, luxury watches, and custom-designed engagement rings.
Luxury travel experiences
Curate extravagant travel packages to luxurious destinations such as private villas in the Caribbean, upscale European resorts, or luxury safari expeditions in Africa.
Exclusive wine and spirits
Offer rare and vintage wines, champagne, and spirits from prestigious vineyards and distilleries, accompanied by private tastings or cellar tours.
Fine art
Showcase original works by renowned artists, including paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints from prestigious galleries and art auctions.
Technology silent auction item ideas
Headphones
Provide premium wireless headphones and earbuds from brands like Apple AirPods.
Gaming consoles
Offer gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, along with gaming accessories like controllers, headsets, and gaming chairs.
Fitness trackers
Offer fitness trackers and smartwatches from Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch.
Virtual Reality (VR) headsets
Offer VR headsets and accessories that offer immersive virtual reality experiences.
Learn how this nonprofit raised over $8,000 in their silent auction
The Starr Family Jewish Day School, a charity focused on providing educational experiences rooted in traditional Jewish values, needed a fun and innovative way to boost its fundraising efforts. Committed to engaging donors to support its mission, the Starr Family Jewish Day School hosts many events and programs throughout the year.
One of the ways The Starr Family Jewish Day School was interested in raising money was through a virtual silent auction. In particular, they were looking for a silent auction platform that would:
Engage a broader audience: Reach donors who couldn't attend in-person events.
Maximize bids: Create an exciting and competitive bidding environment.
Streamline operations: Utilize a user-friendly platform to manage the auction.
The Starr Family Jewish Day School met with Zeffy to achieve these objectives. With zero fees, a user-friendly platform, and access to a range of other fun features—including ticket sales, donation tracking, and auction management—Zeffy was the perfect one-stop solution.
Using Zeffy's intuitive platform, they created a custom auction site that featured detailed item descriptions, images, and custom starting bids. This allowed supporters to scroll, view, and bid on items. Once the auction is closed, winners can check out on the page using any preferred payment method.
In the end, the Starr Family Jewish Day School was able to broaden its participation from supporters beyond its local community and engage them like never before. The nonprofit raised $8,500 and saved $425 in fees.
Host a silent auction for free with Zeffy
A successful event involves picking the correct items and using the right silent auction software.
With Zeffy, the platform designed to help charities do more for less, nonprofits can launch a silent auction, accept payments, enable mobile bidding, and so much more — for free.
An excellent silent auction item is desirable, unique, and likely to attract bidding competition. It should appeal to many attendees and generate excitement at the event. Examples of good silent auction items include:
Experiences: Unique experiences such as travel packages, gourmet dinners, spa treatments, or behind-the-scenes tours.
Memorabilia: Autographed sports memorabilia, celebrity items, or collectibles from famous movies or TV shows.
Artwork: Original paintings, sculptures, or prints from renowned artists or local talents.
Technology: High-end gadgets, electronics, or smart home devices.
Gift baskets: Themed gift baskets filled with gourmet food and beverages, luxury items, or spa products.
Services: Professional services such as personal training sessions, home cleaning services, or interior design consultations.
A good starting bid for a silent auction item typically depends on its value, popularity, and the demographics of the attendees. To encourage initial bidding interest while leaving room for competitive bidding, start the bidding at around 30-50% of the item's retail value.
What sells most in an auction can vary depending on the audience and the nature of the event. However, experiences, unique items, and items with high perceived value, like travel packages, VIP experiences, and exclusive memorabilia, tend to attract the most interest and generate the highest bids.
A super silent auction item is desirable or valuable and commands significant attention and bidding interest. It's typically a high-value item that stands out among other auction items and attracts enthusiastic bidding from attendees.
To get items for your silent auction, consider:
Soliciting donations: Contact local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and attractions to request donations of goods, services, or experiences for the auction.
Leveraging personal connections: Ask board members, volunteers, or supporters to leverage their personal and professional networks to secure donations for the auction.
Hosting donation drives: Organize donation drives or fundraisers where community members can contribute items or services to be auctioned off.
Seeking sponsorships: Partner with corporate sponsors or businesses to sponsor specific auction items or provide financial support to procure auction items.
Purchasing items: Consider purchasing high-value items or experiences at a discounted rate to include in the auction lineup.
How to Start a Nonprofit Silent Auction in 9 Steps [The 2024 Guide]
With our 2024 guide, you can learn to host a winning silent auction in 9 steps. This will maximize fundraising, engage donors, and streamline event planning for your nonprofit.
Discover the top 9 silent auction software solutions for nonprofits in 2024. Choose the software that best meets your needs to plan and run your auction seamlessly.
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