25+ Stunning Live Auction Package Ideas to Entice Bidders

The right live auction packages can transform your gala from simply fun to truly exhilarating. Your most loyal supporters deserve the best, right? After all, your nonprofit’s annual gala is the event of the season. Your community looks forward to the festivities all year long — the dinner, the music, the ceremonies — but most of all, the live auction!

Live auctions are among the most popular and reliable fundraising events for nonprofit organizations. They’re a perfect way to raise financial support while hosting an unforgettable night that will keep your donors engaged with your mission for years to come!

We’ve selected our top live auction packages and ideas for your next fundraiser. These items are some of the most favored and reliable choices for nonprofits hosting live charity auctions. And they span a range of budgets, making them adaptable for organizations of all sizes.

We’ve sorted these live auction item packages into the following categories:

But before we dive into these ideas, let’s take a look at a few tips for choosing the right packages.

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How to Select High-Performing Live Auction Packages

Remember that high-performing auction items tend to have a few characteristics in common:

  • They fit into guests’ interests. As obvious as it may seem, for people to bid on your items, they genuinely must want them. Items that fit into your supporters’ interests will naturally appeal to your guests.
  • They fall within a reasonable price range. No matter how great an item is, supporters simply won’t bid if they can’t afford to. To see fundraising success, your attendees must have the financial capacity to bid on the items you’re featuring.
  • They are rare or unique. It’s the basic law of supply and demand. The rarer an item is, the more valuable it is. When you offer items or experiences that your guests can’t find anywhere else, they’re sure to bid in fear of missing out!

When planning any type of charity auction, it’s important to draw from a wide range of auction item ideas! Use this list as a launching pad as you continue to plan and procure all the items and packages you’ll need. By considering your supporters, their needs, and their abilities, you can find the perfect items to get them excited and engaged.

Our Favorite Live Auction Packages

Consider your major donors and event attendees. What are their interests and hobbies? Think about what will truly excite them and inspire bids. Let’s dive into our favorite, proven ideas that will drive action at your next live auction.

Our favorite live auction packages, also listed below

Tropical Getaway

A luxury vacation to a tropical paradise is the perfect live auction showstopper that’ll have guests eagerly raising their paddles! Here are a few of our favorite locations for an all-inclusive escape guaranteed to bring in all the bids:

  • Cancun
  • Caribbean
  • South Pacific

To make this vacation package even more enticing, add an exciting excursion to increase its value. Partner with booking and concierge services like Winspire to make it easier to plan, and secure donated activities, like scuba diving or parasailing, to turn this tropical getaway into an irresistible item.

What better way to excite your gala attendees than by offering them the chance to live out their dreams? Give your donors the adventure of a lifetime with an unforgettable VIP experience package.

Unique experiences are a fantastic way to boost both revenue and guest engagement. Consider offering the following with VIP access:

  • Tour of local museums
  • Broadway show or concert
  • Early access to art collections
  • Sideline passes for a sporting event

Lean into what your audience enjoys most to capture more attention and drive donations.

Electronics Packages

Who doesn’t want to upgrade to the latest and greatest tech? Give your donors the chance to win a new device at your next live auction!

There is always something new and exciting in the market, and while you can reach out to local vendors to score amazing tech items, a few of our favorite ideas include:

  • The latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops
  • Smart TV’s, surround sound systems, or projectors
  • Newest gaming consoles

Next, get creative with your auction packages! Bundle a brand-new TV with movie night essentials or a wine and cheese basket. These thoughtful packages add extra value and boost donor excitement.

Event Tickets

Spark a friendly bidding competition by offering an incredible and highly sought-after experience. While travel packages and backstage passes are fantastic options, event tickets are often the easiest way to rally excitement among your guests.

Consider any live ticketed event your audience would love, such as:

  • Sporting events
  • Music festivals
  • Concerts
  • Food & drink festivals

Scout for high-interest live events early to secure tickets ahead of your auction. Whether local or national, tickets for in-demand events are proven to be a live auction favorite. Remember, the event tickets should align with your supporters’ interests!

Corporate Sponsor Packages

Highlight your event sponsors through a live auction package! Corporate sponsor packages are a powerful addition to your event that can be easily elevated to stand out.

Ideas of items that grab bidders’ attention include:

  • Company branded merchandise
  • Free or discounted services for that company
  • Dinner with company leadership
  • Private tour of the company’s facility

With an existing relationship with your corporate sponsor, you can create a package that benefits your organization and sponsor and excites your guests.

