Things to Sell for School Fundraisers | Fun and Profitable

Running a school fundraiser shouldn’t feel like a burden, and yet, too many end up with leftover inventory, low turnout, and frustrated volunteers. The problem usually isn’t the effort, it’s the product.

Parents want to support your school. They just don’t want another melting chocolate bar or a box of mystery gadgets.

This guide breaks down the top-performing items to sell for school fundraisers, ideas that are easy to organize, fun to promote, and proven to bring in real results.

Here’s what today’s best school fundraiser products have in common:

• High profit margins with low overhead
• Shelf-stable or shippable, no melting, freezing, or bulky storage
• Practical, gift-worthy, or just plain fun to receive
• Customizable to your school, club, or team
• Flexible enough for online, in-person, or hybrid campaigns

Whether you’re fundraising for uniforms, playground upgrades, band trips, or classroom supplies, the products on this list are designed to help you reach your goal faster, with less stress and more smiles.

High-Profit Food Items That Sell Themselves

Let’s talk food, because whether you’re fundraising for a choir trip or a classroom makeover, nothing grabs attention (and opens wallets) faster than delicious, crave-worthy products. But not all food fundraisers are created equal. The key is finding items that are easy to sell, fun to talk about, and don’t come with the dreaded storage or spoilage headaches.

1. Pasta

This is the one that started it all for us, and trust us, it works. Our pasta is shelf-stable, doesn’t melt, and ships like a dream. No coolers, no dry ice, no “Oops, we forgot to refrigerate the cookie dough.” It’s dinner, not dessert, which makes it incredibly practical and easy for families to say yes to.

Plus, we make it fun.

Think sports shapes, music notes, animals. Conversation starters that make people want to support your group. And because we give you custom online links for each seller, it’s easy to track participation and reward top sellers with zero math.

Here’s the best part: you’re not competing with five other fundraisers in the same school. Pasta is unique, memorable, and profitable. And in our experience? Less competition + more fun = more money for your group.

2. Doughnuts

There’s a reason these sugary circles of joy keep popping up at school events, they sell fast. Set up a table during morning drop-off or partner with a local shop for pre-order boxes. You’ll be surprised how quickly parents (and staff) grab a dozen on their way to work.

3. Popcorn (But Make It Unique)

Popcorn still works, but only if you do it differently. Look for gourmet flavors, seasonal packaging, or build-your-own kits. Just be cautious: if your school’s already had two popcorn fundraisers this semester, it’s probably time to skip it and choose something more original.

4. Pizza Kits

Pizza night is a staple in most homes, so this one’s a no-brainer. Whether you’re selling DIY pizza kits or discount cards for local pizzerias, you’re offering a product people already plan to buy, just with a fundraising twist.

5. Holiday-Themed Bake Sales

Bake sales get a serious boost when they’re themed around holidays. Think heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day or pumpkin muffins in the fall. Add simple promos like “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” or bundle packs to encourage larger purchases.

6. Ice Cream & Candy Stations

These are perfect for warm-weather events or school carnivals. Set up a DIY sundae bar or candy bag station where families can mix and match. It’s an experience and a fundraiser in one, and you won’t need a deep freeze to pull it off.

Functional Items Parents Actually Want to Buy

Here’s a little secret from years of working with fundraising groups: parents don’t just want to support your school, they want to get something useful in return. That’s why functional items are such a smart play. They’re practical, affordable, and used daily, which means more satisfaction for your buyers and fewer unsold leftovers collecting dust.

7. Branded Water Bottles & Lunch Boxes

Reusable water bottles and lunch boxes aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re items families use every single day. Add your school’s logo or mascot, and suddenly you’ve got a product that promotes school spirit and keeps your group top of mind year-round. Every sip, every lunch, it’s a reminder of the cause they supported. That’s smart fundraising.

8. Custom Socks & Hoodies

You wouldn’t believe how fast branded hoodies and socks can fly off the fundraising table, especially if they look good. Students love repping their school colors, and parents are more than happy to buy items their kids will actually wear. Make it fun, make it cozy, and you’ve got yourself a built-in best seller for colder months.

9. Personalized Notepads & Pens

These might not seem exciting at first glance, but hear us out, they’re budget-friendly, easy to personalize, and perfect for bundling. Add a fun phrase, school mascot, or even a teacher quote and suddenly you’ve turned everyday stationery into a thoughtful, practical gift. Great for teacher appreciation weeks, too!

