When it comes to fundraising at school, finding the perfect items to sell can make all the difference. Whether you're raising money for a school trip, a new playground, or educational resources, the right products can boost your profits and engage your community.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to decide what to sell. That's where we come in. In this blog, we've compiled a list of the 101 best things to sell for fundraising at school, from classic treats and personalized items to eco-friendly alternatives and unique experiences.
Get ready to spark your creativity and take your fundraising game to the next level!
1. Gourmet Popcorn
Popcorns are a popular treat hence, easier to sell. You can rent a popcorn machine for a day or sell packed gourmet popcorn in flavors such as cheese, salt and pepper, caramel, or sweet and salty.
2. Discount Cards
You can sell these cards worth $15 or $20 to offer discounts for local businesses. It is a win-win scenario for both you and your supporters. They get the discount while you put in revenue.
3. Cookie Dough
Among baking items, cookie dough is a sure hit. This is a long-lasting product that many would like to purchase. Try selling pre-portioned dough, which makes the baking process even easier, offering convenience and longevity.
4. Scratch Cards
Scratch cards contain an amount to donate ranging from 50 cents to 3 dollars. Once a participant purchases that, they scratch the card, donate the amount, and receive coupons in return. It’s an easy way for people to donate a small amount.
5. Chocolate Bars
Who doesn’t like chocolates? In a fundraiser, chocolate bars sell like hotcakes. Moreover, they are cheap. Select a variety of flavors such as milk, white, dark, caramel, and sea salt chocolate for the event.
6. T-shirts
T-shirts are highly customizable. Make shirts about your organization and the schools so that students are enticed to purchase them. Also, every time the donors wear the shirt, they spread awareness about the organization.
7. Shoe Drive
At the fundraiser, set up a shoe drive collecting gently used shoes. Either donate those to the needy or collaborate with a shoe recycling program to turn the used shoes into playground material.
8. Lollipops
Kids love lollipops! Elementary schools are the ideal place to sell them. Additionally, they are cheaper and also easier to sell. You can also use it to show gratitude as a thank-you gift for people who donate.
9. Pizza
Adults and children both enjoy pizza aplenty. Find a pizza place and order enough pizzas from there. Or collaborate with a pizza chain to set up a pizza fundraiser. You can also sell homemade pizzas if you are a baking expert.
10. Coffee Beans
Sell some premium coffee beans. This may not be for the kids, but the adults will not mind splurging on it, resulting in a generous donation. Promote the school spirit by using custom packets with the school logo.
11. Engraved Bricks
Set up a brick fundraiser to appreciate the donors for their contribution. Use those engraved bricks with personalized messages as a wall display or pathway to recognize the donors.
12. Dog Treats
There will be several animal lovers in the fundraiser. Bake homemade organic dog treats or sell packaged ones to pet owners. Non-pet owners can also buy it as a gift for fellow dog owners.
13. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are great to have for yourself or to give to someone else. Hence, stuffed animals sell easily. Display a variety of these so that it appeals to everyone’s inner child.
14. Virtual Coupon Books
Physical and virtual coupon books for stores, vendors, and local restaurants are a great way to make sales. However, some physical books may remain, resulting in a loss and waste. Therefore, sell virtual coupon books to each participant.
15. Trash Bags
Trash bags may not seem like the best fundraising item but they are certainly an essential household product, which is why they are sellable. Arrange for high-quality trash bags in different sizes to sell at the fundraiser.
16. Doughnuts
If there’s an item that sells itself, it's doughnuts! Selling homemade doughnuts will save you marketing costs because no one can resist buying one. Thus, you’ll collect enough donations by simply selling them to adults and kids.
17. Wrapping Paper
Everyone needs wrapping paper to give gifts. Either sell the wrapping paper with ribbons and gift tags or set up a gift wrapping station to help package the unwrapped gifts with these items.
18. Coloring Books
When you have kids around, it is the best time to sell coloring books. But these can appeal to adults likewise. Offer coloring books with different themes, such as flowers and artsy designs of animals and cartoon characters.
19. Pretzel Rods
There might be enough sweet items on the fundraiser, so why not sell something savory instead? Pretzel rods are light savory snacks that are so easy to transport and sell. Attain maximum profit by selling in bulk.
20. Car Stickers
When parents are at the fundraiser with the kids, some cute car stickers may catch their attention. Sell branded car stickers of the school logo or mascot and ignite the school spirit. The car of every donor becomes a representation of the school.
21. School Calendar
Sell customized school calendars to the students and parents to keep track of the academic year, the events, and any important dates. Add photos of different classes to give it a personalized touch. This is an essential item so it will sell out easily.
22. School Magnets
Like the calendars, customize magnets to include the school’s logo and a mascot. Students can keep it as an essential part of their stationery. Keep it available in various colors and sizes.
