Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Gift Wrapping Fundraiser

How to Host a Stellar Gift Wrapping Fundraiser

Choose your Location and Set Your Hours

Pick a high-traffic spot like retail spaces, malls, or school lobbies for your gift wrapping station. You can collaborate with store managers or businesses to host your gift wrapping station — it’s a win-win, as it might boost their foot traffic. Set hours that align with peak shopping times, like weekends, evenings, and the final days leading up to the holidays.

Once you’ve locked in the perfect location, use Cheddar Up to create an event page with all the details, like date, time, location, and gift-wrapping service FAQs. Share your event page link so people know where to find you and can pre-pay or donate online.

Stock up on Gift Wrapping Supplies

Gather supplies like high-quality wrapping paper, tape, scissors, ribbons and bows, and gift tags. Variety is key, so have a mix of festive and neutral wrapping paper that works for any occasion. If you can, get these supplies donated or buy them in bulk to keep costs down and maximize your fundraising revenue.

Set Clear Pricing Tiers

Setting transparent and fair pricing tiers makes it easy for customers to know exactly what to expect. For example:

• Small gifts (like books or candles): $2
• Medium gifts (like toys or sweaters): $3
• Irregularly shaped gifts (like electronics): $4

Cheddar Up’s point-of-sale system can help you set up these tiers and process payments quickly, reducing lines and keeping things moving during busy times.

Get the Word Out – Everywhere!

Promotion is vital to a successful turnout. Here’s how to get the word out:

• Social Media:  Use your social media platforms to post about your event. Include photos, videos, and countdown reminders leading up to your event.
• Local Media: Contact local newspapers, radio stations, community blogs, and Facebook pages to get a shoutout for your cause.
• Cheddar Up URL:  When you create a Cheddar Up Event page, you also get a shareable URL and QR code for easy promotion. Display the QR code on your gift wrapping fundraiser flyer at local businesses, or post the URL on social media, email blasts, and text groups. With a quick scan or click, people can instantly get all the info they need to join the fun.

Recruit a Gift Wrapping Fundraiser Dream Team

Enough volunteers with defined roles are critical for a smooth customer service experience. Typical volunteer roles might include:

• Greeters to welcome customers, explain pricing, and handle the line.
• Gift Wrappers to wrap gifts quickly and neatly.
• Cashiers to manage payments and answer any questions about prices or donation options.

Create a volunteer sign-up form where people can pick their preferred shifts and tasks. Cheddar Up can send automated reminders to notify volunteers before the event.

Mix in Some Merch for Extra Merry Sales

Adding a table with branded spiritwear, snacks, or handmade holiday items can boost your fundraiser’s earnings. Cheddar Up lets you easily track inventory and sales for each item, so you can keep things organized and accurate without extra hassle.

Keep Donations Rolling with an Online Option

Create a donation item on your Gift Wrapping Fundraiser event page where people who can’t attend the event can still support your cause. Every bit helps, and this fundraising opportunity keeps people engaged with your cause even if they can’t stop by in person.

Add Holiday Spirit and a Splash of Fun

Make your gift-wrapping station feel warm and inviting. Play some holiday music, set up a mini hot cocoa or candy cane station, and let volunteers dress up in festive attire. The more fun the atmosphere, the more likely people are to stop by, donate, and tell their friends about it.

Celebrate Success and Show Your Gratitude

After the event, show your appreciation using Cheddar Up’s Message Center. Send personalized thank-you messages directly to supporters, recognize any businesses that donated supplies, and give a special shoutout to your volunteers. 

By sharing your fundraising results and celebrating your success — all tracked and organized with Cheddar Up’s reporting features — everyone can see the difference their support made.