30 Raffle Basket Ideas to Boost Excitement and Fundraising
Creative raffle baskets are a fun and engaging way for nonprofits to generate additional revenue for any fundraising event. Unique raffle basket ideas will excite your attendees and boost raffle ticket sales. It’s that simple!
Let’s review the most important information about raffle baskets:
- What is a Raffle Basket?
- What Are the Benefits of Raffle Baskets?
- How Do I Create Good Raffle Baskets?
- Top Raffle Basket Ideas
You’ll be well on your way to enhancing your nonprofit’s event revenue with these raffle basket ideas.
What is a Raffle Basket?
A raffle basket is a group of items that follow a similar theme and are offered as one prize. At a fundraising event, guests can purchase raffle tickets as an opportunity to win the raffle basket. You can choose to have more than one raffle basket with different or similar themes, but the winner will always be drawn randomly from those who purchased a raffle ticket.
A few events well-suited to raffle baskets include:
- Charity galas
- Auctions
- Online fundraisers
- School fundraisers
Whichever event you choose to incorporate a raffle basket, ensure your organization begins to sell raffle tickets before your event day to maximize engagement and boost ticket sales.
What Are the Benefits of Raffle Baskets?
Raffle baskets are easy for your nonprofit to assemble, increase your event revenue, and enhance your supporters’ event experience.
These are some benefits of incorporating raffle baskets in your event:
- Easy to organize: All you need to do is collect raffle basket items, sell raffle tickets, and then raffle off the baskets at your event.
- Additional fundraising revenue: Raffle baskets add another source of revenue to your event, which helps to maximize donations and revenue.
- Higher event attendance: Highly sought-after raffle baskets may increase attendance for your event.
- Increased attendee engagement: Supporters will be excited and more engaged with your event when enticing raffle baskets are involved.
- Opportunity for community involvement: Engage local businesses and other community organizations by asking them to sponsor or donate raffle basket items.
With unique raffle basket ideas, you’re sure to reap these benefits for your nonprofit.
How Do I Create Good Raffle Baskets?
A raffle basket is more than just a collection of items; it’s a thoughtfully curated experience for your supporters. Item selection must be intentional to drum up interest and engagement.
Here are a few of our top tips when assembling your raffle basket:
- Consider your audience. Create baskets that your audience would enjoy and be interested in. Consider age, gender, and other factors when determining raffle basket items.
- Use visually appealing containers. People judge books and movies by their covers—the same goes for raffle baskets! Ensure they look presentable and well put together.
- Add value with multiple items. Your baskets should contain more than just one item with various price points. For example, you might include lower-level concert tickets, headphones, and a t-shirt from an artist to create a music-themed raffle basket.
- Incorporate hard-to-get items. Items that are in high demand and that attendees don’t typically come across will spark greater interest.
Not sure what your audience might enjoy the most? Start with more general crowd-pleasing options like restaurant or travel-themed raffle baskets. As you grow more comfortable and aware of your audience’s preferences, you can tailor your baskets to your audience’s specific interests.
Top Raffle Basket Ideas for Fundraising
Now that you know the basics about raffle baskets, let’s take a look at the top raffle basket ideas that are sure to boost excitement and revenue for your nonprofit.
1. Travel Package Basket
Offer your supporters an adventure! Families seeking a fun vacation together or adventurous individuals looking for an opportunity to explore are the perfect audience for this raffle basket idea.
Attract attention by including:
- A pair of round-trip airline tickets
- Gift certificates for a hotel, resort, or spa
- Sightseeing or local attraction tickets
- Travel comforts, such as a travel pillow
Include unique branded items like luggage tags or travel mugs to promote your nonprofit’s brand. Travel package baskets are sure to capture your guests’ interest and get the crowd engaged.
2. Sports Basket
Score big with fans of all ages with a sports basket. Perfect for game day, tailgate, or birthday, this basket will get your crowd going!
Elevate the value of your basket with these items:
- Tickets to a local game
- Sports gear, like a sweatshirt or hat of a local team
- Fan accessories, such as team flags or foam fingers
- Sporting equipment, like a football or soccer ball
Boost the value of your raffle basket by adding VIP game experiences or autographed memorabilia. Reach out to your local sports team to see what kind of experiences you can include to capture your supporters’ attention.
3. Spa Basket
Spa baskets are fun, easy, and appeal to various bidders. A spa basket is a great raffle item for supporters who want an evening of self-care to rejuvenate.
