Unusual Ideas for Raffle Hampers

Raffling a hamper of goodies is probably one of the easiest and most successful ways of raising money. By choosing a theme for your hampers, you will not only make it easier for people to know what to donate, but you will also gain more interest and excitement from ticket-buyers.

Some hampers will work better at certain events – for example a hamper of kids craft and activities will be most popular before the long school holidays, while a Big Night In hamper is great for those cold winter nights.

The trick with themes is to make it interesting and different, but still appealing to most people – as the end goal is to sell as many tickets as possible.

Here are some interesting ideas for you next fundraising raffle, but as soon as you give people the theme, you will be surprised the amazing things they come up with:

Big Night In (a family night in for the whole gang, you can adjust it depending on the season)

Board games, DVDs, popcorn, Maltesers or other chocolate, blanket or cushions, hot chocolate, icypoles.

For something extra: popcorn machine, voucher to order pizza or local takeaway

Summer Pack (family fun pack for outdoors summer)

Frisbee, beach cricket, sunscreen, giant chalk, water pistols, water balloons, bubble mix, balls, glow-sticks, outdoor games.

For something extra: vouchers for mini golf or local aquatic centres

Pamper Pack (you can make this for adults or children depending on what you include)

Eye mask, bubble bath, chocolates, wine (or hot chocolate mix), face masks, bath gels, sponges, candles, relaxation or meditation CD.

For something extra: voucher for a local salon, foot spa

Kids Craft Pack (to amuse kids for countless hours over long holidays)

DIY craft kits, books about craft (ie origami), sketch pads, watercolour pencils, construction paper, stamping kits, glue and scissors, paints and brushes, pencil case, fimo or modelling clay.

For something extra: craft shop voucher, storage boxes, easel

Pet Pack (for the fluffy members of the family)

Snacks, brushes, toys, home-made pet biscuits

For something extra: pet bed, grooming voucher

Tea Lovers Hamper (this is perfect just before Mothers Day )

Fancy tea pot, fancy tea cup and saucer, silver spoon, knitted teapot warmer, tea strainer, selection of loose-leaf teas, selection of tea bags, short-breads or other biscuits.

For something extra: T2 voucher

BBQ Hamper (a great hamper to raffle just before Fathers Day)

Tongs, apron, sandalwood incense sticks or mosquito coils, BBQ marinades, platters, fancy flavoured kebab sticks, beer, tomato sauce and chutneys, stubby holders, BBQ wipes.

For something extra: mini kettle BBQ, voucher for butchers

Baking Hamper (this is probably better for kids aged 7+)

Apron, recipe book, baking choc chips, mixing spoons, measuring cups, muffin cases, baking trays, mixing spoons, pre-made icing, sprinkles or decorations, biscuit cutters.

For something extra: cake-pop or cupcake maker, waffle maker, kitchen scales

Ice Cream Party (great anytime of the year)

Ice cream scoop, ice cream cones, jar of cherries, toppings, marshmallows, parfait glasses, wafers, sprinkles, caramel.

For something extra: vouchers for Baskin Robbins or other ice-cream shop, ice-cream maker

Gardening Guru Hamper (a great hamper to tie in school events or raising money for a kitchen garden)

Gloves, kneeling mats, seeds, pots, organic fertilisers, wind-chimes, solar lights, tools (mini spade, weeding forks), watering can, indoor herb kit.

For something extra: gardening magazine subscription, gardening centre voucher, wheel-barrow

Stationery Pack (you can adjust this pack for kids, adults or the whole family)

Novelty or ordinary Pens, highlighters, clip board, cool note paper, post-its, stapler and staples, scissors, paper clips, bulldog clips, ‘Paid’ stamp, envelopes, postage stamps, USBs, coffee mug, notepaper, blu-tack, desk organiser, screen wipes.

For something extra: Officeworks voucher, storage caddy, cork board or whiteboard

Pizza Party (you can always add fresh ingredients in a small esky as part of the hamper)

Ingredients for pizza base (flour, yeast), recipe book, jars of tomato paste, dried herbs, tinned pineapple, pizza cutter, pizza stone, jars of artichokes, olives, fancy serviettes, beer or Italian soft drinks.

For something extra: grocery voucher to buy fresh toppings

First Aid Kit (great for Playgroups and Sports Clubs as well as schools, you can vary it and make a smaller ‘car first aid kit’)

Bandaids, calamine, tweezers, eye wash, burns bandage, safety pins, gauze, burns scream, antiseptic cream, Emla cream, sterile eye dressings, tape, disposable gloves, First Aid book (or quick guide), Face shield, thermal blanket, notepad and pencil scissors, paracetamol, aspirin.

For something extra: voucher to attend First Aid Course

Author: Shannon Meyerkort