Smencil Fundraiser Guide: Eco-Friendly Scented Pencils for Schools

A Smencil fundraiser offers gourmet scented pencils made from 100 percent recycled newspaper, with corn-based biodegradable plastic and erasers. Each Smencil retails for around $2, ships in 50-count freshness tubes that preserve the scent for two years, and earns your group up to 55 percent profit per pencil. The format is one of the few truly non-food fundraisers in the BFI catalog, which makes it the default choice for schools with strict allergen policies and classrooms that want a fundraiser product students can actually use after the sale ends.

This guide covers the full Smencil brand story (2003 to today), the product family (Smencils, Smens, Smanimals, and seasonal variants), exactly what Smencils are made of, the environmental impact data, why classrooms favor them over candy and cookie dough, how a Smencil fundraiser runs through Big Fundraising Ideas, and the tactical tips that maximize per-student sales.

Quick stats

What is a Smencil?

A Smencil is a gourmet scented pencil made from rolled recycled newspaper. The newspaper is tightly wound around a standard No.2 graphite core, then finished with a corn-based biodegradable plastic coating and a biodegradable eraser. The pencil is dipped in a gourmet liquid scent, the same kind used to make high-end soaps and candles, then sealed into an airtight freshness tube that keeps the scent strong for two full years.

The product was introduced in 2003 and has been a category-defining school fundraiser ever since. Unlike candy, cookie dough, or popcorn fundraisers, every Smencil sold ends up in a student's pencil case or on a teacher's desk as a usable writing tool, which is why classrooms tend to embrace the format rather than just tolerate it.

Quick answer: A Smencil is a gourmet-scented pencil made from 100 percent recycled newspaper with a biodegradable, corn-based plastic coating. Each pencil contains a real No.2 graphite core, ships in a 2-year freshness tube, and retails for around $2.

About Smencils

Smencils launched in 2003 as a school fundraising product based on a simple insight: students would rather sell something they think is cool than something their families already have in the pantry. The original Smencil format paired the recycled-newspaper construction (which earns the eco-credentials) with the gourmet liquid scent (which earns the cool factor). Together, the two elements created a product that students wanted to keep for themselves and that supporters genuinely enjoyed buying.

Over the years, the brand has expanded into related scented writing products. The Smencil line now includes Smens (scented pens), Smanimals (animal-shaped scented pencils), and seasonal variants tuned to specific times of year. Each one preserves the same recycled-construction story and the same 2-year scent guarantee.

The Smencil product lineup

Big Fundraising Ideas carries the full Smencil family. Each product ships in airtight freshness tubes and meets the same allergen-free, eco-friendly construction standards.

Original Smencils (gourmet scented pencils)

The original Smencils come in classic gourmet scents such as cherry, watermelon, root beer, cotton candy, and bubble gum. The 50-count freshness tube is the workhorse SKU for school-wide fundraisers. Each pencil writes like a standard No. 2, sharpens normally, and retains its scent for 2 years from the date of manufacture.

Smens (scented pens)

Smens are pens with the same gourmet scent treatment as the pencil line. Available in multi-color packs that include flavors like blueberry, strawberry, and pina colada. Smens targets a slightly older student audience (upper elementary through middle school), since the pen format suits writing tasks that the pencil age range hasn't yet reached.

Smanimals

Smanimals are scented pencils molded into animal shapes (dogs, cats, monkeys, and other characters). They appeal strongly to younger elementary students whose buying decisions are driven as much by the toy-like form factor as by the scent itself. Smanimals are especially effective in preschool and K-2 fundraisers.

