55+ Silent Auction Item Ideas for Australian Charities (2026)

Adding fresh silent auction ideas to your fundraising events keeps your supporters engaged and bidding, helping you raise money for your cause. So, how do you get inspired and switch things up?

Check out our list of 55+ silent auction item ideas, from sport-related gifts to food-related items.

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In this article:

• The silent auction items you choose matter

• Silent auction item ideas for sports fans

• Silent auction item ideas for music and arts fans

• Family-friendly silent auction items

• Silent auction items for school auctions

• Travel and experience-based silent auction items

• Popular silent auction basket ideas

• Unique silent auction items

• High-end items for silent auctions

• Technology silent auction item ideas

• Run your charity's silent auction free with Zeffy

• Frequently asked questions

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The silent auction items you choose matter

Choosing the right silent auction items can make all the difference for your charity or not-for-profit. This is an opportunity to showcase your cause and appeal to your unique audience.

Planning a successful silent auction is about raising money, but it is also about building relationships. Choosing auction items that resonate can help you make the experience more engaging and entice people to bid more.

It is great to consider your supporters who will be participating, placing yourself in their shoes to understand what might excite them and leave them with a great impression.

Consider asking yourself the following questions with your team before you solidify your silent auction ideas:

• What is our fundraising goal?

• What price point should our silent auction items be to get us to our goal?

• How much variety should we present in our silent auction items?

• Will all silent auction items be physical, or are there services we can introduce as options for bidding?

• What will our audience respond well to?

• What age ranges should be catered to?

• Is there anything that will follow the theme of the event?

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A quick note on AU rules

Silent auctions in Australia sit under state and territory consumer-protection and fundraising laws, not a single federal framework. If your appeal is a public fundraising activity above your state's threshold (for example, $15,000 in NSW in a financial year), you will need to check with your state fundraising regulator before going public. Each state and territory has its own rules: NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Queensland Office of Fair Trading, WA Consumer Protection, and so on. For a fuller rundown, Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law is the best free resource for AU not-for-profits.

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The receipting reality most volunteers get wrong

Auction purchases are not tax-deductible in Australia, even when the event is run by a DGR-endorsed charity. Because the winning bidder receives a benefit (the item they won), the ATO treats the payment as a purchase, not a gift. This applies regardless of the amount bid or the charity's DGR status. If your supporters want a tax-deductible contribution on the night, they should make a separate straight donation of $2 or more alongside their bidding, and your charity should issue a distinct tax-deductible receipt for that portion alone.

It is all about balancing the appeal to your donors' interests and highlighting what makes your not-for-profit special. Thoughtful curation of silent auction guidelines, items, and strategy shows you are invested in them as much as they are in you, building a more profound connection beyond the auction.

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Silent auction item ideas for sports fans

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VIP tickets to sporting events

Donated tickets to professional games, finals, or major tournaments make great silent auction item ideas. Depending on the value you are hoping to attract from bidders, you can choose from AFL Grand Final or finals-series tickets, State of Origin corporate box experiences, Australian Open hospitality packages, BBL or Test cricket tickets, A-League or W-League season passes, Super Rugby experiences, or Melbourne Cup racing hospitality.

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Sports equipment

High-quality sports gear, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, cricket bats, netball sets, or yoga mats, is a great way to assemble themed baskets. Add in signed memorabilia to take things up a notch.

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Sport experiences

Offer unique experiences, such as a golf lesson with a club professional, a training session with a former Wallaby, Matilda, AFL player, or Diamond netballer, or a meet-and-greet with a local sporting celebrity. A few ideas that think outside the box and appeal to your ideal donors can go a long way in a fun bidding war.

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Fitness classes

Gift certificates or memberships to local gyms, yoga studios, or Pilates studios are charity auction items most supporters can get excited about and use practically every day.

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Sports apparel and merchandise

Raise funds by offering branded apparel, hats, accessories, or merchandise from popular AU sport teams or codes. People love supporting their teams, making these silent auction ideas something sport lovers will swoon over.

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Sports-themed holidays

Package holidays to destinations known for sporting activities, such as golf resorts, ski lodges, or beach resorts with water-sports facilities. Silent auction attendees will bid more on an experience they can look forward to around the activities they love.

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Fitness technology

Provide the latest fitness trackers, smartwatches, or gadgets to help users monitor and improve their fitness. If you are looking for high-value items, technology-themed baskets with accessories can help you raise more.

