How to create a basket for a silent auction this holiday season!

Ready for another DIY WTD-ers?

Tis the season for holiday gatherings; whether they are dinner parties, company get-togethers or charity events it feels nice to be able to create something that will make a difference this holiday season. Creating a basket for a silent auction is a fun, creative and unique way to represent your company/group/cause at an event! Alternatively, if you don't have a silent auction lined up this year you could create a basket as a gift this holiday season. Instead of buying a pre-made basket the company I work for decided to put me in charge of creating our own this year. Personally, I love doing this kind of thing; I love buying presents, wrapping and basically any and all crafty pursuits so I was thrilled. However, I will forewarn you that baskets are not inexpensive to put together. The cost of each item adds up and before you know it you've maxed out your budget! You want your basket to look as bountiful as possible to raise as much money as possible for whatever cause you’re donating the proceeds to. The last  thing you want is a sad, empty looking basket. Luckily, I've formulated some tips and tricks to help you out! Remember: combine “big” items to fill space with small extras like nice chocolates sprinkled throughout to create visual appea.

Step One: Set a Budget

Your budget and basket size can range from minimal to expansive! I recommend starting anywhere above $30 (once you factor in the price of the actual basket you realize that's pretty low). Our budget was $100. To be honest, I went a little over - I spent around $125 when it was all said and done. (Don't worry I didn't get in trouble!) Plan out your costs before you start - how much will you spend on the basket? The wrapping? Go shopping armed with your budget in mind and a list in hand to keep you focused.

Step Two: Know Your Audience

Yes, a basket filled with dollar store items is going to look full and be easier on your budget but will the attendees at the event want to bid of a basket of cheap-o junk? It depends on who your audience is. The event I'm working for is a year-end executive Christmas due, therefore I created a basket with as many high-end touches as I could to appeal to the people who will be there (think: lawyers, construction managers, engineers ect.) Adversely, if your event is geared towards people with less in their pocket they might be intimidated by an ultra-fancy basket and might not end up bidding because you scared them off. Note: there are places you can utilize the dollar store to your advantage; basket filling, cellophane and decorations can all be found there for a fraction of the cost.

Step Three: Choose a Theme

My “theme” was “Treat yourself this Holiday Season”. It’s a bit vague but I wanted to buy things people would enjoy and might not necessarily purchase for themselves. It ended up being a coffee/tea/snacking focused basket.  Other fun themes I found by searching the internet were; dogs (treats, toys, bags, and bowls), movie lover (popcorn bowl, gourmet popcorn, movies) spa/pampering (facemasks, cream, and loofa) the list goes on and on!

Step Four: Go Shopping

I bought all of my items in one shopping trip (with multiple stops of course). I had excellent luck at Home Outfitters and Home Sense. I was able to find gifty, gourmet items that are higher end than you’d find in the grocery store. The imported tea and “sipping chocolate” was a little more expensive than I’d hoped to spend but the beautiful tins they are packaged in add to the overall look I was going for. Some of my favourite finds included boxed truffles and Denby mugs for $5.99 (regular price ranges from $30-50). The baskets I bought at JYSK were labelled $16.99/ea but I ended up buying two and the total came to $19.99 for both at the counter. You have to love those kinds of surprises!

Step Five: Put it All Together

I put white packing paper in the bottom of the basket for padding. I bought glittery gold metallic shreds to put on top of the paper for finesse. I staged my items as nicely as possible before wrapping the whole thing in cellophane. (Helpful hint: you will need a lot more cellophane then you might think!) I put a Poinsettia with my bow for a little holiday spirit. 

Step Six: Make a Tag

It’s really helpful for the people at the auction to get a tally of what exactly is inside the basket. I made a small card on good paper listing my items. If it’s a charity event I wouldn’t include company information but if it’s a business-y, executive event you can throw in a business card and some company garb. 

My final list is as follows:

Treat Yourself This Holiday Season 

• 2 Denby Mugs
• Bodum French Press
• Bond Street Imported English Afternoon Tea
• Tea Timer
• Bellagio Sipping Chocolate Drink Mix
• Ethical Bean Lush Medium Dark Fair Trade Organic Coffee
• Boxed Monty Bojangles Truffles
• Ghirardelli Milk and White Chocolate Squares
• Lindt Lindor Chocolates
• Pop Corn Bowl
• Organic Microwave Popping Corn
• Swiss Chocolate Bar
• Company Ball Cap
  
  

Close-Up

 

The Finished Product!


Gotta book it! xxoxo JEM