Planning a raffle can feel like a lot—but picking the right prizes? That’s where the real magic happens. The best raffle prize ideas do more than just fill a table or look nice in a photo. They create excitement, build momentum, and give people a real reason to buy those tickets. Whether you’re organizing a school fundraiser, a nonprofit event, or something just for fun, the right prize can take your raffle from “pretty good” to “can’t-miss.”
We’ve run a lot of fundraisers ourselves, and we’ve seen what works (and what totally flops). That’s why we pulled together this guide with creative raffle prize ideas, from big-ticket wow moments to budget-friendly crowd-pleasers. You’ll also find tips to boost raffle ticket sales, connect with local businesses, and build stronger community ties through your event.
What makes a great raffle prize?
When you’re choosing raffle prizes, it helps to think like a donor. What would make you stop and say, “Okay, I want a chance to win that”? A great raffle prize isn’t always the most expensive item—it’s the one that feels exciting, useful, or unique to the people buying tickets. It’s something they’d actually want, or better yet, something they didn’t know they wanted until they saw it.
There are a few things we always look for when helping our nonprofit partners pick prizes. First, match the prize to your crowd. A weekend getaway might be perfect for a gala, but a basket of board games could be better for a school fundraiser. Second, think about how the prize looks—presentation matters. A well-wrapped basket or framed photo of an experience can spark interest right away. And finally, don’t underestimate the thrill of the win. People love the feeling of taking a small chance and getting something great in return.
Want to really level up? Create prize bundles or add a mystery prize to keep people curious. When your raffle prizes are thoughtful and exciting, you’re not just raising more money—you’re giving supporters a fun reason to say “yes.”
How to source your raffle items from local businesses and partners
One of the best ways to build a prize pool—and community support—is by getting local businesses involved. A lot of places are more willing to donate than you might think. We’ve seen everything from coffee shops to yoga studios chip in with gift cards, services, or items they already have on hand. It’s a win-win: you get great raffle prizes, and they get exposure in front of a local crowd.
Start with businesses your team already knows—maybe a board member’s favorite restaurant or a donor’s boutique. When you ask, keep it simple and personal. Let them know it’s for a local fundraising event and how their donation helps your cause. Most folks want to support something meaningful, especially when their name is going to be seen by everyone at the event.
You can also reach out to local artists for handmade pieces, or even offer a spotlight to a local restaurant in exchange for a gift card or dinner-for-two package. If you bundle a few donations together, you can create a raffle basket that feels generous and intentional without spending a dime.
The truth is, when you involve your community in building the prize list, the raffle becomes more than a fundraiser—it becomes a reflection of the people who support your mission.
Big-ticket raffle prizes that wow your audience
Big-ticket prizes are where you bring the wow factor. These are the prizes that make people pause, pull out their wallets, and buy a handful of tickets instead of just one. They’re not just exciting—they feel like a real chance to win something they’d never splurge on themselves.
Think about experiences first. A weekend getaway—even just one or two nights at a local bed-and-breakfast—feels luxurious. A private cooking class with a local chef or an art workshop led by a local artist turns into a memory, not just a prize. These kinds of experiences are easier to promote, easier to photograph, and easy to get people talking about.
Don’t forget the classics, either: concert tickets, a year of coffee from a local shop, or a premium electronics item like a tablet or smart speaker. Sometimes you can even partner with other nonprofits or small businesses to co-create an experience that gets people excited and shares the spotlight.
Here’s our tip: if your event has a mix of prizes, save the big one for last. Announce it like it’s a showstopper—and watch how many more tickets sell just before the draw.
Budget-friendly raffle prize ideas that still make an impact
Not every prize has to break the bank to get people excited. We’ve helped plenty of organizations run raffles where the crowd’s favorite prizes were simple, thoughtful, and totally doable on a tight budget. The key is choosing things people can actually use—and presenting them in a fun way.
Gift cards are always a hit. They’re flexible, easy to display, and you can often get them donated. Pair one with a small item, like a coffee mug or a treat, and you’ve got a prize that feels more complete. Another easy go-to is a “movie night” bundle—just toss in some popcorn, candy, and a family-friendly film or board game.
You can also get creative with themed raffle baskets. We’ve seen everything from “spa night in” to “Sunday brunch kit,” and they always get attention. DIY kits, cozy home goods, or even a few curated items from your local dollar store can work great when you add a little thought to the presentation.
Bottom line: it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how the prize makes people feel. A fun, clever, or useful prize at a lower cost can still drive plenty of raffle ticket sales when it’s done right.
School fundraiser prize ideas for every age group
School raffles are a whole different ballgame—and we love them for that. The trick here is making sure the prizes fit the age group. You want the kids excited, but you also want the parents to see the value (especially if they’re the ones selling tickets).
For younger kids, think fun and simple: small toys, puzzles, or a basket full of classic board games always do well. Movie tickets, zoo passes, or even a “principal for the day” experience are fun, low-cost ways to grab their attention.
Teens? That’s where it gets trickier—but we’ve seen success with video games, gift cards to popular spots (like boba or pizza places), and brand-name gear. You could even throw in a subscription to a music or streaming service. The more personal or trendy, the better.