23. Notepads
There can’t be enough Notepads for students. They will sell out immediately in an educational setting. Add some customization with the school logo and printed name to the notepads to make them more unique.
24. Tote Bags
Tote bags are useful items that parents, students, and teachers can use outside of school. Customize it by adding a school logo so the school is also represented on someone’s next shopping spree.
25. Pens
What is the most essential item for school? A pen. Customize the pens with the school logo or personalize them with the student’s name. Even if they don’t use it, they can keep it as a souvenir.
26. Branded Lanyards
If there is a tradition of wearing ID cards in the school, branded lanyards with artwork or the logo of the school can be a good item to sell. This can also be good for school events. Offer them in different colors to appeal to a wider audience.
27. Coffee Mugs
All coffee lovers will hop on the chance to get a coffee mug. Pair it up with some premium beans to increase their appeal. Also, customize it with the school’s logo. This one will be for the teachers and parents.
28. Water Bottles
Another item to customize with the artwork and school logo. Students need water bottles to keep themselves hydrated throughout the day. They can also keep it as a souvenir and keepsake.
29. School Hoodies
Another item in the category of souvenirs. Usually, graduating batches are enticed to buy tailor-made hoodies. Offer them in a range of colors and sizes with the school logo. Add a personal touch by printing names as well.
30. Phone Grips
Most students have a smartphone these days. A phone grip is a handy accessory that stabilizes the phone in your hand. Make these with the school’s logo or other funky colors to gauge the attention of potential donors.
31. Bookmarks
Students have to mark several things in their textbooks. For that, bookmarks can come in handy to highlight a section or continue where one left off. Moreover, these are cheap and useful for avid novel readers.
32. Face Masks
Post-COVID, face masks have been an essential item for protection against viruses. Make some customized face masks with the school’s logo or just sell plain ones. They are always needed so will sell out easily.
33. Air Fresheners
Teachers would like to use it more than kids. When the classrooms need a little bit of fresh, fragrant air, especially after a sports class, these will come in handy. Keep different scents and brands for the donors to choose from.
34. USB Drives
It is quite easy to lose a USB drive. Hence, selling them at a fundraiser is a great idea as most people usually need them. Customize the USB drives by packaging them in a specially made case. This adds more value to it (as specifically a fundraising item) and makes it unique.
35. Coasters
Customized coasters can act as decorative souvenirs but they are also practical items. Coffee and tea lovers would love to buy a colorful, funky coaster.
36. Laptop Sleeves
Most students, teachers, and parents have laptops. While a rather costly item than others on the list, laptop sleeves are an essential item protecting the electronic device from damage. Increase its value by offering many designs, colors, and personalized laptop sleeves.
37. Tablet Sleeves
Like a laptop sleeve, a tablet sleeve is a practical item that people with an electronic device will inevitably need. Since their size is smaller, these will be cheaper than laptop sleeves. Buy them in bulk, choose vibrant colors and patterns, and also customize them if required.
38. Customized Buttons
Buttons are a simple product to sell in a school fundraiser. However, they aren’t exactly interesting. Increase their value by customizing them in school colors.
39. School Merchandise
Most schools have merchandise containing the school’s identity such as mascots, colors, or motto. Sell these novelty gifts and school supplies from the merchandise to entice students to keep them as a souvenir.
40. Backpacks
Backpacks can be one of the school merchandise but in case it is not included, sell customized backpacks in the school’s colors and logos. Every student needs one when they come to school so it is an essential item parents won’t miss out on.
41. Duffel Bags
Like backpacks, duffel bags are an important product. However, most teachers, students, or parents would use them for extracurricular activities or those outside the premises of the school.
42. Phone Cover
Anyone carrying a phone will need a phone cover to protect it from damage. Usually, these do not last well for a long time. Therefore, people will always need it. Keep them in your stall in case someone wants a new phone cover.
43. Keychains
Another useful item that doubles as a souvenir is a keychain. Almost everyone needs it for car, house, or drawer keys. Including them in your stall in the fundraiser can facilitate donors to pick an essential item on the go.
44. Fridge Magnets
These can be sold in bulk. Make it more personal by adding the school’s logo so that it acts as a memorabilia.
45. Wall Art
Beautiful things catch everyone’s eye. Hang some wall art in your stall so that everyone can see the collection. Artistic parents and teachers may buy it for their rooms.
46. Lunch Boxes
Students always need lunch boxes to snack on during their lunch breaks. However, lunch boxes do not last that long so most donors may pick them again for their school-going child.
47. Customized Envelopes
Envelopes with either the school’s logo or personal names are a rather unique item. These envelopes can become excellent gifts. Keeping a few with other stationery is a good idea.
