55 Silent Auction Items that Win Big Bids

Without further ado, let’s get into those silent auction item ideas!

COVID-conscious silent auction items

Rent a Restaurant: Many people miss these kinds of opportunities since COVID-19 closed many

restaurants and other businesses. Partner with some of the popular local restaurants about offering a

specific room or the whole restaurant to rent for a safe, socially distanced dining experience.

Getaway for two: Whether it’s a condo by the sea or a cabin in the woods, we can all agree we need

a break from the four walls of our own homes or apartments. Take advantage of people’s cabin-fever

by putting a socially-distanced weekend away up for auction. If you’ve also got a dinner or wine and

Meal delivery service gift cards: Meal delivery services grew in popularity during the COVID-19

pandemic, especially as grocery stores saw long lines, inconvenient safely protocols, and empty

shelves from time to time. Plus, many people turned to these kits to get into cooking for the first time

or to avoid the stress of planning meals. Take advantage of this boom by auctioning off gift cards for

popular meal delivery services.

Travel-related silent auction items

For any travel related prizes, consider extending the validity for prize redemption or activation. This

way guests who may not be completely comfortable with traveling can still get excited about that

weekend escape after the COVID-19 travel restrictions are over.

Luggage set: Many people were forced to postpone their travel and vacation plans in 2020. They’re

comfortable with long-distance travel.

Out of town getaway: Do you live within a reasonable distance of a popular resort or vacation

location? Think about ski resorts, luxury hotels, adventure parks, and other vacation destinations.

Offer a getaway weekend or few days at some of these popular locations so people can get excited

about a post-COVID vacation. These will become extra popular as these getaway destinations fill up

with eager adventurers who are desperate to get away.

International trip: Depending on pandemic travel restrictions, this auction item may feel a bit risky.

One way to reduce the risk is to ensure there’s a big window to use the certificates so people can

take the trip when they feel safe and when travel regulations allow.

Spa or salon day: Who doesn’t want a full-service day of pampering, relaxation, and stress relief? Or

partner with a local salon for a full makeover and haircut experience.

Amusement park admission: A day of fun, adventure, and memory-making with friends or family. To

take this auction item to the next level, throw in some coupons for a meal in the park or some park

swag.

Comedy club night: Auction off tickets to a comedy club and throw in tokens to cover the first round

of drinks or the first appetizer!

Tickets to a local play or concert: Support the local arts by auctioning tickets to an upcoming play or

concert. Many of these events will likely sell out quickly when things begin to return to normal after

the pandemic. So, this may become an even hotter ticket at your auction!

ballpark or stadium, cheering on the home team!

Team memorabilia: reach out to your local or regional professional teams and ask for some

autographed memorabilia. Or, if tere is a very well-known sports figure connected to your area, reach

out and ask for autographed items for your auction.

Catered tailgate party: This works for college, semi-professional, or pro sports teams. Really, this

auction item will be popular anywhere tailgating and pre-game parties are popular.

Sporting goods and adventure experiences: Many nonprofits enjoyed fundraising success auctioning

off adventure and sports experiences, too!

• White water rafting

• Zip line experience

• Time at an indoor driving range

• Vouchers for the indoor trampoline park, rock climbing gym, Top Golf, or similar sports

experiences

• High end sporting goods (golf clubs, skis, etc.)

• Vinyl records or custom merchandise

• Autographed items

• Gift card to Ticketmaster so bidders can attend the concert or experience of their choice

Auction items for foodies

Who doesn’t love to try new food and drink or experience that hot restaurant that’s impossible to get

into? Offer a few auction items that speak to the foodies in your crowd! Here are a few of the most

popular food-related silent auction items.

• Wine tree: bonus points if the wine is from local wineries

• Tea party at a botanical garden

classes and learning opportunities.

• Cooking class

• Yoga or pilates class

• Pottery or paint class

• Woodworking class

Gift cards for silent auctions

When all else fails, gift cards and certificates generally do well at charity auctions because people are

willing to support their favorite charity while making purchases they might normally make (everyone

wins).

• Beauty stores

• Amazon prime for a year

• Local brick and mortar stores

• Movies (VUDU, Fandango, etc)

• Grocery store gift card

Charity auction gift basket ideas

Spa Day: Bubble bath, bath salts or bombs, scented votive candles, high-end lotion, nail care set, spa

and massage gift card

chocolates, a deck of conversation cards, movie gift cards or tickets to a local show. These are pretty

popular so it might be a good idea to make more than one themed date night basket for your next

charity auction

Coffee Lover’s Dream: Brewing equipment (french press, pour over set, etc), a couple bags of local or

high-end roasted coffee, 2 mugs or travel tumbler, coffee shop gift card, coffee chocolate, cookies or

biscotti

Traveler’s Delight: Carry on bag, noise canceling headphones, neck pillow, magazine subscription,

pen and traveler’s notebook, passport case, sleep mask

Craft Beer Night: 24 or 36 unique bottles of craft beer from different breweries, maybe a voucher to

the local pub, different nut mixes or other bar snacks, beer glasses