Seasonal Smencils

BFI carries seasonal Smencil variants tuned to specific times of year:

• Spring Smencils with floral and fruit scents for spring fundraisers
• Valentine's Smencils for February campaigns
• Holiday Smencils with peppermint, gingerbread, and cinnamon scents for winter break drives
• Spooky Halloween Smencils with themed shapes and scents for October programs
• Fruit Zoo and Soda Pop Shop Smencils for specialty flavor campaigns

What Smencils are made of

Each Smencil is built from four components. The combination is what gives the product both the eco-credentials and the classroom-safety story:

• 100 percent recycled newspaper. Tightly wound around the graphite core, which is the pencil's structural body and the source of its recycled-paper environmental angle.
• Standard No.2 graphite core. A real, functional writing core. Smencils write, sharpen, and erase exactly like a wood pencil.
• Corn-based biodegradable plastic coating. Replaces the petroleum-based plastic finish typical of commercial pencils. Breaks down naturally rather than persisting in landfills.
• Biodegradable eraser. Made from natural rubber compounds rather than synthetic erasers, completing the biodegradable story.

The pencil is then dipped in a gourmet liquid scent and sealed in an airtight tube to preserve the scent. Each tube also keeps the pencils fresh during transport from the manufacturer to the school, which is why Smencils that have sat unsold for months still smell as strong on day one of your sale as they did the day they were packed.

Why Smencils are eco-friendly

The environmental case for Smencils starts with what they replace. A standard wood pencil requires cutting and milling cedar. A Smencil requires neither. The numbers behind the recycled-newspaper construction are striking. These facts come from Smencils.com and have been part of the brand story since launch:

Eco-fact: A standard-size cedar tree yields about 172,000 wood pencils.

Eco-fact: That same volume of Smencils can be made from about 430 newspapers.

Eco-fact: About 75,000 trees are saved by recycling a single Sunday run of the New York Times.

Eco-fact: A single tree filters approximately 60 pounds of air pollution per year.

Eco-fact: 17 trees can be saved for every ton of recycled paper, which equals 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water.

Eco-fact: Those same 17 trees absorb about 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year. Burning that volume of paper instead would produce 1,500 pounds of carbon monoxide emissions.

Source: Smencils.com brand materials.

The combined effect is that every Smencil represents both a small reduction in tree harvesting and a redirected use of paper that would otherwise be recycled into lower-value products or landfilled. For schools running sustainability curricula, the alignment is direct: the fundraiser product itself becomes part of the lesson.

Quick answer: Yes, Smencils are eco-friendly. They are made from 100 percent recycled newspaper instead of cut cedar wood, with a corn-based biodegradable plastic coating and a biodegradable eraser. Per Smencils.com, about 430 recycled newspapers can produce the same volume of Smencils as a full-size cedar tree produces wood pencils.

Why Smencils are the classroom-safe choice

Beyond their eco-credentials, Smencils offer a distinct advantage that competing fundraiser categories cannot match: they're not food, which matters more than it sounds.

Allergen-free fundraising

Schools with strict allergen policies struggle with food-based fundraisers. Peanut-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free labels matter for candy and cookie dough campaigns, but no food fundraiser can guarantee zero risk of cross-contamination. Even peanut-free candy bar fundraisers carry residual concern for schools with severe-allergy classrooms. Smencils sidestep the entire question. They contain no food, no allergens, and no ingredients that intersect with any common school dietary restriction. A school with a strict peanut policy or a class with severe food allergies can run a Smencil fundraiser without consulting compliance.

Are Smencils safe for children?

Yes. Smencils are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and contain no harmful materials. The recycled paper, corn-based plastic, biodegradable eraser, and No.2 graphite core meet standard school-supply safety requirements. The gourmet scents are food-grade aromatic compounds, the same kind used in commercial soaps and candles, which carry decades of consumer safety data. Smencils are safe for use by children as young as preschool age.

Products students actually use

Cookie dough disappears once it's baked. Candy gets eaten. Popcorn lasts a weekend. Smencils, by contrast, end up in pencil cases and on classroom desks for the entire school year. That extends the product's footprint beyond the fundraiser itself: the school continues to benefit from the sale long after the campaign ends, as students use the product they sold.

How a Smencil fundraiser works through Big Fundraising Ideas

Big Fundraising Ideas runs Smencil fundraisers in a direct-sale (in-hand) format. Your group orders the Smencils upfront, distributes them to students who sell them in person to family, friends, and supporters, then settles the invoice within 15 days of delivery.

