Top 21+ Fundraiser Basket Ideas for Any Charity Auction

Fundraiser Gift Basket Ideas for Foodies

The Baker’s Basket

Give your bidders everything they might need to make some Instagram-worthy baked goods. Throw in a popular cookbook, baking mixes, and some cute cookie cutters. 

The baker’s basket is not only a family favorite but can also be the start of a fun date night. 

The Chocolate Lover’s Basket

Chocolate is a favorite of those with a sweet tooth. So, why not put together an assortment of gourmet chocolates or chocolate muffins and cookies? Get creative and throw in some locally-sourced chocolate products.

Or, even better, you can surprise the audience with some unusual chocolate flavors. For example, you can try chili chocolate. You can thank us later…

The Gourmet Basket

Why not offer the guest with the highest bid the chance to become a gourmet chef for one night?

Here are some auction items ideas for those food “connoisseurs”:

• A voucher for a local cooking class
• An evening with a personal chef
• Gift certificates for local restaurants

The Vegan Basket

Since veganism is rising, a vegan gift basket at your charity auction must be included. So toss a vegan cookbook into a basket with some vegan treats and maybe a gift card to a local plant-based restaurant.

The BBQ Basket

Another crowd favorite. Various barbecue sauces and marinades, cooking utensils, and some specialty seasoning will grab the attention of any grill enthusiast.

Fundraiser Basket Ideas for The Family

The Bundle of Joy Basket

This is always a fun one to throw together.

From swaddling blankets and toys to parenting how-to books, you can mix multiple items to create “the bundle of joy” gift baskets. You can make this even more adorable by throwing it all into a baby bathtub.

The Movie Nights Basket

From movie passes to movie theater gift cards, you can ask your local cinema for donations to create the perfect raffle basket for movie lovers.

Don’t you have a theater nearby? No problem. Bidders can create the perfect movie night at home with gourmet snacks and Netflix or Amazon gift cards.

The Rainy Day Basket

Rainy days don’t always have to get you down. A single basket can bring the whole family together for a game night.

Here are some items you can add to a raffle basket:

• Puzzles
• Board games
• Card games
• Microwave popcorn or baking mixes
• Family-friendly books from a local bookstore

Fundraiser Basket Ideas for Sports Lovers

The Gym Rat Basket

Some of your bidders might be on a quest for a healthier lifestyle.

Help them get into the gym by putting together a basket with gym essentials such as running shoes or resistance bands. You can also offer a trial gym membership. Many gyms will often throw in a voucher for a personal training session with new memberships.

The Bicyclist Basket

This one does not have to be specific to cyclists; you can always pick another popular sport in your area and build your basket around it.

Cyclists, for example, might enjoy gift cards to bike shops, cycling helmets, new water bottles, and tire pumps.

Have you thought about organizing a more “active” charity event? If you think this would suit your audience, check out our tips for managing a successful walk/run event.

The Basket “Fore!” Golfers

Do you have any golfing enthusiasts attending your charity fundraiser?

Then, here are some items you could include in the gift basket:

• Golf balls
• Golf tees
• Golfing magazines
• Gift certificate to a local sporting goods store
• A free session with a golf pro
• 9 holes of golf for two
• 2 passes to the driving range

The “Ultimate Fan” Basket

Create a fun basket by including team jerseys, binoculars, and event stadium seats.

Fundraiser Basket Ideas for Tech Lovers

The Gamer Basket

You could start by selecting a video game to build your theme (like Minecraft or Fortnite) around and then fill a raffle basket with the most popular gaming gear.

However, you could also throw in an Amazon gift card so that bidders can purchase their gaming items.

The Traveling Tech Basket

Having the right tech accessories when traveling has become a must. From mobile power banks to outlet converters and USB cords, these are just a few items that will make your bidders’ journey easier.

Fundraiser Basket Ideas for Travelers

The Camping Connoisseur Basket

To make camping more comfortable, include an ultralight sleeping bag, a glamper tent, and even a portable grill.

Here are some other physical items you can add to this basket:

• Flashlight
• Compass
• Local hiking guide
• Lantern
• Outdoor cooking pot and utensils
• A gift certificate to a local sporting goods store.

