15 Things That Made You Cool in Grade School
A nostalgic look at the quirky trends and possessions that defined playground popularity.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before smartphones, grade school “coolness” came from simple but unforgettable things. These small details could make or break your recess reputation. Here are 15 things that instantly made you the star of the playground back in the day.
1. Owning Light-Up Sneakers
Interntional Space Apps Challenge Tokyo on Wikimedia Commons
If your shoes lit up when you ran, you were basically a celebrity at recess. Every step felt like a mini fireworks show. Even if they weren’t comfortable, their glow guaranteed instant attention.
2. Bringing the Latest Lunchbox
Tim Evanson on Flickr
Cartoon-branded or holographic lunchboxes were a status symbol. Showing up with a “cool” one made opening it the highlight of lunchtime.
3. Having a Trapper Keeper
Liza Lagman Sperl on Flickr
These colorful, velcro-covered binders weren’t just for organization. They were a fashion statement. Loud designs and trendy patterns made you feel like a superstar student.
4. Mastering the Yo-Yo Craze
Loegunn Lai on Unsplash
When yo-yos hit peak trend, knowing tricks like “Around the World” gave instant credibility. Kids formed impromptu competitions on the blacktop.
5. Owning a Game Boy
Nik on Unsplash
If you pulled a Game Boy out during recess or on the bus, people crowded around instantly. Trading turns or showing off a rare game cartridge boosted your cool points.
6. Collecting Gel Pens
Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
A rainbow set of glittery or scented gel pens made you the envy of the classroom. Friends lined up to borrow your colors for notes and doodles.
7. Wearing Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful, snap-on wristbands were both an accessory and a toy. Slapping one on your wrist made an oddly satisfying sound. Teachers hated them, which somehow made them even cooler.
8. Trading Pokémon Cards
Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash
Having rare cards like Charizard or holographics made you playground royalty. Even kids who didn’t play the game still admired the shiny collectibles.
9. Being First With a Razor Scooter
丁 on Wikimedia Commons
Rolling up on a shiny new Razor Scooter was the ultimate flex. Tricks like bunny hops or tail whips drew crowds instantly.
10. Wearing a Cartoon Backpack
note thanun on Unsplash
The backpack you carried said everything about your grade school persona. Popular characters or flashy designs meant you had style.
11. Showing Off Tamagotchis
COSMOH LOVE on Unsplash
Virtual pets hanging from backpacks or belt loops were the peak grade school culture. Keeping yours “alive” was a badge of honor.
12. Having a Pencil Box Full of Fun Erasers
Kathryn Greenhill on Flickr
Mini erasers shaped like animals, food, or sports equipment were an underrated flex. You didn’t even have to use them; they were purely for showing off.
13. Learning to Make Fortune Tellers
Jo Zimny Photos on Flickr
Paper fortune tellers, also called cootie catchers, were the go-to classroom entertainment. Knowing how to fold one (and fill it with funny predictions) made you a hit.
14. Owning a CD Player
Mk2010 on Wikimedia Commons
Before streaming, showing up with a portable CD player meant instant cool status. Bonus points if your case was stuffed with burned mix CDs.
15. Wearing a Hoodie With Thumb Holes
Ali Saadat on Unsplash
Cutting thumb holes in your sleeves or owning a hoodie designed with them screamed trendsetter. It looked casual, a little rebellious, and perfect for hiding hands during class.