How to Create a Suggestion Box: Step-by-Step DIY Guide with Pro Options
Posted by My Charity Boxes Team on 1st Sep 2025
Introduction
A suggestion box may look simple, but it can be one of the most effective tools for gathering honest feedback. Whether in a workplace, retail store, hospital, or nonprofit, suggestion boxes give people a safe way to share ideas that might otherwise remain unspoken.
If you’re wondering how to create a suggestion box, this guide walks you through every step. We’ll cover purpose, materials, features, placement, and promotion. Along the way, you’ll see where a DIY suggestion box works well — and why many organisations eventually invest in a professional, durable option for long-term use.
For background, you can start with our introduction to what a suggestion box is and why these tools remain relevant today.
Step 1: Define Purpose
The first step is clarity. Why are you making a box?
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Employee suggestion box: Offers staff a private channel for workplace ideas or concerns.
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Customer feedback box: Captures shoppers’ or visitors’ input on service, products, or experiences.
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Workplace suggestion box: A general tool suitable for schools, hospitals, or community organisations.
Defining purpose shapes every other decision — from design to placement to how you’ll manage submissions.
Step 2: Pick the Right Materials
Your choice of materials determines how long the box will last and how secure it will be.
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Cardboard: Easy to cut and assemble. Great for short-term use at events, fundraisers, or pilots. This is the most common option for a homemade suggestion box.
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Acrylic: Clear, frosted, or coloured. Modern look, lightweight, and professional. Often used for offices and retail.
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Wood: Sturdy, traditional, and formal. Perfect for institutions or settings where presentation matters.
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Metal: Extremely durable and tamper-resistant. Ideal for high-traffic areas needing a secure suggestion box.
For casual experiments, cardboard works. But for long-term workplace or customer programs, acrylic, wood, or metal offer better protection and presentation. To see professional options, browse our suggestion boxes.
Step 3: Design for Accessibility
A good suggestion box design ensures that everyone can use it easily and comfortably.
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Slot size: Make it wide enough for folded paper but not so large that people can peek inside.
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Height and reach: Position the box at a level accessible to wheelchair users and children.
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Privacy protections: Use opaque or frosted finishes and angled slots to protect confidentiality.
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about making sure people actually use the box.
Step 4: Add Features
Adding features increases usability and trust.
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Locks: A lockable lid prevents tampering and protects anonymity.
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Sign holders: Draw attention and explain the purpose. Signs like “Your feedback matters” double participation.
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Card or paper holders: Provide structured forms for consistent feedback.
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Attached pens: Ensure nobody skips leaving a suggestion due to missing supplies.
These features transform a simple container into a reliable employee engagement tool.
Step 5: Placement Matters
Where you put the box can make or break the program.
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Entrances and lobbies: High visibility ensures daily reminders.
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Break rooms and cafeterias: Relaxed settings encourage honest employee participation.
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Checkout counters: Ideal for customer feedback while shopping is fresh in mind.
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Waiting areas and hallways: Capture attention during downtime.
Placement requires balance: too hidden, and people won’t see it; too exposed, and they may worry about privacy. For deeper advice, explore our guide on choosing the best spots for suggestion boxes.
Step 6: Promote Its Use
A box without awareness is just furniture. Promotion ensures people know it’s there and why it matters.
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Signage: Posters or table signs pointing to the box.
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Internal communication: Announcements in staff meetings, emails, or newsletters.
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Reminders: Managers and team leads can encourage staff to share feedback regularly.
Promotion isn’t a one-time step — keep it consistent to maintain engagement.
Step 7: Collect & Act on Feedback
Creating a box is only half the journey. Acting on feedback is what sustains trust.
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Assign responsibility: Appoint someone to open and review submissions.
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Set a review cycle: Weekly or bi-weekly is ideal to keep pace.
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Close the loop: Share visible results. For example, “You asked for better breakroom chairs. We’ve ordered new ones.”
Follow-through proves the system works and encourages ongoing participation. For full rollout strategies, see our guide on launching a suggestion box program.
DIY vs Buy: Which Is Best?
A DIY suggestion box has value, but it also has limits.
DIY Pros:
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Cheap and easy to make.
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Flexible for one-off events or small campaigns.
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Fun, creative project for schools or teams.
DIY Cons:
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Flimsy and prone to tampering.
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Limited lifespan, especially in public areas.
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Doesn’t always project professionalism or trust.
For short-term use, a homemade suggestion box works. For workplaces, hospitals, and retail programs, a professional box is a smarter choice. To see secure, customisable models, visit the Shop.
Why Choose My Charity Boxes
My Charity Boxes offers more than just products — we provide solutions designed for real-world use.
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Acrylic, wooden, and metal boxes for long-term programs.
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Cardboard designs for fundraisers and temporary campaigns.
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Customisable models with logos, locks, and signage.
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Digital-ready designs that integrate QR codes for hybrid participation.
Pairing professional boxes with a structured rollout ensures that your workplace suggestion box is secure, durable, and trusted.
If you’re still comparing options, our guide on how to choose the right suggestion box will help you decide between styles and features.
Conclusion
Learning how to make a suggestion box is simple, and a DIY version can work for temporary use. But when confidentiality, durability, and professionalism matter, a professionally built box is a far better solution.
By defining purpose, picking materials, adding features, and promoting use, you can create a suggestion box that delivers real results.
Ready for a lasting solution? Explore our full suggestion box collection today and choose the model that fits your organisation’s needs.
FAQ
What materials work best for a DIY suggestion box?
Cardboard is best for short-term use, while acrylic, wood, and metal suit long-term needs.
How do I make sure my suggestion box is secure?
Use a lockable design with a narrow slot and tamper-proof features.
Can suggestion boxes meet accessibility guidelines?
Yes. Place them at accessible heights and ensure they’re easy to reach.
Where should I place my homemade suggestion box?
High-traffic but comfortable spots like entrances, cafeterias, or lobbies.
Is it better to buy a professional suggestion box?
Yes, if you want long-term use, security, and trust. Professional designs last longer and project credibility.