The Adrenaline Junkie Basket

To create the perfect summer basket, include travel vouchers for skydiving, white water rafting, amusement parks, or any other adventure-filled local activity.

The Day-at-the-Beach Basket

Who doesn’t love a good beach day? With these items, you can help bidders have a chill weekend getaway by the beach:

• Beach towels
• Frisbee
• Water bottle
• Beach toys
• Pool floats
• Speaker
• Boogie board

Want to upgrade this basket to make it even more appealing? Then, add the items to a beach bag. 

The Survival Kit Basket

Are any of your bidders eager to walk on the wild side?

Then, they might appreciate items such as:

• A first-aid kit
• A water purifier
• Walkie-talkies
• Flashlights
• Freeze-dried food
• A lightweight blanket
• Pocket knife

Take this fundraiser gift “basket” to the next level by adding the items in a hiking backpack instead of a basket. 

Fundraising Gift Ideas for Self-Care Gurus

The Spa Day Basket

Bath bombs, face masks, bath salts… This fundraiser basket sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? 

Give bidders more to think about by tossing in a bathrobe, luxurious towels, essential oils, and even a bottle of wine. 

You could even add a gift card to the local salon for a massage. 

The Hair Care Basket

Save bidders a trip to the salon by including top-rated hair dryers and curling irons. Don’t forget the professional shampoo and conditioner. 

The Makeover Basket

Since makeup is a pretty personal thing, you should steer away from including specific products. Instead, you could consider makeup brushes, mirrors, a gift card to a local cosmetics store, or a one-on-one session with a highly-rated makeup artist. 

However, you could add some skin care products to the makeover basket because who doesn’t love a good cleanser or a refreshing face mask? 

Tips for Presenting Your Baskets

Choose the Right Base

Use a sturdy base like a wicker basket, wooden crate, or decorative box. The foundation of your basket not only supports the items but also adds to the overall aesthetic. Consider using reusable bases that the winner can enjoy long after the event.

Perfect the Wrapping

Wrap the basket in clear cellophane and secure it with a ribbon for a polished look. This not only protects the contents but also allows potential bidders to easily see what’s inside. Choose a ribbon that complements the theme and adds a touch of elegance.

Detail the Contents

Attach a tag or card detailing the contents and value of the basket. This transparency helps potential bidders understand the value and appeal of the basket. Consider including a brief description of any special items or experiences included.

Add a Personal Touch

Consider adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten thank-you note or a small token related to the theme. This gesture can make the basket feel more personalized and special to the winner. A little creativity in personalization can go a long way in making your basket memorable.

14 More Fundraiser Basket Ideas

Now, you need creative fundraiser basket ideas for several types of gift baskets. And we have more ideas for you. As you scroll through the fundraiser basket ideas, remember the gift basket’s price, meaning once you’ve selected a basket, consider the cost of the items in the basket, too. You want to be sure the price doesn’t prevent bidding.

If your basket turns out to be pricey, just be sure it’s worth the cost, as bidders will pay for unique and quality gift baskets.

• A basket of wine and cheese. This classic gift basket will always be a hit. Fill a basket with wines, cheeses, crackers, and fruit. You can also add other accompaniments, such as a cheese knife or a wine opener.
• A basket of coffee and tea. A welcome gift for coffee lovers. Fill a basket with eclectic coffees and teas, along with coffee mugs or teacups. In addition, you can add other accessories, such as a coffee grinder or a tea infuser.
• A basket of plants, seeds, or dried flowers. Or all three!  It’s a gift for anyone who loves to garden or decorate their home with plants. First, fill a basket with various plants, such as succulents, cacti, or a grow-herbs-at-home kit. Then, add gardening tools, such as a trowel or a watering can, a knee cushion, suitable gloves, a wide-brimmed hat, and a small Bluetooth speaker to listen to their favorite tunes while gardening.
• A basket of books. Book lovers or voracious readers will appreciate a basket with beautifully bound classics or biographies. Fill a basket with best sellers, a Kindle or Audible gift card, or books of a certain genre. Add a few accessories like reading lights, bookmarks, and any fun reading-related gadget that’s available. Give them a pack of bookplates or a book stamp to round it out.
• A basket of games. This is a smash hit because everyone loves to play games, right? Well, most everyone. What a fun gift for anyone who loves to play games! Fill your basket with various games, such as board games, card games, or video games.  Bet you don’t know the top ten classic board games of all time, do you? To help you out with game selection, according to HobbyLark.com, the top ten classic board games are Chess, Stratego, Monopoly, Risk, The Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, Battleship, Clue, Dominion, and Ticket to Ride.
• A basket of experiences. What fun this is! Anyone who loves to try new things will enjoy this gift basket. Give them various experiences, such as gift certificates to restaurants, spas, or specialty stores.  Consider tickets to professional sports games, concerts, plays, or amusement parks. Try a museum.
• A basket for kids: Fill a creative vessel, such as a backpack or waste basket that has cartoon characters on them, with items that kids will love, such as toys, games, balls, bubbles, and books.

