5 Elementary School Fundraising Ideas for Christmas in July

How to plan your school year's biggest holiday fundraiser.

Why Christmas in July?

The idea and origin of Christmas in July may have been borne out of a longing for cooler seasonal temperatures, a desire to buy gifts early for a holiday, or simply a smart marketing opportunity that took off.

'Christmas in July' has truly gone mainstream, with most Americans familiar with the unofficial holiday.

A quick peruse of community bulletins or Facebook events will show markets and craft fairs popping up in countless neighborhoods to celebrate and mark the occasion. And every summer, Hallmark fans everywhere rejoice as the channel treats viewers to a lengthy Christmas in July movie marathon packed with holiday classics.

More than markets and celebrations, Christmas in July offers a chance to drum up donations for charitable giving in a typically slower season. Consider Wreaths Across America, arguably one of the best-known fundraisers, has amplified the concept of Giving in July to allow donors to "do good twice." An idea that resonates with many, it is no surprise that people don't mind a little extra Christmas cheer mid-year.

Another well-known nationwide organization, the Ronald McDonald House, puts a fun spin on fundraising ideas for Christmas in July fundraising opportunity by rallying donations and raffles around 12 days of giving (check out the charity's Durham & Wake, NC and Richmond, VA locations in for examples).

Tip: Want to get a jumpstart on Christmas 2021? Check out Martha Stewart’s Celebrating "Christmas in July" on QVC.

A recent article from Better Homes & Garden suggests Christmas in July celebrations may even be a bit more significant this year, indicating families who had to cancel their original Christmas holiday plans due to the pandemic are making up for the loss by spending time with their loved ones this July. Despite the reason for the season, Christmas in July offers a chance to do things differently.

5 School Fundraising Ideas for Christmas

Whether you plan to shake up your traditional giving calendar or load up on elementary school fundraising ideas for the official Christmas holiday in December, here are some perfect-present inspirations to help put the holly jolly in the much beloved Christmas holiday:

1. Socks

   An infamous gift ('just get me socks…'), Big Fundraising Ideas offers a sock fundraiser featuring $10 pairs of youth and adult Crazy Socks.

2. Gourmet Chocolate

   You can't go wrong with America's favorite. Chocolate Indulgence has decadent options, including Pecan Caramel Clusters, Mint Melties, Cherry Cordials, and Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels.

3. Wrapping Paper

   With virtual ease, get ready to wrap those gifts and more with a Charleston Wrap online fundraiser featuring Christmas gift wrap, kitchen & home gadgets, customizable items, and more.

   Tip: Find other online school fundraisers here.

4. Candles

   A go-to gift, the Candle Cottage fundraiser enables your school's supporters to purchase dual-fragrance candles, wax melts, and Artisan Soy Candles. Our candle fundraiser also includes an online store!

5. Smencils

   These fun-to-sell fragranced pencils are nostalgic and enjoyable. With Christmas-themed bundles wafting aromas of peppermint and candy cane, Smencils is a holiday fundraising quick-hit!

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We've been bringing holiday cheer to schools and teams since 1999! Big Fundraising Ideas offers a variety of high-quality holiday elementary school fundraisers that provide a reliable and enjoyable way to raise money for great causes, our children.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.