My ds's preschool is having a silent auction in early May to raise money to buy new playground equipment since the equipment they have almost 20 years old and starting to develop some safety concerns. We are not having a whole lot of luck with businesses for some reason and have probably 85% of the companies we've contacted tell us no. Economy maybe??? Anyway, I'm trying to come up with something I can make or put together that might do well at the auction. I was thinking of maybe putting together a "Family Night" basket with games, puzzles, popcorn, etc. and maybe a "Pamper Yourself" basket with bath stuff and a candle. Any other ideas? I am drawing a creative blank for some reason. Also, those of you with great experience with getting businesses to donate items or gift certificates, what is your secret or any suggestions?

By Rayanne on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 04:33 pm:

What about a baby basket? You could do one with all girl stuff and one with all boy stuff.

By Happynerdmom on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 04:46 pm:

My son's school has an auction every year with ALL baskets. Each class is given a theme, and kids bring in stuff for that basket. My son's class this year was the "Ohio State Fan" basket. Last year's was "Scrapbooking." I'm drawing a blank right now on some of the others, but you get the idea. Sorry, no advice on getting companies to donate.

By Melanie on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 04:47 pm:

What about auctioning services provided by the families? For instance, say you manage to get movie tickets donated. Combine that with babysitting by a family. Is someone good at throwing parties? Have them auction their services to organize a kid's birthday party. Does someone have a special skill they could teach? For instance, if someone knows how to decorate cakes, they could offer lessons to the winning bidder. I bet if you all work together to think outside the box, you could come up with a fun and different auction!

By Imamommyx4 on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 05:22 pm:

Christmas baskets, baby baskets, kids backets always seem to go well. Tickets to some local event, restaurant gift certificates

By Bea on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 05:29 pm:

Both ideas are great. Baskets are very popular. I've even donated my writing skills for a personal poem to be written for any special occasion. I was amazed how high the bids went for that. We've also donated a week of time share. It allows us to deduct from our taxes what it would get for rent. I've won an Italian dinner for 6. I invited two other couples over and we really enjoyed it.

By Andi on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 05:39 pm:

One idea is to contact some ladies that do Home Shows. Like Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, Partlite, etc..... Alot of the time they will donate items for a silent action if you let them include there business card and a catalog. I used to do it when I was really focused on Discovery Toys and I was able to get a few new customers that way.

By Tink on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 07:15 pm:

Our school is doing a silent auction of different baskets. My son's class is Fiesta! themed. We have a gift certificate for a Taqueria, a bag of chips and salsa, a sombrero, a bunch of chili pepper decorations. We've done a baking basket and a stamping basket.

By Tunnia on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 08:18 am:

Thanks for all the great ideas!

What do you think about a "Bath Time" basket for kids with a hooded towel (I would make this out of a regular bath towel and hand towel so it would fit bigger kids), bubble bath, bath crayons, bath color tabs, and bath toys. Do you think people would bid on something like that?

Bea, a lady has donated a week at her time share at Myrtle Beach. We think it'll be a big hit. I know I'd like to have it!