Several years ago one of my kids was having a really rough week at school. To perk her up, I added a little sticky note into her lunch box with a terribly drawn picture (I lack artistic talent) and a simple motivational note telling her how much I loved her and how special she is.
I did this for a few days until she was back to her carefree self. When I stopped adding notes she was not happy with me 😂. She told me how much she appreciated and enjoyed those notes. They were guaranteed to be a bright spot in her day.
Once my other kids got word of these notes, everyone demanded them 🤣
Speaking of school essentials that make kids happy, don't miss our guides to the best kids backpacks and must-have back-to-school books to set them up for success.
Want to make your child’s school day a little brighter? 💛 A lunch box note is a small gesture that makes a big impact. Whether it’s a joke, pun, sweet message, or seasonal surprise, lunch box notes for kids are a fun way to stay connected during the school day.
Studies show that children who receive positive reinforcement from parents during school hours demonstrate improved emotional regulation and academic confidence throughout the day.
Keep scrolling for 50+ easy lunchbox note ideas that work for all ages—and all occasions. These simple school lunch notes are the quickest way to add encouragement, laughter, and love to their lunchbox.
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Why Lunch Box Notes Matter for Your Child's Day 💌
My kids love finding a little note tucked into their lunch box. It’s become our thing over the years—a sweet (and sometimes silly) reminder that I’m thinking about them even when I’m not there.
Let’s be real: school can be hard. For them and for us.
While they’re off navigating the day, I’m wondering things like:
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Are they having fun?
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Are they making friends?
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Did they eat the lunch I packed (or just the cookies)?
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Are they okay?
And the truth is—once they walk through those school doors, we have zero control over what happens. But the one thing I can control? Sending a tiny piece of home with them.
Some days, that note makes them laugh out loud. Other days, it’s just the reminder they needed that someone is in their corner. 💗
One year, when I was cleaning out one of my girls’ backpacks at the end of the year, I found every. single. note. I had written.
Clearly, I had nailed one small part of parenting. 😂
The Emotional Benefits of Lunch Box Notes
Lunch box notes for kids provide more than just a sweet surprise. Here's what they actually accomplish:
💗 Build connection: A quick way to say “I’m thinking of you” in the middle of their busy day.
💔 Reduce separation anxiety: Especially helpful for younger children adjusting to school. For more tips on helping kids adjust to school, read our guide to dealing with crying at school drop-off.
💬 Spark conversations: Kids love telling you what their note said after school.
📚 Boost confidence: Notes before tests or tough days can be surprisingly powerful.
🤣 Give them a laugh: A cheesy joke = instant mood lift at the lunch table.
🍕Create positive associations with lunch time: Can help picky eaters feel more relaxed about meals
📝 Make memories: These little notes often get saved... or traded like secret treasures.
Some days, that note makes them laugh out loud. Other days, it's just the reminder they needed that someone is in their corner. 💗
One year, when I was cleaning out one of my girls' backpacks at the end of the year, I found every. single. note. I had written.
Clearly, I had nailed one small part of parenting. 😂
What to Write in a Lunch Box Note
Notes for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
When my kids were little I frequently drew a simple picture or emoji and placed it in their lunch boxes. If I wrote something when they were too young to read, I told them before we left for school what the note said. They didn't care that they knew what was written on the lunch box note. In all honesty, they often forgot about the note by lunch time, so it was still a surprise when they pulled it out!
Best approaches for preschoolers:
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Simple drawings with smiling faces
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Heart shapes and stars
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Basic words like "LOVE" in big letters
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Emoji stickers
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Colorful washi tape arranged in patterns
Notes for Elementary Kids (Ages 6-10)
This is the sweet spot for lunchbox notes! Elementary students can read independently but still get genuinely excited about surprises from home.
Perfect for this age:
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Simple jokes and riddles
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Encouraging messages before tests
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Fun facts about their interests
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Compliments about specific things they did well
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Silly drawings with speech bubbles
Notes for Tweens (Ages 11-13)
Tweens might roll their eyes, but they secretly love lunch box notes (just ask them to keep it between you two!). At this age, notes work best when they're:
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More subtle (fold them smaller)
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Include inside jokes or references to their interests
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Acknowledge their growing independence
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Sometimes just a simple "thinking of you" works perfectly
Now that they are older, I send along a variety of notes, jokes or riddles that I know will put a smile on their face halfway through the day. I switch up what type of note I send. I used to research funny things to write, but wow was that a lot of work! Thankfully there are fantastic pre-made, tear off lunch box notes now available and my life is a little easier.