Add a spa certificate along with a few physical items:
- Bath oils or bath bombs
- Scented candles or essential oils
- Plush robe and soft slippers
- Hydrating face masks or scrubs
This basket can also be a way to show your organization cares about the well-being of supporters, especially if your mission is centered around wellness and health initiatives.
4. Staycation Basket
No need to travel far for a good time! Staycation baskets offer a convenient getaway without the hassle of traveling for busy individuals wanting a break from their routine.
These are a few items to include:
- Local hotel accommodations
- Restaurant gift cards
- Comfort items, like a blanket or cozy slippers
- Spa day gift certificate
Consider collaborating with local vendors to strengthen partner relationships and enhance community support.
5. Disneyland Vacation Basket
Bring the magic to your event with a raffle basket full of Disney-themed items. Disney fans, including families or individuals, are sure to be enchanted.
Create a collection of items that’ll help winners enjoy “The Happiest Place on Earth,” such as:
- Disneyland tickets
- Hotel or resort accommodations
- Themed apparel, including Mickey Mouse ears
- Sweet treats to enjoy on the trip
Offering a magical Disneyland experience is sure to generate enthusiasm among guests and encourage participation in the raffle from a wider age group.
Cheap Raffle Basket Ideas
6. Gift Card Basket
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly auction item that appeals to a wide audience, consider a gift card basket! This is an easy and effective way to ask for community partners to participate.
Include gift cards for:
- Restaurants or ice cream shops
- Online shopping
- Movie theaters or other local attractions
- Delivery services
When asking local businesses to contribute gift cards, be sure to emphasize the marketing opportunity that comes with having a presence in your auction. Foodies, families, and local residents are sure to love this one.
7. Lottery Ticket Basket
Lottery baskets are a gift that keeps on giving. A lottery ticket basket is not limited to only scratch-off lottery tickets. While they are the main attraction, a lottery ticket basket can include:
- Gift cards
- Piggy banks
- Budget planner
- Small cash gift
There are many ways to elevate the basket arrangement to catch donors’ attention. This is a fun way to engage your audience looking to support your nonprofit while having a chance to score big.
8. Game Night Basket
This exciting game collection is perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves a little friendly competition. A game night basket is packed with a variety of games and snacks, including:
- Classic board games, such as Monopoly
- Card Games, like Cards Against Humanity
- Puzzles
- Popcorn and candies
- Soda or sparkling water
Get your supporters ready for hours of fun with this engaging game night basket. If it’s a hit, your nonprofit can consider ideas for themed game night fundraisers in the future!
9. Cozy Reading Basket
Calling all book lovers! Provide the readers in your auction with an ideal collection of items for a comforting escape.
Consider including:
- Reading pillow or reading light
- E-book readers, like an Amazon Kindle
- Heated throw blanket
- Hot chocolate mix or coffee blends
Customize this basket with seasonal items like pumpkin spice cookies for your Fall fundraisers. Remember to add a personal touch to the basket by including one of your organization’s favorite reads!
10. Tea Basket
Share the experience of tranquility with a tea-themed basket. This is a great alternative if your audience doesn’t have many coffee lovers.
Make sure to add these must-haves:
- Teapot or electric kettle
- Local honey or agave
- Classic assorted teas, like green and black tea
- Specialty tea blends, such as chai or seasonal flavors
Feel free to get creative and involve a variety of local businesses to donate coasters, cookies, or other related items for your basket. Consider offering a coffee and tea basket to appeal to a wider audience for your fundraiser.
Food and Beverage Raffle Basket Ideas
11. Wine Basket
Wine baskets are a classic staple in fundraisers because they offer endless possibilities for customization. You can easily attract those who enjoy hosting gatherings or wine enthusiasts with a basket full of goodies.
You can include:
- Red, white, or sparkling wine
- Elegant wine glasses
- Wine accessories, like wine stoppers or corkscrews
- Gourmet chocolates or savory snacks
Wine baskets are a great opportunity to engage your donors by asking if they have a favorite wine to donate. Remember, you can always reach out to a local winery or farm to sponsor a fresh selection of items.
12. Foodie Basket
Get ready to indulge your taste buds with an exciting basket guaranteed to delight any food lover. A foodie basket incorporates a variety of food items meant to entice anyone looking to try something new.
Consider these items for the ultimate foodie raffle basket:
- Specialty coffee blend or tea selection
- Homemade jams or fruit preserves
- Assorted cookies or chocolates
- Selection of gift cards to local restaurants
Turn to local businesses and restaurants to feature their products in your foodie basket. Doing so will help strengthen local connections and attract their supporters to your mission.
