Want high profit without heavy lifting?
Find items to sell for fundraising that move fast, keep margins clear, and work across the U.S. & Canada.
Quick take: what’s selling right now
If you just need a fast answer, start with these fundraising items to sell that consistently perform for groups like yours:
Cookie Dough – broad family appeal; works as order taker or ship-to-home.
Katydids / Chocolate Bars – recognized brand; great for direct sale tables and events.
Popcorn – easy add-on at games, movie nights, and concessions.
Pretzel Rods – low risk per unit; quick table sales.
Lollipops (Tessa’s Yummy Lix) – small items to sell for fundraising; low cost to supporters.
Beef Jerky – grab-and-go protein; popular with teams.
Smencils – classroom-friendly; great for elementary schools.
Tumblers & Candles – giftable, seasonal, and ship-to-home compatible.
Pro tip: mix one snack staple (cookie dough or chocolate) with one low-cost impulse (lollipops or pretzel rods) to reach different price points at the same event.
A simple way to choose (and avoid analysis paralysis)
Step 1: Direct Sale vs. Order-Taker
Direct Sale (cash-and-carry): best for games, tables, and short timelines. Choose chocolate bars, pretzel rods, lollipops, beef jerky, Smencils.
Order-Taker (collect orders first): best for classrooms and larger goals. Choose cookie dough, popcorn, tumblers, candles.
Hybrid option: some programs support ship-to-home, so supporters order online and products ship directly—useful for extended families and supporters who can’t attend events.
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Step 2: In-Person vs. Online / Ship-to-Home
In-Person: sell at games, choir concerts, church events, or set up a table at pickup.
Online / Ship-to-Home: share a link; relatives across the country (or in another province) can still support. This is the fastest path for groups with limited volunteers.
Step 3: Budget & Storage
No upfront budget? Start with low-cost small items or order-taker programs.
Limited storage? Prefer order-taker or ship-to-home.
Need quick cash? Choose direct sale best sellers for game day and school pickup traffic.
Profit clarity (so you can plan with confidence)
Groups often ask, “How much will we make?” Actual profits vary by product, quantity, and vendor, but here are typical ranges to help you plan:
Direct sale snacks (chocolate bars, pretzel rods, lollipops, beef jerky): commonly target 35–50% per item.
Order-taker programs (cookie dough, popcorn, tumblers, candles): often 30–50% depending on mix and incentives.
Online / ship-to-home: profit is similar to order-taker programs; shipping is handled for you.
Use these ranges to set goals. Example: selling 400 chocolate bars at a $2 profit per bar = $800 toward uniforms or a mission trip.
To simplify planning, this page includes short “price & profit” notes under each recommended product. For a deeper dive on bake-sale style pricing, pair this page with a pricing mini-guide in your Resources.
U.S. & Canada: how availability works
Fundraising.com supports the United States and Canada. Many programs run in both countries; some have Canada-specific options or seasonal considerations. Use the country toggle when browsing products to see the right catalog, shipping notes, and timelines for your location.
Our curated catalog of best selling fundraising items
Each section explains who it’s for, why it sells, and how to launch quickly. These highlights are crafted from years supporting schools, sports teams, churches, PTAs/PTOs, bands, scouts, and community groups across North America.
Cookie Dough (order-taker + ship-to-home)
Why it sells: nostalgic flavors, family-friendly, strong average order value.
Best for: schools, choirs, clubs; great classroom participation.
How to run it: distribute order forms or share your link; set a two-week window; turn in orders or let supporters buy online; delivery options vary by program.
Price & profit: positioned as a mid-range purchase; typical order-taker margins.
Make it yours: feature a flavor vote in class or at practice to boost energy.
Katydids & Chocolate Bars (direct sale)
Why it sells: name recognition and a simple price point make these a fast mover at games and after school.
Best for: sports teams, middle/high schools, youth groups.
How to run it: assign carriers by athlete or classroom; set daily or weekly goals; bring boxes to every event.
Price & profit: straightforward per-bar math helps volunteers track progress.
Make it yours: run “Top Seller” shout-outs during halftime or morning announcements.
Popcorn (order-taker or event-friendly)
Why it sells: wide flavor variety and a “movie night” hook supporters love.
Best for: teams, bands, PTOs; also easy to bundle with school movie nights.
How to run it: choose order-taker or pair with an event; promote flavor bundles.
Price & profit: strong average order value; competitive margins.
Make it yours: sell combo packs—“family night trio” sells above single bags.
Pretzel Rods (direct sale)
Why it sells: low risk, kid-approved flavors, perfect for table sales.
Best for: quick cash needs (tournament travel, last-minute fees).
How to run it: table + cash box; rotate volunteers in 1-hour shifts.
Price & profit: low price point with simple math for student sellers.
Make it yours: pair with a tip jar and signage (“Help us get to Regionals”).
Lollipops / Tessa’s Yummy Lix (direct sale)
Why it sells: classic small items to sell for fundraising with big flavor variety—and parents appreciate a low-cost option.