10. DIY Craft Kits or Coloring Books

For families with younger kids, DIY kits are a total win. They offer hands-on creativity without the mess of glitter or glue everywhere. Whether it’s a themed craft kit for holidays or a coloring book featuring student-drawn art, these items make great gifts and are a fun way to get younger grades involved.

The common thread here? These products serve a purpose. You’re offering something they’ll use and enjoy. That’s how you create fundraisers people remember, and support again next time.

School Spirit Favorites That Build Community

When a fundraiser does more than raise money, when it actually builds connection, that’s when the real magic happens. Products that foster school spirit and pride are community builders. These are the fundraisers that get people talking, sharing, and celebrating the cause beyond the checkout page.

11. T-Shirts, Tote Bags & Hats

Few things rally a school community like custom gear. When families wear matching tees to game night or carry branded totes to the grocery store, they’re doing more than supporting a cause, they’re advertising school pride. Want to boost your sales? Add personalization options. A last name on the sleeve or a class year on the back makes every item feel special, which means more buyers and higher value per order.

12. Calendars with Student Photos

This one’s a heartstring puller. Gather snapshots from school events, class photos, art projects, you name it, and turn them into a custom calendar. These are a perfect year-end fundraiser and an easy hit with parents and grandparents alike. Bonus points if you spotlight a different class or grade each month. It’s part keepsake, part practical, and totally personal.

Unexpected Fundraising Hits You Might Be Overlooking

Sometimes the best-selling fundraiser items are the ones you’d least expect. After working with thousands of groups over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how the “weird” or “quirky” ideas can turn into surprise superstars. These under-the-radar products might not top every fundraiser list, but they sure do get people talking (and buying).

14. Rubber Ducks

Yes, rubber ducks.

They might seem silly at first, but for younger kids, they’re irresistible. You can theme them around holidays, school events, or even classroom mascots. They’re low-cost, easy to display at events, and make a fun reward for participation. Trust us, what starts as “just for fun” often turns into a sell-out table.

15. Custom Envelopes & Greeting Cards

In the age of text messages, handwritten notes feel extra special. That’s why themed greeting cards, especially for birthdays, holidays, or thank-yous, are making a comeback. Add some student art or inspirational quotes, and you’ve got a heartfelt product that’s easy to bundle and gift. Great for fall and winter drives!

16. Poinsettias (for Winter Fundraisers)

Not every school does poinsettias, and that’s what makes them effective. These gorgeous winter plants are a timeless holiday decoration, and they practically sell themselves when offered near Thanksgiving or during school concerts. You’ll tap into a whole new audience, including community members who may not usually participate.

18. Reusable Shopping Bags

Eco-friendly, affordable, and very practical. Reusable shopping bags with school branding or custom artwork make a perfect “impulse add-on” at events. Parents love them because they’re functional, and schools love them because they send your message out into the community, over and over again.

So, don’t be afraid to get creative. Some of the most successful fundraisers we’ve seen weren’t the traditional picks, they were the ones that stood out, made people smile, and offered just the right blend of fun and function.

Smart Tech & Educational Products

In today’s digital-first world, fundraising doesn’t have to be limited to food and apparel. Tech-related items and educational tools are rising stars in school fundraising, especially for older students and parents who want modern, clutter-free options. These ideas offer value, immediate convenience, and even a little academic boost.

19. Virtual Coupon Books

These are a big win for tech-savvy families. No printing, no shipping, just instant savings through a mobile app or website. Supporters get access to exclusive deals with local and national brands, and your group raises money without lifting a box. It’s a low-effort, high-impact option, especially great for digital-only fundraisers.

20. Customized Phone Grips or Tablet Sleeves

Let’s face it, every student and parent has a phone or tablet. Customized accessories, like grips, pop-outs, or sleeves, are practical items that also double as cool merch. Bundle them with spirit wear or offer personalization to increase order value. These are especially popular with middle and high school students who want something they’ll use.

21. Online Learning Subscriptions

Partner with trusted ed-tech platforms to offer subscriptions to educational tools. Think math games, reading apps, or typing programs. These types of fundraisers appeal to parents who want to support the school and reinforce learning at home. It’s a unique way to combine fundraising with academic enrichment.

How to Pick the Right Product for Your School Group

With so many fundraising options out there, choosing the right product for your group can feel overwhelming. But after years of working alongside PTOs, coaches, and club advisors, we can tell you, it doesn’t have to be complicated. The best fundraisers are thoughtful. They match your audience, simplify your logistics, and stand out in a crowded school calendar.