13. Cocktail Basket
Shake up your evening with a basket packed with items to create delicious drinks at home. This would make a great raffle item for event planners, social hosts, or younger adult donors who enjoy socializing.
A few essentials to include:
- Cocktail mixers
- High-quality whiskey or other spirits
- Cocktail shaker with strainer and muddler
- Old-fashioned glasses or other cocktail glassware
With its higher perceived value, a luxurious cocktail basket could significantly boost your nonprofit’s fundraising potential.
14. Coffee Basket
Brighten your donors’ morning with a cup of joe! A coffee basket includes a curated selection of coffee-related items to brew the perfect cup. This would be perfect for someone looking for a unique gift or for individuals who enjoy brewing and drinking coffee.
Here are some ideas for your coffee basket:
- Monthly coffee subscription for rotating blends
- Coffee grinder or other coffee accessories
- Local selection of coffee blends
- Variety of flavored syrups
Raffling a coffee basket is sure to spark conversation among event attendees who share a passion for coffee and drive bids.
15. Cooking or Baking Basket
Spice up your event with a basket designed to attract supporters who love a home-cooked meal or enjoy baking in their free time. Whether you opt to focus on a cooking or baking-specific basket, here are a few items to include in either one:
- Measuring cups and utensils
- Cookbook or recipe card holder
- Customized cutting board or serving platter
- Apron, trivet coasters, or oven mitts
You can gauge how well your audience receives this type of basket, then plan to customize the next basket to include a cooking class or tasting experience to boost your future fundraising.
16. Picnic Basket
Prepare a tailored picnic basket for families, couples, or friends looking to enjoy the outdoors. Consider including items that could be used in a backyard or park activity more than once.
Here are a few examples:
- Picnic basket or cooler bag
- Woven picnic blanket
- Insulated tumblers
- Snacks such as popcorn or granola
Your supporters will be reminded of your nonprofit whenever they use these convenient items which will ultimately help spread awareness for your mission.
17. Charcuterie Basket
Who doesn’t love an all-star hosting moment? This raffle basket is designed for individuals who appreciate quality ingredients and delicious bites to share with family and friends.
Be sure to add these items to your basket:
- Assorted cheese and curated meats
- Crackers or spiced nuts
- Dried fruits like apricots or cranberries
- Serving board and cheese knives
Consider asking for gifts from artisanal shops to market their products and create new partnerships. These connections can be leveraged for catering opportunities at your events in the future.
18. Movie Night Basket
Packed with tasty snacks, great films, and cozy accessories, this movie night basket guarantees a memorable experience for your supporters. Whether it’s for family time or a romantic evening, a movie night basket will be a hit.
Don’t forget to include these essentials:
- Streaming subscription
- Classic movie theater candies
- Soft blankets
- Popcorn with a serving bowl
Consider leveraging a movie premiere to capture interest in your movie night basket. Drive further interest by sharing on social media!
19. Date Night In Basket
Many fundraisers typically feature a date night raffle basket focused on a romantic evening out – but a unique twist is to offer a “date night in” basket that invites couples to enjoy a cozy night at home.
Here are a few things to gather:
- Nice bottle of wine or champagne
- Gourmet snacks and cheeses
- Throw blankets
- Delivery gift cards like UberEats or DoorDash
This is perfect if your audience has newlyweds or couples looking to fill their evening with love.
Seasonal Raffle Prize Ideas
20. Holiday Basket
Bring the holiday festivities to your year-end auction by combining a variety of fan favorites to raffle off. This holiday basket is great for appealing to a general audience, whether they have big or small families.
Fill your basket with:
- Bottles of wine or apple cider
- Gingerbread house kit
- Holiday wreath
- Seasonal snacks, such as peppermint bark
Holiday baskets are a flexible raffle item because they can be used for any holiday, including Halloween or Valentine’s Day. Your nonprofit can tap into each season by customizing your raffle basket with festive items.
21. Beach Day Basket
Offer your supporters a basket that provides the ultimate seaside escape. This will certainly catch the attention of donors who like to travel. If your town has a great beach, this is the perfect basket to raffle off, especially during the summer.
For a quality basket, include:
- Sand-resistant cotton towels
- Insulated water bottles
- Beach volleyball set
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, or other sun protection
Style your beach day items in a large bag or a cooler to attract greater interest. To reinforce your nonprofit’s relationship with food vendors or auction sponsors, feel free to ask for snack items or gift cards to elevate the raffle basket.
22. Birthday Basket
A birthday basket is the perfect auction item for PTO members who frequently plan birthday celebrations at school or larger families who can make great use of it.