And don’t forget the parents. Reserved parking for pickup, a night-out package, or even a basket of school supplies and coffee (yes, really) can be just as exciting for the grown-ups. In fact, some of the best raffle prize ideas we’ve seen at school fundraisers are ones that recognize the whole family.
Raffle basket ideas grouped by theme
Themed raffle baskets are a crowd favorite—and for good reason. They’re fun to put together, they look great on a table, and they let you mix and match smaller items into something that feels big and valuable. Plus, when your basket tells a story, it sticks in people’s minds (and makes it easier to sell tickets).
Food and drink baskets
Everyone loves a treat. A wine and cheese basket, a “brunch at home” kit, or even a cooking class starter pack with spices and a gift card to a local restaurant can make your raffle feel extra special.
Wellness baskets
A “treat yourself” basket with bath bombs, lotions, tea, and a candle? Yes, please. You can also include things like yoga mats, water bottles, or a gift card to a local massage studio—affordable, but with big appeal.
Hobby-based baskets
This is where you can get creative. We’ve seen amazing baskets built around gardening, art supplies, reading nooks, even a starter kit for knitting or baking. If your community has a shared hobby or interest, lean into it.
No matter the theme, presentation matters. Use baskets, boxes, or even reusable totes, and top it all off with a little ribbon or signage. People are way more likely to engage when a prize looks like it’s ready to take home.
Creative raffle prize ideas from the community
Some of the most meaningful—and memorable—raffle prizes we’ve seen didn’t come from a store at all. They came from the people behind the cause. When you tap into your community’s talents and stories, you create raffle items that feel personal and powerful.
Ask your volunteers, board members, or program participants what they can offer. Maybe it’s a handmade quilt, a home-cooked meal, or a behind-the-scenes tour of a local spot. One nonprofit we worked with raffled off a painting by a local artist who had been helped by their program—and it sold more tickets than a flat-screen TV.
You can also offer time or skills: dog walking, photo shoots, guitar lessons, or even a few hours of yard work. These ideas are cost-free and totally one-of-a-kind. Plus, when you share the story behind the prize—who donated it and why—it helps connect your supporters to your mission in a deeper way.
These types of raffle prizes remind people that they’re not just giving to a cause—they’re part of a community. And that feeling? It’s priceless.
How to boost ticket sales with prize presentation
We’ve learned this the hard way: a great prize can flop if it’s not presented well. On the flip side, even a simple prize can shine with the right setup. When you want to drive raffle ticket sales, how you show off your prizes is just as important as the prize itself.
Start with visuals. If your event is in person, display your prizes clearly, with signs that explain what’s included. Use nice baskets, bright tags, and stands to raise items up to eye level. If your raffle is online or hybrid, snap clean photos, write clear descriptions, and share them across your email and social channels.
Bundles are also a great move. A single gift card is nice. But a “night out” bundle with that same card, a cozy blanket, and some popcorn? Way more fun—and way more likely to grab attention.
You can even build some mystery. Add a “surprise prize” or golden ticket option. Just hinting at something exclusive can create buzz and drive people to buy more tickets.
And of course, tech matters. With Harness, it’s easy to track ticket sales, promote prizes, and manage entries all in one place. So your team can focus less on logistics—and more on raising support.
Fuel your fundraising momentum
If there’s one thing we’ve seen again and again, it’s this: the right raffle prizes can completely change the energy of a fundraising event. When prizes are thoughtful, fun, and matched to your audience, people feel excited to give—and that excitement spreads.
Whether you’re working with a big budget or pulling together donations from the community, what really matters is how your prizes connect back to your cause. When supporters see the effort and heart behind what you’ve put together, they’re more likely to jump in, stay engaged, and keep showing up for future events.
And if you want to make the process even smoother, that’s where Harness comes in. As a donation platform for nonprofits, we offer more than just tools—we bring years of fundraising expertise to help your organization grow, engage your supporters, and truly develop. Ready to take your next raffle (and your fundraising) to the next level? Let’s do it together.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good raffle prize?
A good raffle prize is something your audience actually wants. It doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to feel exciting, useful, or special. Think gift cards, local experiences, themed baskets, or even handmade items with a personal touch.
How can I get raffle items donated?
Start with businesses and people in your network. Reach out to local restaurants, artists, and small shops. Let them know what your fundraiser supports and how they’ll be recognized. Most are happy to help when it’s for a good cause.
What are some easy raffle prize ideas?
Gift certificates, movie night bundles, board games, or themed raffle baskets are easy to put together and always a hit. You can also create experience-based prizes using donated services or volunteer skills.
How do I price raffle tickets?
It depends on the value of your prizes and your fundraising goals. A common approach is $5 per ticket or a discount for buying multiples (like 5 for $20). Keep it simple and offer clear options.
Are raffles legal for fundraising?
Raffle laws vary by state or region, especially for nonprofits. Before you start selling tickets, check your local regulations. Some areas require a permit or limit how prizes can be awarded.
