55+ raffle ideas to boost nonprofit fundraising revenue

Raffles are an excellent way to energize a fundraising event and drive revenue for your cause. The right raffle ideas help you generate a buzz, sell more tickets, and appeal to a wide range of supporters. But even if you’re an event planning expert, these ideas aren’t always easy to come up with. 

There are options for every audience and budget, from gift cards to unique experiences, and we’ve rounded up over 55 creative raffle prize ideas to get you started.

What makes a great raffle prize?

A great raffle prize should be an item that your average supporter wouldn’t normally buy for themselves or would wait for the right time to splurge on. It should feel like a genuine luxury or gift, which is why the most common raffle prizes are exclusive experiences like travel packages, spa days, and high-value electronics. 

If you don’t know what prizes to consider, put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What kind of items would your organization’s unique support base be interested in? Send out a survey to collect direct feedback, or start with general crowd-pleasing options like gift cards for trendy restaurants.

What is a raffle basket?

A raffle basket is a thoughtfully curated collection of raffle prizes bundled together, often aligned with a particular theme. Raffle baskets are easy for your nonprofit to assemble and offer more exciting, creative experiences for guests than standalone items.

Item selection for your raffle baskets must be intentional to drum up interest and engagement. Here are a few of our top tips when brainstorming and assembling your raffle baskets:

• Use visually appealing containers. People judge books and movies by their covers, and the same goes for raffle baskets! Ensure they look presentable and well put together, whether the items are in a literal basket or not.
• Add value with multiple items. Your baskets should contain at least three to five items with varying price points. For example, you might include lower-level concert tickets, headphones, and a t-shirt from an artist to create a music-themed raffle basket.
• Incorporate hard-to-get items. Items that are in high demand and that attendees don’t typically come across will spark greater interest. These items can be the centerpiece of the basket — fill the rest up with more common items that are still on-theme.

As with other raffle prizes, it’s important to consider your audience when curating a raffle basket. A classic food or beverage raffle basket (e.g., wine, charcuterie, gourmet chocolate) is a smart move if you don’t know where to start. As you learn more about your audience’s preferences, you can tailor your baskets accordingly.

Raffle idea overview

This quick reference raffle idea table gives you a glimpse of raffle prize categories, the type of event they’re best suited for, their typical cost range, and how well they work for virtual or hybrid events. 

Category	Best For	Cost	Virtual-Friendly?
Classic prizes	Any event	Low-Med	Yes
Themed baskets	Schools, nonprofits	Low-Med	Some
Experiences	VIP/high-value events	Med-High	No
Creative and unique	Social & online events	Low-Med	Yes
School and youth	PTAs, youth orgs	Low	Some
Virtual and tech-friendly	Online/hybrid events	Low	Yes
Luxury and high-end	Corporate/gala fundraisers	High	No
Seasonal raffle baskets	Holiday events	Low–Med	Yes

Classic prizes

Classic prizes work for nearly any type of event and audience. They’re things almost anyone can use and appreciate, and they’re generally easy to procure. Think gift cards, gadgets, and good times. 

1. Gift cards 

Gift cards have a ton of potential, letting the recipient get exactly what they want. Plus, most businesses offer some form of gift card, so you can offer one to nearly anywhere.

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Flexible spending choice

2. Dinner

Providing a free dinner gives the recipient a night off from cooking and may introduce them to a local business. Restaurants looking for exposure are often happy to donate a gift certificate to a fundraiser. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Fun for special nights out

3. Tech gadgets

Tech-savvy folks who like to be on the cutting edge will love entering to win a fun new gadget. This could include headphones, tablets, smartphones, or even VR devices. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: High perceived value, trendy and exciting 

4. Grocery or gas cards

Grocery or gas cards are practical prizes that appeal to everyone. Who doesn’t want to save money on these necessary expenses? 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Useful necessity 

5. Entertainment tickets

Tickets to concerts, sporting events, or theater shows give winners an experience they won’t forget. You can raise even more money if the event is wildly popular or exclusive. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Memorable event or experience 

6. Lottery Tickets

Lottery tickets are a gift that keeps on giving. They’re easy to get for your event, and they appeal to everyone! If you want to make the tickets even more appealing, you can pair them with another item, such as a small cash gift or a gift card. 

