40 popular silent auction item ideas that sell well

Nonprofit supporters love to bid at silent auctions. In fact, auction donors gave an average gift of $529 last year.

The right silent auction prizes will help you raise more from enthusiastic attendees and offer something unforgettable in return. Think backstage passes, exclusive getaways, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

In this guide, we’ll dive into 40 creative silent auction ideas that can help you energize your attendees, maximize bids, and surpass your fundraising goals. 

Key takeaways

• Experiences win bids: Prizes like art nights or hot air balloon rides often generate more interest than physical items. 
• Focus locally: Tickets to local sports events, brewery nights, or gift baskets from local businesses boost audience engagement and strengthen community ties. 
• Keep your silent auction fresh and exciting: Include unique prizes—theater trips, wildlife encounters, personalized subscriptions—to make your event fun and memorable for attendees.
• Unique doesn’t have to mean expensive: Your auction prize lineup should balance exclusivity, donor interests, and accessibility to ensure everyone can participate. 

Best-selling items for silent auctions

These are the top silent auction items for a reason—they appeal to a wide range of bidders. We’ve seen that attendees are most excited to bid on the following silent auction ideas. 

1. Luxury vacation stay 🤩 

This could be anything from a weekend getaway in a luxury hotel to an adventure experience. Ask travel companies to donate vacation packages to your auction. 

💛 Why it's great: Platforms like Winspire and LuxGive make this item virtually risk-free. If no one bids on the trip, you're not on the hook for any costs. But if a bidding war ensues, you keep the winning amount (minus a modest reservation fee). Plus, you don’t have to spend extra time coordinating. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$$

2. The ultimate health and wellness package 🫧

Give your supporters the chance to enjoy a rejuvenating wellness weekend or level up their fitness with a health-focused package. 

💛 Why it's great: Relaxation and self-care are timeless. With countless options like spa treatments, wellness getaways, and curated health and wellness baskets, nonprofits can entice bidders of all ages.

💰 Estimated value range: $$-$$$

✅ What it includes: Everything from luxury spa days and boutique fitness memberships to nutritionist consultations and personal training sessions.

3. Luxury items 💰

From designer perfume to high-quality luggage sets, anything that feels like a splurge qualifies as a luxury item.

💛 Why it's great: Silent auctions are the perfect excuse for attendees to treat themselves. Supporters can feel better about splurging when it benefits a good cause.

💰 Estimated value range: $$$ 

4. Gift baskets 🧺

Silent auction gift baskets remain a fan favorite—they bundle together different goodies based on a theme. Think cozy night in, kitchen supplies, or cheese and wine. 

💛 Why it's great: Gift baskets are easy to customize for your supporters. You can offer themed gift baskets that appeal to different interests—this way, there’s something for everyone. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$ 

⭐ Extras: Partner with a local business to donate a gift basket. This creates a useful auction prize while also strengthening community ties—a win-win! 

More to explore

Discover 20+ bid-worthy silent auction basket ideas →

Inexpensive & free silent auction ideas

Inexpensive silent auction items offer two major benefits: they won’t break the bank, and they make your event accessible to everyone—including supporters on tighter budgets. 

5. Children’s artwork 🎨 ‍

Include paintings or other creations donated by local children in your silent auction. Bonus points for artwork tied to your mission or beneficiaries. 

💛 Why it’s great: Unlike most traditional auction items, it’s personal and touching—and guaranteed to pull at supporters' heartstrings. 

💰 Estimated value range: $-$$

👥 Who it’s for: Parents, grandparents, and community members who want to support future generations 

6. Name the winner 👈 

Offer naming rights for a construction project, program, park bench, or even an annual event. 

💛 Why it's great: Naming rights might be low-cost to provide, but they’re highly valuable to supporters who want lasting recognition. It also fosters community pride. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$‍

⭐ Extras: For something smaller, offer individual bricks in a new building project.

7. Helping hands 🤝‍

Invite community members to auction off a few hours of their time to lend a helping hand with house projects or other less-exciting chores.

💛 Why it's great: Winning bidders benefit, and volunteers feel good about donating their time and energy to your cause.

💰 Estimated value range: $

⭐ Extras: Enlist volunteers with expertise or certifications in more niche areas of labor.

8. Coaching and advice 🧙‍

Offer a session of coaching or advice with skilled professionals affiliated with your nonprofit, such as a novelist, CEO, or life coach. 

💛 Why it's great: Professionals are often eager to share their insights, and bidders will pay a premium—making this ideal for nonprofits with access to industry pros.

