Basket Assembly & Creation Toolkit

Your job is not just to “put items in a basket.” Your job is to build packages that make people compete!

1. THE GOAL

Every basket should:

• Feel cohesive

• Look professionally assembled

• Clearly communicate value

• Encourage competitive bidding

• Be photographed well

Target minimum value per basket:

• Raffle baskets: $150 to $300

• Silent auction baskets: $300 to $1,000+

• Premium silent/live packages: $1,000+

If a basket doesn’t hit at least $150 in value, combine it with another theme.

2. BASKET BUILDING FORMULA

Use this formula to prevent “random item syndrome.”

Every basket should include:

1. A strong anchor item
   This is the high-value or headline item. Example:

   • $150 restaurant gift card

   • Air fryer

   • Golf foursome

   • Signed memorabilia

2. Complementary supporting items
   Add 3 to 8 items that match the theme.

3. Visual structure
   Use height, wrapping, filler, and clear labeling.

4. Clear total value
   Every basket must have a verified retail value listed.

3. PRESENTATION STANDARDS

This is where most schools underperform.

Do not:

• Toss items into a plastic bin

• Use wrinkled cellophane

• Leave price tags visible

• Overcrowd

Do:

• Use sturdy baskets, crates, or themed containers

• Use neutral shred filler

• Use shrink wrap or clean cello wrap

• Attach a printed description card

• Tie with ribbon that matches the theme

• Make the anchor item visible

If it wouldn’t sell in a boutique window, redo it.

4. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Each basket must have:

• Basket name

• Theme

• Item list

• Retail value of each item

• Total retail value

• Donor names

• Restrictions (expiration dates, blackout dates, etc.)

Use a shared tracking sheet to avoid lost value.

No undocumented items.

5. HIGH-PERFORMING BASKET STRATEGY

These types consistently raise the most money:

• Experiences over objects

• Dining packages

• Travel and getaway bundles

• Sports tickets

• High-end kitchen or outdoor gear

• Wine and specialty food

• Spa and wellness

Low-performing categories:

• Generic décor

• Outdated tech

• Mismatched small items

• Kids toys without anchor value

Be strategic. Not sentimental.

6. PRICING & BIDDING STRATEGY

Silent Auction:

• Start bidding at 40 to 50 percent of retail value

• Set bid increments at 10 percent of value

Raffle Baskets:

• Group mid-range value baskets

• Avoid too many small baskets

Fewer, higher-quality baskets outperform many small ones.

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7. BASKET WORKFLOW

Step 1: Collect and sort donations by theme
Step 2: Assign a Basket Lead for each theme
Step 3: Confirm value totals
Step 4: Assemble and style
Step 5: Photograph for online preview
Step 6: Submit final documentation to Auction Lead

No basket moves to display without approval.

8. CREATIVE PROJECT INTEGRATION

For student-created items:

• Use clean frames

• Avoid clutter

• Use professional mounting

• Include a short story about the project

• Emphasize class involvement

Presentation dramatically affects bid price.

9. MATERIALS CHECKLIST

Basket Team should have:

• Neutral shred filler

• Clear cellophane wrap

• Heat gun or wrap tool

• Ribbon and tags

• Zip ties

• Tape and scissors

• Printed labels

• Inventory tracking sheet

Do not wait until the last week to gather supplies.

10. DAY-OF-EVENT CHECKLIST

• Confirm item list matches display

• Confirm bid sheet matches retail value

• Ensure baskets are stable

• Remove visible retail tags

• Wipe down containers

• Confirm anchor item is visible

• Photograph display tables

Presentation equals revenue.