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: High appeal for general audiences

Themed raffle baskets

Themed baskets are another option with broad appeal. They’re typically not too difficult to put together, and they give you a chance to flex your creativity when finding donated or budget-friendly items to include. Take a look at these ideas for raffle baskets for fundraisers.

7. Movie night basket

Set raffle winners up with an at-home movie night. Fill a basket with popcorn, snacks, a cozy blanket, and a gift card to a streaming service. There’s a reason why this is such a common, well-loved raffle basket idea!

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Opportunity for low-key fun at home

8. Coffee lover’s basket

One of the most popular raffle basket ideas for fundraising events is a coffee lover’s basket. Caffeinate the coffee-loving donors with a java-themed basket, including items like mugs, locally roasted coffee beans, coffee shop gift cards, and syrups. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Specialty interest and indulgence  

9. Self-care basket

Gather pampering items like bath salts, candles, skincare, or other spa goodies for a relaxation-focused basket. You can even source gift cards from local spas or salons. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Universal appeal

10. Date night basket

Help your supporters enjoy a fun date night. Include wine, candles, snacks, restaurant gift cards, or board games for a night in. Consider designating a theme for the date night — like a particular cuisine or activity — for an even more unique package.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun and romantic experience 

11. Pet lover basket

Appeal to the fur parents with a pet lover’s basket full of toys, treats, and grooming certificates. You can even add gift cards for dog walking, pet sitting, or local doggie daycare.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Strong emotional connection and wide appeal 

12. Sports fan basket

Excite sports fanatics with a basket designed around a particular sport or team. Feature tickets to a game, team merchandise, and game day snacks.

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Ignites team spirit

13. Gardening kit basket

Sprout enthusiasm among green thumbs — they’ll love a garden basket packed with seeds, gardening tools, gloves, books, and home or garden decor. Consider adding a gift card for a local plant or garden store, too. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun for outdoor hobbyists 

14. Game night basket

Perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves a little friendly competition, a game night basket is packed with a variety of games and snacks, such as classic board games (e.g., Monopoly), card games (e.g., UNO), puzzles, popcorn, candy, and soda. 

• Fundraising potential: $
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Immediate entertainment, family-friendly

15. Foodie basket

A foodie basket incorporates a variety of food items meant to entice anyone who wants to indulge their taste buds with exciting flavors. Consider including items like specialty coffee blends or tea selections, homemade jams or fruit preserves, assorted cookies or chocolates, and a gift card to a local restaurant.

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Wide appeal and potential local tie-in

Experience-based prizes

Experience prizes can drive higher ticket sales, especially for big events like galas or major auctions. These gifts are a hit with recipients because they create lasting memories and often seem more valuable than tangible items. Plus, they may be something your supporters wouldn’t buy themselves but would love to receive.

16. Weekend getaway or Airbnb credit

Offer a voucher, credit, or gift certificate for a nearby location or provide Airbnb credit the user can leverage as they wish. While an Airbnb credit may be an easier lift, make it special by including travel-related items or an itinerary.

• Fundraising potential: $$$-$$$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Opportunity for travel adventures 

17. Private chef dinner at home

With this prize, the winner receives a custom meal made just for them by a private chef. While this isn’t something many people would buy themselves, many would love a delicious meal prepared by a trained chef. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: High perceived value and appeal

18. Behind-the-scenes tour

Offer exclusive access to a local point of interest. Think about local businesses, stadiums, theaters, historical sites, or other attractions that pique interest among your supporter base.  

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Opportunity for insider access 

19. Hot air balloon ride

Send winners up, up, and away with a hot air balloon ride that gives them the experience of a lifetime. It’ll be a breathtaking adventure they won’t forget.

