What to Put Under a Scratch Off Sticker: Creative Ideas for Cards, Coupons, Rewards & Games
Scratch off stickers make almost any card, invitation, coupon, or promotion more exciting.
The best part? You can hide almost anything underneath.
Whether you're creating DIY scratch off cards for a classroom, business promotion, fundraiser, party game, bridal shower, or customer giveaway, the message under the sticker is what turns a simple card into an interactive experience.
At My Scratch Offs, we've helped customers create scratch off cards and stickers since 2008. If you're wondering what to put under a scratch off sticker, this guide will give you plenty of ideas.
What Is a Scratch Off Sticker?
A scratch off sticker is an adhesive label that covers text, numbers, codes, prizes, or messages.
You write or print your hidden message first, then place the scratch off sticker over it. The recipient uses a coin or scratcher chip to scratch away the coating and reveal what is underneath.
Scratch off stickers are popular for:
- DIY cards
- Coupons
- Prize reveals
- Party games
- Teacher rewards
- Fundraisers
- Customer giveaways
- Direct mail promotions
- Holiday cards
- Wedding and shower games
They are simple, flexible, and easy to customize.
What Can You Put Under a Scratch Off Sticker?
Note: Your message is printed or written on the card—not on the scratch off sticker.
Here are some of the most popular ideas.
1. Discount Codes
Discount codes are one of the easiest things to hide under a scratch off sticker.
Great options include:
- 10% off
- 15% off
- 20% off
- Free shipping
- Buy One Get One
- Free gift with purchase
- VIP discount code
- Mystery savings
This works especially well for small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, ecommerce brands, salons, service providers, and local shops.
2. Prize Reveals
Scratch off stickers are perfect for revealing prizes.
Prize ideas include:
- Free product
- Gift card
- Free appetizer
- Free dessert
- Free coffee
- Free consultation
- Bonus reward points
- Event giveaway prize
- Grand prize winner
- Runner-up prize
This makes giveaways feel more exciting than simply announcing the winner.
3. Teacher Rewards
Teachers love using scratch off stickers for classroom incentives.
Popular classroom reward ideas include:
- Homework Pass
- Choose Your Seat
- Extra Credit
- Line Leader
- Treasure Box Prize
- Lunch With the Teacher
- Pick the Brain Break
- Class Helper
- Positive Note Home
- Read to the Class
- Extra Computer Time
- Hat Day
- Sit With a Friend
- Pick the Classroom Game
For older students, rewards such as Extra Credit, Choose Your Seat, and Homework Pass often work better than younger classroom privileges.
4. Fundraiser Donation Amounts
Scratch off stickers can reveal donation amounts for fundraisers.
Examples include:
- $1 donation
- $5 donation
- $10 donation
- $20 donation
- $25 donation
- Sponsor match amount
- Thank-you prize
- Donation challenge
This works well for schools, youth sports teams, PTOs, churches, animal rescues, nonprofits, and community events.
5. Party Game Results
Planning a baby shower, bridal shower, birthday party, wedding, or family event?
Hide game outcomes under scratch off stickers.
Ideas include:
- You Win!
- Try Again
- Grand Prize
- Door Prize
- Team 1
- Team 2
- Baby Boy
- Baby Girl
- Bride Knows Best
- Birthday Winner
- Secret Challenge
- Party Favor Prize
Scratch off games are easy to play and fun for guests of all ages.
6. Gender Reveal Messages
Scratch off stickers are a favorite for gender reveal cards.
Hidden messages can include:
- It's a Boy!
- It's a Girl!
- Team Pink
- Team Blue
- Baby Brother
- Baby Sister
- Surprise!
- Coming Soon
They make the reveal feel personal, interactive, and memorable.
7. Bridal Shower & Wedding Messages
Scratch off stickers are also popular for wedding-related events.
Ideas include:
- You Win!
- Bridal Bingo Winner
- Date Night Idea
- Marriage Advice Prompt
- Door Prize
- Kiss the Bride
- Toast Time
- Honeymoon Fund Surprise
- Bridesmaid Surprise
- Thank You Gift
They work beautifully for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, wedding favors, and reception games.
8. Customer Appreciation Offers
Businesses can use scratch off stickers to thank loyal customers.
Ideas include:
- Thank You Gift
- Free Sample
- Loyalty Reward
- VIP Offer
- Birthday Reward
- Referral Bonus
- Come Back Soon
- Mystery Discount
- Free Upgrade
- Exclusive Access
A simple thank-you card becomes much more memorable when customers get to reveal their surprise.
9. Employee Recognition Rewards
Scratch off stickers are excellent for workplace incentives.
Use them for:
- Safety rewards
- Attendance rewards
- Sales goals
- Wellness challenges
- Team appreciation
- Holiday parties
- Staff contests
- Employee of the Month surprises
Reward ideas include:
- Free Lunch
- Coffee Gift Card
- Leave Early Pass
- Bonus Entry
- Company Swag
- Extra Break
- Team Prize
- Thank You
10. QR Codes & Secret Links
You can hide a QR code or short URL under a scratch off sticker.