Live Auction Ideas for Travel and Adventure

Big-ticket travel packages are a classic for a reason—they always deliver! These show-stopping auction items attract crowds, fuel friendly competition, and bring in big revenue for your cause.

With the help of auction travel package providers, vacation getaways are within reach for auctions of all sizes, especially because you only pay for the packages that actually sell.

Let’s explore our favorite ideas for travel and adventure.

Live auction packages for travel and adventure, also listed below

Tennessee Whiskey Adventure

One lucky auction winner will soak in the beautiful scenery of the south while sipping on whiskey during this immersive distillery tour. This package, provided by our friends at Winspire, includes a tour of the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery, tastings for two, and a 3-night stay in the relaxing Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

This intimate tour will feature guided transportation, elevated whiskey tastings at Jack Daniel Distillery, and time for shopping and lunch in Lynchburg.

VIEW PACKAGE

Private Chef Package

Is your donor base full of foodies? Food lovers will rejoice in the unforgettable experience of their own private chef for the evening!

The winner of this package will get to sit back and relax while the chef takes care of every detail, from preparing the 3-course menu and purchasing the ingredients, to the preparation, service, and clean up. Enjoy thoughtfully crafted menus, complete with wine pairings for the ultimate culinary delight. Looking for a sneak peek at what the course may look like?

Course 1 Options:

Arugula and burrata salad creamy burrata, prosciutto, pumpkin seeds and a cider vinaigrette

Lump crab cocktail with sweet corn, avocado and red onion

Arancini with homemade marinara sauce

Course 2 Options:

Filet mignon over a mushroom risotto and sautéed asparagus

Pasta carbonara with pancetta and roasted chicken thigh served with sautéed carrots

Course 3 Options:

Chocolate molten lava cake served with vanilla ice cream and strawberry coulis

Caramel panna cotta with macerated fruit

VIEW PACKAGE

World Traveler

Five world class destinations. Two tickets. An unlimited amount of adventure.

This auction item is sure to catch the attention of your bidders! This package allows the winner the flexibility to choose their destination. Their choices range from an elegant stay in Tuscany, a luxurious trip to Bali, a picturesque vacation in Thailand, a romantic getaway in Paris, or an adventure in Greece.

Featuring several resort options and urban hotel stays, this package is the perfect choice for a couple wanting to take a vacation to the highest standard.

VIEW PACKAGE

Staycation Package

Like other silent auction basket ideas or themed packages, a staycation package is a flexible way to offer your guests exciting items and generate more bids.

Think about what your city or area has to offer and build a package that gives your winner the perfect vacation weekend that doesn’t require them to travel.

A few popular items to include might be:

  • One or two nights at a fancy local hotel
  • A meal package for a popular restaurant
  • Tickets to a show or event that weekend
  • Gift certificates for a ride-share service

Alternatively, you might choose to take a more “relaxing rainy weekend at home” angle when designing your staycation package. In this case, try including various beauty and bath products, candles, snacks and drinks, movies or books, and gift certificates for food delivery services.

You can take a flexible approach to this auction item idea, but just be sure to consider what sorts of items will best catch the attention of your organization’s donor base.

OneCause makes it easy for you to boost your auctions with risk-free, easy-to-reserve travel packages and VIP experiences carefully curated with top bids in mind for your fundraising events.

To learn more about unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, extended travel windows, and more, connect with one of our partner consultants and get ready to pack your bags!

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Live Auction Packages for Food and Drink

Food and drink packages are always a hit, offering bidders the chance to enjoy unique culinary experiences. From exclusive tastings to unforgettable dinners, these packages are sure to get people excited and boost bids!

Live auction packages for food and drink, also listed below

Picnic Basket

A well-curated picnic package is sure to excite your donors with the promise of a fun, relaxing outdoor experience. Perfect for families or couples, this package offers everything needed for a memorable day in the sun.

  • For an irresistible picnic experience, include the following:
  • Picnic basket or backpack
  • Picnic set-up, such as the cutlery and blanket
  • Outdoor games or activities

To make the picnic even more special, consider partnering with a local park to provide a reserved area or add a bottle of wine for a touch of luxury.

Regional Food & Wine Basket

Food and wine are a timeless favorite for charity auctions for a good reason! There’s a wide range of wines to suit different budgets and tastes that make for an extremely appealing basket.

Maximize its appeal with these items:

  • A fine selection of wines
  • Wine glasses & accessories
  • Gourmet cheeses and cured meats

If you collect enough wine bottles, consider incorporating a “wine wall” or “wine pull” into your event. These interactive activities are a great way to boost revenue and engage guests in addition to your auction.

