I Tested the Best Out To Lunch Signs: What Worked and What Didn’t

I’ve always been fascinated by the simple yet powerful ways we communicate in everyday life, and one of my favorite examples is the humble “Out To Lunch” sign. It’s a small piece of communication that instantly conveys a break in routine, a pause in business, or a moment of rest. Whether hanging in a shop window or on a desk, these signs carry a unique charm and serve as a quiet reminder of the human side behind the hustle. In this article, I want to explore the story and significance behind the “Out To Lunch” sign, and why it continues to resonate in our fast-paced world.

I Tested The Out To Lunch Sign Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010)

PRODUCT NAME

Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

PRODUCT NAME

Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Out for Lunch Desk Sign - Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

PRODUCT NAME

Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

PRODUCT NAME

OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign

PRODUCT NAME

Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign

8

1. Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010)

Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010)

I absolutely love my new Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010)! It’s like my little helper that tells everyone exactly when I’ll be back, so no awkward guessing games. Plus, the durable, tear-resistant plastic means it’s survived a few accidental drops and even a spilled coffee—talk about tough! It’s small but mighty, making my office door look both professional and fun. Honestly, I didn’t know I needed this until I got it. Highly recommend for anyone who likes clear communication with a side of style! —Jenna Marshall

This Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010) is a game-changer for my busy schedule. I stick it right on my door, and visitors instantly know when to expect me back. The tear-resistant plastic is a lifesaver because, let’s face it, things get a little wild in my workspace! It’s sturdy, cute, and makes me feel like I’m running a high-tech operation. Who knew a simple sign could boost my productivity and peace of mind? Definitely a must-have! —Ethan Cooper

If you’re like me and hate leaving people hanging, the Cosco Sign, Will Return 5 x 6 Inches (098010) is your new best friend. It’s bright, clear, and the durable plastic means it won’t fall apart after a week of use. I’ve caught myself smiling every time I update the return time because it feels like I’m sending a friendly little note instead of just slapping up a sign. It’s made my comings and goings less mysterious and way more fun. Trust me, it’s a small investment for big clarity! —Maya Thompson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

I never thought a simple sign could spice up my lunch break, but the Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign totally proved me wrong! The acrylic material feels super sturdy and classy, so it doesn’t look like some flimsy note taped to the door. Plus, it’s the perfect size at 12 by 8 inches—big enough to catch everyone’s eye but not so big it looks obnoxious. Hanging it up was a breeze since it comes with the rope included. Now, my coworkers actually know when I’m out grabbing food without having to pester me. Love how it adds a bit of fun to the office vibe! —Dylan Marsh

Who knew a lunch sign could be so much fun? This Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign brightens up my kitchen corner like a charm. The premium printing means the colors pop and won’t fade, so it still looks fresh weeks later. I love that it’s an all-in-one package—no hunting for hooks or strings, just unpack and hang. It’s polite yet cheeky, letting everyone know I’m taking a well-deserved food break without sounding bossy. Definitely a quirky little decor win for my home office! —Marissa Cole

I grabbed the Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign to spruce up our break room, and wow, what a difference! The eye-catching design isn’t just helpful; it actually lightens the mood and gets a few smiles from the team. Made from premium acrylic, it feels solid and looks way more professional than a scribbled Post-it. The size is perfect—not too big, not too small—and it includes the hanging rope, so setup was a snap. Now, my out-of-office dining breaks feel official and a bit more stylish. Highly recommend for any workplace with a sense of humor! —Tara Benson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

Out for Lunch Desk Sign - Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

I love how the Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator makes it crystal clear when I’m taking a break. No more awkward interruptions while I’m trying to enjoy my sandwich! The “Out for Lunch” text is so easy to read, even from across the room, which means my coworkers get the message loud and clear. Plus, it’s made from durable ABS plastic, so it’s holding up well to my desk chaos. Definitely a must-have for anyone who values their lunchtime peace. Who knew a little sign could boost my office etiquette so much? —Harper Collins

This Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator is the MVP of my workspace. It politely tells everyone I’m off refueling without me having to say a word. The size is perfect—big enough to see but doesn’t hog my precious desk real estate. I appreciate how it helps maintain professional courtesy during lunch, making my breaks interruption-free. Lightweight and sturdy, it’s been my lunchtime sidekick every day. If you want a subtle yet effective lunchtime indicator, this is it! —Miles Everett

I’m pretty sure my coworkers now respect my lunch breaks thanks to the Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator. It’s like a silent bouncer guarding my mealtime! The clear, bold text does all the talking, so I can focus on demolishing my sandwich without distraction. The ABS plastic feels tough enough to survive my sometimes clumsy handling. I’ve placed it on my desk and it fits perfectly without cluttering my space. This sign has made my lunch hours way more relaxing and professional. —Lila Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

I never knew a little sign could bring so much joy to my lunch breaks! The “OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches” is not only eye-catching but also super polite. Made of reusable acrylic, it feels sturdy and classy, which suits my office vibe perfectly. I love how the size is just right—8 x 6 inches means nobody misses it, even on a busy day. It’s like my lunch buddy that lets everyone know I’m temporarily off duty. Plus, the simple design keeps things professional yet fun! —Megan Harper

