Fundraising Ideas     |     21 July 2025

30+ Consolation Prize Ideas That You Should Add to Your List

Fun and thoughtful ways to reward everyone, not just the winners

15 minute read

You’ve got the venue booked, the tickets are selling, and the grand prize is a hit. But what about everyone else? The folks who showed up, gave it a shot, and didn’t walk away with the top prize? That’s where consolation prize ideas come in handy; They don’t have to be sad little afterthoughts.

Thoughtful consolation prizes can add a whole new layer of fun to your event. They show appreciation, spark a few laughs, and keep people engaged even if their number isn’t called first. Whether you’re planning a school fundraiser, charity auction, raffle, trivia night, or backyard BBQ game day, having something for everyone helps the event feel more generous and well-rounded.

Let’s take a closer look at why these little extras matter and how to make sure they hit the right note.

What is a consolation prize, and why do people appreciate them

A consolation prize is a small gift or token given to someone who didn’t win the main prize. In practice, it says: "Thanks for participating. We see you."

While that might sound simple, it can go a long way. For event organizers, it creates a more positive experience overall. For guests, it means feeling acknowledged, even if they didn’t get the big win.

You’ll often see consolation prizes used at school raffles, talent shows, silent auctions, corporate games, and anywhere people have tried their luck. They’re just as useful at smaller gatherings where friendly competition is part of the fun. Think book clubs running trivia nights, summer camps handing out silly awards, or PTAs organizing spelling bees.

They help soften the sting of “almost.” More than that, they support a culture of gratitude and fun.

Plan these details in advance

Too often, consolation prizes get thrown together at the last minute. A leftover candle here, a random pen there. That might check the box, but it doesn’t make anyone feel great.

Instead, consider these prizes a small way to boost the experience. Planning ahead allows you to make choices that fit your audience, event type, and budget. You’ll also have time to get creative with packaging or messaging, which helps make even inexpensive items feel thoughtful.

Planning ahead also gives you a chance to loop in volunteers, assign tasks, and track what’s available. That prevents the common pitfall of over-ordering or ending up with nothing on hand the day of.

For bulk options, ask local businesses for donations or check your PTA closet for leftover swag. Many of the best prize ideas can be sourced in bulk or made from items you already have on hand. A little bit of creativity often goes further than a bigger budget.

Types of events where consolation prize ideas make sense

Anywhere you have participants, you can offer something to show appreciation. Here are just a few examples where consolation prizes really shine.

• Fundraisers: Walkathons, spelling bees, trivia nights, silent auctions, paddle raises, and more
• School events: Raffles, classroom competitions, science fairs, field days, talent shows
• Corporate activities: Team-building games, sales competitions, holiday party raffles
• Community contests: Local art shows, chili cook-offs, pet parades
• Online or hybrid events: Virtual raffles, Zoom trivia games, giveaway contests on social media

You can also use consolation prizes during volunteer appreciation events, scout meetings, or even classroom behavior rewards. The idea is to highlight participation, not just victory.

What makes a consolation prize feel meaningful?

It’s not about the price. The best consolation prizes feel thoughtful, useful, or just plain fun. Here are a few ways to keep yours from falling flat.

• Match the tone of the event. A playful school event might lean toward cute or silly, while a gala might need something more polished.
• Keep it easy to carry or distribute.
• Avoid giving out anything that feels like clutter or trash.
• Make it feel intentional. A small item with a note is better than something expensive but random.

Consider who your audience is. What would feel like a treat to them? Teens, for example, might not love stickers, but they might enjoy a mini snack pack or an earbuds case. Teachers might appreciate classroom supplies or a coffee gift card.

Good prize ideas can improve your event

Beyond being a nice gesture, good prize ideas can help with event turnout and engagement.

When people know there’s something in it for everyone, they’re more likely to buy tickets, join the game, or throw their name in the raffle box. It adds another touchpoint where your event feels welcoming and generous.

You can even use these prizes as part of your marketing, teasing fun surprises, or exclusive small gifts. For returning events, a reputation for thoughtful prizes can boost long-term attendance.

Here’s the real secret. Consolation prizes often lead to memorable moments. Whether someone laughs at a novelty prize or genuinely loves their little gift, they’re more likely to leave the event feeling connected.

Consolation prize ideas that don’t feel like leftovers

This is where the fun starts. Here are 50+ ideas that range from silly to sweet to surprisingly practical. Feel free to mix and match, bundle a few together, or adapt them to suit your crowd.

Fun-sized favorites

• Mini puzzles or Rubik's cubes
• Travel-size games or card decks
• Tiny jars of local honey or jam
• Funny notepads or novelty pens
• Lip balm in fun flavors

Snackable surprises

• Small bags of gourmet popcorn
• Single-serve hot cocoa kits
• Locally made snack bars
• Mini cookie packs with a custom label
• Tiny jars of candy with a playful tag

Crowd-pleasers on a budget

• Button pins with funny slogans
• Magnetic bookmarks
• Pop-it fidget toys for all ages
• Reusable silicone straws
• Foldable tote bags

Practical and appreciated

• Hand sanitizer with a custom label
• Packets of flower or herb seeds
• Mini sewing kits
• Sticky notes with a message
• Microfiber screen cloths

