Four Great Tips To Make A Silent Auction Fun For Kids

Silent auctions are a great idea for raising funds. It is a variation on the traditional auction, as the name suggests, in which bidding is not made in public or facilitated loudly by an auctioneer. The auctioned items are typically placed in such a way that the guests can view those items in their free time. For every auctioned item, an initial bid is indicated. Those who are interested in an item will write a bid on a piece of paper and then submit it. Bidders have to wait and see if they won the item or if someone else outbid them. Organizing a silent auction for kids can be twice as fun as preparing an ordinary auction. Here are some fun Silent Auction Ideas you can try:

Organize an auction with an art theme

Why not try to organize an art-themed silent auction? Gather baskets and fill them with various art supplies that kids can use for their craft projects and art classes. Customize each basket by using different sets of items. You can have one basket intended for preschoolers by filling it with items like finger paints, modeling clay, coloring books and stickers. While another basket could consist of art and craft materials which older children can make use like scrapbooks, acrylic paints, canvas frames and paintbrushes. To give the auction a distinctive twist, try decorating the venue like an art gallery that showcases various artworks and crafts created by kids.

Follow a movie night-theme for the auctioned baskets

Every kid, regardless of age, enjoys movies. Use this idea for the auction by following a movie night theme for the baskets you auction off. Movie theme gift baskets can be filled with snacks, posters, and gift certificates from a local video rental shop. If the auction is targeted for older children, you can opt for tickets to the movie theater. Add in a gift certificate to a local fast food chain or snack bar where the kids can go before or after they watch the movie.

Auction baskets filled with games and toys

Children always love toys and games. Auction off baskets filled with an assortment games and toys for children. You can have a gender-specific basket such as one filled with model cars, puzzles, superhero action figures for little boys and another one filled with wands, crowns and dress-up clothes for little girls. Another idea is to have a basket filled with different board games for groups like Scrabble or Monopoly.

Auction different gift coupons

Silent auctions sometimes include services that can be bid upon. You may want to ask local businesses to sponsor the event by giving gift certificates or their services. You can also ask babysitters that you know to give gift cards for their services. This can help make the parents become interested in the event. Gift certificates to toy shops, theme parks and kid-friendly restaurants can also be interesting auction items.

Remember to give the silent auction you are organizing a fun and creative touch so that kids can have a great time. Let your imagination be your limit to all the fun things you can make for the activity.