Charcuterie Board Package

Ready to bring the party to your next auction? A charcuterie board package is a fun way to appeal to food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys hosting friends.

Make this package enticing by including:

  • A wooden or marble board
  • Crackers, bread, and spreads
  • Cheese subscription service

Encourage your supporters to bid by adding higher-valued items like a bottle of wine or cocktail to your charcuterie board package. With that extra touch, bidders won’t be able to resist!

Afternoon Tea Trip

Treat your bidders to a delightful afternoon tea! Perfect for those who enjoy great conversation alongside a delicious treat. We recommend including the following for the perfect balance of sophistication and fun:

  • Private tea experience
  • Transportation or valet service
  • Upgraded selection of pastries

By incorporating elements that appeal to a broader range of tastes, like unique beverage pairings and exclusive locations, you can create an afternoon tea package that’s attractive to any audience!

Vineyard Visit

Stunning views, wine, and a whole lot of fun? Yes, please! Invite your supporters to savor exclusive wine tasting, delicious food pairings, and more.

Elevate a vineyard visit with one of the following experiences:

  • Picnic in the vineyard
  • Wine cellar tour
  • Guided wine tasting

Add in the bonus of a complimentary bottle of wine, and you’ve got an offer your supporters won’t be able to resist!

Arts & Culture Live Auction Ideas

Arts and culture-related items are always a hit at live charity auctions, especially with traditional donors. Get creative with unique combinations that will spark excitement, whether it’s a museum experience or exclusive concert tickets.

We’ve gathered a few ideas you can easily adapt to align with your donor base and hit the ground running.

Live auction packages for arts and culture, also listed below

Night at the Theater Package

Reach out to local theaters and see if they’d be willing to donate a ticket package for your next auction. It’s a win-win—your winner gets to enjoy some of the hottest new movies, and the theater gets more business, especially if they bring friends along!

Here’s what you can include:

  • Popcorn and snacks
  • Movie memorabilia
  • Private screening option

You can even make the pre-show a part of the perk! A 3-course meal, VIP tickets to the hottest show in town, and a backstage meet-and-greet are sure to generate some buzz.

Regional Artist Spotlight

Depending on your core base of support, your mission, and the scale of your auction event, an artist spotlight might be the perfect way to draw interest from your crowd.

Start by reaching out to artists or local connections to see if you can secure:

  • Original artwork
  • Private gallery tour
  • Meet-and-greet with the artist

Don’t forget, art also makes a fantastic addition to online auctions! Look for a reliable mobile bidding platform that allows you to fully customize your listings and packages for maximum impact.

Museum Membership Package

Offer your guests a ticket to adventure, learning, and cultural enrichment for the year! Reach out to local art museums, natural history spots, or even children’s museums – they’re often excited to partner with charitable causes like yours.

Get started with the following items:

  • One-year membership
  • Exclusive early access to exhibits
  • Onsite parking pass

This package offers a full year of fun, learning, and exclusive perks that will appeal to art lovers, history buffs, and families alike!

Book Club Package

Calling all book lovers with this one! When putting together your book club package, think about incorporating:

  • Kindle or eReader
  • Audible subscription
  • Autographed books

Add an element of coziness by including reading essentials such as bookmarks, reading light, or even a reading chair for ultimate comfort! These reading essentials will turn the package into a cozy, personalized experience that book club members will love!

Concert Tickets for a Year

If you’re looking for an attention-grabbing auction item idea, make sure to consider concert tickets. Reach out to a local music venue, whether it’s rock, classical, or any genre that suits your audience, and create a package that includes:

  • 12 tickets, one for each month
  • Premium seating
  • Concert merchandise

Your team might need to get a little creative with this one, but live auction packages that provide year-long benefits are extremely popular with donors! Plus, this idea is more flexible for organizations of all sizes than more luxurious packages might be.

Event Day Survival Kit

Themed Live Auction Packages

Themed baskets are a timeless and versatile auction item, perfect for nonprofits of any size. They can be tailored to fit your event’s tone, whether you’re aiming for luxury or practicality, and they easily capture your donors’ attention.

Get creative and come up with the perfect themes to catch their attention! These packages make great items for both your live and silent auction events.

Ideas for themed live auction packages, also listed below

Date Night Basket

Love is in the air! Couples adore a night out, making this a package with endless possibilities. To boost the value of this one, we recommend you consider:

  • A two-night hotel stay
  • Private cooking classes
  • Romantic dinner at a high-end restaurant
  • Two tickets to a special show or event

If it makes sense for your audience, take your date night package to the next level and offer arranged childcare for the night!

