Millennials (born between 1981-1996) and Generation Z (born between 1997-2012) should be at the forefront of your nonprofit’s efforts to find new donors, volunteers, and advocates. These generations tend to be socially conscious, want to create positive change by supporting causes that align with their values, and can support your organization for years to come—if you effectively connect and build relationships with them.

To make a strong impression on these supporter segments, consider how you can appeal specifically to younger generations through your nonprofit’s events. For example, if you’re planning a live or silent auction, engage these supporters by strategically procuring prizes that they’d be interested in bidding on.

If you aren’t sure how to go about this, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll examine five categories of charity auction items that appeal to Millennial and Gen Z participants.

1. Vacation Packages

Travel-related items are best sellers at most nonprofit auctions because of their uniqueness and broad appeal—particularly to younger supporters, who may be considering visiting a new location for the first time. To make your travel packages as attractive and lucrative as possible, ensure they include a complete itinerary of transportation arrangements, accommodations, and unique activities or experiences.

Depending on your supporters’ preferences, you could include a wide range of travel packages at your auction. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Sightseeing tours of popular international destinations such as Paris, London, or Tokyo.
  • Beach resort stays that include lessons in water sports like surfing and sailing.
  • Ski trips with chalet accommodations, mountain passes, and equipment rentals.
  • Guided tours of national parks in the western United States.
  • Travel and tickets to a major athletic or entertainment event, such as the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, or the premiere of a new Broadway show.
  • Disney World or Disneyland park tickets and resort stays.

While you could use any of these ideas as one of your featured big-ticket auction items, they’re often the most difficult type of prize to procure. Fortunately, there are consignment providers your nonprofit can partner with to find complete bucket-list vacation packages that will appeal to your target audience of younger donors. Look for one with a business model that allows you to only pay for what you sell to minimize financial risk to your organization.

2. Concert Tickets

Younger audiences tend to keep up with pop culture and are often interested in attending concerts and music festivals. However, the more popular these events are, the more difficult it becomes for individual fans to secure tickets.

Fortunately, many venues offer nonprofit discounts separate from the regular sale process, so you can make it easier for fans to see their favorite artists by purchasing two to four tickets and auctioning them off. To encourage even more bids, offer the tickets as part of a package that includes other items like:

  • T-shirts and other concert-specific merchandise.
  • Vouchers for food and beverages at the venue.
  • A signed CD or vinyl record (which are making a comeback with younger generations!).
  • Backstage passes or a photo opportunity with the artist after the show.

As you plan your auction, research what concerts are coming up in your area and check the Billboard charts to ensure your music-related offerings are relevant to younger supporters’ interests.

3. Popular Technology

Many younger auction participants will jump at the chance to buy the latest gadgets while supporting a good cause. Consider including some of these technology items in your prize catalog:

  • A brand-new smartphone, tablet, or laptop (make sure to include a charging cord and any other essential accessories).
  • Popular video game systems and controllers.
  • Smart watches or fitness trackers.
  • Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
  • Annual subscriptions to TV or music streaming services.
  • Cameras (not only high-quality digital cameras, but also Polaroid and film cameras since these photography styles are on the rise with Millennials and Gen Zers!).

These auction items might sell for less than retail price, as participants may see potential discounts as a benefit of purchasing devices at auction rather than through a retailer. However, you can still earn significant revenue for your mission if you request these items as in-kind donations from corporate partners in the tech industry.

4. Themed Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are a silent auction staple! According to Winspire, bundling smaller items into one package gives them a higher starting value and makes the prize seem more unique, attracting more bids.

To appeal to all of your supporters, try creating a variety of baskets, each based on a different theme. Some silent auction basket ideas that will likely interest Millennial and Gen Z participants include:

  • Health and Fitness. This basket could contain workout gear such as hand weights, gym towels, a yoga mat, a reusable water bottle, and earbuds designed to stay in place during exercise. To increase the basket’s value, add a gift card for a popular activewear brand or a pass for group fitness classes at a local gym.
  • Spa Day. Help younger supporters indulge in self care by creating a gift basket that combines a gift certificate for a professional massage with at-home spa supplies like facial masks, bath bombs, scented lotions, and fluffy slippers.
  • Fine Foods. Put together several baskets themed around food and beverages that are popular with supporters in their 20s and 30s, such as charcuterie, coffee, tea, chocolate, and craft beer.
  • Pet Essentials. As of 2023, Millennials made up the largest share of pet owners in the U.S., and Gen Zers are starting to adopt animals as well. Try creating one basket geared toward dog owners and one for cat owners, and include supplies, toys, treats, and gift certificates for pet-sitting or grooming services in each one.

If you’re unsure which basket themes would interest your nonprofit’s younger donors, consider sending supporters in your target age group a survey asking about their interests, preferences, and values. Besides gathering input for your auction, eCardWidget’s donor retention guide points out that supporters feel valued when you ask them for feedback, strengthening their relationships with your organization.

5. Locally Made & Ethically Sourced Products

When it comes to Millennial and Gen Z shopping habits, many of them make an effort to shop ethically and support locally-owned businesses. To align your auction prize offerings with these preferences, consider partnering with small businesses in your area whose values align with your mission to supply items such as:

  • Paintings or home decor made by local artists.
  • Jewelry made from recycled materials.
  • Cruelty-free cosmetics or personal care products.
  • Gift cards and tickets to a book signing event at an independent bookstore.

Procuring these auction items can not only attract younger donors to your event but also help you form long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships between your nonprofit and local businesses that are eager to make a difference in the communities they serve.

Whether you make an effort to find local and ethical products, curate themed gift baskets, or offer hot-button concert tickets, there are many auction items your nonprofit can procure to attract Millennial and Gen Z supporters to your event. Remember to follow up with these younger participants after the auction to continue the process of building long-lasting relationships with them. Happy fundraising!