The best gift baskets for women focus around a theme that makes the woman feel pampered or like she can kick back and do something she loves. A spa gift basket would have all sorts of lotions, body scrubs, facial products, nail polish and a big fuzzy bathrobe.
A woman who enjoys written correspondence might bid on a stationery gift basket with a variety of note cards, fancy pens and some postage stamps.
A gardening basket with flower bulbs or seeds and gardening tools might also appeal to women.
Baskets with baking supplies or kitchen gadgets would be popular with women who cook.
Gift baskets for men should focus on hobbies that are traditionally masculine. A sports-themed gift basket could have paraphernalia for a professional sports team in the area or items that a man can use for his favorite sporting activity, such as golf or camping.
Men might also appreciate a gift basket with car care items, such as upholstery care products, car wax and scrubbing gloves for washing a car.
Another idea for men is a tool basket with a variety of tools and home improvement supplies.
Because it is a school auction, stay away from basket themes that would include alcohol or other items that might be objectionable to some attendees.
Families in the community might be looking to bid on a basket that the kids and adults can enjoy together. Create a movie gift basket with popcorn, snacks, popular family DVDs and a fuzzy blanket for cuddling.
Make a family game night basket with board and card games that are appropriate for children of the age that attend the school.
A beach or pool basket could have colorful towels, inflatable toys, sunscreen and a big umbrella.
Another family gift basket theme is ice cream sundaes, and the basket could have sundae dishes and a wide variety of toppings.
Some people attending the auction might want to give the gift basket to their kids. One popular type of basket would be one full of arts and crafts supplies. It might have crayons, markers, paints, paper, modeling clay, sequins, glitter glue and craft foam.
Kids also might enjoy a gift basket full of Lego sets or another type of building set. For boys, a gift basket with cars and trucks would be a good idea. Girls might enjoy a dress-up gift basket.