Essential Auction Item Ideas for Your Next Silent Auction

In addition to the audience, the items up for grabs are arguably the most important element of any silent auction. After all, if the auction items don't spark excitement with potential bidders, then there's no incentive to spend money, resulting in less revenue for your charity or cause. Deciding which items to include in your silent auction, however, can be a daunting task. To help simplify this process, we've put together this list of some of the best tried and tested auction items to take your event to the next level.

Classic auction items

When you think of any standard silent auction, you'll likely find some of the following items on any bidding sheet. These items are great because they work for organizations of all sizes, and are usually pretty easy to procure ahead of time.

Gift baskets

Gift baskets are a staple auction item, offer suburb value for money, and are very versatile. Depending on the interests of your audience, you can purchase different gift baskets that appeal to different groups. For example, you might put together a charcuterie basket, a coffee and chocolate basket, or one containing a selection of craft beers.

Event tickets

Tickets to local events are another great auction item that can appeal to a wide range of interests. Between concert tickets, theatre shows, and live sports, there's no shortage of events to choose from.

Wine

Wine is a reliable auction item that almost anyone can get behind. This doesn't mean that you should offer the bottom-of-the-shelf supermarket brand, however. Try and track down some fine vintages, or group together a few quality bottles and offer them as a bundle.

Memorabilia

Signed memorabilia is a great idea for any physical or virtual silent auction. Signed movie posters, album art, baseballs, or first edition books are desirable items that are like to attract a number of lucrative bids.

Extravagant auction items

If you have a bit more of an upmarket audience then it's always a good idea to add a couple of more expensive items to your auction mix.

Travel getaways

Luxury travel packages and getaways make for great big-ticket items for physical and virtual auctions. Just ensure that any tickets you purchase are flexible to accommodate the winners and take into account things such as travel restrictions. Consider contacting local travel companies to try and score really good deals on upcoming flights and holiday retreats.

Fine dining packages

Fine dining packages are irresistible items for those who love to wine and dine. Reach out to upmarket restaurants in your area and speak to them about organizing a multiple course voucher that you can offer to your bidders.

Exclusive tickets to a show

Similar to regular show tickets, exclusive tickets to a theatre, music event or even an opera house is an attractive option for those who enjoy a cultured night out. You could also pair this with an upmarket restaurant in the area for an unforgettable evening.

Virtual auction items

In the time of pandemics, it helps to have an array of auction items that can easily be enjoyed in a digital space.

Streaming services

Subscriptions to streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Prime make for ideal silent auction items as anyone with an internet connection will be able to use them. And since people are using more digital media than ever, there's a good chance that a year's subscription to their digital service of choice will be in high demand.

Online classes

While online learning was already a massive industry, it has grown to new heights in recent years. Because of the sheer number of classes available, a subscription to an online learning platform or a package of online classes is definitely an auction item that anyone can make use of.

Amazon vouchers

If you want an auction item that appeals to as wide an audience as possible, then an Amazon voucher will certainly do the trick. Since you can find pretty much anything on Amazon, there's almost no one who won't be able to find something of
value to purchase with the winning voucher.

Children and family auction items

If your organization has a child or family slant then it's definitely a good idea to throw in a couple of auction items that would appeal to parents and families.

Family photoshoot

Good photographers are hard to come by, so consider reaching out to a local freelance photographer or photography studio and solicit their services for a private shoot. Many parents would jump at the chance to have a photoshoot with their family, especially close to Christmas or a birthday.

Cooking classes

Cooking classes are a great family activity that parents and kids of all ages can get behind. Speak to chefs in your community who might want to offer their services or seek out purpose-crafted cooking classes that families would love to attend.

Birthday party events

Bowling, laser tag, or a trip to the arcade - any one of these would make a kid's whole year. See what type of birthday party events are available in your area and figure out how much a birthday plan would cost to put together. This way, you'll have many happy parents too.