48. Lapel Pins
A customized lapel pin with the school logo on the school uniform blazer will look amazing. Showcase these to the schoolboys who would love to represent the school.
49. Wristbands
Wristbands are easy to wear, hence they are a popular fundraising item. Make it in the school’s colors and top it off with a logo or tagline.
50. Dog Tags
Dog tags are a chic accessory for people of every age. Target this more to the schoolboys by providing custom-made dog tags with their names.
51. Hats
Everyone is always short of head accessories when winters roll in. So, keep some hats in the stall and also give them a personal, unique touch by customizing them.
52. Beanies
In the same vein, beanies are the most suitable to cover the head during the cold months. People can collect them on the go while visiting your stall.
53. Sweatpants
Put sweatpants and T-shirts together. Make these available in colors similar to the school’s logo for people to purchase a pair together.
54. Socks
Putting something practical as socks in the fundraiser stall prevents people from going specifically to buy it. Therefore, this helps the donors to get this essential item easily. Keep them in different shapes, sizes, and colors for variety.
55. Scarves
Don’t miss out on scarves if the stall has other clothing items. Scarves are stylish and also cheaper than other clothing accessories and items. Thus, people can easily buy these if they catch their eye. Ensure that there is a variety of colors and patterns to suit everyone.
56. Journals
Similar to notepads, journals are an absolute need in school. Teachers and students both use it to organize their tasks and deadlines. Offer plain journals or those with artwork to cater to different people.
57. Postcards
Put postcards with different national landmarks for sale. Postcards are a good option because these are cheap and also sell easily.
58. Stress balls
School can be stressful. Stress balls are a fun item that students and teachers can use to release their stress in school timings.
59. Golf Balls
Planning on making a sports-themed stall? Don’t forget to sell some golf balls. In fact, if the fundraiser itself is sports-themed these make a good, eye-catching item for parents.
60. Thank You Cards
While these can be given after every purchase for free, there is also room for selling thank you cards. Offer them in different themes and designs in the spirit of the occasion.
61. Phone Stands
Maybe the donors enjoy watching their favorite videos while lying down and keeping their phones on a stand. Here’s when phone stands will come in use. Keep them at the stall so that everyone who passes by, sees this practical but affordable and unique item.
62. Wallet Stands
Wallet stands are used to stack your different wallets. Offer these with wallets on your stall and maybe put a discount on the pair.
63. Phone Wallets
A phone wallet reduces the hassle of keeping the phone and the wallet separately. This innovative item will bring the “shock factor” to every passerby. They are bound to check it out and if interested, may buy it as well.
64. Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags are casual backpacks that will mostly attract students. Keep them in different colors and materials. Since these are cheaper than most backpacks, many students will be enticed to buy them.
65. Pancakes
Another easy-to-make sweet item is pancakes. Prepare different toppings to cater to a wider audience’s taste. Offer different flavors so that these are enjoyed by everyone.
66. Protein Bars
Among all of these snacks and sweet items, a protein bar is bound to stand out. Parents, teachers, and students can all enjoy this healthy snack without worrying about having too much sugar or gaining a few pounds.
67. Lemonade
Lemonade is refreshing and a lemonade stand is cheap to set up. All you will need are some pitchers, straws, and cups. Offer it in slightly different flavors as well such as pink lemonade to appeal to more people, especially children.
68. Oven Mittens
A baking accessory unheard of in a fundraiser but nonetheless an essential item for your kitchen. Keeping oven mittens on display will catch the eye of eager bakers. Moreover, these are affordable to sell and profit from.
69. Pot Holders
Another kitchen item, pot holders are similar to mittens in protecting against the heat. Any parent or staff member who cooks often will be intrigued to buy.
70. Tumblers
A tumbler is great to carry your favorite drink. It will attract teachers, students, and parents alike. Sell them in different materials and colors.
71. Mouse Pads
Teachers and parents using desktop computers would love to have a mouse pad for their mouse. Gamers among students may also be enthused to purchase it when it is being sold at the school.
72. Fresh Fruit
While many go fancy on homemade and packaged things, sometimes the simplest of things are the biggest hits. Fruits can be someone’s lunch if they don't want something baked. The net profit from fruit sale is usually reasonable to contribute towards the donation.
73. Baking Trays
Another baking item that baker moms, teachers, and students can pick on the go. While selecting baking trays to sell, pay extra attention to their material and durability.
74. Cutting Boards
Every kitchen needs a cutting board. So, if there are cooks among the donors, they will love to pick up a practical item that they use rather than one they don’t, to help the cause.