Best for: elementary schools, youth groups, after-school clubs.
How to run it: place jars in classrooms or offices; sell at pickup; set a “Friday treat” tradition.
Price & profit: low unit price encourages repeat purchases; easy profit math.
Make it yours: color-theme weeks (school colors or holiday flavors).
Beef Jerky (direct sale)
Why it sells: protein-forward, portable, and parent-approved.
Best for: travel teams, marching bands, outdoor clubs.
How to run it: sidelines, concession stands, and booster tables; bundle with drinks.
Price & profit: competitive margin and steady impulse sales.
Make it yours: create “Fuel the Team” bundles with two sticks + water.
Smencils (direct sale / classroom)
Why it sells: school-safe, collectible scents, easy inventory.
Best for: elementary classrooms, libraries, book fairs.
How to run it: desk display boxes; students pay and pick; track sales by teacher.
Price & profit: simple per-unit profits; encourages trades and repeat buys.
Make it yours: reward charts—students earn stamps toward a Smencil.
Tumblers & Candles (order-taker + ship-to-home)
Why it sells: giftable, seasonal, and customizable; supporters enjoy using them daily.
Best for: choir/band trips, graduation classes, booster clubs.
How to run it: online or order-taker; highlight gift sets around holidays.
Price & profit: strong AOV; margins comparable to other order-taker items.
Make it yours: offer bundles (tumbler + candle) for gifting.
Audience playbooks (pick your scenario)
Schools & PTAs/PTOs
- When to run: fall and spring; pair with parent-teacher nights.
- Best picks: cookie dough, Smencils, Katydids, popcorn.
- Tips: classroom incentives work; keep timelines tight (10–14 days). Post progress thermometers to keep students engaged.
Youth Sports (teams and travel)
- When to run: pre-season and mid-season.
- Best picks: chocolate bars, beef jerky, pretzel rods, popcorn.
- Tips: sell at practices, tournaments, and concession stands; set per-player goals and celebrate milestones.
Church & Youth Ministries
- When to run: ahead of mission trips, retreats, or building campaigns.
- Best picks: a values-fit mix—cookie dough, candles, popcorn, tumblers.
- Tips: enable ship-to-home for extended congregations and share the link in weekly bulletins and email.
Pricing mini-guide (keep it simple)
Pricing depends on your vendor and product mix, but these rules of thumb help you get started:
Use round numbers ($1, $2, $3, $5) for direct sale tables—faster checkout and easier cash management.
Publish one price for each item to avoid decision friction. If you need multiple prices, lead with a “most popular” option.
Bundle to lift average order value (e.g., 3 bars for $5).
Announce the purpose (“Help fund tournament travel”)—supporters pay more when they know the goal.
Track daily so you can replenish best sellers and pivot if needed.
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Getting started in 15 minutes
Pick your model: direct sale for speed; order-taker/ship-to-home for reach.
Choose 1–2 items from the best-seller list above that match your buyers and timeline.
Set a simple goal (e.g., “Each student sells 10 bars” or “$1,000 for uniforms”).
Share the link or stock your table: posters, QR codes, and a signup sheet for volunteers.
Close strong: two reminder messages in the final 48 hours; post results and thank supporters publicly.
Why groups choose Fundraising.com
We focus on the details that make fundraisers succeed:
Breadth with focus: A curated line-up of proven best selling fundraising items across snacks, small goods, and giftables—plus online / ship-to-home where it helps.
USA & Canada coverage: A single partner for cross-border groups, with clear availability and shipping notes.
Guided setup: Short forms, quick quotes, and ready-to-share links make launches simple for volunteers and coaches.
Resources that teach, not hype: checklists, timelines, and pricing guidance you can actually use.
People who’ve done this before: our team supports schools, teams, and ministries every day; we’ll point you to the easiest win for your situation.
FAQs: fast answers from the search page
Which items to sell for fundraising have the best chance to move?
Start with cookie dough, chocolate bars, popcorn, pretzel rods, lollipops, beef jerky, and Smencils. They balance price, familiarity, and margin.
What if we have no upfront budget?
Choose order-taker or online/ship-to-home programs, or start with low-cost small items like lollipops and pretzel rods.
How long should we run a sale?
Most groups see focus and momentum with 10–14 days. Direct sale tables can run as long as your event calendar allows.
Can relatives support us from another state or province?
Yes use online / ship-to-home links so supporters can order from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
How do we avoid leftovers at the end?
Start with conservative quantities for direct sale and reorder what’s moving; or choose an order-taker to sell first and deliver later.
Ready to pick your best sellers?
Tell us your group type and deadline, and we’ll match you to fundraising items to sell that fit your buyers, timeline, and goal.
Start here
Get a fast recommendation: Short form → we match your audience and calendar to a product mix.
Download the Free Fundraising Guide: checklists, timelines, and pricing worksheets.
Talk to a specialist: friendly guidance for schools, teams, and ministries.