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Bucket list adventure 

20. Golf outing at a premium course

Give golf lovers the gift of a day on the green. Include green fees, cart rental, and maybe even a pro lesson. For added interest, throw in a gift certificate to the pro shop for gear. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Exclusive and fun recreation

21. VIP concert or event tickets

Give winners access to front-row seats or a meet-and-greet with their favorite artist or sports player. Supporters will be thrilled to win an exclusive experience like this. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Exciting encounter with a star

22. Cooking class

Spice up your event with a raffle prize designed to attract supporters who love cooking in their free time. You can offer a gift certificate to a local spot offering cooking classes or a private class with a professional chef. To turn this into a raffle basket, add a few items like a cookbook,  a recipe card holder, a customized cutting board or serving platter, and an apron. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Appeals to home cooks

Unique raffle basket ideas

Creative or unusual raffle prizes drum up excitement and engagement, possibly leading to higher ticket sales and more funds raised. These creative gift ideas often include something unexpected or interactive that generates buzz among attendees. 

23. Mystery box

The winner of this unique raffle basket idea gets… who knows? That’s right, a mystery box is just that: a surprise selection of goods. Make it totally random or set up a general theme (like outdoor gear or travel fun) to get folks even more interested. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Surprise and intrigue 

24. Winner picks from three prize options

Put the power into the hands of the winner and let them choose which prize they take home. Being able to choose their own adventure, so to speak, can increase attendees’ perception of prize value and lead to higher participation. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Personalized choices 

25. 50/50 cash raffle

In a 50/50 raffle, half of the pot goes to your cause, while the other half goes to the winner. It’s a simple way to motivate ticket sales and give attendees some skin in the game. And it’s a cheap raffle prize idea since all you need to procure are the tickets. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Potential big win

26. Spin-the-wheel for prize tiers

Gamify your raffle with a wheel-spinning game. Participants get a chance to spin a wheel and land on different prize levels, fostering excitement and enthusiasm. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun interaction and a game of chance

27. Social media share-to-enter raffle

Boost event promotion and raffle entries by awarding tickets to those who share the raffle on social media. Make it even more competitive (and grow your reach) by offering a ticket for every five shares. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Many chances to win 

28. Reverse raffle (last ticket wins)

Build suspense by awarding the prize to the final ticket called rather than the first. You’ll capture everyone’s attention as they wait to see if their name is called. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Dramatic excitement 

29. Staycation basket

No need to travel far for a good time! Staycation baskets offer a convenient getaway without the hassle of travel for busy individuals looking to break from their routine. In your basket, include high-end restaurant gift cards, local hotel accommodations, comfort items like a blanket, and a spa day certificate. 

• Fundraising potential: $$–$$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: High-value gift that most people would splurge on 

30. Cozy reading basket

Provide the readers at your event with an ideal collection of items for a comforting escape. Consider including a specialty reading pillow, a reading light, e-book readers, a heated throw blanket, and hot chocolate mix in addition to a few popular books.

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low–Med

Why it sells well: Ideal for both casual and avid readers

31. Fitness basket

A fitness basket is perfect for adults who are just starting their fitness journey, along with those who regularly work out. You can include items like yoga mats, a set of weights, resistance bands, and foam rollers in your basket. If you want to go the extra mile, include a local gym membership as well.

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low–Med
• Why it sells well: Makes fitness activities more accessible

Family-friendly raffle prize ideas

Perfect for PTAs, school fundraisers, or youth organizations, these ideas appeal to students, parents, and educators. These fun, useful prizes will encourage community involvement from everyone impacted by your organization. 

32. Principal-for-a-day experience

Generate interest among students by offering the winner a chance to be the “principal” for a day. They’ll get a day of special privileges and leadership, and your organization will bring in needed funds. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Unique student experience

33. School supplies kit

Build out a practical supply kit that families can win, with items like notebooks, pencils, markers, scissors, glue, a lunch box, and more. Students will be better prepared for the school year with everything they need for school success. 

• Fundraising potential: $
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Useful and necessary 

34. Music lesson

Offer gift certificates for private or group music lessons. These can work well as raffle basket ideas for adults or kids, and can span vocals and multiple instruments, depending on what you’re able to procure. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun skill-building 

35. Classroom pizza party

The winning class can all take a slice of the prize with a class pizza party. This can foster teamwork and let everyone leave feeling like a winner. You may even be able to get pizzas donated from a local establishment. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Tasty and team-focused 

36. DIY baking kit

Cook up some fun with a home baking kit. Full of pre-measured ingredients, recipes, cookbooks, cookie cutters, and fun pastry decorations, this will surely ignite some family fun. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Family-friendly activity 

37. Disneyland vacation

Bring magic to your event with a Disney-themed raffle prize. Disney fans, including families or individuals, are sure to be enchanted. To increase the value, create a collection of items that’ll help winners enjoy “The Happiest Place on Earth,” such as Disneyland tickets, hotel or resort accommodations, themed apparel, and sweet treats.