Ensure that you add:
- Party essentials, such as streamers and balloons
- Gift certificate to a local bakery
- Accessories, like party hats and a birthday sash
- Board games
By offering this basket, you’re sure to create memorable experiences that will be associated with your event and your mission.
Other Raffle Basket Themes
23. Pet Lover Basket
If there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s that we love our pets! Raffle off a pet-focused basket to make the most of our affection toward our furry friends.
Include a variety of items, such as:
- Pet toys
- Dog and cat beds
- Scratchpads
- Collars and leashes
If you have a local pet store in the area, see if they would be willing to donate supplies for the raffle basket in exchange for sponsorship!
24. Art Lovers Basket
Allow your supporters to embrace their inner artists with a unique art-inspired raffle basket. This basket will appeal to aspiring artists, art students, and enthusiasts.
Consider items of varying art levels, such as:
- Paint, brushes, and sketchbooks
- Art class certificate
- Pottery wheel
- Easel and apron
This is a perfect opportunity for an organization related to education, museums, or community arts to engage donors in their mission.
25. Gardening Basket
Whether you have seasoned gardeners, retirees, or anyone looking for a hobby, a gardening basket can help your mission bloom.
Be sure to add a few essentials:
- Hand trowel or pruning shears
- Gardening gloves and sun hat
- Potting soil and flower seeds
- Decorative plant pots
Collaborate with a local garden or gardening store when creating your basket to save on cost and strengthen your relationships in the community.
26. Fitness Basket
Inspire your donors to be active and reach their fitness goals! A fitness basket is perfect for adults who are starting their fitness journey along with those who regularly workout.
A few basic basket items are:
- Yoga mats
- Set of Weights
- Resistance bands
- Foam roller
Go the extra mile by including a gym membership at a local gym or a personal training session with a fitness instructor. Either way, this basket will take your audience’s breath away!
27. Tech Gadget Basket
Technology is always evolving, so why not offer the newest, most popular tech items in your auction? It’s a quick way to increase your raffle basket’s value.
Capture your donors’ attention with:
- A phone or tablet
- Charging cables or portable charge
- Smart home devices or video doorbells
- Bluetooth speaker or headphones
Students, professionals, and families will be thrilled to upgrade their tech, and your auction will be a memorable time!
28. Work-from-Home Basket
In today’s world, remote work is common, so this work-from-home basket is the ideal auction item for professionals and students who spend significant time at home.
Here are a few item suggestions:
- Computer monitor
- Monitor stand
- Ergonomic desk chair
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
Your nonprofit can enhance visibility by including branded office supplies like pens, notebooks, or planners.
29. Outdoor Adventure Basket
Inspire excitement among your audience with gear and accessories for their next adventure. This basket will surely attract anyone who likes to be active and on the move.
Consider these items for an eye-catching basket:
- Hiking gear
- Camping tent
- Kayak paddle
- Outdoor tech, like a portable solar charger or waterproof action camera
The higher the quality of items, the higher the raffle basket price! An outdoor adventure basket can be your ticket to raising more.
30. Arts and Culture Basket
Unlike the art lover’s basket, this one will spark interest among those who appreciate visual arts and those interested in exploring different cultures. You can fill this basket with tangible items along with unique experiences.
Here are a few item ideas to include:
- Private tour at a local gallery
- Gift certificate for dance lessons
- Pottery, such as bowls or decorative pieces
- Cultural cookbook
Encourage local artists to participate in your auction by donating art pieces or offering a painting session to boost the value of your basket.
Inspire Generosity with Unique Raffle Basket Ideas
And there you have it—30 raffle basket ideas you can use for any event you plan on hosting! Choose your top options that are within your nonprofit’s budget and fall within your audience’s interests and create these baskets for your next event to boost revenue.
To boost fundraising even further, consider investing in a dedicated fundraising platform. With a solution like OneCause Fundraising Platform, you can launch a custom event site, manage RSVPs, and streamline event day processes (including your raffle!) with ease.
If you’re interested in learning more about nonprofit fundraising, take a look at the following resources:
- 23 Phenomenal Fundraising Event Ideas to Skyrocket Giving. Raffle baskets aren’t the only way to boost giving. Explore top fundraising event ideas in this guide!
- 30+ Top Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits. Leverage the power of loyal supporters for peer-to-peer fundraising events. Check out the top ideas here!
- 10 Nonprofit Fundraising Platforms to Inspire More Giving. Streamline your nonprofit’s fundraising with a dedicated platform. Discover the top providers and how they can boost giving for your organization.