1. Avoid Overlap with Other Fundraisers

Before you commit to anything, take a quick pulse check. What are other clubs or teams selling? If your soccer team just wrapped up a popcorn sale, you don’t want your choir trying to sell caramel tins the next week. 

2. Consider Delivery & Distribution

This is a big one. If you don’t have a team of volunteers, or any storage space, skip the frozen cookie dough and bulky boxes. Look for lightweight, non-perishable items that are easy to hand out or ship. Even better, choose a vendor with online-only fundraising options so your group can sell without ever touching inventory.

3. Match the Product to the Age Group

Not every item fits every age group. Selling to elementary families? Go for playful, hands-on options like themed pasta shapes, stickers, or coloring kits. These are easy wins with younger kids and their parents. Targeting middle or high school students? Offer tech accessories, trendy spirit wear, or snack packs they’ll enjoy. When you meet buyers where they are, age, interest, and convenience, your fundraiser becomes a no-brainer.

Choosing the right product isn’t about picking what’s “popular.” It’s about being strategic, about knowing your group, understanding your buyers, and offering something that fits everyone’s life a little better. That’s how you raise more with less stress.

Bonus: Products That Didn’t Work (So You Can Avoid Them)

Let’s talk about what not to sell. After working with thousands of fundraising groups, we’ve seen more than a few flops, and I’m here to help you skip the frustration (and the leftover inventory). The truth is, not every “classic” fundraiser stands the test of time. Some just don’t resonate with today’s families, and others are done so often that buyers tune out.

Cookie Dough Tubs (Freezer Fatigue)

Sure, cookie dough had its moment, but most parents are over it. It takes up too much freezer space, can spoil if left out too long, and let’s be honest… a lot of folks are trying to make healthier choices. There are better food options that don’t require cold storage.

Generic Catalogs with Random Tools and Knick-Knacks

These types of fundraisers feel outdated, and buyers know it. When you’re flipping through pages of gadgets nobody really needs, it becomes clear: this isn’t about value, it’s just about selling. That leads to low enthusiasm and high leftover stock.

Chocolates, Especially If Multiple Groups Sell Them

You’ve probably seen the same chocolate boxes floating around your school for years. When five different clubs sell the same $2 candy bars, people start ignoring them. Plus, if the quality doesn’t match the price, it becomes a running joke instead of a strong fundraiser.

Ready to Run a Fundraiser That Actually Works?

You’ve seen the good, the bad, and the freezer-burned. So if you’re ready to skip the stress and the stale ideas, and finally run a fundraiser that’s fun, practical, and profitable, it’s time to try something new.

We make it easy to succeed.

No melting chocolate. Just a creative product families love, backed by tools that help you track sales, motivate participants, and maximize profits.

Whether you’re a PTO leader juggling multiple events or a coach with zero extra help, we’ve got your back. We’ll help you create a fundraiser that feels fresh, runs smoothly, and raises the money your group needs.

Request more information today and see why schools across the country trust Fun Pasta Fundraising year after year.

Let’s make fundraising fun again.

FAQ: Fundraising Questions

Over the years, we’ve had hundreds of conversations with school leaders, coaches, and parent volunteers, and the same questions keep coming up. These aren’t always answered in the flashy fundraiser brochures, but they matter. So let’s tackle them head-on, with honest answers from someone who’s been in the trenches of school fundraising for over two decades.

What should we sell if our last fundraiser flopped?

Don’t repeat the same product just because it’s familiar. If participation was low or sales were disappointing, your audience is telling you they want something new. Try offering a useful, surprising product like pasta, it’s practical, fun, and completely different from candy or wrapping paper.

How do I track which student made each sale?

With Fun Pasta Fundraising, every student gets a custom online link. When someone places an order through that link, the sale is automatically tracked, no spreadsheets, no guesswork. It’s simple to manage and perfect for prize-based fundraisers.

What’s the best product for small rural schools?

You’ll want something that doesn’t require complex delivery logistics or a large local buyer pool. Shelf-stable, ship-to-home products like pasta are ideal. Add in the online ordering option, and even families who live out of town can support the cause easily.

Should I avoid food completely?

Not necessarily, but choose smart food. Skip the frozen dough and anything that melts. Go for items that are easy to store and cook. Food still sells incredibly well when it fits modern lifestyles and avoids storage headaches.