75. Cupcakes
If there is one item easy to make in bulk, it’s cupcakes! Many cupcakes are baked from a single batter and are a one-time effort. What’s more, they are loved by everyone. Offer them in different flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
76. Flowers
Sell fresh flowers, flower bulbs, or seeds in the fundraiser. Some can take the seeds and bulbs home to raise them, others can get a flower and give it to someone for a quick pick-me-up.
77. Bottle Openers
If there are some drink stalls, people will definitely need bottle openers as well. There can be a sale for these unusual items provided there are corresponding items at the sale.
78. Photo Frames
This thoughtful item will most likely appeal to the graduating class who can store their memories for nostalgia. Photo frames are bound to sell well with seniors but could also appeal to other donors.
79. Seasonings and Spices
Among culinary items, seasonings and spices are rare to be seen at a fundraiser. Nonetheless, these are still essential in the kitchen so will captivate cooks in each household.
80. Books
Students can get tired of textbooks. Put some novels on display for them to indulge in both fiction and non-fiction while contributing to the cause.
81. Movie Tickets
If there’s a popular movie screening, everyone will be curious to watch it. Selling its movie tickets will be an instant hit. So grab several tickets to the popular movie to invite people to watch it.
82. Door Hangers
Door hangers can include small, personal reminders, mostly “Do Not Disturb” or the like. These will attract people who like to keep these polite reminders and accessories.
83. Confetti Bags
Small confetti bags are great to have for special occasions and celebrations. When people see it displayed on the stall, they are likely to pick one or two bags to keep when the need arises.
84. Gift Wrapping Service
Besides the option of selling gift wrappers, offer gift wrapping service. Charge a small amount for wrapping the unwrapped gifts together with ribbons, gift cards, and bows.
85. Raffle Tickets
Sell raffle tickets for one big prize. Most people are excited to win so selling raffle tickets will result in a lot of donations throughout the entire event.
86. Spaghetti
There will be lots of snacks in the fundraiser, how about offering something more fulfilling such as spaghetti? Any person who is looking for a meal rather than a light snack or dessert will buy it in a heartbeat.
87. Homemade Jewelry
Homemade jewelry is a simple but exquisite item to sell. It will require effort however, it can be sold for a good price. Keep different jewelry pieces such as necklaces, rings, and earrings.
88. Photo Booth
People wouldn’t want to miss taking pictures on a fun day. Fundraising events are usually enjoyable so setting up a photo booth will allow people to capture a memorable day.
Keep props to make it extra delightful.
89. Painting
Painting is an engaging activity that will leave donors with some memorabilia. Either make caricatures or portraits for people in a reasonable amount.
90. Sandwiches
When it comes to a light but fulfilling snack, nothing beats sandwiches. Offer homemade sandwiches with some fries to make a hearty meal.
91. Macaroons
Macaroons are a show stealer wherever they are sold. Since, these are usually not as simple to make, or cheaper to buy, a huge profit margin can be achieved. What’s best, they sell like hotcakes!
92. Marshmallows
Marshmallows are a wonderful treat for little kids. To raise the price point, add a chocolate fountain to your stall and sell marshmallows dipped in that.
93. Iced Coffee
If it’s warm outside, iced coffee will be a great drink to cool everyone down. Similarly, sell warm beverages when the weather is cold.
94. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are an essential snack at fundraisers. They can satiate anyone without feeling the need for a meal. Don’t miss out on this hot-selling food item!
95. Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are for people tired of the same old hot dogs. Corn dogs are hot dogs with a twist. Like hot dogs, this is a popular item that will usually have buyers.
96. Candy
It doesn’t get simpler than this! Simply sell candies. While the profit margin for selling candies is pretty low, it is still worth it.
97. Fish n Chips
Fish n Chips are another popular meal item. It can be enjoyed by an entire family and will also result in a good profit. Tip: Ensure you always serve them hot and fresh!
98. Brownies
Among baked items, there’s nothing like brownies served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Even better if the brownies are homemade. These will easily sell at a good price.
99. Sunglasses
If it is bright and sunny at the time of the event, people will stop by to purchase sunglasses. Keep them in different colors and shapes so people purchase them anyway.
100. Hand-decorated Chopsticks
Chopsticks are an essential utensil, though not used as often in most parts of the world. To make them more alluring, hand-decorate them. Even if people don’t use it, they may buy it for decorative purposes.
101. Jell-O Lip Gloss
A stall with DIY Jell-O Lip Gloss will attract makeup lovers. Allow them to make their own customized lip gloss and charge for the process and product.
Final Words
Among these 101 things, choose a few for the upcoming fundraiser. Always keep extra supplies in case you have a very successful event so no one is disappointed. After calculating the profits, donate them to the cause to play your part!
If you’re looking for help planning and setting up a successful fundraiser at your school, you can use Better World’s easy-to-use tool to spend less time raising money and more time helping students.
Use BetterWorld for free today!
