Here are 10 affordable custom items ideal for your fundraising drive. Order yours from PrintPlace today.

Tiffany Kaminski

10 Affordable Custom Items for Fundraising

Selling custom-printed items such as stickers, calendars, and pens is a great way to raise funds and boost awareness for your nonprofit organization. Moreover, customized merchandise can help you capture people's attention and, eventually, their support for your cause.

But what are the best custom-printed items for your fundraising drive? A good rule of thumb is to choose practical products used in everyday life, or if not, at least opt for something quirky and memorable.

Also, consider a product's versatility and affordability. After all, it's nice to have a high profit margin.


Here are some ideas for your charity's fundraising efforts.


1. Custom Notebooks and Journals

Custom notebooks and journalsare great fundraising items because of their versatility, i.e., people use them to take notes, make to-do lists, track goals, or write down thoughts.

In addition, these items are highly customizable. You can add your charity's logo or include a special message on the cover to make them more memorable.

You can also turn notebooks and journals into an "oversized" business card by including your contact information, office location, and your group's mission and vision.

custom notebook cards


2. Custom Buttons

Although "custom button pins" might seem old school, this is exactly where their appeal lies. As a result, they are great items for your fundraising efforts.

Custom buttons are also versatile, although they are particularly ideal if you're having a benefit concert or a commemorative event where attendees can put these on their jackets, bags, and caps.

Plus, custom buttons offer great customization, i.e., they are available in different dimensions and shapes.


3. Custom Magnets

If you're looking for affordable fundraising items that generate a high number of impressions, why not consider "custom magnets"? According to a "CBS News Poll", 87% of Americans have magnets on their refrigerator, with more than half saying they keep five or more of these knick-knacks on their fridge.

Although many people associate decorative and commemorative magnets with fridge decor, you can stick them on cars or any metal surface.

If you opt for this low-cost custom item, ask your printing specialist for high-gloss UV coating to ensure your design will remain vibrant for many years.


4. Custom Calendars

"Custom paper calendars" are excellent items for your fundraising drive because of their practicality and widespread use. In fact, "PPAI Media" reported that on average, a calendar is used 2.8 times a day at home and 10 times a day in the workplace. Thus, it’s safe to assume that their average cost per impression is less than 1¢.

Another interesting fact: People are more successful at setting and implementing plans when using paper calendars versus their digital version, according to a 2023 study conducted by "Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics".

However, wall calendars need to be functional so people will use them in their daily life, generating repeated impressions for your organization that last a year. For this reason, custom calendars with practical layout and design are your best bet.

Beyond being practical, your custom calendars should also appear visually pleasing to the broader audience. Thus, it must have professional-looking photos and a balanced, elegant layout.

custom calendar sample


5. Custom Stickers

"Custom stickers" are excellent fundraising items thanks to their versatility and affordability, resulting in a high profit margin. Additionally, it's easy to stock a large volume of them and sell them to raise funds.

But to make your stickers sellable, design them in a way that appeals to your specific audience. This is where good research comes into play.

On the other hand, if you need a large volume of stickers or labels for your other custom items, you can save money by ordering them in rolls.

Roll stickers are also ideal for mass labeling since they can be applied using labelling guns.   Meanwhile, single stickers are a great option if you sell these to individuals who want to customize their personal items like phone cases, water bottles, notebooks, and laptops.

custom sticker sample


6. Custom Postcards

While "custom postcards" might seem like an old-fashioned item, they remain appealing to many people, provided they come with designs tailor-made for the recipients. For this reason, include a catchy, memorable message and stunning photography in your custom postcards.

These items are also excellent for your fundraising drive because they are highly customizable, i.e., you can choose from different paper types, coatings, and dimensions.

custom postcards sample


7. Custom Thank You Cards/Note Cards

Expressing gratitude is a great way to strengthen your relationships with people who support your cause — either through purchasing your custom items, donating money, or volunteering. So why not give "custom thank you cards" to these individuals?

You can add a more personal touch by choosing a cardstock with a writing surface (i.e., an uncoated surface). You can also pair your thank you card with custom envelopes.

If having a writing surface is your top priority, "note cards" are also an excellent option. Plus, they generate a high number of impressions thanks to their versatility since people use them to write down their to-do lists and reminders.

custom thank you cards


8. Custom pens

Their small size, affordability, and practical use make them one of the best commemorative and giveaway items. Additionally, writing instruments generate the most impressions among other promotional products, according to the "2019 Ad Impressions Study by ASI".

Want to take your "custom pens" to the next level? You can turn them into a business card alternative by including your logo and contact details.

However, it's important to choose custom pens with an ergonomic design (e.g., rubber comfort grip) to make them enjoyable and comfortable to use, resulting in a higher number of impressions.

custom pen sample


9. Custom Bookmarks

" Custom bookmarks" can serve as unique and memorable souvenirs, making them excellent items for your fundraising drive. Also, their functional use generates a high number of impressions, especially among book lovers.

If you want your bookmarks to stand out, consider silk laminated cardstock, foil or metallic print, and spot UV accents for extra shine.

custom bookmark sample


10. Custom Notepads

If you want to sell an item that can be an essential part of people's everyday life, you'll never go wrong with "custom notepads". So every time they write down their to-do lists or random thoughts, they see your logo and message.

How likely people will use your notepads depends on their functionality. For this reason, use templates that segment tasks like "Urgent," "Can wait," “For next week,” etc.

Using language and design that reflect your mission and vision is also important. For example, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk students can print some quotes from famous individuals who have achieved success despite facing adversities.

custom notepad sample


Conclusion

Fundraising by selling printed merchandise is a versatile and effective way for nonprofit organizations to raise money, attract support, and build awareness all at the same time

However, opt for functional items like pens, notepads, calendars, and bookmarks to reach more people and generate more impressions.

Order high-quality custom-printed merchandise and enjoy fast turnaround time from "PrintPlace". You can also use our free layout templates to verify if your artwork meets our design guidelines.

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