11 Things Every Teen Girl Had in Her Purse in the ’80s
Here's a nostalgic peek inside every teen girl's purse during the totally rad decade of the 1980s.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s were all about bright colors, bold fashion, and unforgettable trends—and teen girls carried it all in their purses. From bubblegum-scented accessories to must-have beauty fixes, every item had its place. Let’s dive into the throwback essentials that defined a generation’s purse game.
1. Lip Smackers Lip Gloss
Dutch Blythe Fashion on Flickr
No teen purse was complete without a tube of Lip Smackers. Whether it was Dr. Pepper, cotton candy, or watermelon, it wasn’t just about moisture—it was about making a statement.
2. Aqua Net Hairspray (Travel Size)
twitchery on Flickr
Big hair, don’t care. A mini Aqua Net canister was key to keeping bangs perfectly sky-high and helmet-strong.
3. Caboodles Mirror Compact
Anna Evans on Unsplash
These cute, pastel-colored compacts weren’t just for checking lipstick—they were mini command centers. A quick flip open revealed a mirror for touch-ups and sometimes a few bobby pins or a tiny comb.
4. Bubble Yum or Hubba Bubba Gum
Dutch Blythe Fashion on Flickr
Pockets and purses were always stuffed with sweet, chewy goodness. Bubble Yum and Hubba Bubba were the go-to brands for those gigantic bubbles that popped all over your face.
5. Bonne Bell 10.0.6 Astringent Wipes
Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels
Fresh skin was in, and Bonne Bell was the queen of the clean-face scene. These wipes helped banish breakouts and were super convenient and portable.
6. A Pack of Sun-In Hair Lightener
Doğu Tuncer on Pexels
This little spray bottle promised California sun-kissed strands without the beach. Teen girls stashed it in their bags to sneak in a few sprays between classes or during lunch.
7. A Folded Note from a Friend
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Before texting, passing folded notes was the way to stay in the loop. These handwritten gems were full of gossip, doodles, and “Do you like him? Check yes or no” questions.
8. Tiny Bottle of Love’s Baby Soft Perfume
Valeria Boltneva on Pexels
Speaking of which, this iconic scent was the fragrance of the decade. Powdery, sweet, and innocent, it gave off “I’m growing up but still a teen” vibes.
9. A Cassette Walkman with Mixtape
Ruben Boekeloo on Pexels
No purse was too small for music. A portable Walkman and a custom mixtape, probably made by a bestie or hopeful boyfriend, were must-haves.
10. A Trapper Keeper Planner or Mini Notepad
Jennifer Boyer on Flickr
Okay, so maybe it was more for doodling than planning homework. These colorful, Velcro-closing notepads were where secrets, dreams, and bored-in-class scribbles lived.
11. Spare Scrunchie or Ribbon Hair Tie
🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
Style met utility with these fluffy, colorful accessories. Whether for a quick ponytail or a fashion wrist piece, a scrunchie was always on hand.