18 Toys You Could Only Get Through School Fundraisers
Here's a nostalgic look back at the quirky toys that only showed up through school fundraisers.
- Daisy Montero
- 6 min read
School fundraisers weren’t just about raising money; they were a gateway to some of the coolest (and weirdest) toys of our childhood. From glow-in-the-dark trinkets to wacky pens and squishy stress balls, these prizes made selling wrapping paper
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Yo-Yo
Broveer on wikimedia commons
The glow-in-the-dark yo-yo was a playground must-have, especially when it lit up during sleepovers or under blanket forts. It felt like pure magic when it actually worked, even if most tricks ended in knots. Tangled string or not, it was one of those toys that made you feel instantly cooler just for owning it.
2. Scented Gel Pens
🦋 Kashish Shaik 🦋 on pexels
Scented gel pens were the ultimate school flex, especially if you bought them during a fundraiser. Writing in grape, bubblegum, or even cotton candy ink made even boring homework feel fun. The smell faded fast, but for that first week, you were basically the coolest kid in class.
3. Squishy Stress Balls
Anete Lusina on pexels
Stress balls were marketed as a way to stay calm, but kids had other plans. They were squished, stretched, and sometimes even popped open, making a mess instead of relieving stress. Despite that, they were always one of the top fundraising prizes everyone wanted to get their hands on.
4. Inflatable Hammer
Baldwin Saintilus from USA on wikimedia commons
Giant inflatable hammers were less of a toy and more of a recipe for chaos. Kids loved swinging them around at recess, even if it meant sending someone’s hat flying across the playground. They didn’t last long before popping, but while they did, they turned any break into instant mayhem.
5. Snap-On Bracelets
Kalz📸🇺🇬 Michael on pexels
Slap bracelets were the ultimate mix of fun and danger. The loud snap onto your wrist was addictive, even if the hidden metal sometimes poked through and left a mark. The real flex was stacking as many colorful designs as possible, turning your arm into a walking fashion statement.
6. Glow Sticks
Juliano Astc on pexels
Glow sticks were the ultimate sleepover currency, traded like treasure at every fundraiser. Crack one open and suddenly, you were the coolest kid in the room, lighting up the dark with neon colors. They never lasted more than a night, but for those few hours, it felt like you were hosting your own rave.
7. Pencil Toppers
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on pexels
Pencil toppers came in every shape imaginable, from glittery animals to weird little aliens that barely stayed upright. They weren’t really for writing — half the time, they slid right off your pencil mid-test. Still, having a collection on your desk was a clear sign you crushed the school fundraiser.
8. Mini Water Guns
Polina Tankilevitch on pexels
Mini water squirters were cheap, leaky, and barely held enough water for one good shot, but that didn’t stop kids from carrying them around like secret weapons at recess. Nothing beats the thrill of catching a friend off guard with a quick squirt, even if your own backpack ended up soaked.
9. Hacky Sacks
Ron Lach on pexels
Hacky sacks were the ultimate test of coordination, and if you could actually keep one in the air, you were instantly the coolest kid at recess. For most kids, though, it was just a colorful little ball that got kicked too hard and disappeared into the bushes. Even so, just owning one made you feel like you were part of an exclusive club.
10. Glow-in-the-Dark Stars
RDNE Stock project on pexels
Glow-in-the-dark stars were the prize every kid wanted because they made your bedroom ceiling feel like outer space. After a fundraiser, kids would rush home to stick them up and fall asleep under their own glowing galaxy. Sadly, most fell off after a week, but for a little while, your room felt magical.
11. Mini Basketball Hoops
Airman 1st Class Kerelin Molina on wikimedia commons
Hanging a mini basketball hoop on your bedroom door instantly turned you into an NBA hopeful. Kids would spend hours practicing trick shots and dunking like pros, even if the rim bent after a week. The ball always rolled under the bed and got lost, but that never stopped the fun.
12. Crazy Straws
Pixabay on pexels
Crazy straws turned even the most boring drink into entertainment, with their twisty, curly designs that made every sip an adventure. Kids would watch the liquid zigzag through the loops, stretching out snack time just for the fun of it. They weren’t exactly dishwasher-safe and were nearly impossible to clean, but no one cared as long as they looked cool.
13. Sticky Hand Toys
cottonbro studio on pexels
Sticky hands were the ultimate quick thrill, letting kids smack walls, desks, and even friends’ arms with a satisfying splat. The fun usually lasted about five minutes before the toy picked up every speck of dust in the room. Once it turned gray and lost its stick, you either washed it off or tossed it — but for that brief moment, it felt unstoppable.
14. Toy Kaleidoscopes
Ragesoss on wikimedia commons
Kaleidoscopes felt magical, showing endless colorful patterns with just a twist. Every turn made a new design, and kids could spend hours peeking inside. They were one of the most exciting prizes in any fundraiser catalog.”
15. Plastic Sunglasses
Tara Winstead on pexels
Neon sunglasses were all about style, not protection. They barely blocked the sun, but kids wore them everywhere to feel cool. Owning a pair was like being a mini celebrity at school events.
16. Mini Frisbees
Michal Petráš on pexels
Fundraiser frisbees were usually small and hard to throw straight, but that never stopped kids from trying. They flew crooked, got stuck on roofs, or disappeared into trees within minutes. Still, bringing one to recess instantly made you the center of attention.
17. Glitter Putty
Achira22 on pexels
These shiny, squishy balls were fun to squeeze and stretch, and kids loved how they felt in their hands. The only problem came when they hit the carpet, because all the fuzz stuck instantly. Even so, they were one of the most unforgettable fundraiser prizes.
18. Light-Up Keychains
Bilious on pexels
Flashlight keychains felt like hitting the jackpot at any school fundraiser. They were small, handy, and doubled as both a toy and a gadget. The only downside was the weak batteries, which usually died after just a week of nonstop clicking.