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: A luxury gift that most people would splurge on

38. Tea party basket

Share the experience of tranquility with a tea-themed raffle basket. Include items like a teapot, an electric kettle, local honey or agave, classic assorted teas with different caffeine levels, and specialty tea blends like chai or seasonal flavors. To gear this raffle prize more toward kids, add in a child-sized tea set and a few stuffed animals.

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Perfect for tea enthusiasts or people who don’t drink coffee

39. Picnic basket

Prepare a tailored picnic basket for families, couples, or friends looking to enjoy the outdoors. Consider including items that could be used in a backyard or park activity more than once, such as a picnic basket, a cooler bag, a woven picnic blanket, and insulated tumblers.

• Fundraising potential: $
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Appeals to a wide range of families

40. Art lovers’ basket

Allow your supporters to embrace their inner artists with a unique art-inspired raffle basket. Some of the items you can include are paint, brushes, sketchbooks, and an art class certificate.

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Appeals to aspiring artists, art students, and enthusiasts

41. Outdoor adventure basket

Inspire excitement among your audience with gear and accessories for their next adventure. With an outdoor adventure basket, the winners can receive cool items like hiking gear, camping tents, kayak paddles, and outdoor tech (e.g., a portable solar charger or a waterproof action camera).

• Fundraising potential: $$–$$$
• Effort: Med–High
• Why it sells well: Appeals to the adventurous at heart

Tech-focused raffle ideas

If you’re hosting a virtual or hybrid fundraising event, you may want to go beyond physical prizes and include virtual-friendly options. These virtual and technical prize ideas will appeal to anyone, regardless of location. 

42. Streaming subscription 

Gift a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+ for shows and movies or Spotify for music. The winner will have endless entertainment options wherever they are.

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Entertainment that’s accessible anytime

43. Subscription box

Set the winner up with a monthly or quarterly delivery of snacks, beauty products, books, or hobby items. They’ll get ongoing surprise — and the convenience of doorstop delivery — with each box.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Ongoing fun

44. Online class or coaching session

Entice lifelong learners with the chance to learn something new or hone existing skills. Whether it’s business coaching, a yoga class, or virtual cooking lessons, this prize has broad appeal and isn’t location-dependent. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium 
• Why it sells well: Skill and wellness development 

45. Music gift card 

Let winners build up their music collection with credit for music platforms like iTunes or Amazon Music. They can choose the songs or albums they want and download them in seconds.

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Customizable and fast

46. Tech gadget basket

Capture your guests’ attention with a basket full of the newest and most popular items, such as a phone or a tablet, charging cables, a portable charger, smart-home devices, video doorbells, and Bluetooth speakers or headphones.

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: High-end luxury that most people would splurge on

47. Work-from-home basket

Appeal to professionals and students who spend significant time working at home by offering a raffle basket filled with goodies like a computer monitor, a laptop stand, an ergonomic desk chair, and a wireless keyboard/mouse.

• Fundraising potential: $$–$$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Appeals to hybrid and remote workers alike

Luxury and high-end raffle ideas

High-end prizes attract big spenders, appeal to VIP guests, and create buzz about your event and organization.  