💰 Estimated value range: $$

⭐ Extras: Price in-person meetings higher than virtual sessions to make this more lucrative while still allowing out-of-town supporters a chance to participate. 

9. Quality time 🕰

Auction off one-on-one time with your organization’s executive leadership, like board members or founders. 

💛 Why it's great: Personal access to organizational leaders is a rare get. This is a cool silent auction item because it strengthens connections to your mission and community.

💰 Estimated value range: $

⭐ Extras: Consider a dinner hosted by your leadership team, behind-the-scenes tour, or other meaningful outing. 

Did you know?

Learn how to run a paddle raise that brings in major funds →

Kid-friendly silent auction items

Good silent auction items for kids aren’t just for nonprofits serving children—though they’re great for that, too. Whatever your mission, allow parents to treat their families with these kid-friendly ideas. 

10. Amusement park tickets 🎢

Offer a pair of tickets or a family pass to a local amusement or theme park. 

💛 Why it's great: Families will jump at the chance to spend a day together while supporting your cause. Plus, this item requires minimal effort on your end—just auction off the tickets and send supporters on a thrill-seeking adventure. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$ 

⭐ Extras: Make it extra enticing by offering line-skip passes—for a higher price, of course. 

11. Art night 🎨

Host a community art night where kids and parents can create together. Provide space, materials, tutorials, and refreshments.

💛 Why it's great: For creative nonprofits, art nights can be low-lift and build community. You’ll also end up with a wide range of supporter-created artwork to showcase. 

💰 Estimated value range: $

⭐ Extras: If you’re not confident about leading an art night yourself, host a Bob Ross paint-a-long—just supply the materials, and let participants paint their own happy little landscapes. 

12. Movie night 📽️

Choose a movie that the whole family will enjoy and sell tickets to your exclusive screening. 

💛 Why it's great: Movie nights are fun and easy for nonprofits to pull off. They’re also simple for supporters—attendees can sit back, relax, and enjoy while supporting your mission.

💰 Estimated value range: $$ 

⭐ Extras: Partner with a local brewery to host an outdoor, drive-in movie experience. Include a few drink tickets in the price of the bid. 

13. Museum passes 🦖

Offer tickets or season passes to a local science museum, space museum, or aquarium. 

💛 Why it's great: Museum passes offer a fun, educational, and family-friendly day out. Plus, they’re often flexible—supporters can redeem them on their schedule. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$

14. Petting zoo 🐅

Provide tickets to a local petting zoo, or host your own if your nonprofit already works with animals. 

💛 Why it's great: Petting zoos are sure to be a hit with young children and parents alike. For nonprofits that provide care to animals, this is a low-lift event that makes a big impact. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$ 

⭐ Extras: Ask ticket winners to send photos of their petting zoo experience and share them on social media (with permission) to promote future fundraising events. 

Digital silent auction ideas

If you have a large national or international supporter base, digital silent auction prizes are essential to your lineup. These items can be enjoyed by supporters anywhere in the world. 

15. One-of-a-kind subscriptions 🎁

Partner with an online or local business to offer a unique subscription—like monthly craft beer, books, cheese, pickles, or pet supply boxes.

💛 Why it's great: Bidders feel like they’re getting more bang for their buck because it can offer an entire year’s worth of fun. Online options also make it easy for all of your supporters to get involved. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

16. Gift cards to online stores 💻

Ask online retailers to donate gift cards to support your mission. Don’t shy away from popular online stores like Amazon or Wayfair. 

💛 Why it's great: Gift cards appeal to nearly everyone. Many can be redeemed at any time, making them especially convenient for supporters.

💰 Estimated value range: $$

17. Virtual meet & greet 🤝

If you have connections to someone influential or famous, ask if they’re willing to donate their time to meet virtually with your supporters. Or, reach out to public figures who have expressed interest in your mission. 

💛 Why it's great: Virtual meet and greets are easier to coordinate than in-person gatherings, but they’re still memorable experiences your supporters won’t forget. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

18. Online masterclass 🧑‍🏫

Help supporters sharpen their skills without ever needing to leave home—think writing, art, or cooking classes. 

💛 Why it's great: This standout silent auction prize is more than just a one-time experience. A masterclass helps supporters build new skills they’ll use long after the event. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

19. Streaming service subscription 📺

Monthly or yearly subscriptions to popular streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV, or Hulu are easy to activate and sure to get your supporters bidding. 

💛 Why it's great: With so many streaming options, supporters can finally watch that show their friends keep raving about—making this item a crowd-pleaser. 

