Borders (or other) Bookstore Gift Wrapping, local Pizza restaurant nights, Friendly's Night, have a fall event with a bake sale, RethinkInk, BoxTop$, or try one of the catalog type fundraisers.
The one that we use, and are holding right now, is Yankee Candle. We used to have this in the Spring and usually raised upwards of $8000. We realized last year that holding this in the fall, with the upcoming holidays, we would likely raise more. It is really a very easy fundraiser and I am sure there is a lot of information regarding it on their website.
I understand your dilemma. We are always in the same boat but are always looking for ways to raise money without selling overpriced, unneeded items. This is what we are looking at:
Box tops. A no-brainer fundraiser.
Escrip programs or Shoppers Blessings are usually good ways to get money generated without much effort.
There's a new program called Popcorn Parents that looks promising. (I saw the ad on the top of this page and checked into it.) The Footlocker ad also promises hassle-free fundraising. (And I'm always willing to help a company that supports the work of the PTO).
Spaghetti dinners are always good for a few bucks.
We use a brochure company, too, and don't have to spend any money. We work with Innisbrook Wraps, and the local rep even provided a promotional plan above and beyond their normal prize program. We don't have to spend any money until all the products are paid for. The invoice from the company will come when our products are shipped.
We do smaller fundraisers throughout the year, too, such as Box Tops and Family Nights, but those require a small amount of start up money (shipping, food costs, etc).