48. Designer handbag or accessories 

Elevate the prestige of your raffle with a designer handbag or limited edition from an iconic or luxury brand. Include accessories, like jewelry or sunglasses, for an even bigger win. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$-$$$$
• Effort: Medium 
• Why it sells well: Status symbol

49. Premium wine or whiskey basket

If you need a fundraiser raffle basket idea for adults, curate a selection of wine or whiskey alongside tasting notes, glasses, and accessories. Take it even further by focusing on local wineries or distilleries. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Sophisticated indulgence 

50. Fine dining experience for two

Let winners indulge in a fine dining reservation with a specially curated menu. They’ll enjoy a night to remember. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Exclusive night out 

51. Travel package

Offer your supporters the adventure of a lifetime! When preparing this raffle prize, secure a pair of round-trip airline tickets, gift certificates or reservations for a hotel or resort, tickets to local attractions, and travel comforts. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Appeals to a general audience, especially families and adventurous individuals 

52. Cocktail basket

Shake up your evening with a basket packed with items to create delicious drinks at home! Cocktail mixers, high-quality whiskey or other spirits, a cocktail shaker with a strainer and muddler, and old-fashioned glasses are great items to include in this basket. 

• Fundraising potential: $$–$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Perfect for younger adult donors and outgoing attendees

Seasonal raffle basket ideas

Drum up more interest in your event by offering raffle baskets filled with items available only during certain times of the year. 

53. Holiday basket

Perfect for year-end auctions, this raffle prize fills the air with holiday magic. Some of the items you can include in the basket are bottles of wine or apple cider, a gingerbread house kit, a holiday wreath, and seasonal snacks like peppermint bark. 

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Appeals to a general audience

54. Beach Day Basket

Offer your supporters a basket that provides the ultimate summer escape. Include items like sand-resistant cotton towels, insulated water bottles, a beach volleyball set, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Appeals to a general audience, especially those who love beaches

55. Birthday basket

A birthday basket is the perfect auction item for PTO members who frequently plan school birthday celebrations or for larger families who can make great use of it. Ensure that you add party essentials like streamers and balloons, a gift certificate to a local bakery, accessories like party hats and a birthday sash, and board games.

• Fundraising potential: $–$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Appeals to a general audience, especially PTO members and larger families

56. Gardening kit basket

Sprout enthusiasm among green thumbs — they’ll love a garden basket packed with seeds, gardening tools, gloves, books, and home or garden decor. Consider adding a gift card for a local plant or garden store, too. This basket is perfect for spring auctions or events hosted around Earth Day.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun for outdoor hobbyists 

Raffle ideas FAQs

How do raffles work?

During a fundraising raffle, guests purchase as many raffle tickets as they want, with each one counting as a single entry. Sometime during the event (or even after), winners are selected through different methods (e.g., drawing from a bowl or games like pop the balloon or spin the wheel) to win a prize.

What are the most popular raffle prize ideas?

Some of the most popular raffle prize ideas include gift cards to popular local establishments, unique experiences, and themed baskets like movie night, coffee lovers, and self-care. At the end of the day, the best raffle ideas for your fundraiser will depend on your audience. 

How many raffle prizes do you need?

There’s no strict rule as to how many raffle prizes your organization has to prepare, but if you want to maximize revenue, consider preparing 1–3 high-value prizes and 10–20 small-to-medium prizes. 

Where do you get raffle baskets?

You can create raffle baskets by soliciting themed donations from local establishments, such as restaurants and shops. You can post this request on social media or solicit businesses individually. Be as specific as possible — explain what you’re using the gifts for and the agenda for the fundraising event. 

Do raffle prizes need to be brand-new?

No, raffle prizes for your fundraising events don’t need to be brand-new, but they must be in excellent condition. If you raffle off used items, just make sure to specify in the display card if the item is brand-new or pre-loved, for transparency’s sake. 

How should we display raffle baskets?

Standard best practice is to wrap your baskets in clear cellophane with a color-coordinated ribbon, ensuring that all items are visible and upright in themed baskets. Additionally, include a display card listing the basket’s contents, value, and a compelling description. 

For online auctions, take multiple photos from different angles so that bidders can clearly see what the prizes are.

Take your raffle to the next level with Bonterra

The right raffle ideas for fundraising events can transform your fundraiser from fine to amazing, boosting ticket sales and community engagement. Bonterra offers powerful tools that help you effortlessly manage your nonprofit fundraising strategies, whether you’re hosting a raffle in person, virtually, or both. 

Our dedicated fundraising event software simplifies fundraising with intuitive tools for raffles, auctions, and other events in a single platform. Ready to make your next raffle the best one yet? See firsthand how Bonterra can elevate your fundraising efforts.

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