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When you’re planning a fundraiser, every dollar counts. Luckily, you don’t need an expensive prize table to grab attention or spark generosity. With a little creativity and community spirit, you can create cheap raffle basket ideas that still feel thoughtful and worth bidding on!
Below, you’ll find 15 creative and affordable basket ideas designed to inspire your next fundraiser. From cozy comfort baskets to themed bundles full of charm, these options are proof that generosity doesn’t have to cost much. You just need a little heart and imagination.
Think of these fundraising raffle baskets as small acts of joy wrapped in ribbon. Each one is easy to put together, full of charm, and proof that fundraising can be both affordable and fun.
Popcorn, candy, a streaming gift card (like Netflix or Hulu), or a couple of gently used DVDs, plus a pair of cozy socks. Add a handwritten “Now Showing” tag for a personal touch.
This simple basket works for anyone who loves a cozy night at home. And you can easily keep the cost under $15 by mixing dollar-store treats and thrifted finds from places like Goodwill or Dollar Tree.
Pair a small bag of ground coffee with an assortment of black and herbal teas. Add in a set of mugs and a few honey sticks, then tuck in a pack of biscotti or mini cookies.
If you want to make it extra special, include a small gift card to somewhere like Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks.
Mix some bath bombs with a couple of scented candles, a soft sleep mask, and a mini lotion set.
Look for affordable self-care items from brands like Burt’s Bees, for example. Many stores also sell travel-size bundles that look luxurious without the price tag.
Complete the bundle with a quality toiletry bag and attach a small note that says, “Take time for yourself!”
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Fill your basket with two boxed baking mixes (cookies or brownies), a whisk, a silicone spatula, and a set of measuring spoons. Add a few recipe cards tied with twine – bonus points if you include one from a volunteer or local supporter.
To make it visually pop, use a bright kitchen towel set as a base and add tissue paper for fullness. You can source nearly everything from Target, Walmart, or your local dollar store and still stay under $20.
For a cheerful springtime theme, bundle together a couple of seed packets, a pair of gardening gloves, two small terracotta pots, and a mini hand trowel. Slip in a handwritten planting guide with easy tips and a reminder to “Grow with kindness.”
Local garden centers or hardware stores may be willing to donate seeds or tools (it never hurts to ask), which makes this an easy and low-cost way to create something that feels fresh and full of life.
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Combine some classic games (like Uno and Jenga) with a bag of popcorn and a box of candy. Add a deck of playing cards or a trivia book for a bonus activity. You could even opt for some lesser-known games that look like fun to inspire the winner to try something new.
This basket works beautifully for families or groups of friends and creates that sense of togetherness that every nonprofit event thrives on. Wrap it in cellophane, tie it with a bright ribbon, and include a handwritten note that says, “Let the fun begin!”
Gather a mix of chocolate bars, a hot cocoa mix, a bag of marshmallows, and some caramel chews or gummies. Use color coordination (browns, golds, and reds to make the basket visually appealing.
For an added touch of whimsy, slip in a small “Golden Ticket” note promising a free drink or snack at your next event.
Start with two scented candles and add a bottle of lotion, a bath soak, and a soft towel, gown, or pair of cozy slippers. Focus on soothing scents like lavender or vanilla to create an instant sense of calm.
Arrange the items neatly in a reusable basket or wooden crate, and tie a satin ribbon around it to complete the look.
Every pet owner loves a little pampering for their furry friend. Include two toys, a bag of treats, a pet brush, and a cute themed mug or picture frame.
If possible, ask a local pet shop for small sample donations. They often have extras of shampoo, collars, or branded bandanas.
Label it “For a Pawsome Pet” and you’ll have one of the most popular raffle prizes of the night.
Show off the flavor of your town by combining two small gift cards from nearby cafés or bakeries with a few local snacks or handmade items. Add a jar of local honey and a bag of roasted nuts or granola. You can also include a souvenir mug or magnet that represents your community.
Bring out your creative side with a mix of four low-cost art supplies: acrylic paints, brushes, a sketchbook, and colorful washi tape. For a more family-friendly touch, include stickers, colored pencils, or modeling clay.
Dollar Tree and craft outlets like Michaels often have affordable bundles that make this basket look vibrant without the expense.
Inspire healthy habits with resistance bands, a reusable water bottle, a small gym towel, a yoga mat, and a QR code linking to a curated playlist of beginner-friendly YouTube workouts or walking challenges.
You can add a packet of trail mix or a pair of workout socks for a little extra motivation. This basket appeals to people at any fitness level, and you can keep it under $20 with items from Five Below or Walmart.
Few things feel more comforting than curling up with a good book. Include a few best-selling paperbacks, a tea bag sampler, a reading light, and a soft scarf or blanket.
Choose feel-good genres like mystery, romance, or self-growth to make it inviting to a wide audience. Wrap it all up in clear cellophane and add a note that says, “Take a chapter for yourself.” Simple, sentimental, and always a hit.
Show appreciation for educators with a colorful collection of pens and sticky notes, a high-quality water bottle, and some healthy snack bars for those long afternoons.
You can even include a small classroom sign or inspirational quote printout. Add a handwritten “Thank You for Making a Difference” card from your organization to make it heartfelt.
This one’s a fundraiser favorite because it practically builds itself. Gather some donated coupons or gift certificates from local businesses – restaurants, car washes, fitness classes, or coffee shops – and arrange them with a few small freebies like keychains or pens.
At the heart of every great fundraiser is creativity, care, and a little bit of fun. These cheap raffle basket ideas prove that you don’t need big budgets or elaborate prizes to make an impact. What makes a great raffle prize is how your baskets make people feel: inspired and part of something meaningful.
So, whether you’re hosting your first community raffle or adding new life to an annual event, remember that the small details go a long way. You don’t need a big budget. A thoughtful note or a simple thank-you can turn a modest gift into a moment of joy.
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