It was a hot summer afternoon when our school club hit a major financial roadblock. We had big plans—events, activities, and trips—but our budget had other ideas. I knew something had to be done. That’s when the idea of fundraising hit me. But here’s the catch: you can’t just sell anything and expect success. You need something fun, something engaging—something people actually want to buy.
If you’re in a similar situation, planning a fundraiser can be exciting, but choosing what to sell can be overwhelming. Fear not! I’ve been through this, and I’ve compiled the ultimate list of fun things you can sell that are guaranteed to spark interest and raise funds.
1. Custom T-Shirts
Personalized t-shirts are a classic hit, but the secret is making them creative. Offer designs that relate to the cause, or something trendy in your community, such as funny slogans, popular memes, or local pride. People love showing off unique apparel, and by making the shirts fun and relevant, you can sell more than just a basic fundraiser tee.
Tips:
- Make designs available in various colors and sizes.
- Offer a limited-edition series for exclusivity.
- Partner with a local artist or student to create the designs.
2. Candy Grams and Snack Packs
Sweet treats will always have a soft spot in people’s hearts. Candy grams are fun because they’re a thoughtful, personalized way to send a message along with a sweet treat. Alternatively, snack packs with a variety of items (chips, chocolate, etc.) offer something for everyone. These are especially popular with students or at community events.
Twist:
- Add a seasonal theme—Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas—to make them extra appealing.
- Offer healthier snack alternatives to cater to a wider audience.
3. Handmade Candles
This one’s a bit more unique and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Handmade candles can be themed (holiday scents, relaxation, or fruity) or customized with different colors and designs. Candles are small but carry a personal touch that makes them an easy sell. They’re great for homes, and you can even sell them as gift sets.
How to Make it Fun:
- Let buyers choose their scent and color combinations.
- Add a DIY candle-making kit as part of the fundraiser!
4. Baked Goods with a Twist
Baked goods are a staple in fundraising—but how can you stand out? By putting a unique twist on them. Think giant cookies, cupcake decorating kits, or themed bake sales (Harry Potter, Disney, etc.). A good bake sale has something for everyone, and when you add a fun element, it creates buzz.
Fun Ideas:
- Host a cookie decorating contest with pre-packaged kits.
- Offer “mystery” bags with random assortments of baked goods.
- Create character-themed cookies or cupcakes (e.g., superheroes, cartoon characters).
5. Customized Water Bottles or Tumblers
People are always looking for reusable water bottles or tumblers to stay hydrated, especially with the focus on reducing plastic use. Custom designs, logos, or messages can make these a hot item in your fundraiser. It’s practical and environmentally friendly!
Customization Tips:
- Let buyers choose from several design options.
- Add motivational quotes or the event’s logo.
- Offer bundle deals with stickers or reusable straws.
6. Plant Kits
With the rise of sustainable living and interest in houseplants, plant kits are a unique and fun option. You can sell small pots with seeds, soil, and instructions on how to grow them. These are perfect for kids and adults alike. Succulents and herbs are particularly popular!
Make it Fun:
- Include “grow your own herb garden” kits.
- Add cute plant labels or tags.
- Make them themed, like “Pet Plants” with funny names and personalities.
7. Wacky Socks
Who doesn’t love a pair of funky socks? You’d be surprised how much people enjoy wearing bold, crazy patterns on their feet. They’re fun, practical, and can even carry a message related to your cause. Plus, they make great gifts!
Wacky Sock Ideas:
- Offer socks with bright colors, cartoon characters, or motivational phrases.
- Hold a “craziest socks contest” on social media to promote sales.
- Sell themed sets (sports, animals, holidays).
8. Craft Kits
Offering DIY craft kits for people to take home and complete is a hit, especially for younger audiences. These kits could include painting, bracelet-making, or even building small models. It’s an interactive way to get people excited about supporting your cause.
Popular Craft Kits:
- Friendship bracelet kits.
- Paint-your-own-mug sets.
- DIY slime or soap-making kits.
9. Digital Goods
If you want to think outside the box, digital goods are a fun, no-inventory fundraiser. You could sell downloadable items like eBooks, workout plans, meal prep guides, or design templates. It’s eco-friendly and allows for unlimited sales without physical stock.
Ideas for Digital Goods:
- Offer exclusive access to a fun webinar or workshop.
- Create themed coloring book pages or printable art.
- Sell fun Zoom backgrounds or Instagram story templates.
10. Silent Auction of Experiences
Selling experiences can be even more attractive than physical goods. Hosting a silent auction with fun experiences—like a cooking class with a local chef, a private concert from a local band, or a behind-the-scenes tour of a popular venue—gets people excited about participating.
Auction Ideas:
- A night out package with dinner and theater tickets.
- Private painting or dance classes.
- Sports memorabilia or VIP event tickets.
Summary Table: Fun Items to Sell
| Item | What Makes It Fun | Best Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Custom T-Shirts | Personalized, trendy designs | All ages, community pride |
| Candy Grams & Snack Packs | Personal touch, sweet or healthy | Students, event-goers |
| Handmade Candles | Unique, customizable scents | Adults, gift-buyers |
| Baked Goods with a Twist | Giant cookies, themed bakes | Families, kids |
| Custom Water Bottles/Tumblers | Reusable, custom designs | Environmentally conscious |
| Plant Kits | Interactive, sustainable | Plant lovers, families |
| Wacky Socks | Bright, funky, practical | Teens, gift-seekers |
| Craft Kits | DIY, creative fun | Kids, craft enthusiasts |
| Digital Goods | Eco-friendly, no inventory needed | Tech-savvy supporters |
| Silent Auction of Experiences | Memorable, unique offers | High-end donors |
These ideas are guaranteed to bring excitement and fun to your next fundraiser. Not only will people enjoy buying these products, but they’ll also feel great supporting your cause. What’s your favorite idea?