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Personal training sessions

Donated sessions with personal trainers or fitness coaches offer personalised guidance and support for achieving fitness goals. Add them to your silent auction list to help out small businesses while encouraging healthy lifestyles.

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Silent auction item ideas for music and arts fans

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VIP concert tickets

Offer tickets to upcoming concerts or music festivals, including VIP or backstage passes, for an exclusive experience. Event attendees will love seeing a local act in action or their favourite artists while supporting a great cause. AU music-festival options include Byron Bay Bluesfest, WOMADelaide, Falls Festival, and Melbourne live-music weekends.

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Instruments

At your next silent auction, offer guitars, keyboards, drums, or other instruments signed by well-known musicians or local artists. Donors may well start a bidding war over these unique items that typically come at a high price.

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Autographed memorabilia

Provide signed albums, posters, or photographs of renowned musicians, bands, or performers. Any silent auction items that can be displayed also give your donors a way to remember the event long after it is over.

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Music lessons

Offer silent auction packages for private music lessons with local musicians or instructors tailored to various instruments or styles. Local businesses may provide experts who can teach different types of musical instruments or talent niches.

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Entertainment systems

Think about an auction item that helps your supporters enjoy their favourite music at home. For an immersive audiovisual experience, you can include high-quality speakers, soundbars, or home theatre systems.

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Collector's items

Offer limited-edition vinyl records, rare concert posters, or vintage music memorabilia to collectors. These make great silent auction items and attract a specific audience who can share in conversation and have a great time as they bid to win.

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Music production experience

Donate a recording studio session or music production workshop for aspiring musicians or enthusiasts. Imagine if your silent auction items were the catalyst for someone chasing their dreams.

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Theatre tickets and opening-night packages

Gift certificates or tickets to productions by the Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre, Belvoir St, Opera Australia, or touring musicals, including meet-and-greet opportunities with cast members, can help you bring a fresh silent auction idea to life. Opening-night packages in particular make for a memorable gala prize.

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Music-themed travel

Package holidays to destinations known for their live-music scenes, such as a Byron Bay Bluesfest weekend, a WOMADelaide experience in Adelaide, or a Melbourne live-music weekend with accommodation and show tickets included. Your not-for-profit's silent auction will be the talk of the town and you can entice more people to bid with the chance of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Meet-and-greets

Popular silent auction items include meet-and-greet opportunities and backstage passes to hang out with musicians, bands, or performers before or after their shows. Raising funds through behind-the-scenes experiences can help you keep cost low and perceived value high.

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Music-themed accessories

Provide jewellery, accessories, or apparel featuring musical motifs or symbols, such as clef notes or guitars. The idea is niche and can help you differentiate the items your auction guests have already seen.

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Dance classes

Offer certificates for dance classes or workshops in various styles, such as ballet, salsa, or hip-hop. Other organisations that specialise in dance instruction can sponsor this auction idea to promote their services while giving back.

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Family-friendly silent auction items

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Theme park tickets

Provide tickets or passes to local theme parks, amusement parks, or water parks for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions. You can build entire holiday packages with more ways to make the most of the trip, or suggest a fun day out to a local park.

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Zoo or aquarium memberships

Who would not want a silent auction item that appeals to the whole family and keeps the kids entertained? Offer memberships or season passes to the local zoo or aquarium, providing unlimited visits and unique member benefits.

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Children's museum passes

Another auction item that kids will love is a way to spend the day learning and exploring. Donate passes to the children's museum or science centre, where families can enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on learning activities.

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Movie night basket

Create a basket filled with family-friendly films, popcorn, biscuits, and cosy blankets for a memorable movie night at home. Grab help from local businesses to add in goodies that build the experience.

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Outdoor adventure gear

Silent auctions attract all kinds of participants, so having something for those who love time outside is a great idea. Offer outdoor gear such as bikes, scooters, helmets, or camping equipment for family outdoor adventures and exploration.

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Board games and puzzles

On game nights, provide a selection of board games, card games, and puzzles that promote family bonding and entertainment. This auction item is one any participant can bid on and enjoy.

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Arts and crafts kits

Curate silent auctions around arts and crafts kits with supplies for creative projects such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or DIY crafts for family crafting sessions.

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Cooking class

Offer certificates for a family cooking class or baking workshop where parents and children can learn to prepare delicious meals or desserts together. Local restaurants may be open to hosting workshops to raise funds for a cause they care about.

