Kids’ Printable Lunch Notes That Make Lunchtime Extra Special -

There’s something magical about a little folded note tucked into a lunchbox.

Picture it: the cafeteria is buzzing, your child sits down, unzips their lunch bag, and there it is. A bright, cheerful piece of paper with a loving message or a funny little joke. Their eyes light up. A smile spreads across their face. And just like that, your words become the highlight of their day.

This isn’t just about cute paper or puns. It’s about connection.

Kids printable lunch notes are one of the easiest, most meaningful ways to sprinkle a little extra love into your child’s school day. Whether it’s encouragement on a testing day, a scripture verse to remind them they’re never alone, or a silly joke to make them laugh at lunchtime, these tiny notes carry a big impact.

Let’s talk about why these notes matter, what types of lunch notes you can print at home, and how to get started with your own stash of printables (spoiler alert: I’ve got a freebie for you!).

Why Use Kids Printable Lunch Notes? (And Why They Totally Work)

If you’re like me, mornings are often a blur of cereal bowls, backpacks, and “Where are your shoes!?” moments. It’s tempting to think something as small as a lunch note can’t matter much—but it really, truly does.

Lunch notes are more than cute extras. They’re a daily reminder to your child that you’re thinking of them, cheering them on, and sending love from afar.

Here’s why they’re worth adding to your routine:

They boost confidence. A short message like “You’ve got this!” can be just what your child needs before a math test or spelling bee.
They help with separation anxiety. Younger children especially benefit from reminders that you’re still close, even when you’re apart.
They create memories. These notes often become keepsakes. I’ve heard from moms who found old ones tucked into pencil cases or drawers months later.

What You Might Need

Before you start printing out your new stash of sweet lunchbox love notes, here’s a quick list of what you’ll want on hand:

A color printer (but black-and-white works too!)
Cardstock or thick printer paper for more durability
Scissors or a paper cutter to trim them nicely
Tape or washi tape (optional, if you want to stick them on snack bags)
A folder or little box to keep your notes organized

Some moms even laminate their favorites and reuse them with dry-erase markers. Pro tip: keep a little “note drawer” or envelope in the kitchen so you’re always ready to grab and go.

Types of Lunch Notes to Include

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lunch notes. Some kids love jokes, others adore heartfelt affirmations. The best part? You can mix and match to create a collection that fits your child’s personality perfectly.

1. Positive Affirmations

Sometimes all our kids need is a reminder that they are brave, kind, strong, and loved. These types of notes are perfect for days when they seem a little unsure of themselves.

Here are a few sweet examples:

“You are so loved.”
“Your kind heart makes the world better.”
“Be brave. You’ve already got what it takes!”

Step-by-step: Choose a printable that uses a friendly, simple font. Print on white cardstock, cut it out, and slide it into their sandwich container or snack pouch.

2. Funny Jokes and Riddles

Who doesn’t love a good giggle at lunchtime?

Jokes are perfect for school-aged kids and can even spark conversations with their classmates. Bonus: they might come home and try to stump you with them later!

A few lunchbox-friendly jokes to try:

“Why did the student eat his homework? Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!”
“What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!”
“What’s brown and sticky? A stick.”

Step-by-step: Download or create a sheet of printable joke cards. Print on regular paper, cut into squares, and add a doodle or sticker if you’re feeling crafty.

3. Bible Verse Notes

For Christian families, lunchtime is a perfect moment to plant seeds of faith and encouragement with short Bible verses. These can offer peace, comfort, and spiritual strength during the school day.

Some favorites include:

“Be strong and courageous.” – Joshua 1:9
“This is the day the Lord has made.” – Psalm 118:24
“God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Step-by-step: Choose or design a printable sheet of Bible verse cards in soft or cheerful colors. Print and trim, then slide into their lunchbox with a simple snack.

4. Blank Notes to Customize

Sometimes you want to say something very specific, and that’s where blank notes come in handy. These can be sweet, silly, or practical reminders.

Ideas for custom messages:

“Good luck on your spelling test!”
“Grandma’s picking you up today—have fun!”
“Dance party in the kitchen tonight!”

Step-by-step: Print a set of blank or lightly designed cards. Keep them near your lunch station so you can jot something personal before school.

How to Print and Prep Your Kids Printable Lunch Notes

Let’s make this easy and stress-free, shall we?

Here’s your step-by-step guide to printing and prepping a stash of lunch notes:

Download your printables. Start with the free set I’ve created for you (you can grab it at the end of this post).
Choose your paper. Cardstock lasts longer, but regular printer paper works in a pinch.
Print in color or grayscale. Both are adorable, depending on the vibe you want.
Trim them neatly. Use scissors or a paper cutter for clean edges.
Store smart. Use a mini accordion file, envelope, or even a zippered pouch to keep them handy.

Want to take it next level? Consider laminating your favorites and writing on them with dry erase markers.

Picture this: Sunday night, the house is quiet, and you’re prepping lunch notes for the week. It’s your little love ritual, a moment of calm before the school rush.

Creative Ways to Use Lunch Notes Beyond the Lunchbox

These notes aren’t just for sandwiches and apple slices. You can spread the love in lots of fun, unexpected ways:

Backpack pockets: A fun surprise when they unpack.
Pencil cases or binders: A great reminder during a tough subject.
Jacket pockets: Perfect for colder months.
Bedtime tuck-ins: Sneak a note under their pillow before bed.
Sports bags or recital cases: Give them a boost before big events.

Grab Your Free Printable Lunch Notes!

To get you started, I’ve created a free printable set of 12 kids’ lunch notes that are perfect to add into your their lunch boxes.

You can download them by clicking on the image below and save as a download.

They’re designed in a cheerful, minimal style with earthy tones and sweet doodles—perfect for boys, girls, or gender-neutral lunchboxes.

Small Notes, Big Love

There’s so much we can’t control about our kids’ days at school—but we can send a little piece of home with them.

Lunch notes may be small, but they’re mighty. They’re a quiet whisper that says, “You matter. I love you. I see you.” And that’s something every child deserves to hear.