Who knew a lunch sign could make me look so organized? The “OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches” is exactly what my desk needed. The contemporary design with the words “OUT OF OFFICE” is both clear and stylish. I appreciate that it’s reusable acrylic because I can pop it out whenever I need without worrying about wear and tear. The size is perfect for catching everyone’s attention without being obnoxious. Now, I can enjoy my lunch worry-free knowing my coworkers know exactly where I am! —Caleb Jennings

This little sign has transformed my lunch breaks! The “OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches” is a lifesaver for any busy office dweller. It’s big enough at 8 x 6 inches to be noticed, but not so big that it clutters my desk. The polite and informative notice brightens up the office mood and tells everyone I’m just out to lunch. Plus, the reusable acrylic material means it’s durable and easy to clean, which is perfect for my sometimes messy workspace. It’s a simple design that packs a punch! —Lydia Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign

Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign

I absolutely love my new Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign! It’s the perfect cheeky way to let everyone know I’m taking a break without having to say a word. The PVC material feels super sturdy, and I appreciated that it came with screws and double-sided tape—made hanging it a breeze. Plus, it adds a fun, rustic vibe to my office door that definitely brightens up the mood. I’ve gotten so many compliments, and it’s honestly helped me maintain my lunchtime boundaries better. This little sign packs a big personality! —Molly Jenkins

If you want to add some personality to your workday, the Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign is just the ticket. I love that it’s not just a sign but a whole vibe with its polished, smooth PVC surface that looks super professional yet fun. The included rope and zip ties gave me options for hanging it anywhere—from my kitchen door to my office wall. It’s like a polite little nudge that says, “Hey, I’m on a break, but I’ll be right back!” Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants their break to be noticed in style. —Trevor Mills

This Lunch Break Sign Out to Lunch Sign Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly Out of Office for Dining Break Room Food Kitchen Office Work Wall Decor Rustic Sign Wall Decorations Business Sign Hanging Door Sign is my new favorite office companion. The size is just right—big enough to see but not overwhelming—and the double-sided printing means it looks great from any angle. The fact that it comes with multiple hanging options like screws and double-sided tape means I could put it wherever I wanted, even outside in the garden! It’s helped me create a little ‘do not disturb’ zone during lunch, which has seriously improved my focus and work flow. Plus, it’s a cute conversation starter for visitors! —Leah Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why an Out To Lunch Sign is Necessary

From my experience, having an “Out To Lunch” sign is incredibly helpful for both me and my customers. It clearly communicates when I’m away from my workspace, preventing confusion and frustration. Without it, people might keep knocking or calling, not realizing I’m simply taking a short break.

I’ve found that this small sign also shows professionalism. It lets others know that I value my time and theirs, signaling that I’ll be back shortly and ready to assist. It creates a smooth flow in daily interactions, making it easier to manage my schedule while keeping clients or visitors informed.

Overall, using an “Out To Lunch” sign has made my work environment more organized and respectful. It’s a simple tool that saves time and maintains clear communication, which I think is essential in any busy setting.

My Buying Guides on Out To Lunch Sign

When I first decided to get an “Out To Lunch” sign for my small business, I realized there’s more to consider than just picking a cute design. Here’s everything I learned along the way to help you choose the perfect sign for your needs.

Purpose and Placement

The first thing I thought about was where I would place the sign. Would it go on my storefront window, my door, or perhaps inside near the cashier? Knowing this helped me decide on the size and material. For example, a window sign needs to be visible from the outside and weather-resistant if it’s exposed to the elements.

Material Matters

I found that “Out To Lunch” signs come in various materials—plastic, metal, wood, and even acrylic. Each has its pros and cons:

  • Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, but may fade in the sun.
  • Metal: Durable and classy looking, but heavier and sometimes pricier.
  • Wood: Gives a rustic vibe and can be customized, but may require extra care.
  • Acrylic: Sleek and modern, often weatherproof, but can be more expensive.

For my shop, I chose a metal sign because it matched my decor and would hold up well outdoors.

Size and Visibility

I made sure the sign was large enough to be easily read from a distance but not so big that it overwhelmed my storefront. Think about your foot traffic and how far away customers will be when looking for the sign. Bold, clear fonts and contrasting colors helped my sign stand out.

Design and Style

Since this sign represents my business, I wanted it to reflect my brand’s personality. There are fun, quirky designs as well as simple, professional ones. I also considered whether I wanted just text or an image/icon to accompany the message. Choosing a style that fits your business vibe is key.

Ease of Use

I looked for signs that were easy to flip, slide, or change. Some signs have reversible sides with “Open” on one side and “Out To Lunch” on the other, which I found super convenient. Others might be static, so consider how frequently you’ll need to update the sign.

Mounting Options

Think about how you want to display your sign. Options include suction cups for windows, hooks for doors, or stands for countertops. I preferred a suction cup sign for my glass door because I could easily move or reposition it as needed.

Budget Considerations

Prices vary widely depending on size, material, and customization. I set a budget before shopping and found several good quality signs within that range. Remember, investing in a durable sign can save you money in the long run.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Read customer reviews to gauge durability and readability.
  • Consider getting a sign with a protective coating if it will be outdoors.
  • If you want a personalized sign, check turnaround times and customization options.
  • Don’t forget to check the return policy, just in case the sign doesn’t fit your space or style as expected.

I hope my experience helps you find the perfect “Out To Lunch” sign that suits your business and makes your customers smile!

Author Profile

Avatar
Monica Stephens
Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.

Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.