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Indoor play centre passes

You can create a silent auction gift basket full of passes to indoor play centres, trampoline parks, or bounce houses where kids can burn off energy and have fun regardless of the weather.

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Camping trip package

For a family camping adventure, put together a trip package with a tent, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and marshmallow roasting kits. The lucky winner of this auction item can invite friends and family to enjoy the fun.

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Season passes to local attractions

Donate season passes to local attractions such as botanical gardens, mini golf courses, or adventure parks for year-round family fun.

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Story time basket

Create a basket filled with children's books, stuffed animals, and cosy blankets for bedtime reading and family cuddle time.

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Educational subscriptions

Offer subscriptions to educational apps, magazines, or streaming services that provide engaging content and activities for kids of all ages. You can create themed baskets that appeal to various education levels for anyone in your donor base to take advantage of.

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Family photo session

Arrange a family photo session with a professional photographer, capturing precious memories and moments to cherish for years.

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Sausage sizzle and community-event bundles

An AU-native crowd-pleaser: a packaged community-event experience such as a hosted sausage sizzle day or a trivia-night-in-a-box bundle (questions, prizes, and hosting guide included). Local businesses and board networks are often happy to sponsor these, keeping your costs low and the fun factor high.

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Silent auction items for school auctions

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Teacher experience packages

Offer packages where teachers provide unique learning experiences, such as a pizza party with the principal, a day as a teacher aide, or a classroom pet visit. Offer gift cards, spa treatments, or restaurant vouchers to show appreciation for teachers and staff's hard work and dedication.

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Student artwork

Showcase student artwork, such as paintings, drawings, or ceramics, framed and ready for display in the home or office. A school auction is a great place to celebrate a local young artist and creative expression.

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Tutoring services

Donate tutoring sessions in various subjects, provided by qualified teachers or academic professionals, to help students excel in their studies.

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Educational experiences

Provide educational toys, puzzles, or board games that promote learning and critical thinking for children of different ages. Offer certificates for workshops or seminars led by experts on parenting, early-childhood development, or study skills. The sky is the limit on this one.

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School-branded merchandise

Offer branded merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, or backpacks featuring the school's logo or mascot. Provide bundles of school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, markers, and backpacks, to support students and teachers throughout the school year.

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STEM kits

Offer science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) kits and experiments for hands-on learning experiences at home or in the classroom. Students and their families will have their bid sheets full.

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Year 12 and tertiary prep resources

Provide resources and services to support Year 12 readiness and tertiary preparation, such as ATAR coaching, VCE, HSC, or QCE subject tutoring packages, university-application guidance (through UAC or VTAC), or UCAT and GAMSAT preparation courses for aspiring medicine and health-science students.

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P&C and school parents' committee packages

Bundle together a P&C committee experience pack: a reserved seat at the annual school fair, priority access to P&C events for the year, or a named sponsorship brick or garden tile at the school. These community-recognition items are unique to the school context and tend to attract strong bids from proud families.

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Travel and experience-based silent auction items

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Beach getaway package

Offer a weekend stay at a beachfront resort or holiday rental, with beach chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler with snacks. Provide guided tours for outdoor activities like kayaking, zip-lining, hiking, or white-water rafting in scenic coastal or hinterland locations.

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Music festival tickets

Donate passes to popular AU music festivals or outdoor concerts, including VIP or backstage access. You do not need front-row seats to get your donor base excited about this auction item.

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School-holiday camp packages

Gift certificates for children to attend school-holiday camps focused on sport, arts, or outdoor adventures, such as surf camps, sport clinics, or outdoor-education programs.

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Farm-to-table dining

Offer a farm tour and a gourmet dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced Australian ingredients. Silent auctions that support sustainability and local producers are always a great idea to try out.

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Autumn regional getaways

Provide guided tours or scenic experiences to enjoy vibrant autumn colour in stunning AU destinations such as Bright or Beechworth in Victoria, the Southern Highlands in NSW, or Tasmania in April. Or provide a family-friendly outing to an orchard for apple picking and local cider tasting.

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Wine tasting

Offer tours of local wineries or vineyards across AU's great wine regions, including the Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, or Tamar Valley, complete with tastings of seasonal wines and gourmet food pairings.

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Reef and rainforest experiences

An AU-exclusive: a Great Barrier Reef pontoon day, a Daintree eco-lodge stay, or a Whitsundays sailing weekend. These bucket-list experiences attract strong bids and are impossible to source outside Australia.