Silly but memorable

• “Almost won” certificates
• Joke scratch-off tickets
• Inflatable medals or trophies
• Mini whoopee cushions
• Toy slingshots or bouncy balls

DIY-friendly

• Cookie mix in a bag with a recipe tag
• Homemade bookmarks or magnets
• Tea bags with a "sip back and relax" note
• Lavender sachets
• Origami kits

Kid and teen friendly

• Glow sticks or glow bracelets
• Temporary tattoos
• Stickers or sticker books
• Bubble wands
• Mini slime jars

Tech-safe tokens

• Cable organizers or clips
• Popsockets or phone rings
• Earbud holders
• Blue-light screen wipes
• Webcam covers

Add a few unexpected ideas

• Tiny puzzles or brain teaser cards
• Reusable chopsticks with a recipe card
• Recycled crayons or art supply bundles
• Keychains with positive affirmations
• Mini flashlights for kids or outdoor events

Smart packaging goes a long way

Even simple items can feel special with a little attention to detail. Small kraft paper bags with a handwritten tag, ribbons, or colorful tissue paper can turn a $2 gift into something worth remembering.

Bundle a few small items into a "consolation pack" and tie them together with a theme. For example, a tea bag, a honey stick, and a cookie packet become a cozy "tea time treat" bundle.

You can even get kids or volunteers involved in assembling bags ahead of time. It’s a low-stress way to check a task off your list and give others a role in making the event shine.

Where to find these items without draining your budget

You don’t need to buy everything new or spend a lot. Here are a few smart sourcing tips.

• Ask local businesses if they’d like to donate small items or samples
• Use leftover PTA or club swag
• Check dollar stores, discount bins, and clearance sections
• Buy in bulk online
• Make some yourself with a little creativity and a printer

For school and nonprofit events, sponsors may also appreciate the chance to get their name out with something that goes home with guests.

Consolation prizes as part of your donor or sponsor strategy

If you’re organizing a fundraiser or community event, don’t overlook the chance to turn your consolation prizes into quiet little marketing wins for local businesses. Many small businesses are happy to donate useful branded items, especially if you offer a thoughtful tie-in that doesn’t feel like junk mail.

Think about items that are inexpensive but still get used. Reusable straws printed with a local café’s name. Foldable tote bags from a local bookstore. Mini flashlights or magnets with a company logo. These items can feel like part of the event instead of an ad, especially when they’re combined with a simple “thank you” tag.

It’s also a nice way to build partnerships. Local businesses might not be ready to donate a major auction item, but they could easily supply 50 branded chapsticks or snack bags. That makes them part of the event in a visible, appreciated, and low-lift way.

If you're already listing sponsors on banners or in programs, you can mention their donation again in the consolation prize section. That’s one more place to show them off and say thanks.

What is a fair number to prepare

There’s no magic number, but covering at least one-third to half of your attendees is a good starting point. If you’re using these as part of a raffle or game where only a few will win big, having 20–30 percent of the room walk away with something else can still make a strong impression.

Consider a tiered system for larger events: main winners, runner-ups, and a small giveaway for the rest. That lets you scale your effort without stretching your budget too thin.

Use leftovers for pop-up giveaways later in the event, or as extras for volunteers and staff.

How to let people choose their prize without creating chaos

Letting people pick their own prize might make sense if your event is large or has a wide age range. Without a little structure, things can get chaotic fast.

One simple option is to set up a “consolation prize table” near check-out or the exit. Place a sign that says, "Thanks for playing: pick your prize!” This works best when you have 3–5 clearly different types of prizes to choose from. Group similar items together so the table doesn’t look cluttered.

Another option is color-coded tickets. Assign each ticket type to a specific prize bin, or let people draw a colored ticket out of a bowl to see what they get. It adds a touch of randomness that keeps things fun and fair.

Spin-the-wheel prize stations also work well for events with kids or interactive setups. You can set up a basic spinner with different prize categories, or even label sections with types like “funny,” “useful,” or “sweet.”

No matter the method, have someone nearby to restock, keep things tidy, and answer questions. The goal is to make the moment smooth, not stressful, especially at the end of a long event day.

You can also make it part of your theme

If your event has a theme, use that to your advantage. For a garden-themed event, give out seed packets or floral stickers. Try cotton candy lip balm or tiny stuffed animals for a carnival night. Even something as broad as “community” can inspire thank-you tokens that reflect shared values.

The goal isn’t to make every person feel like a grand prize winner. It’s to make them feel like showing up was worth it.

One more way to make your event feel personal

People remember the little touches. Whether it’s a thoughtful label, a prize that made them laugh, or a moment of unexpected fun, a good consolation prize can turn a minor loss into a lasting win.

It’s not about everyone getting the same thing. It’s about creating a moment that reminds people they were part of something worth showing up for.

Make it easier next time

If your head is spinning from the planning, you’re not alone. Events come with a million details, and consolation prizes are just one of them. Whether you’re planning for 30 or 300, keep this list of prize ideas close. It might not guarantee perfect weather or a silent auction without hiccups, but it can help your event end on a high note for everyone in the room. Tools like Silent Auction Pro help lighten the load by organizing ticketing, bidding, donations, check-in, and more in one place.

You bring the heart. We’ll bring the system to back it up. Request a free demo to see Silent Auction Pro in action, and spend more time enjoying your events and less time worrying about logistics.