When planning an event, choosing fun and exciting door prizes can be an important part of making your guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Door prizes are small gifts or items given to attendees as they arrive at or leave an event. They are usually awarded through a random drawing or raffle. Selecting creative and thoughtful door prizes shows your guests that you value their attendance. This article will explore some ideas for great door prizes for various events and budgets.
Why Give Out Door Prizes?
Door prizes serve several purposes at events:
- They create excitement and a festive atmosphere.
- They encourage guests to arrive on time.
- They show appreciation for attendees.
- They provide opportunities to highlight sponsors.
- They give everyone a chance to win something.
Even small token gifts can delight your guests and make them feel special. The door prize tradition dates back centuries and continues today.
Considerations for Choosing Door Prizes
As you select door prizes, keep the following in mind:
- Event theme or purpose – Choose door prizes that fit the occasion. For example, at a craft fair, door prizes could be craft supplies or handmade items. At a golf tournament, prizes may include golf balls, tees, ball markers, etc.
- Target audience – Consider your expected demographics and what would appeal most to them. Prizes like restaurant gift cards, movie tickets, or retail store gift cards have broad appeal.
- Budget – Inexpensive prizes like candy, notebooks, pens, coffee mugs, and water bottles make great low-cost options.
- Sponsor involvement – Many businesses are willing to donate products or gift cards to be used as door prizes in exchange for event promotion.
- “Green” options – Eco-friendly door prizes like reusable water bottles, canvas shopping bags, and bamboo utensils are popular.
- Presentation – Wrap or display prizes attractively to build excitement.
Carefully chosen door prizes can add an extra element of fun to any event.
Door Prize Ideas for Various Events and Budgets
The possibilities for door prizes are endless, but here are some creative ideas to spark your planning:
Gift Card Prizes
Gift cards make great door prizes because they have universal appeal and allow winners to choose their own gift. Ideas include:
- Retail store gift cards – Allow guests to pick out items they’ll use
- Visa or Mastercard gift cards – Give them spending flexibility
- Restaurant gift cards – Appeal to food lovers
- Coffee shop cards – Give the gift of caffeine!
- Movie theater gift cards – For entertainment lovers
- Gas station cards – Help offset fuel costs
- iTunes or Amazon cards – Let them download music, movies, books, etc.
You can often buy gift cards in bulk at a discount. Sponsors may also donate cards.
Spa and Self-Care Prizes
Who doesn’t love a little pampering? These self-care items make great door prizes:
- Candles
- Lotions or bath products
- Tea samplers
- Slippers
- Face masks
- Manicure kits
- Massage gift certificates
- Hobby/craft kits like jewelry making or pottery
You can find affordable bath and beauty items at stores like TJ Maxx and Target. Local salons or spas may donate certificates.
Tech and Electronics Prizes
Fun technology and electronics make exciting prizes like:
- Digital cameras
- Tablets
- Fitness trackers
- Smart speakers
- Wireless headphones or earbuds
- External batteries or chargers
- Memory cards
- Flash drives
Companies may be willing to donate tech samples or accessories. Also check prices from electronic stores.
Kitchen and Cooking Prizes
The kitchen is a popular place to highlight for door prizes. Ideas include:
- Small kitchen appliances – mixers, air fryers, etc.
- Baking sets – pans, utensils, mixes
- Cookbooks
- Gourmet food baskets – jams, cheese, chocolate, etc.
- Gift cards for kitchenware stores
- Unique kitchen utensils
- Coffee gift baskets
- Wine or beer gift sets
Kitchen shops or appliance brands may help sponsor these prizes. Homemade baked goods also make great door prizes.
Home and Garden Prizes
Help guests spruce up their home or garden with these door prize ideas:
- Houseplants
- Home decor items like candles, pillows, art
- Gardening gift baskets with seeds, tools, gloves, etc.
- DIY home project kits – paint samples, tile, knobs
- Small outdoor living items – planters, garden flags
- Cleaning baskets with supplies and gift cards
- Outdoor patio accessories – cushions, lanterns, planters
Nurseries, home stores, or cleaning brands could provide sponsored prizes.
Subscription or Membership Prizes
Ongoing subscriptions for services or memberships also work nicely:
- Online streaming services like Netflix or Hulu
- Audiobook services like Audible
- Meal kit delivery like Blue Apron
- Magazine subscriptions
- Online learning memberships like Skillshare
- Museum or cultural organization memberships
- Gym or fitness studio memberships
Many companies offer first-month free trials they can provide as prizes.
Experience Gifts and Getaways
Create major excitement with door prizes like:
- Hotel stays or vacation packages
- Tickets to concerts, festivals, or sporting events
- Wine tasting or brewery tours
- Spa packages
- Adventure excursions like hot air balloon rides
- Trip vouchers through travel agencies
Local attractions and hotels may offer discounted packages in exchange for event promotions.
Charitable Donations
As door prizes, you can give:
- Donations made in the winner’s name to their chosen charity
- Tickets or gift cards that support nonprofit causes
- Items created by artisans where proceeds help those in need
- Goods from organizations that employ disadvantaged populations
Research local organizations and social enterprises to find fitting prize options.