💰 Estimated value range: $

20. Meal service delivery 🚚

Meal delivery companies like Factor, Uber Eats, and Blue Apron are increasing in popularity—17% of Americans have subscribed to a meal delivery service at some point. Offer gift cards to help your donors get in on this growing trend. 

💛 Why it's great: Meal delivery services are perfect for foodie supporters who live far away. With most subscriptions offering multiple boxes per week, this auction prize keeps on giving. 

💰 Estimated value range: $–$$

Romantic & social auction items

These prizes let supporters connect with friends and family while furthering a mission they believe in. Don’t skip including experiences like these—many nonprofits find they outperform physical prizes. 

21. One-of-a-kind date nights 💝‍

Help your supporters keep the spark alive with an unforgettable date night—whether dinner and a movie, ice skating, or a romantic evening at an art museum. 

💛 Why it’s great: These experiences appeal to couples looking to add a little spontaneity—expect plenty of bids from those wanting to impress their partner.

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

⭐ Extras: Add childcare to make this auction item a real winner.

22. A date for the evening 🫀

Auctioning off an evening with a charming bachelor or bachelorette can liven up your fundraiser—just be sure it fits your audience. 

💛 Why it’s great: This idea is a playful, buzzworthy way to mix things up and bring in large bids.

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

✅ What it includes: Plan all of the details of the night out and set a clear end time to reduce the potential for any awkwardness.

23. Craft beer night 🍻

Partner with a local brewery so supporters can gather a group of friends for a night of craft beer and lawn games. 

💛 Why it’s great: Group events allow donors to team up on bids, driving prices higher. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

⭐ Extras: Add on a beer tasting to give the event a memorable touch. 

24. Adventure experiences 🏞️

Whether it’s skydiving, deep-sea diving, or off-roading in a scenic location, adventure experiences are perfect for adrenaline-seeking donors. 

💛 Why it's great: Adventure prizes offer supporters an experience they’ve always dreamed of. With their permission, you’ll also get shareable content to promote future events. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$ 

25. Custom jewelry for couples💎

Partner with a local jeweler to create bespoke, custom pieces for your winning bidder. 

💛 Why it's great: This is the perfect excuse for your supporters to surprise their better halves with a meaningful keepsake.

💰 Estimated value range: $$$

⭐ Extras: Some jewelry makers offer classes for couples to design their own pieces together. Level up your silent auction prize by including this add-on. 

Unique & creative silent auction items

While more traditional silent auction items work well, these noteworthy items will keep your event fresh and exciting. 

26. Skill building 🧑‍🏫‍

In-person or virtual classes offer fun and useful experiences worthy of high bids. Feature anything from mixology classes and coding lessons to woodworking workshops led by pros in your community. 

💛 Why it's great: Learning experiences can be tailored to donor interests and often cost less than booking privately.

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

⭐ Extras: Offer special one-on-one sessions or themed merchandise for purchase, like cocktail glasses, boxing gloves, or watercolors.

27. VIP tickets to local events 🎟

You don’t need expensive tickets to offer a bid-worthy VIP experience—try school concerts, community theater productions, or college sports events.  

💛 Why it's great: Sports and community events are always popular with bidders. Tying your prize to a local cause makes the experience meaningful, convenient, and fun for your supporters. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$

✅ What it includes: Provide cushioned front-row seats, photos with the team, and extra refreshments. 

28. Trip to the theater 🎭

Give the winning bidder premium tickets to a Broadway show or local production—perfect for the theater lovers in your audience. 

💛 Why it's great: This specialty package will attract high bids from theater-going supporters. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$–$$$

⭐ Extras: Include a backstage tour, cast meet-and-greet, or signed merchandise.

29. Whiskey wagon 🥃

Create your own whiskey wagon filled with premium liquors, gift certificates, glassware, and (last but not least), whiskey. 

💛 Why it's great: Whiskey wagons are a classic fundraising favorite that can be tailored to your supporters’ tastes. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$

⭐ Extras: Source items from several local businesses to add variety and strengthen community ties. 

30. Wildlife encounters🦒

Partner with a local wildlife sanctuary to offer memorable, up-close animal encounters—feeding, handling, and photo opportunities included. 

💛 Why it's great: This unique experience is sure to ramp up bidding and appeal to families and individuals alike.

💰 Estimated value range: $$

⭐ Extras: Work with wildlife professionals to educate supporters on animal care and conservation. Ask them to record a short video to play during the auction to build anticipation. 

Did you know?

Get the step-by-step guide to planning your next silent auction →

Auction ideas for foodies

One of the most enticing silent auction categories: food! The suggestions below cater to every budget and taste.

