Effortless Silent Auction Basket Planning with SignUp
Silent Auction Baskets are a popular and effective fundraiser, and SignUp makes it easy to gather the donated items you need for a standout basket. Below, you'll find helpful tips for requesting donations and inspiring basket theme ideas to get you started.
🎥 Start by watching our quick video on How to Plan a SignUp – Click here to watch.
As you go through the Planning Wizard steps, keep these tips in mind:
1. Provide Details: Set the SignUp Kind as Single or Multiple Days
2. Add Spots:
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Add a Spot for each item you want donated.
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- Set the Time to at anytime
- Use the Add Another button to add your next item.
- Also request general contributions such as a $15 Amazon gift card, and/or a Wild Card Spot for Participants to add items of their choice.
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- Select the date as the deadline for item donations—this should be the date all items are due to you, the basket coordinator.
- Enter the drop-off address and other details as Extra Information. This will be automatically included in all confirmation and reminder messages.
Example: Family Game Night Basket
Managing Multiple Auction Baskets
If you're organizing multiple baskets—whether for different groups, classrooms, or themes—set up each basket as its own SignUp. Then, simplify access by posting them all on a single Auction Basket Group Page.
A Group Page provides one central link that you can easily share in newsletters, emails, or other communication. When participants click the link, they’ll see a list of all your basket SignUps and can quickly choose one (or more) to contribute to.
🔗 Learn how to set up a Group Page - click here
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Silent Auction Baskets: Planning Tips & Theme Ideas
Creating a successful Silent Auction Basket starts with thoughtful planning and variety. Here are some key tips to help you collect donations and put together engaging, high-value baskets:
Planning & Donation Tips
- Provide a variety of item ideas to inspire donors and encourage creative contributions.
- Include items at different price points so everyone can participate. For example, a Family Game Night basket could feature affordable items like playing cards and dice, along with traditional board games.
- Add an option to donate money either by cash or gift cards - some people simply don't have time to shop.
- Set your donation due date several days before the event to allow time for wrapping and preparing item lists.
- Think outside the box—food is an easy and fun addition to any basket. A Family Game Night basket, for instance, could include microwave popcorn or mini candy bars.
Popular Basket Themes to Spark Your Creativity
🎉 Fun in the Sun – Tailor to different ages with sunscreen, tickets to attractions, beach toys, games, or daiquiri mix.
🍳 Kitchen Creative – Everything a home chef loves: gourmet olive oil, exotic spices, gadgets, kitchen towels, and decorative soaps.
🍺 Beer Lovers – Specialty beers, mugs, bottle openers, chillers, and books about beer.
🍷 Wine Lovers – Curated wines, elegant glasses, tasting notes, and wine charms.
❤️ Date Night – Gift cards to local restaurants, movie tickets, and unique experiences.
🛌 Pajama Party – Netflix gift cards, popcorn, nail polish, glitter hair spray, and cookie mix.
🛀 Refresh & Relax – Bubble bath, scented soaps, eye masks, and spa gift cards.
🏈 All Sports – Tickets, jerseys, signed memorabilia, balls, and seat warmers.
🌳 Outdoor Games – Pickleball, bocce, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, and popsicle molds.
🎨 Crafts – Paint, beads, glitter, glue, and DIY craft kits.
🧶 Knitting – Premium yarn, knitting needles, patterns, and lessons.