Use this for:
- Exclusive offers
- VIP landing pages
- Event registration
- Product launches
- Customer surveys
- Review requests
- Giveaway entry forms
- Loyalty program signups
This is a great way to connect physical marketing with online engagement.
11. Secret Numbers, Codes, or Passwords
Scratch off stickers can hide unique codes for promotions.
Examples include:
- Coupon codes
- Entry codes
- Redemption numbers
- Claim codes
- Contest codes
- Passwords
- Serial numbers
- Giveaway IDs
For business campaigns, codes can help track redemptions and campaign performance.
12. Holiday Surprises
Scratch off stickers work for every season.
Holiday ideas include:
- Merry Christmas Surprise
- Valentine Reward
- Easter Egg Prize
- Halloween Treat
- Thanksgiving Thank You
- New Year Offer
- Black Friday Bonus
- Small Business Saturday Deal
- Teacher Appreciation Gift
- Holiday Mystery Discount
Seasonal scratch off cards are fun for both personal and business use.
Tips for Creating DIY Scratch Off Cards
To get the best results, keep these tips in mind.
Use a Marker, Not a Pencil
If you are handwriting your message, use a marker or pen that is dark enough to read clearly. Let the ink dry completely before applying the sticker.
Keep the Message Short
Short phrases are easier to read once revealed.
Good examples:
- You Win!
- 20% Off
- Free Gift
- Extra Credit
- $10 Donation
- Try Again
Choose the Right Sticker Size
The sticker should fully cover the message without looking too oversized.
Common options include:
- Small round stickers for short messages
- Larger round stickers for prize reveals
- Square stickers for codes or icons
- Rectangle stickers for longer messages
- Full sheet scratch off material for custom cutting
Apply the Sticker Smoothly
Place the sticker directly over the hidden message and press it down evenly.
Use a Coin or Scratcher Chip
A US coin or scratcher chip works well for scratching. Avoid sharp tools that could damage the card.
Scratch Off Sticker Ideas by Use Case
For Businesses
- 10% Off
- Free Shipping
- VIP Reward
- Free Gift
- You Win!
- Mystery Deal
- Buy One Get One
- Referral Bonus
For Teachers
- Homework Pass
- Extra Credit
- Choose Your Seat
- Line Leader
- Treasure Box
- Positive Note Home
- Pick the Game
- Class Helper
For Fundraisers
- $5 Donation
- $10 Donation
- $20 Donation
- Sponsor Prize
- Thank You Gift
- Bonus Entry
- Match Donation
- Community Hero
For Parties
- You Win!
- Door Prize
- Baby Boy
- Baby Girl
- Game Winner
- Try Again
- Prize Table
- Secret Challenge
For Weddings & Showers
- Bridal Bingo
- Date Night
- Door Prize
- Favor Winner
- Toast Time
- Bride Trivia
- Shower Prize
- Thank You
Why Choose My Scratch Offs?
Since 2008, My Scratch Offs has helped more than 90,000 customers create fun, memorable scratch off experiences.
We offer:
- Scratch off stickers in multiple shapes and sizes
- Gold, silver, hologram, and specialty options
- DIY scratch off cards
- Custom scratch off cards
- Ready-to-play scratch off games
- Friendly customer support
- Fast turnaround
- Family-owned service
Whether you are making one-of-a-kind cards or planning a full promotional campaign, My Scratch Offs makes it easy to create something people want to interact with.
Final Thoughts
The best thing to put under a scratch off sticker is something worth revealing.
It does not have to be expensive. It simply needs to create a moment of curiosity, surprise, or delight.
From discount codes and teacher rewards to fundraiser donations and party games, scratch off stickers turn simple messages into interactive experiences people remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put under a scratch off sticker?
You can put discount codes, prizes, donation amounts, QR codes, secret messages, teacher rewards, party game results, gender reveal messages, raffle entries, or customer appreciation offers under a scratch off sticker.
Can I write under a scratch off sticker?
Yes. You can write your message by hand before applying the sticker. For best results, use a marker or dark pen and let the ink dry completely before placing the scratch off sticker over it.
Can I print under a scratch off sticker?
Yes. You can print cards, coupons, invitations, or game pieces first, then apply scratch off stickers over the hidden text, code, or prize.
What size scratch off sticker do I need?
Choose a sticker large enough to fully cover your message. Small round stickers work well for short rewards, while larger round, square, or rectangle stickers work better for longer messages, codes, or prize reveals.
Can scratch off stickers cover QR codes?
Yes. Scratch off stickers can cover QR codes, coupon codes, secret links, and redemption numbers. Make sure the code is fully covered and still scannable after it is revealed.
What should teachers put under scratch off stickers?
Teachers often use homework passes, extra credit, choose your seat, line leader, treasure box prizes, class helper, reading rewards, and positive behavior incentives.
What should businesses put under scratch off stickers?
Businesses commonly hide discounts, free gifts, VIP offers, referral bonuses, loyalty rewards, product samples, QR codes, and customer appreciation messages.
Are scratch off stickers good for fundraisers?
Yes. Fundraisers can use scratch off stickers to reveal donation amounts, sponsor prizes, coupons, thank-you messages, or fundraising challenges.
