10 Themes, 100 Ideas: The Ultimate Gift Package Wish List

Tempting event guests with exciting silent auction gift packages is a great way to keep them engaged and thrilled to add to your fundraising goals.

The mysterious collection of items and experiences contained inside the package creates a level of buzz that will make your annual silent auction a must-attend event for donors and their friends and family every year. Don’t get stuck in a rut that slows that momentum. Check out these gift package ideas to create memorable prizes for your next auction.

Family

Family laser tag or paintball tickets, board games, candy and popcorn
A “puppy party” with a professional breeder, pet supplies and gourmet treats
Party experience at a pottery studio, bakery, or candy factory and fun supplies to use at home
After hours passes to theme parks, indoor playgrounds, or an aquatic center
In-house childcare reservations, Twister, and DVDs
Catered meal from a popular restaurant, dining accessories, and cloth napkins
Reservation for a private screening at a movie theater, and 3D glasses
Birthday visit from a live-action character or magician, supplies for simple magic tricks
Photoshoot with a professional photographer and picture frames
Family portrait or mural commissioned by local artist and a framing gift certificate

Wine & Dine

Group tours to local breweries or vineyards, bottled samples, and glasses
Collector’s dream of vintage or rare bottles of wine, wine storage racks, and glasses
A home visit from a sommelier, wine storage racks, and glasses
Remodeling project for wine or beer storage and bottles to get them started
Ultimate micro-brew sampler of 100 bottles and glasses
Lessons from a home craft brewer and supplies
Catered meal delivered to work or home and a gift certificate for a custom-made dessert
Afternoon tea service at a local botanical garden, a tea setting, and a gift certificate for fresh flowers
Five-course meal at a top restaurant and dessert or drinks at a buzzy local spot
Cooking lesson from award-winning local chef and serving utensils

Sports

Tickets to championship sporting events, transportation, and VIP seating
Autographed sports memorabilia and photos
Rare collection of baseball cards
A visit to a sports broadcaster’s set and an over the top sports jacket to wear
Catered tailgate party and team gear
Pro lessons of any sports and equipment
Racetrack driving experience and driving gloves
Passes to golf tournaments and golf cart rental
Tee time at a luxury or private golf course and golf balls or food and drink certificates
Personal yoga sessions or a trainer at your home, a yoga mat, and other equipment

For more ideas on how to get your fundraising guests excited at every event check out the Greater Giving webinar “Power Up Your Auction Revenue Through Create and Strategic Refinement” with Talena Barker, CEO of Mission Limelight. Her experience can help you take a fresh, creative look at your silent auctions.

Music and Entertainment

Tickets to a stage performance and VIP parking
Tickets to a live taping of a TV show or popular talk show (i.e. Ellen, Tonight Show, Conan) and related swag
Concert tickets with VIP service and a collection of CDs
Meet and greet experiences with local or visiting celebrities and autographed photos
Tickets to a comedy / improv show and VIP seating
Music lessons from a local musician and CDs
Vocal lessons and reserved time in a recording studio
Red carpet award show passes and a gift certificate for photo processing
VIP tickets to ComiCon and a collection of DVDs
Ballroom dancing lessons and a bottle of wine

Travel and Experiences

Visit to an animal sanctuary and a gift certificate for photo processing
Lakeside or seaside cabin rental with gear to enjoy the area
Timeshare and resort stay and beach towels or gift certificates to area events
Helicopter, hot air balloon, or glider ride and aviator glasses and scarf
Skiing and snowboarding package and mittens
Private cruise on a sailing yacht and a captain’s hat
Staycation package and gift certificates to events nearby
Airline gift certificate and a trip planner
Gas for a year (52 gift cards worth $50 each) and snacks for the trip
Pet sitting and boarding and pet toys and supplies

Education

Gift certificates for the school supplies, technology, and uniforms
A week of limousine rides to and from school and school supplies
Visit from a scientist to a class to conduct live experiments for children and a science kit for kids to do at home
The opportunity to be the “Principal for a Day” and a mini suit jacket
Reserved seating and parking for a graduation ceremony and champagne (or non-alcoholic) champagne to celebrate
Reserved seating or box seats at a college football game and team gear
Buy a teacher a day off (bidder chooses who gets time off) and school supplies for the class
Class party including pizza, games and prizes
Art supplies provided to a school
Tutoring services, books, and supplies

High-end Goods and Services

Top of the line barbeques and supplies
Car accessories and detailing kit
Snowblower, lawnmower, and lawn accessories
Designer handbags, scarfs, and accessories
Hand-crafted or high-end jewelry
Professionally created art: paintings, sculptures, glass, etc.
High-end kitchen appliances (cappuccino maker, KitchenAid mixer, Vitamix) and a cookbook
Complete makeover with a local stylist, including makeup and hair
Reservations with a personal shopper and gift certificates
Consultation with an interior designer and color swatches

Seasonal/Holiday Experiences

Valentine Day’s roses and chocolate and a catered meal for two
Traditional St. Patrick’s Day’s dinner and green swag
Prime viewing spot for July 4th fireworks and American flags
VIP parking and ride and concert tickets at a state fair
A catered traditional Oktoberfest dinner and a basket full of German beer
Halloween or Christmas decorating services for your home or office and ornaments
Tickets to a New Year’s Eve party and champagne
Santa Claus or Easter Bunny visit to your home or work and candy
Limo ride to view holiday light displays and the makings for hot chocolate
“Twelve Days of Christmas” Goodie Basket; hot chocolate, fudge, cookies, apple cider, fruitcake delivered every one per day to your home

Community Spotlight

A historic city tour and dinner with your city’s tourism director and a guidebook
Theater tickets and a one-time, walk-on role in a play or taping
Fresh flowers delivered by a local florist once a month for one year
Year of car maintenance at local garage and car detailing
Professional services, like financial advice, copywriting, business adviser
Pet sitting and grooming services and supplies
Twenty hours of manual labor (landscaping, demolition, etc.) from a local company or community service group
Heavy equipment rental and a gift certificate to a hardware store
Private, insider tours of local businesses or factories and a sampling of their products
Six months of maid service and scented candles

Technology

VHS to digital / DVD conversion of family movies or photos and popcorn
Digital photography and Photoshop lessons with a professional photographer
Technology giveaway; laptops, iPads, iPhones, Kindles, Nook, Apple watch
Microsoft Suite lessons with a professional
Computer or coding classes from an expert
1 year of subscription services from Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, or others
Professional services to build a “connected” home system
Security system installations
Video and audio recording and mixing lessons
Website development services

Gift Baskets

Wine, beer, or distillery sampler with mixing tools and classes
Gourmet sweets; chocolates, cupcakes, or sweet treats
Pet supplies
Baby supplies; highchair, bassinets, diapers, clothes, bath supplies
Car emergency kit and car wash kit
Beach party basket; picnic basket, sand toys, beach towels, umbrella, sunscreen
Camping gifts; tent, sleeping bags, S’mores, compass, gift certificates for hiking boots
Gourmet foods and spices; spices, marinades, rubs, cured meats, cheeses, etc.
Home spa supplies; candles, bath salts, slippers and a luxurious robe
Rainy day fun: Movies, games, goodies, and activities for a day indoors