Local Business Spotlight

Live auctions offer a great way for your nonprofit to get involved with your local business community. To find the best partners, think about which businesses align with your cause and would be excited to connect with the audience attending your event.

Try to secure the following items:

  • Gift cards to acclaimed restaurants
  • Winery or brewery tour
  • Fitness memberships

These items not only support your fundraising goals but also highlight the local businesses in your community, creating a strong connection between them and your supporters.

Spa Day Bundle

Spa day packages are a surefire way to pamper your donors, whether it’s a luxurious at-home retreat or a day of professional pampering, spa packages never fail to excite bidders.

If you’re creating a spa day package, consider these experiences:

  • Massage, facial, and manicure
  • Access to exclusive spa amenities
  • Meals and drinks provided

For a cozier feeling, offer an at-home spa day bundle with bath bombs, fluffy bathrobes, and essential oils for the ultimate relaxation!

Interior Design Package

Want to help someone fall in love with their home all over again? Bring fresh, stylish energy to any home with an interior design package!

In addition to the winner receiving the services of an interior designer, incorporate these items to drive more bids:

  • Custom furniture pieces
  • Wall art or prints
  • Decorative accessories, such as stylish vases or accent pieces

Including these items and services not only enhances the overall value of the package but ensures the winner has everything they need to transform their home with ease!

10-Step Skincare Basket

Inspired by the popular Korean skincare routine, this basket is packed with high-end products designed to leave skin glowing and refreshed.

Add a touch of luxury with these items:

  • Cleansing and skin prep items, like a cleanser, exfoliator, toner, and micellar water
  • Hydrating treatments, like serums, face oils, and eye cream
  • Moisturizers, like sheet masks, skincare creams, lip balms, and sunscreen

Whether supporters are skincare experts or just getting into the self-care game, this package will have them feeling like they just stepped out of a luxury spa.

Best Live Auction Package Ideas for Galas

Several settings and venues are made for live auctions. However, one of the most popular spaces for live auctions is a charity gala.

Galas are large parties filled with many different types of entertainment and events. An auction can easily be incorporated into the program to provide organizations with an extra opportunity to fundraise.

Live auction packages for galas, also listed below

Country Club Membership

Would your donor base be into golf-related auction items? If so, a country club membership could be the perfect addition to your event! Reach out to local country clubs that are willing to support your cause through this item.

Perks of a country club membership include:

  • Unlimited access to the golf course
  • Full access to clubhouse amenities
  • Premium dining options

The key takeaway is that this live auction package will be a hit with golf enthusiasts, attracting the right donors and helping you reach your fundraising goal.

Meet a Celebrity

Imagine the thrill of your donors getting up close and personal with their favorite celebrity! If your organization has worked with a celebrity in the past, start by reaching out to their team to discuss donating some time.

Wondering what this experience may look like? Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Meet and greet
  • A day in the life
  • Lunch or dinner

This is a rare chance to meet a legend and experience something truly unforgettable. It’s sure to be a hit at your event!

Signed Memorabilia

If you want to secure the best items, signed memorabilia is the way to go. These items could be from household names or living legends (known worldwide or just locally)!

Think of the following signed items to auction off:

  • Books or artwork pieces
  • Music albums or vinyl records
  • Sporting gear, such as helmets or jerseys

When you offer one-of-a-kind items like this, you’re guaranteed to create excitement at your event!

Fashion Stylist Consultation

Fashion stylist consultations are bound to be a winning live auction package with anyone in the audience interested in style.

Elevate a one-on-one consultation with a:

  • 1:1 shopping session
  • Personalized style guide
  • Haircut, grooming, or styling appointment

Partnering with charities offers local boutiques and stylists great publicity, helping them reach new clients while supporting a meaningful cause. This is an easy way to build lasting relationships and strengthen community ties!

Name Dedication

Honor a longtime supporter of your nonprofit and a well-respected member of the community with a legacy gift that lasts forever, whether through a building addition or a commemorative plaque, highlighting the lasting value of their contribution.

Some unique name dedication ideas include:

  • Trees or gardens
  • Benches in your community park
  • Statues or commemorative plaques

It may seem simple, but a name can bring to light the passion and pride of the community they live in.

Perfect Your Auction with Amazing Live Auction Packages

The key to creating live auction packages that inspire bidding is to keep your audience’s preferences in mind. Do plenty of research to ensure you have a good idea of what they’d be most interested in bidding on. Then, offer packages that cater to those interests to ensure your live auction is a success.

Ready to learn more about hosting auctions? Check out these resources:

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