More ideas targeted to a person’s preferences:

• For the DIYer: A gift basket filled with craft supplies, such as paint, brushes, and glitter.
• For the gardener: A gift basket filled with gardening supplies, such as seeds, plants, and tools.
• For the NY Yankee fan: Pack that basket full of branded items such as hats, t-shirts, watches, beach towels, flip-flops, socks, and two tickets to a Yankees game. (The highest bidder will have to buy the plane tickets!!)
• For the writer: Fill a basket with journals, pens, and stickers, and don’t forget the chocolate.
• Gift baskets for couples: These are filled with items that couples can enjoy together, such as gift certificates to restaurants, couples massages, or weekend getaways. Here are a few more ideas.
• For the traveler: A gift basket filled with travel essentials, such as a passport holder, a travel journal, and a neck pillow.
• For the pet lover: A gift basket filled with pet food, treats, and toys. Funny outfits are always a hit. Every dog loves a new collar, and cats want cat nip so they don’t have to call their dealer.

Do Fundraiser Gift Baskets Have to Be Baskets?

When we say “basket,” we think of wicker or a woven basket, right? Wicker is delightful and has great utility but there are choices for other vessels or containers that make eye-catching gift baskets. Strolling around a TJ Max or Target store will provide plenty of fundraiser basket ideas. Swap the wicker for other useful containers such as a trash cans, storage cubes, decorative trays or pots, or even cooking pots, depending on your theme. Thrift stores can also be a great source of inspiration.

Consider these tips when searching for something new to replace the often-used wicker traditional baskets.

• Make sure the replacement is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the items in the gift basket.
• Choose a replacement that is the right size for the gift basket.
• Consider the style of the gift basket when choosing a replacement.
• Decorate the replacement if applicable.

16 Fundraiser Baskets Beyond Wicker

A box. A box is a classic and versatile option. They come in all sizes and shapes, plus you can decorate them! If you’re crafty, you can paint or embellish the outside of the box. Or you can put a box inside a box, inside a box! For example, we saw one crafty person create a “car” from a cardboard box—she painted it and added subtle features, then made it into an auto safety-themed gift basket.

A crate. A crate is a rustic and stylish option. It’s perfect for gift baskets that contain heavy or bulky items. Some come with dividers to stabilize the items.

A cooler. A cooler is a practical and stylish option. Great for the outdoors person’s gift! It’s perfect for gift baskets that contain food or drinks. Or it can be a mobile bar if you get one on wheels—fill it with wine and beer.

A hamper. A hamper is a stylish and practical option. It’s perfect for gift baskets that contain bath and body products or home goods. Hampers with pop-up lids are ideal.

A tote bag or a backpack. A tote bag is a stylish and practical option. It’s perfect for gift baskets that contain clothes or accessories. Backpacks are ideal for children’s gifts, back-to-school treats, and hikers’ treasures. If you are creating backpacks filled with school supplies, get them wholesale here.

A five-quart pot. Great for kitchen baskets, filled with chef gadgets, perfect for any culinary Mary or Larry.

A large jar. Go to any department or discount store to find a host of glass jars in different sizes, shapes, and price tags. Most have secure lids to keep the treasures safe, plus you can line a big jar with a piece of beautiful fabric, letting it show around the rim once the lid is closed—it makes a stunning impression on bidders.

A hat box. Good luck finding them these days, but they can be a lot of fun if you can find them. They’re perfect for the crafty who can add designs and embellishments to mesmerize any bidder!

