Does 'Sally Foster' ring a bell? Perhaps you recall the nostalgia of participating in a gift wrap fundraiser for your school as a kid, leading up to the holidays.
Today, a wrapping paper fundraiser can be organized in two ways: you could work with a gift wrap fundraising company to sell its products, or you could organize a gift wrapping event for your local community (which would require a venue, volunteers, and supplies).
The real tradeoffs of gift wrap fundraisers
Whichever route you're considering, let's weigh the considerations to help you decide if gift wrap fundraisers are worth it.
Selling wrapping paper
The biggest advantage of a wrapping paper sale is that people will actually use what they buy. Fundraising companies typically handle inventory and shipping, and online ordering makes it easy for out-of-town relatives to chip in, so the sale can run in the background while you focus on other efforts.
That convenience comes at a cost. You'll only keep a percentage of each sale, and catalog prices usually run higher than store prices. Your sale may also get lost among the other fundraisers families are juggling. And since orders need to arrive well before the holidays, deadlines add pressure to an already busy season.
Hosting a gift wrapping event
A gift wrapping booth offers busy shoppers a service they'll appreciate, and many will tip on top of your fee or suggested donation. It's also a chance to talk face to face about your organization and what you're raising money for. Buy your own wrap and use supplies you already have, so most of what you collect can go straight to your cause.
The catch is labor. You need enough volunteers to cover shifts during the busiest weeks of the year, and some gifts take real skill to wrap well.
Questions to ask before you commit
A few honest answers will tell you whether gift wrap is the right fit for your group.
Who are we selling to? Think about whether your supporters prefer buying wrapping paper or would pay to have gifts wrapped. And, having a booth at a school or church only works if people are willing to bring their presents there.
Do we have enough people? Whether you're wrapping gifts or managing orders, this fundraiser demands time and energy during a very busy time of year.
What's our budget? If money is tight, local businesses may be willing to donate supplies or space. Just build in time for outreach, since sponsorships rarely come together overnight.
Is the timing right? Check what other holiday fundraisers or events are happening nearby. If your community is already saturated, your gift wrap fundraiser may struggle to stand out.
So, are gift wrap fundraisers worth it?
For the right group, yes.
A wrapping paper sale makes sense if you want to run it alongside other efforts and are comfortable sharing profits with a company. A gift wrapping event is a better fit if you have a reliable volunteer base who has the time.
If your group is stretched thin on people or time, or if your community is already running other holiday events, a gift wrap fundraiser may not be worth it.
An easier way to raise money this season
If you love the idea of a holiday fundraiser but not the volunteer shifts, order deadlines, or profit-sharing, RaiseRight offers a simpler path.
RaiseRight lets your group earn money from purchases families are already making. Once your organization enrolls in a free program, members can buy gift cards, shop online, or dine at participating restaurants, and a percentage of every purchase goes back to your group. No catalogs, no booths—and you can earn all year long.
With hundreds of brands families already shop, like Walmart, Starbucks, and Instacart, RaiseRight fits easily into everyday routines. You can even use it to earn on gift wrap: Hallmark, Target, The Container Store, HomeGoods, and Crate and Barrel are all on the list.
Top-earning families raise $1,000 or more each year, just by using RaiseRight as they shop or dine. Curious what your household could earn? Try our free earning potential calculator:
