15 Things Found in Every ’80s School Desk

In the 1980s, school desks were more than just places to store books and papers; they were adorned with one-of-a-kind items that reflected the culture and technology of the era. From school supplies to personal mementos, these items became symbols of the 1980s educational experience. In this article, we will look at 15 items that were commonly found on every ’80s school desk, shedding light on the trends, tools, and toys that accompanied students throughout the academic day.

1. Trapper Keeper

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Trapper Keeper was the ultimate binder of the 1980s, with flashy designs and Velcro closures. It was the go-to student organization tool, designed to store folders, notebooks, and papers compactly and conveniently. Owning a Trapper Keeper was often considered a status symbol, and it provided a safe space for both schoolwork and doodles.

2. Pens with Fun Colors

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In the ’80s, pens were more than just tools for writing; they were accessories. Brightly colored pens, especially gel pens and erasable ink pens, were all the rage. These vibrant pens were a must-have on every desk, often used for writing notes, doodling, and even trading with friends.

3. Pencil Toppers

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Pencil toppers, ranging from adorable animals to sparkly stars, were an ideal way to personalize a basic school supply. These small accessories would sit atop pencils to add some flair. While they were entertaining, they also provided a great distraction during class.

4. Cassette Tapes

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While cassette tapes were not commonly used in class, they were a staple of any 1980s school desk. Students frequently saved their favorite songs or mixes for after-school listening. The tapes’ small size made them easy to transport, and they were occasionally shared with friends as a way to bond over favorite songs.

5. Rubber Bands

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Rubber bands were a must-have on every ’80s school desk, serving many purposes other than holding things together. Students frequently used them to play games, construct makeshift slingshots, or simply stretch them for enjoyment. They were inexpensive and versatile, so they became a desk staple.

6. Erasers

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Erasers came in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and many students collected them. Popular erasers included those shaped like animals, food, and even funny characters. They were not only useful tools but also a fun way to express one’s personality.

7. Bags of Candy

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Though not technically part of the school supplies, candy bags frequently found their way onto desks. Candy, whether in the form of Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, or Bubble Tape, provided students a sweet escape during breaks or long classes. Candy was frequently traded or shared among friends, making it an important part of the school day.

8. Slap Bracelets

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Slap bracelets were popular in the late 1980s, and no school desk was complete without one. These metal bands covered in fabric would “slap” onto your wrist and curl into shape. They were extremely popular due to their fun, simple designs and quickly became an iconic recess accessory.

9. Post-It Notes

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Though invented in the 1970s, Post-It Notes became a staple of school desks in the 1980s. These sticky squares were a useful and enjoyable addition to any desk, whether used to jot down reminders, take quick notes, or mark pages in textbooks. Their vibrant colors made them impossible to ignore.

10. Paper Clips

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Paper clips were necessary for keeping assignments and papers organized. However, besides their practical use, they were frequently bent into fun shapes or used for classroom games. These small metal items were common on almost every school desk.

11. Bookmarks

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Bookmarks ranged from traditional paper to laminated designs with cartoon or superhero themes. They helped students stay on track in textbooks and novels. The more unique and colorful they are, the better—many students used bookmarks to personalize their desks.

12. Sticker Sheets

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Sticker sheets were extremely popular and frequently found their way onto school desks. These colorful stickers featured cartoon characters, animals, or encouraging messages such as “Good Job!” Students enjoyed decorating their notebooks, pencils, and even folders with stickers, making them a must-have for any desk.

13. The Classic #2 Pencils

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Of course, the humble #2 pencil was a must-have item on every desk, used for filling out exams, doing homework, and completing class assignments. Pencils were frequently sharpened to perfection, and shavings were left behind as proof of a successful work session. Students frequently exchanged pencils for different designs or fun, colorful options.

14. Notebooks with Neon Covers

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Notebooks from the 1980s were typically covered in bright neon colors and designs that reflected pop culture at the time. These notebooks stood out with bold patterns, wild designs, and cartoon characters. They were used to take notes, complete assignments, or simply doodle.

15. Yo-Yos

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While not strictly school supplies, yo-yos were a popular distraction on school desks in the 1980s. Students would challenge one another to tricks, use their yo-yos during free time, or even sneak in a quick spin between classes. These simple toys were a staple of recess and classroom breaks.

• Tags:
• 1980
• School
• Supplies
• nostalgic
• Essentials