For my son's 10th birthday party we held an auction.I printed up ticket shaped invitaions on the computer and printed them on card stock and mailed it as a postcard. Then I went to Dollar and a Five Below stores and bought ALOT of stuff for the auction.I had a large range of items from $1-$5. To earn money for the auction the party guest(about 20) had to answer questions about the birthday boy.Each question was worth X amount of money.I used paper play money to give to the kids.They each had a pencil that looked like a rolled up $ bill and a notepad with a $100 pictured on front(You can find these at www.ustoys .com)As I asked each question they wrote their answer in the notepad and whoever got it correct earned money. I also set up folding chairs into rows and made each child an auction paddle with their name on it and a bidder # I had put up signs that you would see in an auction, I got my ideas for the sign on an auction supplies web site.Each item had a lot# and a bidder# so as to keep track of who won what.Anything that did not get auctioed off was placed in a plain white bag as we went along and then we played grab a gift game.One person picks a bag and shows everyone what it is and the the next one does the same but he can keep what he has or "grab" someone elses gift.I made sure that I would have enough for everyone to have at least one auction item won and one for the presant grab game and enough play money, which they all took home. It was funny to hear them tell their parents they spent $200 for a $1 yo-yo. I also deorated the house in red and white streamers and crepe paper and held the auction in my garage,and served a taco bar (one of my son's favorite foods)I hope this is helpful and gives you some ideas,going once, going twice, Im gone. have fun!!!!!!