My go-to favorites: These hilarious lunch box jokes never fail to make my kids giggle, and these fun scratch-off notes are perfect for busy mornings when you want something meaningful but quick.
No matter what type of premade lunch box note I send, I always personalize it with a quick message on the back. It takes less than 30 seconds to write something.
But do you want to know a little secret? You don't need anything fancy to write a lunch box note! Half the time I simply add a simple post-it with “I Love You” written on it.
On the days I don’t write a note I usually get a complaint in the evening so I know they love these.
Lunch Box Note Ideas and Examples
Need a little inspiration? These are some of my favorite sweet, silly, and confidence-boosting lunch box notes from the printable pack (and a few extras you can DIY):
Encouraging Notes
- 💪 "You are braver than you believe—and way cooler than you think."
- 🧠 "Use that brilliant brain of yours today."
- 🧁 "You're the sweetest part of my day."
- 💗 "The world is better with you in it."
- 🆕 "Today's challenges are tomorrow's strengths!"
- 🆕 "You've got this, and I've got you!"
- 🆕 "Be yourself - that's your superpower!"
- 🆕 "Mistakes are just learning in disguise."
Funny Jokes and Riddles
- 🌮 "You're nacho average kid."
- 😎 "You're cooler than a popsicle in July."
- 😹 "Why did the student eat his homework? Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!"
- 🆕 "What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer!"
- 🆕 "Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!"
- 🆕 "What's orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot!"
Seasonal Lunch Box Notes for Kids (Fall to Summer)
Fall/Back to School:
- "Falling for how awesome you are! 🍂"
- "You're going to have a tree-mendous day!"
Halloween:
- "You're fang-tastic! 🦇"
- "Have a spook-tacular day!"
- Want ready-made Halloween fun? These adorable Halloween lunch box notes are perfect for October!
Winter:
- "You warm my heart even on cold days ❄️"
- "Snow one is as special as you!"
Valentine's Day:
- "You make my heart happy! 💕"
- "You're the bee's knees, Valentine!"
- Make February extra sweet with these cute Valentine's Day lunch box notes that kids absolutely love!
Spring:
- "You help me bloom with pride! 🌸"
- "Some-bunny loves you!"
Summer/End of School:
- "You're one in a melon! 🍉"
- "Thanks for bee-ing amazing all year!"
Test Day & Special Occasion Notes
- "Test your best and forget the rest!"
- "Smart cookie reporting for duty! 🍪"
- "You've prepared well - now trust yourself!"
- "Win or learn, you make me proud either way."
How Often Should You Send Lunch Box Notes?
This is up to you and that's the best part. You can send them daily, once a week or whenever your little one needs a pick me up! I write my notes in the morning so I can tailor the note's contents to what is going on with my child that day. I know plenty of people who sit down and write a stack of notes on the weekend so that they are ready to go for those chaotic school mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lunch Box Notes
What if my child is embarrassed by lunch box notes?
Make them smaller and more discrete. Tuck them under a sandwich or tape them inside the lunch box lid. Most kids love them but don't want friends to see.
My child can't read yet. Are lunch box notes still worth it?
Absolutely! Use simple drawings, stickers, or tell them what it says before school. The gesture matters more than reading ability.
What if I forget to include a note?
Don't stress! Kids understand busy mornings. Some parents keep a few generic notes pre-written for rushed days.
How long should lunch box notes be?
Short and sweet works best. 1-2 sentences is perfect. Remember, they're eating lunch, not reading a novel!
Can I include lunch box notes for teenagers?
Yes! Keep them subtle and age-appropriate. Even teens appreciate knowing you're thinking of them.
Whether you're packing a bento box or a brown bag, adding lunch box notes for kids is an easy way to stay connected—even when you’re apart. Bookmark this post for more fun lunch ideas, or screenshot a few of your favorite notes to use all week long! 💌
Got a favorite school lunch note your kid loved? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas and you can help other parents spread more smiles!
