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If you’re planning a charity auction this year or next year, you need to offer exclusive, valuable, unique, and curated experiences that bidders can’t get at any other auction. Whether you're reorganizing an online auction , silent auction , or live gala , the right auction items will help generate excitement and increase bids, ultimately increasing revenue for your nonprofit.
Here are auction item trends for 2025 and 2026.
Bucket-List Travel Experiences
Travel is back in full force, but people want more than just a hotel room. They're craving, curated, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Top auction travel packages include:
- African safaris
- Culinary trips through Italy or France
- Exotic escapes to Bali or St. Thomas
- Sporting events like NASCAR , NHL , Indy 500 , and NBA All-Star Slam
Socially Impactful & Sustainable Items
Bidders are increasingly values-driven and are looking for sustainable, ethical, or socially-
focused auction items. Examples of these auction items are:
- Custom jewelry from fair-trade or upcycled materials.
- Artisan gift boxes that support global communities.
- Sustainable luxury goods like pre-owned fashion from high-end brands such as Chanel, Gucci, etc.
The preference for sustainable items reflects a broader cultural shift toward ethical consumption. Auction houses are tapping into this movement by curating collections geared explicitly toward environmentally conscious bidders.
Celebrity & VIP Access
Exclusive meet-and-greets or VIP tickets are always a hit. New twists on these top bidding
packages could include:
- Zoom cooking classes or cocktail hours with celebrity chefs or popular local chefs
- Music awards package
- NYC Thanksgiving Day experience
- Cameo-style custom videos
Local VIP Experiences
Hyper-local, hyper-unique packages perform well for community-based events. Some of ideas
for local auction packages include:
- “Mayor for a Day”
- Behind-the-scenes tours of local landmarks
- Farm-to-table experience at a local vineyard or sustainable farm
- Membership to a local golf course
- Helicopter tour over the city
Spa Packages
- Full-day pass to a luxury spa
- Spa treatment + yoga or meditation class
- Mani and pedi, hairstyle, and facial
- At-home massage or facial party for up to 4 guests
Educational Auction Items
- Private mixology class
- Art, photography, or dance lessons an expert
- Sommelier-led wine tastings
- Cheese making class
Hosting A Successful Auction
A winning auction has something for everyone. Combining big-ticket items with smaller ticket items is a great way to make the event a fun experience for all attendees. When your auction reflects current trends and donor interests you’ll likely spark (fun!) bidding wars, which will make
for a memorable experience.
Special thanks to Brian Rechtman. Founder and CEO at Bluetree Marketing. Brian says " Let us take the stress off your plate. Our expert team can help you secure amazing, high-value packages that drive bids and boost your fundraiser’s success. Let’s work together on curating great experiences for your attendees!"