20 silent auction basket ideas proven to raise more money

Good news for nonprofits: 24% of donors give through online auctions. Want to increase that number? Offer items that will really wow your supporters and keep them bidding.

Whether you hand-deliver physical baskets to winners or offer virtual baskets in an online auction, this list of auction gift basket ideas will be sure to do the trick—no matter what kind of silent auction you're hosting. 

What makes a great silent auction basket? 

A great silent auction basket is more than just a collection of items—it’s a well-curated experience that excites bidders and maximizes fundraising potential. 

Great ideas for gift baskets for silent auctions often:

• Look compelling ✨ First impressions matter! Arrange items neatly, use a stylish container, and wrap it in clear cellophane with a bold, eye-catching bow. A polished look can increase perceived value and bidding interest.
• Balance value perception vs. actual cost 💸 People bid based on perceived value, not just the actual cost. Combining donated items or bundling smaller gifts into one package can create a high-value feel without a hefty price tag.
• Follow a theme 🎊 Themed basket ideas for silent auctions—like Wine Lover’s Delight, Ultimate Spa Day, or Family Game Night—create desirability and make bidding more enticing.
• Have seasonal appeal 🌸 The auction item popularity varies by time of year. For example, golf outings are likely to receive more bids during the first quarter. 

Top 20 gift basket ideas for silent auction

1. Homemade gifts 🧺

Call on your craftiest volunteers to create auction gift baskets with a personal touch. These gift baskets can be full of goodies like:

• Hand-knit socks and mittens
• Homemade candles 
• Freshly baked sweet treats

⭐ Extra credit: Invite local businesses to assemble gift baskets showcasing their own handmade offerings. List them as auction sponsors for free advertising in return for their generosity.

2. Bookworm basket 📕

Have a few book lovers in your audience? A book-themed basket might be the perfect fit for your silent auction. Curate a little library based on different genres:

• Rom-coms 
• Memoirs
• Science fiction 
• Picture books

⭐ Extra credit: Create a basket of books relevant to your cause—perfect for a curious donor who wants to better understand your mission.

3. Family-friendly fun 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 

Plenty of families could use help unplugging for an evening—and this basket might just do the trick (and it’s also a great silent auction basket idea for a school). Fill it with engaging activities like:

• Board games
• Candy and popcorn
• Trivia questions
• Craft kits

⭐ Extra credit: Tailor this silent auction basket idea to specific age groups for more targeted bidding.

4. Taco Tuesday 🌮

This one’s pretty self-explanatory—who doesn’t love tacos? Create a delicious basket with all the ingredients needed for a perfect taco night:

• Taco shells
• Toppings
• Margarita mix
• Salsa and chips

⭐ Extra credit: Is there a cuisine that’s more meaningful to your community? Build a basket around that foodie theme instead!

5. Red wine and dark chocolate 🍷

Here’s another silent auction basket idea for adults that you just can’t go wrong with. Combine sweet and savory treats in one indulgent basket:

• Uncommon wines (full bottles or tasters)
• Local or artisanal chocolate
• Other special snacks (cheese, nuts, etc.)

‍⭐ Extra credit: Market this silent auction basket idea as the perfect anniversary gift or self-care treat.

More to explore

Browse 15 auction packages that are sure to get bidders buzzing →

6. Adults only 👀

This unique silent auction basket idea is best suited for certain events, but a sex-positive basket will undoubtedly create some buzz and draw in more than a few bids. Curate a fun, sexy silent auction gift basket for date night with:

• Adult products
• Bath bombs
• A gift card to a local lingerie boutique
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
  

⭐ Extra credit: There’s an entire universe of erotic literature out there… need we say more? 

7. New parents’ survival kit 🐣‍

And now for a slightly different kind of grownup silent auction gift basket idea! Help families of little ones by providing much-needed items for both babies and their exhausted parents. From cute gifts to must-haves, this basket could include:

• A high-quality sound machine
• Easy-to-grab snacks 
• Healthy frozen meals
• Cute outfits

⭐ Extra credit: Gift cards to local restaurants are a great addition so parents don’t have to think about the logistics of feeding themselves. 

8. Hobby starter kit 🪗

This one’s all about knowing your audience’s interests. The possibilities for this silent auction basket idea are endless, but some of the best examples include:

• Gardening
• Rock climbing
• Embroidery
• Fly fishing
• Baking
• Painting

⭐ Extra credit: Include a gift card or subscription to a local supply store or classes to sharpen their new skills.

