For our MAG sale, the company does all the prizes. There are turn in day incentives and a progressive jackpot. The grand prize was not given to the person who sold the most this year. We switched it up a bit and for every subscription sold, the student's name went into the drawing. The winner's family then had their choice of $200 in grocery or gas gift cards. Since we serve two schools, we offered two grand prizes and the mag rep would have paid for both if we sold a certain dollar amount. We didn't reach that amount, so we did pay $200, but we made $5500.
For Cash for Trash, we do a pizza party for the class who brings in the most items the first semester and an ice cream sundae party for second semester.

Does your school have logo items? We use those to get the kids motivated and promote school spirit at the same time. We have done water bottles for any child who sells 5 items, short sleeved T-shirt + water bottle for any child who sells 20 items, and either a hoodie or windbreaker for a grand prize.

We do weekly drawings to keep the kids motivated, but I know that some schools aren't allowed to do that. It does seem to work for us, though.

I get tired of the prizes too but I think a little nudge helps now and then. Even if its for the parents.

Theres the traditional pizza party for the kids, ice cream parites. We had a certificate for a hotel overnite that had water slides and stuff in it. Blockbuster gift certificates. Family Zoo membership or other theme park in your area.
Last year we had an educatinal catalog that the class got to pick prizes from. That was for Box tops. Gift Certificates for book stores or Scholastic.

We're trying to pick prizes for this year that aren't food related. I think the pizza/ice cream parties are too much.


HTH

Cindy

Personally, I'm tired of prizes. I don't know what type of fundraiser you use, but many companies include cumulative prize levels with the catalog sales. Many even have the big prize for the top seller. The PTO/PTA then pays out additional money for parties, limo rides, & prizes for the top sellers. "Cause we've always done that!"

I guess I have a hard time with that concept anymore. How many of these top sellers really did the selling? I don't imagine too many PTO/PTA's promote the idea of kids going door-to-door. Usually, the top sellers are children whose parent work in large offices/mfg. where they are bringing the catalogs in.

I'd rather see a school goal where everyone can participate when they reach it. This probably is my sour grapes from the parent view when one parent has no co-workers & the other is not allowed to solicit at work.

Hi everyone! I am looking for some new incentives to offer our kids as a part of our prize program this fall. We have done the limo rides, magic shows, pig races, etc....we are just looking for some new ideas to really get the kids going. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks! Hank