11 School Supplies That Were Too Cool for Class
Relive the days when school supplies doubled as status symbols and style statements in the classroom.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
For kids growing up, school wasn’t just about learning. It was also about showing off the coolest gear. With the right supplies, your classmates would envy you. These items weren’t just functional. They became part of the culture. They cemented memories of what it meant to be “too cool for class.”
1. Trapper Keeper
Jennifer Boyer on Flickr
The king of school organization, the Trapper Keeper, wasn’t just a binder; it was a lifestyle. With its Velcro flap and bold designs, it made carrying papers feel like carrying treasure.
2. Lisa Frank Folders
ironypoisoning on Flickr
Blindingly colorful and covered with rainbows, dolphins, and unicorns, Lisa Frank folders were pure ’90s magic. They turned boring handouts into something worth showing off.
3. Gel Pens
Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Gel pens came in neon, glitter, and even metallic shades, making every note pop with personality. Teachers hated them, but kids couldn’t resist.
4. Scented Markers
jessica wilson {jek in the box} on Flickr
Every classroom had that one kid who sniffed the markers a little too long. Scented markers came in fruity smells that made art projects extra fun.
5. Mechanical Pencils
PNW Production on Pexels
Clicking the lead out of a mechanical pencil felt futuristic compared to old-fashioned wooden ones. They were sleek, refillable, and perfect for doodling during math.
6. Eraser Toppers
Wil Taylor on Flickr
Why settle for a plain eraser when you could have one shaped like a hamburger or a dinosaur? These quirky toppers made mistakes more entertaining.
7. Pencil Boxes with Compartments
ABX on Wikimedia Commosn
Forget flimsy pouches, plastic pencil boxes with secret compartments were where it was at. They clicked shut with satisfying snaps and kept your gear safe.
8. Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Stickers were already cool, but scratch-and-sniff ones were next-level. Teachers often handed them out as rewards, and kids would proudly stick them on notebooks.
9. Transparent Backpacks
我愛荳芽，蔡 on Wikimedia Commons
Clear backpacks became trendy, showing off everything you carried inside. They weren’t exactly private, but they screamed coolness in the hallways.
10. Ruler Stencils
Czeva on Wikimedia Commons
These weren’t just rulers; they doubled as stencils for stars, circles, and shapes. They made a boring math class more artistic.
11. Glitter Glue
artsy Amy on Flickr
Glitter glue was messy, sparkly, and completely irresistible. Kids used it for art projects, book covers, and sometimes just to decorate their desks.