9. Travel package 🌎

People love the chance to escape everyday life and make new memories. With this basket, winners are whisked away to a beautiful destination while contributing to your cause. A “basket” of travel packages can take a variety of forms:

• Sightseeing cruise
• Fun day trip
• Relaxing weekend package
• Multi-day hiking trip
• Vacation gear like beach towels, sandals, sunscreen, and more

⭐ Extra credit: Instead of spending hours tracking down and coordinating with someone willing to “donate” their second home for a weekend, you can take advantage of new platforms like Winspire that enable you to add high-value vacation stays to your auction with modest reserve pricing and no commitment.

10. Staycation gift basket ⛱

Even if a beach house in Tulum isn’t in the cards, you can still offer a relaxing vacation in a very biddable basket! Items in a staycation basket can include:

• A pair of cozy bathrobes
• Passes to a local attraction 
• A light beach read 
• Slippers

⭐ Extra credit: Create a theme for these baskets (e.g., Maui Magic or Spring Break) even if they’re enjoyed from home. 

11. Movie night 🎞 

With so many streaming services, DVDs won’t be as enticing for modern bidders. You can still create a perfect movie night or TV show binge-fest basket with a few simple items:

• Gourmet popcorn
• A gift card to rent a new release
• A cozy blanket
• Other cinema-specific sweet treats (lookin’ at you, Raisinets!)

⭐ Extra credit: Offer a not-as-common membership to a streaming service like the Criterion Channel or BritBox. 

12. Spa day in a basket 🧖

Everyone loves a little R&R. 

Health and wellness treatments are more popular than ever, so this silent auction basket idea will be, too. Offer a pampering gift basket that features:

• A selection of face masks
• Mani-pedi supplies
• Body scrubs
• Hair treatments
• Soothing candles 

⭐ Extra credit: Add a gift certificate to a local spa, allowing bidders to choose from a variety of treatments. This way, they can enjoy some pampering outside of their home, too! 

13. Seasonal favorites 🎃

Consider including baskets related to upcoming seasons or holidays important to your supporters. Some good silent auction basket ideas and themes to consider are:

• Back to School
• Summer Fun
• Be My Valentine
• Spooky Snacks

⭐ Extra credit: Offer tickets to festive events in your local community (e.g., spooky walks, water parks).

14. Fanboys and girls 🖖

Know your audience! If you have collectors in your community, this auction category can be super successful. 

Collectible items might include memorabilia from:

• Star Wars 
• Batman 
• Star Trek
• Lord of the Rings

⭐ Extra credit: Include baskets themed around more offbeat cultural sensations like Schitt’s Creek or cult-favorite Adventure Time.  

15. Lottery basket 🔮

Have a few supporters willing to test their luck? This might be the perfect option. A winning lottery basket might include:

• Scratch-offs
• Powerball tickets
• Casino gift cards

⭐ Extra credit: Think you’ll have some lucky winners? Include a very nice note requesting the winner donate a portion of their jackpot to your organization. 😜

16. Adventure seeker 🧗

Spark the adventurous spirit in any bidder with a basket designed to get them outdoors:

• Hiking backpack
• Camping gear
• Portable water filter
• Trail maps and guidebooks
• Outdoor activity vouchers (e.g., zip-lining, rock climbing)

⭐ Extra credit: Add camping-related food items and cookware so winners can make a whole trip out of their basket!

17. Coffee lovers ☕

Entice caffeine addicts with this auction basket that’s sure to get everyone buzzing:

• Specialty coffee beans
• French press or coffee maker
• Personalized coffee mug
• Gourmet biscotti
• Coffee-themed decor

⭐ Extra credit: Include a gift card to a local coffee shop or a latte art-making class!

18. Fitness junkies 🏃

Target your most active bidders with a basket full of fitness essentials like:

• Yoga mat
• Dumbbells or resistance bands
• Fitness tracker
• Healthy snacks
• Gym membership or class pass

⭐ Extra credit: Throw in a few sessions with a personal trainer to get some extra bids.

