Gift basket raffles are a fun and effective way to raise money for your school, business, or organization. With low-cost entry and the chance to win something special, these raffles attract plenty of participation and those small ticket sales can add up fast.
To get the best results from your raffle, a thoughtfully curated gift basket is key. The more appealing the basket, the more interest you'll generate and that can mean higher ticket sales and more funds raised. Read on for our favorite crowd-pleasing raffle basket ideas, organized by theme, budget, and audience.
Tips for Creating a Successful Raffle Basket
Looking to put together a raffle basket that’s simply irresistible? Follow these tips for creating a successful basket for your upcoming event:
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Set a budget and stick to it: When building a raffle basket, it’s easy to get quickly carried away. To keep your raffle basket on track with your goals, it’s important to set your budget and stick to it.
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Choose a clear theme that appeals to your audience: It’s crucial to consider your audience when creating a raffle basket. A great basket in the wrong setting will likely miss the mark. Think about your audience’s interests and tailor your raffle basket to them.
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Use eye-catching packaging or containers: They say first impressions are everything, and raffle baskets are no different. Choose eye-catching packaging to help your basket stand out against the crowd.
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Combine practical and fun items: A basket that’s practical can be boring, while a basket full of fluff simply isn’t worth paying for. Strike a balance between practical and fun items for the widest appeal.
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Consider presentation: A beautifully decorated raffle basket conveys to your audience that you’ve put a lot of thought and care into it, and that makes it more desirable. Consider using shrink wrap and adding bows and labels to increase its appeal.
Gift Basket Ideas by Theme
Whether you’re building a raffle basket for a school event, fundraiser, or an upcoming party, some themes are beloved by all. Read on for a range of gift basket ideas for your next raffle.
Food & Drink Gift Basket Ideas
Who doesn't love a basket full of delicious treats? Here are our favorite food and drink themed raffle basket ideas:
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Coffee lover’s basket: Collect a few bags of beans from your favorite local coffee shop, then add a cute mug or two.
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Gourmet snack basket: Everyone loves a fancy snack, but few people splurge on gourmet treats in their everyday life. Make something special by building a raffle basket full of your favorite gourmet snacks.
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Wine & cheese basket: Great weather calls for a little wine and cheese. Select a bottle of red and white for maximum appeal, plus a few crowd-pleaser cheeses. Take it to the next level with a cheese board and a set of decorative cheese knives.
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International treats basket: Transport your guests to another country with a basket full of international treats. To execute this raffle basket idea, visit your local international market and select something special from a range of locations.
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Chocolate lover’s basket: Appeal to every sweet tooth in the crowd with a decadent chocolate lover’s basket. It’s an easy gift basket idea; buy a bunch of different chocolates and get to work! Be sure to hit all the most important categories: milk, dark, white, nutty, fruity, and more.
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Cookie basket: Cookies are another treat that just about anyone can get behind. If you don’t have time to make them yourself, get a pre-made gift basket full of freshly baked cookies from Mrs. Fields®.
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Breakfast-in-a-box: Whether they enjoy it on Saturday morning or have breakfast for dinner, breakfast-in-a-box is always a crowd pleaser. Get simple favorites like coffee cakes, pancake mixes, and other yummy breakfast staples.
Family-Friendly Gift Basket Ideas
Family-friendly raffle baskets are always a hit for schools, sports teams, and other family-oriented environments. Use these themed gift basket ideas for your raffle:
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Movie night at home: Give your event attendees the chance to bring the theater home with a movie night themed gift basket. Fill it with movie theater snacks like popcorn and king-sized candy, as well as a few DVDs the whole family can enjoy.
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Game night basket: What says “family bonding” better than a game night? Grab a selection of board games and card games, including family favorites and hot, new games. Add a few shareable treats like brownie bites, salty snacks, and more.
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Summer fun basket: Is summer just around the corner? Get everyone geared up with this easy gift basket idea. Grab some pool toys, sunscreen, and beach towels in fun prints.
