Lunch Notes for Kids

This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.

Imagine your child excitedly opening their lunch box to find a sweet surprise among their sandwich, fruit, and snacks: a handwritten note just for them. A silly joke, kind affirmation, or a quick “I’m proud of you” is a daily reminder that they are loved, supported, and capable of tackling whatever the day holds. It’s easy to make lunch notes a cherished part of your child’s school day—just follow our tips to start (or enhance) this memorable tradition. 

What Are Lunch Box Notes for Kids?

Lunch notes are exactly what they sound like—little messages tucked into your child’s lunchbox to delight them during their midday break. They’re a simple but heartfelt way to send a piece of yourself along to school, even when you can’t be there in person.

These notes can be anything you want them to be! Some parents opt for quick handwritten messages, like “Good luck on your math quiz!” Others include a joke or riddle. Others draw tiny doodles, write encouraging quotes, or even use pre-made templates to save time. The beauty of lunch notes is that they’re as unique as the relationship you share with your child.

Benefits of Lunch Notes for Kids

Tucking a small note into your child’s lunchbox can have a surprisingly big impact on their day. Here are some of the benefits:

Support emotional connection. A lunch box note is a tangible reminder of your love and support, helping your child feel connected to you even when you’re apart. This gesture can brighten their day and reinforce your bond.

Boost self-esteem. Positive messages can affirm your child’s strengths and achievements. Speaking with Parents, Dr. Suzanne M. Robinson Porreca, Director of Child and Adolescent Services at AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, shares “it has been shown that positive reinforcement is an excellent way to promote self-esteem and resilience.”

Provide encouragement and motivation. Notes can help your child approach challenges with a positive mindset, reminding them that you believe in their abilities.

Tips for Writing Lunch Notes

Here are a few pointers for getting started with your lunch notes. 

• Personalized messages: Use your child’s favorite characters, hobbies, or interests to draw from. Just be sure to keep it short and sweet—kids don’t always have much time during lunch! 
• Inspirational quotes: Add an age-appropriate or uplifting saying to boost their day.
• Fun and Games: Include a fun fact, joke, or riddle. 
• Themes: Create seasonal or holiday-themed notes, such as Halloween jokes or winter affirmations.
• DIY Touch: If you’re feeling crafty, add drawings or stickers. 

15 Unique Lunch Note Ideas

Don’t stress about writing lunch notes—just pick a few favorites from this list.

1. “You’ve got this! I believe in you.”
2. “Don’t forget: You’re amazing just the way you are.”
3. “Mistakes help us grow—keep trying, and you’ll shine!”
4. “Remember to take deep breaths if your day feels tough. You’re stronger than you think!”
5. “You make my day brighter just by being you.”
6. “I can’t wait to hear about your day when you get home!”
7. “My favorite thing about today is knowing you’re in it.”
8. “You’re my sunshine, even when I’m not with you.”
9. “I packed extra hugs and kisses in your lunch today!”
10. “You’re the best part of my day, every day.”
11. “Today is a great day to be brave. I believe in you!”
12. For animal lovers: “You’re paws-itively awesome!”
13. For space enthusiasts: “Reach for the stars—you’re already one of them!”
14. For sports fans: “You’re a champ on and off the field!”
15. For artists: “Keep adding color to the world—you’re amazing!”

10 Halloween Lunch Notes for Kids

For Halloween, pick one of these lunch notes for a holiday-themed twist. 

1. “You’re fang-tastic—have a spooktacular day!”
2. “You’re magic, just like a Halloween witch’s spell!”
3. “You’re the pumpkin to my spice!”
4. “Have a boo-tiful day, my little monster!”
5. “Why didn’t the skeleton go to school? His heart wasn’t in it!”
6. “What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert? Ice scream!”
7. “Draw a ghost here if you’re excited about Halloween!”
8. “Count how many pumpkins you see today—let’s compare notes tonight!”
9. “Be as brave as a vampire flying through the night!”
10. “Just like a jack-o’-lantern, shine bright from the inside out!”

Sustainable Lunch Box Products from Thrive Market

The base of a healthy school lunch starts with these reusable products our members rave about. 

Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

These eco-friendly wraps are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. Thrive Market member Emily from California says “they keep my sandwiches fresh and are easy to clean. Plus, they’re a great step toward reducing plastic use.” 

Lunch Bots Build-A-Bento Storage Container

Made using food-grade platinum silicone, this bento comes with three interchangeable compartments to separate sandwiches, snacks, and fruit.  

Thrive Market Glass Water Bottle

Don’t forget to hydrate! This glass bottle holds up to 25 fl oz and is fitted with a bamboo lid and removable silicone sleeve. Christina from Connecticut calls it “one of the best glass water bottles I’ve had. It holds a lot and is easy to clean.”

Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag, Clear

This reusable bag is perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or storing leftovers. Mark from New York says “Stasher bags are a game-changer! They’re durable, easy to clean, and I feel good about reducing waste.”