A handmade ceramic bowl. Or any large bowl, really, and it depends on what you’re putting in the bowl. If it’s kitchen related, you can use a large mixing bowl. A handmade ceramic bowl would be the focus of the gift, adding lower-priced items inside the bowl. Many artists in most communities would love to show you their ceramics—who knows? You might even get a new idea based on the vessels you see.

A cookie jar. This is a fun one and goes far with kids. You can put toys, gifts, or whatever, inside. You might add a few cookies, too.

A Radio Flyer wagon. Kids of all ages will love this “gift basket!” Use your imagination and make a beautiful presentation. You can strap in a doll or two on their wild ride if it’s for kids. Or save money by getting a cheaper knock-off wagon and putting Radio Flyer decals on it—you can get them on Etsy!

A metal colander. Oh, this is fun and a favorite for the culinary-minded. You need a good, sturdy colander with a look of strength. If you’re wondering how a colander can have beauty, go to a cookware store. You’ll find them in many colors, sometimes metal, with color on the trim. It makes a great basket for any chef.

Large popcorn buckets. If your basket is whimsical or nostalgic, a large popcorn bucket may do the trick. Great for a goody box.

Woven rope basket. Rope baskets come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Suitable for any gift presentation, from a baby shower basket to a new puppy basket, you can also get them with or without handles. And you can reuse them in your home if desired!

Brown paper bags with windows and handles. They’re available in different colors, too. They make an attractive presentation even though they are probably the most inexpensive container you could use as fundraiser gift ideas. Available at Amazon.

Wire basket with handles. Quaint like the farmers market baskets. They’re a big hit because of the “old-timey market” look, and they can be reused. You can also get wire golf ball baskets for golfers!

Why not make this fun? Grab your people and go on a treasure hunt to find a wicker basket replacement to use as a container for a gift basket that is both stylish and practical.

Do Men Enjoy Receiving Gift Baskets?

There’s proof! A recent survey revealed that 80% of men said they would be happy to receive a gift basket as a gift.

Gift baskets can be a great way to show a man you care about him and his interests. When choosing a gift basket for a man, it is essential to consider his hobbies and interests. For example, if he enjoys cooking, you could include a gift basket filled with gourmet ingredients or kitchen gadgets. If he is a sports fan, you could include a gift basket filled with sports-themed items, such as jerseys, hats, or tickets to a game. And if he enjoys relaxing, you could include a gift basket filled with bath and body products, candles, or a gift certificate for a massage.

A gift basket is an excellent option if you want a gift showing a man that you care. With some thought, you can find a gift basket that is sure to please without breaking the bank.

A Brief History of Ridiculously High-Value Gift Baskets

Here’s some fun. Guaranteed, you will not see gift baskets like these in your online auction, but it’s fun to learn what celebrities and world leaders receive in the way of gift baskets.

Princess Diana: One of the most expensive gift baskets in the world went to Princess Diana in 1997. The basket had costly gifts, including a diamond necklace, earrings, and a bracelet. The estimated value of the gifts was to be $1 million. The basket was given to Princess Diana by a wealthy businessman trying to impress her.

Oprah Winfrey: This one is unreal. According to the Guinness World Records, the most expensive gift basket was over $2 million, given to Oprah Winfrey in 2011 for her 50th birthday by her longtime friend, Stedman Graham. Filled with a variety of luxury items, including a $1 million diamond necklace, a $500,000 pair of shoes, and a $250,000 car, the basket had other items, such as a private jet, a yacht, and a home in the Bahamas. Nice gift basket!

Former President Bill Clinton: Another expensive gift basket was given to the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, by the Sultan of Brunei. The basket was worth $1.5 million and contained various luxury items, including a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch, a gold-plated pen, and a set of crystal glasses.

Other expensive gift baskets given in the 1950s and 60s:

• A gift basket from Harry Winston to Elizabeth Taylor in 1964, which contained $2 million worth of jewelry.
• A gift basket from Tiffany & Co. to Audrey Hepburn in 1954, which contained $1 million worth of jewelry.
• A gift basket from Cartier to Jackie Kennedy in 1961, which contained $1 million worth of jewelry.