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Ski resort packages

Offer ski or snowboarding packages at popular AU and NZ winter-sports destinations, including Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham, or Queenstown and Cardrona in New Zealand, complete with lift tickets, equipment hire, and accommodation.

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Ice skating party

Host an exclusive ice skating party at a local rink with skate hire, music, and refreshments.

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Cosy cabin getaway

Donate a weekend stay at a cosy cabin or mountain lodge with a fireplace, spa, and scenic views.

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Holiday cooking workshops

Gift certificates for cooking workshops focused on seasonal baking, including gingerbread house decorating or festive biscuit decorating classes.

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Popular silent auction basket ideas

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Spa day

Fill a basket with luxurious spa essentials such as bath bombs, scented candles, massage oils, plush robes, and a gift voucher to a local spa or massage therapist.

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Gourmet food

Create a basket filled with gourmet treats such as artisanal cheeses, crackers, chocolates, gourmet coffee or tea, specialty jams, and fine wines or craft beers from Australian producers.

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Movie night

Put together a basket with various movie snacks, such as popcorn, biscuits, gourmet popcorn seasonings, a selection of classic films on disc, or a streaming service gift card.

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Outdoor adventure

Fill a backpack or cooler with outdoor essentials such as trail mix, water bottles, sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking maps, and gift vouchers for outdoor gear hire or guided tours.

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Family game night

For a fun-filled family game night at home, include board games, card games, puzzles, snacks, and hot chocolate mix.

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Unique silent auction items

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Custom jewellery design

Consult a designer to create a one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewellery, incorporating the bidder's preferred gemstones and metals.

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Private concert

Secure a private performance by a local musician or band at the bidder's home or event, tailored to their musical preferences.

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Commissioned artwork by a local artist

Offer a commission from a local or regional artist, where the winning bidder works with the artist to create a bespoke painting, print, or sculpture. This is a genuinely unique item with lasting personal value and a strong story to tell on the night.

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Helicopter scenic flight

Offer a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour, the Great Ocean Road, the Whitsundays, or another iconic AU landscape. Few auction items match the 'wow factor' of a prize like this, and they tend to generate some of the most competitive bidding of the night.

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Unique collectibles

Offer rare or collectible items such as antique furniture, vintage pieces, historical artefacts, or memorabilia from iconic sporting or cultural events.

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Exclusive sporting event package

This package provides VIP tickets to a major AU sporting event, including premium seating, access to exclusive hospitality areas, and meet-and-greet opportunities with athletes.

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High-end items for silent auctions

Designer fashion and accessories

Offer high-end designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories from renowned fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.

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Fine jewellery

Provide exquisite fine jewellery, including diamond necklaces, gemstone earrings, luxury watches, and custom-designed engagement rings.

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Luxury travel experiences

Curate extravagant travel packages to luxurious destinations such as private villas in the tropics, upscale European resorts, or luxury safari expeditions in Africa.

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Exclusive wine and spirits

Offer rare and vintage wines, champagne, and spirits from prestigious Australian and international vineyards and distilleries, accompanied by private tastings or cellar tours.

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Fine art

Showcase original works by renowned artists, including paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints from prestigious galleries and art auctions.

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Technology silent auction item ideas

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Headphones

Provide premium wireless headphones and earbuds from brands like Apple AirPods.

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Gaming consoles

Offer gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, along with gaming accessories like controllers, headsets, and gaming chairs.

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Fitness trackers

Offer fitness trackers and smartwatches from Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch.

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Virtual reality headsets

Offer VR headsets and accessories that deliver immersive virtual reality experiences.

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Run your charity's silent auction free with Zeffy

A successful event involves picking the right items and using the right auction platform to manage bidding, payments, and donor communications in one place.

With Zeffy, the free fundraising platform built for charities and not-for-profits, you can launch a silent auction, accept payments, enable mobile bidding on the night, and much more, all at no cost to your organisation. That means every dollar raised from your auction goes directly to your cause.

AU charity galas have traditionally relied on platforms like GalaBid for mobile silent auctions. Zeffy's advantage is consolidation: run your auction, sell gala tickets, and collect straight donations (including DGR-receipted gifts of $2 or more) in one place, with no platform fee on any of them. When a supporter wants to make a tax-deductible donation on top of their auction bids, Zeffy handles that separately so the receipt is correct and compliant.

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With Zeffy, the platform designed to help charities do more for less, not-for-profits can launch a silent auction, accept payments, enable mobile bidding, and so much more, for free.

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Frequently asked questions

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