More to explore

Check out these 15 unique silent auction ideas →

19.  Baker’s delight 🎂

Have a few bidders who are looking to make some tasty treats? Include a basket that has everything they need to become an expert baker, like:

• Baking mix kits
• High-quality baking utensils
• Decorative sprinkles and toppings
• Recipe book
• Personalized apron

⭐ Extra credit: Make this basket tailored to the holidays for more seasonal appeal.

20. Furry friends 🐕

Pet owners are always willing to pay top dollar to give their pets some extra love and care. Offer an auction basket that includes:  

• Premium pet food and treats
• Chew toys and interactive games
• Pet grooming supplies
• Cozy pet bed
• Pet store gift cards

⭐ Extra credit: Ask a local dog spa to donate gift cards for treatments, too!

More silent auction basket theme ideas  

Still looking for a few more silent auction basket ideas for your next event? Don’t worry—we have some popular ideas to get your gears turning: 

• Picnic basket 🧺
• Jewelry basket 💎
• Spicy basket 🌶
• Snow day basket ❄️
• Beach day basket 🏖
• Carnival basket 🎪
• Candy-making basket 🍭 
• Mystery basket 🕵

Whatever your next silent auction basket idea is, choose one that is relevant to your supporter base, fits your budget, and excites bidders. 

Set your silent auction gift baskets up for success

Great silent auctions aren’t just about offering stellar items (though that is pretty important). 

To make your next silent action a success, your nonprofit needs the right tools. With Givebutter’s free auction software for nonprofits, you can easily manage bidders, track bids, let supporters bid from their phones, export winners, oversee item fulfillment, and more—all in one place, for free.

Ready to put your best silent auction basket ideas to work? Sign up for your free Givebutter account to create your most successful silent auction yet.

Ideas for a silent auction basket FAQs

What do you put in a silent auction gift basket?

In a silent auction gift basket, you should include items that align with the basket's theme and appeal to your target audience. 

For example, if you’re targeting parents, consider auction baskets related to family fun, children’s arts and crafts, and other kid-friendly activities.

What are the best items for a silent auction?

The best items for silent auctions are experiences, luxury stays, unique goods, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. What will sell best, however, depends on your audience and their interests.

How do you ask for silent auction donations? 

Start by identifying potential donors who align with your cause, such as local businesses, major brands, and community supporters. 

When reaching out, be clear about your nonprofit’s mission, how the auction proceeds will be used, and the benefits of donating, such as brand visibility and goodwill. A mix of in-person visits, emails, and phone calls can help maximize success.

Where do you get donations for a silent auction? 

Wondering where your nonprofit can get donations for your silent auction? Great donation sources include:

• Local businesses (restaurants, spas, boutiques, fitness studios)
• Corporate sponsorship programs (many brands have charitable giving initiatives)
• Event venues, hotels, and travel companies (offering stays or experiences)
• Community members and board members (who may have donor connections)
• Professional services (photographers, personal trainers, consultants offering their expertise)

How do you ask a business to donate to a silent auction?

When approaching a business to donate to your fundraising event, be professional yet personal. Explain your nonprofit’s mission, how their donation will contribute to a good cause, and how they’ll benefit (e.g., marketing exposure, community goodwill). 

Be specific about what you’re asking for, whether it’s a gift card, service, or product donation, and offer different levels of participation.

How do you ask for donations for an auction? 

When asking for donations for an auction, personalization is key. 

For individuals, emphasize how their contribution directly supports your cause. For businesses, highlight brand visibility, tax-deductible benefits, and community engagement. 

No matter who you’re approaching, keep the request clear, friendly, and concise, and always follow up with a thank you, regardless of the outcome.

What companies donate to auctions?

Many large companies have charitable donation programs. Some common ones include:

• Retail and lifestyle: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Costco
• Entertainment and travel: Disney, Southwest Airlines, Hilton Hotels
• Food and beverage: Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Whole Foods
• Sports and fitness: Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Peloton

Companies usually list their donation request process on their websites.

What should you include in a silent auction request letter?

Your request letter should be clear, compelling, and professional. Include:

• Your nonprofit’s mission and impact
• The purpose of the silent auction and how proceeds will be used
• A specific donation request (gift card, product, service)
• The benefits of donating, such as community exposure or tax benefits
• A call to action with clear next steps (how and when to donate)
• Your contact information and any tax-exempt details

Always express gratitude and follow up with a thank you note after receiving a donation!