31. Homemade meals 🍲 

Winners receive delicious, home-cooked meals or baked goods. Encourage donations of freezer-friendly meals, desserts, or themed dishes.

💛 Why it's great: Providing a meal is an easy, low-cost opportunity for volunteers to give their support while fostering community and care. 

💰 Estimated value range: $–$$

👥 Who it's for: Busy parents, caretakers, or anyone who craves a homemade meal without the time, energy, and cleanup. 

32. Food tour 🥩

Offer restaurant tastings, behind-the-scenes kitchen demonstrations, or cooking lessons.

💛 Why it's great:  Guided food tours promote local restaurants and entice bidders at the same time. You might even get restaurants to sponsor your auction in return.‍

👥 Who it's for: Foodies or newcomers eager to explore your community’s local cuisine.

33. Afternoon tea 🫖

Treat your bid winners to a decadent afternoon of tea, cake, and scones for two. 

💛 Why it's great: Afternoon tea feels indulgent, making it the perfect treat for birthdays or special occasions. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$ 

⭐ Extras: Elevate the experience by hosting it in a beautiful botanical garden or a historic library. 

35. Private chef experience 👩‍🍳

Bid winners enjoy a custom meal cooked by a professional chef in their own home. They can choose an intimate dinner for two or an unforgettable dinner party with friends. 

💛 Why it's great: Private chef experiences are the perfect high-value item to offer your foodie supporters. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$ 

More to explore

Download your free silent auction bid sheets template →

Big ticket items for silent auctions

Auction attendees expect to spend money, and some may have large budgets—include at least one or two high-ticket items to ensure your silent auction fundraiser has the biggest possible impact. 

36. Memorabilia 🏅

Reach out to local sports teams to see if they’ll donate jerseys, equipment, or other memorabilia. 

💛 Why it's great: Sports memorabilia items can fetch significant bids—and it doesn’t have to come from big-league teams. Local gear can also generate excitement, especially if you have two dedicated fans in a bidding war. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$$ 

37. Fine art 🖼️

Whether you’re offering a painting or a sculpture, choose a standout art piece to catch bidders’ attention. 

💛 Why it's great: Artists are often excited to gain exposure while supporting a good cause. Bid winners enjoy a lasting visual reminder of their generosity and impact. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$$ 

⭐ Extras: Choose pieces that relate to your mission for added meaning. 

38. Hot air balloon ride🎈

Auction off a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience for two.

💛 Why it's great: Hot air balloon rides are a little bit daring and appeal to a wider audience than niche adrenaline-filled activities, making this unique item a sure crowd-pleaser. 

💰 Estimated value range: $$$ 

39. Skydiving 🪂

Not for the faint-hearted, a prepaid skydiving experience is perfect for your most thrill-seeking supporters. 

💛 Why it's great: Skydiving is a classic bucket list item. You may find that several supporters have been waiting for the perfect excuse to take the leap—your event offers just that!

💰 Estimated value range: $$$ 

40. Season tickets 🎟️

Take your ticket auction item one step further by offering a season ticket package for a favorite local team. 

💛 Why it's great: Season tickets deliver lasting value, giving sports fans months of entertainment.

💰 Estimated value range: $$$ 

More to explore

Craft a winning silent auction donation request with this free template →

Sell more silent auction items with Givebutter

Great silent auction items can be the difference between reaching your fundraising goal and surpassing it. 

With Givebutter, nonprofits get everything they need to host unforgettable, bid-winning silent auctions—including mobile bidding, real-time auction updates, and fully customizable auction items. No matter the prizes you choose, Givebutter helps you create a seamless, successful auction event for you and your supporters.

Ready to go above and beyond your fundraising goals? Sign up for your free Givebutter account today. 

FAQs about silent auction ideas

How to price silent auction items? 

Generally, you should price your items about 10% higher than the item's fair market value (FMV). For example, if your item's FMV is $100, your starting bid should be $110. 

How many silent auction items should I have? 

Plan for one prize for every 3–4 attendees. The goal is to balance having enough items to be inclusive and exciting for everyone, while fostering a little friendly competition to drive up bids. 

Remember: quality beats quantity. A carefully curated selection of high-interest items often performs better than a long list of maybes.

Are silent auction items tax-deductible? 

Yes, silent auction items can be tax-deductible if they are priced above FMV. Donors can typically write off the portion of their final bid that exceeds FMV. So, if the item's FMV is $100 and they won it for $150, $50 would be written off as a charitable contribution. 

Tax deductions can vary, so encourage donors to check with a tax advisor.