12 Classic Pencils and Pens That Everyone Had
From school desks to office drawers, these 12 classic pencils and pens were once everywhere and are now pure nostalgia.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Certain writing tools defined generations. They appeared in classrooms and workplaces across the U.S.; from iconic yellow pencils to clicky pens that never seemed to run out of ink. These simple instruments carried countless notes. This selection of vintage pens and pencils that almost every American has used at least once will take you back in time.
1. Dixon Ticonderoga Pencil
Mr. 1234mssps on Wikimedia Commons
The classic yellow No. 2 pencil has been a school staple for decades. Known for its smooth graphite and reliable eraser, it’s the ultimate test-taking companion.
2. Paper Mate Flair Pen
Sean-Franc Strang on Flickr
The felt-tip Flair pen brought color and style to everyday writing. Its smooth ink flow and distinct lines made it a favorite for grading papers or journaling.
3. Bic Cristal Pen
Trounce on Wikimedia Commons
This clear-barrel ballpoint pen is as simple as it gets and that’s why it’s timeless. Cheap, dependable, and found in every office supply cabinet, it could write pages before drying up.
4. Pentel Twist-Erase Mechanical Pencil
Redolta on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its extra-long, twist-up eraser, this mechanical pencil was a lifesaver during math tests. Its smooth lead and comfortable grip made it a school favorite.
5. Sharpie Permanent Marker
RRRST on Wikimedia Commons
Nothing says “bold” like a Sharpie. From labeling lunch bags to decorating school projects, its strong scent and deep ink are unforgettable.
6. Pilot G2 Gel Pen
guccio@文房具社 on Flickr
The Pilot G2 became a modern classic with its smooth gel ink and comfortable grip. It made scribbling notes feel almost luxurious compared to older ballpoints.
7. Prismacolor Colored Pencils
m01229 on Flickr
For anyone who loved art class, Prismacolor pencils were the gold standard. Their vibrant colors and soft cores made shading and blending a breeze.
8. Bic 4-Color Pen
Donald Trung Quoc Don on Wikimedia Commons
With a click of the top, you could switch between blue, black, red, and green ink. This multitasking pen was both a novelty and a practical tool for note-taking.
9. Staedtler Noris Pencil
Marc albiol contreras on Wikimedia Commons
Its yellow-and-black striped body gave this European favorite a bee-like appearance. Smooth to write with and perfectly balanced, it’s a pencil that quietly became a global icon.
10. Uni-ball Vision Elite
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This liquid ink pen glided across paper like butter. It had a sleek design that made it feel almost professional, even in a high school notebook.
11. Crayola Colored Pencils
INFLATE AND POP! on Wikimedia Commons
Before Prismacolor, Crayola colored pencils ruled every kid’s art kit. They were sturdy, colorful, and perfect for school assignments or casual coloring.
12. Cross Ballpoint Pen
Neo139 on Wikimedia Commons
This pen was the definition of “grown-up writing.” Often given as a graduation or retirement gift, it symbolized sophistication and reliability.