The 5-step cycle

1. Place your order. Choose the Smencil products and volume that match your group's size. Order at least 2 weeks before your kickoff date to allow for shipping. There is no upfront cost; payment is due 15 days after delivery.
2. Receive your shipment. Smencils ship in 50-count freshness tubes packed in cases. Free shipping with 1- to 2-business-day dispatch.
3. Run a kickoff meeting. Distribute Smencils to students at the kickoff, demonstrate the scents (let students sniff a few), and set per-student goals.
4. Students sell in person for $2 per Smencil—to family, friends, neighbors, parents, coworkers, and (with adult supervision) community contacts. The visual and scent appeal drive the sale once a supporter sees the product.
5. Collect money and pay the invoice. Money is collected as sales happen. Your group pays the BFI invoice within 15 days of delivery and keeps the rest as profit.

What's in a Smencil fundraising kit

Each Smencil order from Big Fundraising Ideas includes the Smencils themselves (in 50-count freshness tubes) and order tracking materials. Custom Smencils with school logos or specific messaging are not available through the standard program because Smencils are manufactured pre-printed at scale. Schools that want a personalized scented-pencil product can ask a BFI fundraising specialist about custom alternatives.

How much can a Smencil fundraiser earn?

The Smencil profit math is volume-driven. Larger orders unlock higher per-pencil profit. Specific tiers depend on your group's order size and case configuration. The baseline economics:

• Typical retail: $2 per Smencil
• Profit per Smencil at the top tier: up to $1.10 (55 percent - with 20+ case order)
• Profit per 50-count freshness tube at the top tier: up to $55
• Per-student sales goal: 10 to 20 Smencils per student is realistic

Example campaigns:

• Preschool/early elementary (50 students at 10 Smencils each = 500 Smencils sold): approximately $500 in profit at the top tier
• Elementary school-wide (300 students at 15 Smencils each = 4,500 Smencils sold): approximately $4,500 in profit
• Combined classroom and community sales (500 students at 20 Smencils each = 10,000 Smencils): approximately $11,000 in profit

Contact a Big Fundraising Ideas fundraising specialist for exact pricing tied to your order volume and group size.

Best groups for a Smencil fundraiser

The format works particularly well for younger student audiences and for schools where the non-food angle matters. The strongest matches:

• Preschools running playful, eco-themed campaigns where the visual appeal of the freshness tube does most of the selling work
• Elementary schools running school-wide fundraisers in classrooms where teachers value receiving fundraiser products, students can actually use them.
• Middle schools with a strong sustainability or eco-curriculum tie-in, where the recycled-paper story aligns with what students are learning
• Classroom-level fundraisers for field trips, classroom supplies, or specific equipment goals where a smaller-scale campaign is appropriate
• Scout troops and youth groups where the eco angle and the multi-product lineup (Smencils, Smens, Smanimals) appeal to badge-level achievements and badge-tied missions
• Nonprofits running classroom literacy programs or eco-education campaigns where the product itself reinforces the cause

Less ideal for high school and adult-audience fundraisers, where the scented-pencil format may not resonate the same way. High school groups looking for a non-food fundraiser typically do better with apparel, candle, or coffee-based programs.

How to promote a Smencil fundraiser effectively

Smencil promotion is built around two truths. First, the scent and visual appeal sell the product once a supporter sees it in person. Second, the eco-story sells the product to supporters who buy on values rather than novelty.

Practical promotion tactics:

• Run a kickoff that lets students sniff multiple scents. The sensory experience drives buy-in faster than any verbal explanation.
• Pair the scent appeal with the eco-story. Train students to mention one fact from the recycled-paper construction when asked about the product.
• Distribute freshness tubes intact. Open one display tube only after a supporter has agreed to look. The reveal moment is part of the sales motion.

Send a parent letter explaining both angles (cool product for students + eco-credentials for adult buyers). Parents who understand both sides will champion the campaign at work. Use a tracking sheet to monitor per-student progress and flag any students who fall behind.

