Auctions are not just about bids and hammer falls; they’re about creating memorable experiences and supporting worthy causes. Whether you’re organizing a charity event, a fundraiser, or a gala, the success of your auction often hinges on the allure of the items up for grabs. To help you curate a collection that captivates your audience and drives bidding wars, here are 5 exceptional auction item ideas sure to spark interest and excitement:
1. Artwork
Artwork is popular and usually always an item at any type of auction. You don’t need a famous or established artist to donate some of their artwork for your online silent auction.
Instead, research a few artists in your surrounding area who are auction items ideas still trying to make a name for themselves to donate a few of their pieces. This is the perfect opportunity for local aspiring artists to get noticed while donating to a good cause.
2. Celebrity Meetups
Everyone has a celebrity they would love to meet. Whether a book author, local celebrity chef, news anchor, or even an award-winning actor, we all have that one famous person who gets us excited! You may even feel your heart skip a beat at the thought of meeting your childhood crush!
Hollywood stars may be difficult to reach for an auction, so if you don’t know anyone whose cousin is a famous celeb, consider local celebrities who are ready and able to auction their time to a fundraising event.
Besides celebrity meetups, you can also ask the celebrity to autograph a few photographs or memorabilia that can be auctioned off separately to capitalize on the opportunity.
3. Reserved Seating for a Special Event
Reserved seating is helpful for special occasions where a good seat is required. Suppose you’re raising money for a school, for example. In that case, front-row seats for graduation are always in demand since families want to be as close as possible for that momentous occasion and take advantage of the best photo opportunities.
For suggestions, take advantage of holiday festivities hosted by other organizations, such as:
- Annual parades
- Christmas Lighting of the Tree
- Fourth of July fireworks
- State or local fair beauty pageants
Consider where the event will occur and speak with surrounding businesses to secure these seats. Are there any available rooftops? Views of storefronts? Is someone’s front yard with enough space for seats or parking? Look around and see if anyone or any group is prepared to donate open space for your nonprofit.
4. Guided Day Tours
Everyone loves a guided tour led by an expert and where big crowds are avoided. Reach out to local experts who can provide insight and experience on a topic that is relevant to your area. You can then give an individual or group a personalized, guided day out.
Suggestions for guided day tours include:
- Hiking in Los Angeles
- Attending jazz clubs in New York City
- Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston
- Touring Chicago’s architecture
To make this prize more appealing, ask a few local restaurants if they would like to include a free lunch/dinner/drinks for the auction winner and guide.
Bidders can enjoy a free meal and refreshments, keeping them refreshed for their day or night out. Experts are also more likely to give their time if there is a free meal or drink!
5. Meal Kit Delivery Service
Sometimes, after a long day at the office, you don’t want to get home and still prep and make dinner for your family. This is where meal kit delivery services come to the rescue.
Meal kit delivery services are something not everyone would sign up for themselves. If you want to garner attention at your next auction, consider a year-long subscription to a meal kit delivery service as an auction item.
Meal kit companies offer a wide range of dishes; most come with printed recipes that give preparation and cooking instructions. This makes it ideal for silent online auctions as these companies accommodate both experienced and inexperienced home cooks.
The following meal kit providers are suggestions of who you can ask for a donation:
- Hello Fresh
- Home Chef
- EveryPlate
- Blue Apron
- Green Chef
- Home Chef Fresh and Easy
- Freshly