Haven’t we all wanted to learn an instrument or two? Music is popular among all demographics, and it’s never too late to start. Offering music lessons as an item at your silent auction may be a big ticket because those wanting to take lessons but never got around to it might jump at auction items that sell the opportunity.
To up the ante, you can create a combo item and auction an instrument with the lessons. For example, you could offer a guitar with ten lessons.
Signed Memorabilia
Signed memorabilia is a big hit! It can be anything, from autographed sports memorabilia to comic book illustration signatures. These items are typically easy to get. You can contact your local sports teams and find out if they are interested in participating in the event by donating signed jerseys, balls, or headshots. Comic book illustrators will let you mail in the comic book, sign it, and return it for a small fee.
Catering
Offering catering as a gift is an excellent item for an auction. People may have a wedding or holiday event or simply want to entertain guests, and a catered meal is just what they are looking for. Contact catering companies in your area or research where your online bidders live and secure a donation. The best way to ensure a donation is to set terms and conditions. For instance, they may offer services for a small, intimate gathering instead of a huge wedding. Other conditions can include the time of year the event should be hosted and the length.
An Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor adventures are fun for the whole family! Unfortunately, life gets busy, and we spend our days running around after the kids or endless hours at work. So why not spark their imagination and encourage outdoor excitement with some adventure?
Let’s discover some great outdoor adventures to offer as an auction item:
A tour through a national park
Horseback riding excursions
Camping or glamping experience
Fishing trip
Surfing lessons
Zoo tickets
Guided ATV tour
Skydiving Excursion
Skydiving has substantial financial potential! Many people have skydiving on their bucket list, and this could be their opportunity to do what they’ve always wanted. Contact your local skydiving companies and see who wants to partner with your nonprofit. Offer them free publicity for a free jump.
If you have daredevil attendees, maybe offer a group package! It will be an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded people and make new friends while making money for your charity.
Car Wash
Who doesn’t love the new car smell? Offer a year’s worth of car washes as an auction item. This can be a hot ticket because everyone enjoys a clean car. Generate hype on your car wash item by offering detailing as well. You can give daily or monthly washes or opt for unlimited yearly car washes with a bi-annual detailing service, often costing hundreds of dollars.
Fitness Package
Fitness packages can include a gym membership. Go further and couple it with the fitness basket, including dumbbells, a yoga mat, protein bars, workout videos, and more! Add a gift card to a sporting goods store so they can buy sporting clothes or gym equipment.
Another item you can do alone or add to the package is online workout classes, which will appeal to them no matter where your attendees live.
Date Night
Here is an auction item that your attendees may love! It can appeal to singles or couples because two friends can also use a date night package. Have a fun night planned where the winning bidders can have local cuisine at their favorite restaurant, followed by karaoke. Group this item with cooking classes to have a fun-filled day. Comedy night is a popular date night event that will bring high bids.
Other date night ideas include:
Pottery classes for two
Go-kart racing
Tickets to an amusement park
Axe throwing
Mini Golf
Spa day
Hobby Kits
Many people have hobbies and fill their free time by doing something they love. These could be crocheting, scrapbooking, jewelry making, woodworking, or painting. You can make various types of hobby kits or do some research on the attendees.
If they like poker, get a set with dice, betting chips, and playing cards. You could even add a buy-in to a virtual poker tournament. There are many options to add to your silent auction; some will sell for good money.
At some point, parents rely on childcare when working, running errands, or going on dates. Not only is childcare expensive, but you will need a reliable company to offer quality services. Attendees will find a childcare package highly appealing because they can get nanny services at a discounted rate.
Let’s not forget pet care! Remember each time you wanted to go away for the weekend and either changed plans or struggled to find someone to care for your furbabies? Pet sitting is becoming a trend as pet owners rely on trusted pet sitters to manage their four-legged friends while away. When looking for a local pet-sitting company, ensure they are insured and licensed before offering it as an item for auction.