• For elementary classrooms, run a classroom contest. The class that sells the most Smencils gets a recognition lunch or special activity. Per-classroom competition outperforms per-student competition at younger ages.
• Display sample Smencils prominently at school events (carnival booths, parent-teacher nights, holiday concerts) so supporters can see, smell, and purchase immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How does a Smencil fundraiser work?

Your group orders Smencils upfront, distributes them to students at a kickoff meeting, and students sell them in person at $2 per Smencil. You collect the money and pay the BFI invoice within 15 days of delivery. Up to 55 percent profit at the top volume tier.

What are Smencils made of?

100 percent recycled newspaper wrapped around a standard No.2 graphite core, with a corn-based biodegradable plastic coating and a biodegradable eraser. Each pencil is dipped in a gourmet liquid scent (the same kind used to make soaps and candles) and sealed in an airtight freshness tube.

Are Smencils safe for children?

Yes. Smencils are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and meet standard school-supply safety requirements. The gourmet scents are food-grade aromatic compounds. Smencils are safe for use by children as young as preschool age.

Are Smencils eco-friendly?

Yes. The recycled-newspaper construction replaces cut cedar wood, the corn-based plastic replaces petroleum-based plastic, and the biodegradable eraser replaces synthetic erasers. Per Smencils.com, about 430 recycled newspapers can produce the same volume of Smencils as a full-size cedar tree produces wood pencils.

What scents do Smencils come in?

Original Smencils come in 10-plus gourmet scents, including cherry, watermelon, root beer, cotton candy, and bubble gum. Smens adds additional pen-specific flavors like blueberry, strawberry, and pina colada. Seasonal lines (Holiday, Halloween, Valentine's, Spring) add holiday-themed scents.

How much money can be made from Smencil fundraisers?

Up to 55 percent profit per Smencil at the top volume tier. An elementary school with 300 students, selling 15 Smencils each (4,500 total), earns approximately $4,950 in profit. Larger orders unlock higher per-pencil profit.

What age groups are best for Smencil fundraisers?

Preschool through middle school. The scent and visual appeal land strongest with younger students. High schools typically do better with non-food fundraisers in other categories (apparel, candles, coffee).

Where can I buy Smencils for fundraising?

Big Fundraising Ideas carries the full Smencil lineup (Original Smencils, Smens, Smanimals, seasonal variants) for school fundraisers nationwide. Order through the BFI Smencils fundraising program with free shipping and 15-day payment terms after delivery.

Are custom Smencils available for school fundraisers?

Custom Smencils with school logos or messaging are not part of the standard BFI program because Smencils are manufactured pre-printed at scale. Schools that want personalized scented-pencil products can ask a fundraising specialist about custom alternatives.

Can nonprofits run Smencil fundraisers?

Yes. The format works for any nonprofit running classroom-adjacent campaigns: literacy programs, eco-education campaigns, after-school clubs, and youth-development programs. The non-food, allergen-free, eco-friendly construction makes Smencils a clean fit for nonprofit values-aligned fundraising.

How long does the Smencil scent last?

Each Smencil carries a 2-year scent guarantee from the date of manufacture when stored in its airtight freshness tube. Once opened and used, the scent gradually fades but typically remains noticeable for several months.

The bottom line

A Smencil fundraiser is the cleanest non-food fundraiser option in the Big Fundraising Ideas catalog. The recycled-newspaper construction earns the eco-credentials, the gourmet scents and freshness tube earns the cool factor with students, the allergen-free profile sidesteps the food-fundraiser policy questions schools increasingly face, and the up-to-55-percent profit tier delivers competitive economics. The format fits preschools, elementary schools, classroom-level campaigns, scout troops, youth groups, and nonprofits aligned on eco or literacy themes.

Ready to launch? Browse the full Smencil fundraiser lineup or compare it against other school fundraising products to find the right format for your group. For a more detailed planning checklist for non-food and direct-sale fundraisers, see the school fundraising tips guide. A Big Fundraising Ideas specialist can help match Smencils to your school size, age group, and fundraising goal.

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.