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Arts & crafts kit for kids: Another great themed gift basket idea for raffles is an arts and crafts kit for kids. In addition to markers, crayons, paints, and more, put a few unique crafts in there like clay kits or jewelry supplies.
Pampering & Wellness Basket Ideas
Everyone appreciates a little TLC, and pampering and wellness baskets make thoughtful, crowd-pleasing raffle prizes. Choose one of these:
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Self-care spa basket: Curate a raffle basket for a self-care day. Add a few face masks, essential oils, and other spa-day must-haves. Finish it off with a gift card to a local spa for a facial or massage.
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At-home relaxation kit: This gift basket idea for a raffle is sure to help them unwind after a long day. Include candles, tea, a robe, and some cozy slippers.
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Fitness or yoga basket: If you have a more active crowd, create a yoga or fitness basket. Fill it with essentials like a yoga mat, resistance bands, dumbbells, and other gear to get your sweat on at home.
Hobby & Interest Gift Basket Ideas
Create something that appeals to the hobbyists in attendance with these themed gift basket ideas for your raffle:
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Gardening basket : Put together a basket full of gardening gloves, tools, and seeds for fruits, veggies, and flowers. To take it to the next level, swap out the classic basket for a watering can!
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Baker’s basket: This DIY gift basket idea is sure to please bakers and their friends. Include a few dessert mixes, cute spatulas, and practical pans.
Holiday & Seasonal Gift Basket Ideas
Depending on the time of year, a seasonal theme can make a fun and easy gift basket idea:
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Valentine’s Day treats: When February rolls around, it’s all about Valentine’s Day treats. Chocolate-covered strawberries, cookies, candy, and more make great additions to a thematic gift basket.
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Fall comfort basket: Who doesn’t love to cozy up when the weather turns chilly? Include a soft blanket, some apple cider, a few fall-scented candles, and other autumn delights.
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Summer BBQ kit: Always a pleaser for the dads in the crowd, a summer BBQ kit makes a fun raffle basket idea. Include some BBQ tongs, corn holders, BBQ sauce, and don’t forget the classic BBQ apron!
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Holiday cookie decorating basket: A basket to decorate your own cookies offers a fun activity and a delicious treat all in one!
Where to Source Items for Raffle Gift Baskets
Depending on your location, budget, theme, and other factors, you can source items for your raffle basket from a range of locations. Consider these when building your baskets:
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Discount shops or dollar stores: When you’re on a budget, dollar stores and discount shops make a great choice. They help keep prices low and maximize profits.
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Online deals and bundles: The internet offers just about anything you’d like to stuff in a gift basket. To make it even more simple, shop pre-made gift baskets filled with treats and fruits from Mrs. Fields®.
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Donations from local businesses: Another great way to maximize fundraiser earnings is to ask for donations from local businesses. Not only do business owners love to support their communities, but people love local goods.
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Repurposed containers: There’s no need to go out and buy something new. Get creative with repurposed baskets, boxes, and tote bags, instead.
Raffle Basket Assembly & Presentation Tips
Now that you’ve gathered your goods, it’s time to get to assembling. Follow these tips for an eye-catching appearance.
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Use filler to elevate smaller items: Little items can get lost in a big gift basket. Use filler to elevate smaller items and help them stand out.
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Wrap with cellophane or shrink wrap: Not only do cellophane and shrink wrap make your finished product look polished, but they also prevent items from falling out in transit.
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Label the basket with theme name and value: Be sure to show the value in your basket with clear labels.
Make Your Raffle Basket One Everyone Wants to Win
A well-curated gift basket is a great way to build excitement, drive ticket sales, and raise funds. If you don’t have the time to make your own gift basket, choose a pre-made basket with mass appeal, like gift baskets from Mrs. Fields®. Choose from baskets brimming with freshly-baked treats, fresh fruit, and other crowd-pleasers.