Sign Your Lunch
Make a personalized lunchbox name tag using paper, markers, stickers, and clear tape; decorate, laminate with tape, and attach it to your lunch.
Step-by-step guide to Sign Your Lunch
Step 1
Gather all your materials and set them on a clean flat surface.
Step 2
Cut a rectangle from the paper about the size of a credit card using scissors.
Step 3
Round the corners of the rectangle by cutting small curves with the scissors.
Step 4
Write your name large and clear on the paper tag using a marker.
Step 5
Decorate the tag with stickers and little drawings using your colouring materials.
Step 6
Lay the decorated tag flat and cover the front with overlapping strips of clear tape until the whole front is sealed.
Step 7
Flip the tag over and cover the back with overlapping strips of clear tape until the back is sealed.
Step 8
Trim any extra tape around the edges with scissors so the tag looks neat.
Step 9
Choose where to attach the tag on your lunchbox and stick it on securely with more clear tape.
Step 10
Share a photo of your finished lunchbox name tag on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have clear tape or a laminator for sealing the tag?
If you don't have clear tape for the steps that cover the front and back, use a laminator sheet, self-adhesive badge laminates, or overlapping strips of packing tape to seal and waterproof the paper tag.
My tape keeps wrinkling and the marker smudges — how do I fix that when sealing and decorating?
When covering the front with overlapping strips of clear tape, smooth each strip from the center outward with a ruler or the back of a spoon and let the marker dry fully before taping to prevent smudges.
How can I adjust this activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers, pre-cut the credit-card-sized rectangle and let them stick stickers and colour with a chunky marker; for elementary kids let them write their name, round the corners and trim the tape themselves; for older kids encourage detailed drawings, photo inserts, or using a hole punch and keyring before sealing.
What are easy ways to make the lunchbox name tag more durable or personalized?
To enhance the finished tag, add a small photo, QR code, or glitter pen design before you cover the front and back with clear tape, trim the edges neatly, and attach it with a keyring or extra tape to the lunchbox before sharing a photo on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Sign Your Lunch
Learn to sign the alphabet | Magic Hands | CBeebies
4 Videos
Learn to sign the alphabet | Magic Hands | CBeebies
Back To School Sign Language Vocabulary: GREETINGS!
Back to School Sign Language Vocabulary: LET’S GO PLAY!
Back to School Sign Language Vocabulary: WHO ARE YOU?
Facts about paper crafts for kids
✂️ Papercrafting (cutting, decorating, sticking) builds fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while making something useful.
✍️ Markers come in water-based (easy to wash) and permanent (waterproof) types—pick the right one for your project and clothes!
🥪 Adding a name tag to a lunchbox helps kids spot their food faster and cuts down on lost or swapped lunches.
🎨 Decorating with stickers, doodles, and color not only looks fun but also helps kids express their personal style.
🛡️ Wrapping a paper name tag in clear tape is a quick DIY lamination that makes it water-resistant and tougher against spills.
How do I make a personalized lunchbox name tag (Sign Your Lunch)?
What materials do I need to make a lunchbox name tag?
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