Some of our big sellers were related to animals (dog and cat baskets), local college teams (anything with the Virginia Tech symbol), Lego, Playmobil, arts and crafts, spa stuff, golf (lessons at local club plus some golf clothes)...
Our biggest items were the "Experiences" which teachers (100% of the teachers this year!) offered. Things which took just one afternoon, but which parents fought (not literally, of course) over to win for their kids. It's especially important to market those items early -- that way parents can get together and chip in on paying for the item. The teachers provided their "experience" as a team and did things such as "Crafts and a Movie" or "Manicure and a Movie"...The art teacher did a 2-part clay class afterschool. The music teacher offered recorder lessons for the winner and a friend. The gym teacher offered archery. Even the occupational therapist donated handwriting lessons.
Our school has used: Lego lovers (big money earner), Back Yard BBQ, "Board"em busters (board games and other games), movie night, sports play, spa themed, art themed, stock the pantry, book store (books, book lights, starbucks, etc.), University of Florida themed (we are in FL) and rival Florida State themed (if you have popular colleges in your area, these are huge money earners!), pool party, gift cards galore (also a big draw), birthday party packages (a complete party in a basket - one each for a boy and a girl party!), pet lovers, etc. That is what I can think of off the top of my head that we have had in the past.
We once did a basket that was a "taste of the town" theme, and got donations from local restaurants to fill the basket. Was mainly gift cards, but also included other items that were physical donations. Was nice basket and popular.
We also filled one that was school spirit focused. Had tshirts, wrist bands, etc that were all spirit items for the school.
I am the Chair for our Silent Auction at school and we just had our event last weekend. Not sure what all is in your Rainy Day Basket, however it's fairly easy to assemble. 1st you want to make sure everything can bee seen so prop up w/ Newspapers. If you have GCards. Ask a florist for the sticks that they use to hold cards in a bouquet in, it really helps. Always cover your basket w/ celo wrap so on one messes w/ it. We are a 'Green School' so was were able to get a 'Green Cleaners' to donate garment bags and we enclosed the baskets that way. It helps to have a print out in front the basket, listing each item so everyone knows the contents and what they are bidding on...Good Luck!
I am the Chair for our Silent Auction at school and we just had our event last weekend. Not sure what all is in your Rainy Day Basket, however it's fairly easy to assemble. 1st you want to make sure everything can bee seen so prop up w/ Newspapers. If you have GCards. Ask a florist for the sticks that they use to hold cards in a bouquet in, it really helps. Always cover your basket w/ celo wrap so on one messes w/ it. We are a 'Green School' so was were able to get a 'Green Cleaners' to donate garment bags and we enclosed the baskets that way. It helps to have a print out in front the basket, listing each item so everyone knows the contents and what they are bidding on...Good Luck!
