• A basket of baked goods is an attractive silent auction treat.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  It can be fun to bid on a basket full of goodies at a silent auction. The auction, which can include a variety of filled baskets, may be part of a successful Christmas fundraiser. When preparing to fill baskets for the auction, plan to choose themes for adults and children prior to gathering items and certificates for services.
  
  

Themes

• Themes for a Christmas basket can be based on hobbies, snacks, activities and the holiday season. "Trim-a-tree," "gingerbread house kit" or "Christmas cookie baking bundle" themes will aid in collecting the supplies to do the project. Family movie night can be a theme for a basket filled with a holiday DVD, popcorn packets and candy snacks. A Christmas breakfast basket can be filled with tea, coffee, cinnamon roll mix and fresh fruit.
  
  

For Women

• Men and women will bid on a pampering basket filled with soaps, a massage certificate, slippers or bath products. The "quiet afternoon" basket may feature a book, box of tea, cookies and a fragrant candle. "Sweets for the sweet" basket may contain all chocolate goodies or a variety of candies that a woman can share or keep for special moments during the holiday season. A crafting or scrapbooking basket filled with supplies may be a popular item at the auction.
  
  

Men

• Base a basket focused on men with items related to sports, television, "master of the grill" and "honey-do" themes. Fill the "honey-do" container with small tools, list paper, chips, cookies and Christmas candies for a humorous basket . A sports themed basket can feature a coffee mug filled with caramel corn, team T-shirt or baseball hat. The grill basket can hold barbecue sauces, tools and a manly apron.
  
  

Children

• Candy Land, game night, a movie or popular character theme gives a starting point for children's baskets. Fill the basket with treats, small boxed games, coloring books and other child-friendly items. For a school fundraiser add a school pride T-shirt, imprinted pencils and certificate for a lunch with a favorite teacher or the principal.
  
  

Pets

• A pet basket might include treats, toys and comfort items. A small scrapbook kit can include a book, adhesive, pet-related paper and stickers. Collect items that will work for any size or kind of cat or dog.
  
  

Presentation

• The base of the package can be made with a basket or similar container. It is important that the wrapping be attractive and see-through, allowing bidders to see some of the contents. Packaging should entice bids from the participants. Embellishments include hand-tied ribbon bows, cookie cutters, cones, flowers and small theme-related items.