How to Award Door Prizes
Once you’ve chosen great door prizes, how you award them also builds excitement. Consider these tips:
Create Suspense
Rather than announcing all the prizes initially, reveal them periodically throughout the event to keep people engaged and waiting to see what’s next.
Use Random Drawing Methods
To ensure an equal chance for all, use methods like:
- Drawing names or tickets from a hat or box
- Using a spinner wheel with guest names
- Random name generator on a computer
- Numbered door prize tickets pulled from a bowl
Avoid any perception of favoritism by keeping the process transparent and random.
Announce Winners Enthusiastically
Build up the anticipation by enthusiastically sharing each winner’s name. Consider having the emcee do a drumroll or ask guests to clap and cheer for winners.
Show Appreciation to Sponsors
If a sponsor provided a prize, be sure to clearly announce their name and have them present the prize for a photo-op if possible. Visibly recognize their contribution.
Award Prizes Throughout the Event
Spread out prize drawings over the course of your event instead of awarding everything at once at the end. This helps energize each part of your agenda.
Offer Tiered Prize Levels
Have levels of prizes – like a grand prize along with minor prizes. You can require more entries or social shares to be eligible for top prizes.
Door Prize Ideas by Event Theme
To match your door prizes to specific events, here are ideas tailored to certain themes:
Baby Shower Door Prizes
- Diaper bags
- Blankets or baby clothes
- Baby care baskets
- Baby memory books or baby’s first ornament
- Baby towels and washcloths
- Teething toys
- Picture frames
- Parenting books
Birthday Party Door Prizes
- Movie night baskets
- Restaurant or food delivery gift cards
- Lotions, lip balms, bath bombs
- Books, magnifying glasses, bookmarks
- Gadgets – headphones, chargers, speakers
- Games – playing cards, brain teasers, nerf toys
- Beauty items – nail polish, makeup, accessories
Wedding or Bridal Shower Door Prizes
- Picture frames
- Travel mugs
- Candles
- Bubble bath
- Jewelry
- Gift cards for dining, travel, spa
- Honeymoon trip contributions
- Romantic getaway packages
Retirement Party Door Prizes
- Travel books and bags
- Hobby baskets
- Wine or cocktail mixes
- Outdoor living accessories – chairs, sun shelters, gardening tools
- Exercise items – fitness trackers, weights, yoga mats
- Tickets to movies, shows, museums
- Memberships to alumni or senior centers
- Subscriptions to streaming services, book clubs, audiobooks
Corporate Event Door Prizes
- Tech accessories – power banks, headphones, wireless chargers
- Ergonomic desk items – lapdesks, lumbar pillows, monitor risers
- Gift cards for restaurants, gas stations, online retailers
- Leather portfolios, weekly planners, notebooks
- Travel mugs, water bottles, lunch bags
- Corporate apparel – hats, pullovers, bags
- Books on leadership, productivity, professional growth
Trade Show or Expo Door Prizes
- Branded merchandise – water bottles, pads, pens, flash drives
- Industry magazines, books, or memberships
- Tickets to industry networking events or award galas
- Subscriptions to related software or tools
- Gift cards for professional development courses
- Briefcases, portfolios, or business card holders
Holiday Party Door Prizes
- Pompoms, tiny mittens, mini ornaments
- Candles, diffusers, oils, bath bombs
- Picture frames, holiday photos shoots
- Baked goods – cookie tins, fruitcakes, pies
- Cozy gifts – blankets, slippers, pajamas
- Movie night baskets with hot cocoa
- Travel mugs, thermoses with hot chocolate bombs
Creative Ways to Display and Award Door Prizes
How you present and distribute door prizes also enhances the experience. Consider these ideas:
Gift Wrapping
Beautifully wrap door prizes individually to build excitement as guests wait to uncover what’s inside.
Gift Bags
Place small door prizes in colored tissue paper inside gift bags or boxes. Tie with ribbons or raffia.
Themed Baskets
Use baskets to assemble coordinated or related door prizes:
- Movie night basket could include popcorn, candy, DVDs, blankets, gift cards
- Spa basket could have lotions, bath bombs, scented candles, slippers, face masks
- Gourmet food basket with artisanal jams, crackers, nuts, chocolates
Display Tables
Set up tables draped with linens to showcase door prizes. Separate high-ticket items on their own table.
Ticket Tumbler
Have guests place numbered tickets in a box or tumbler. Pull tickets and match to prize list to award.
Spinning Prize Wheels
Use spinning carnival-style wheels with different prizes listed. Let guests take turns spinning to win.
Room Drop-Off
For a hotel event, deliver wrapped door prizes to guest rooms as they check-in so they’re surprised.
Early Bird Drawings
Offer drawings as soon as guests arrive to reward punctuality. Award periodically throughout event as well.
Social Media Contests
Ask guests to post photos from the event or share posts to be entered into special social media prize drawings.
Conclusion
Door prizes are a hallmark of memorable events. Choosing creative prizes suited to your theme and audience adds an element of surprise and excitement. Giving guests a chance to win fun takeaways makes them feel valued and eager to attend your next affair. With some thoughtful planning and creative presentation, you can make your door prizes the highlight of any gathering.