15 Things That Made You the Coolest Kid in a ’70s Classroom
Step into a groovy '70s classroom where mood rings, clacking toys, and astronaut snacks weren’t just cool—they were your golden ticket to playground royalty.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
In a classroom of the 1970s, cool was not only about the appropriate attire—it was also about the gizmos, playthings, and fashion that made ordinary children legends on the playground. From Spalding balls and mood rings to TV hero lunchboxes, these symbols of the era were not only things—they were money. This retro trip reveals the actual, wacky, and unforgettably cool status symbols that defined an entire generation of schoolchildren.
1. A Trapper Keeper
Image from Wikipedia
While it hit its zenith in the early ’80s, early prototypes and coordinated binders were already picking up speed in the late ’70s. If your folder snapped shut using Velcro or sported colorful designs and coordinating dividers, you were a binder boss. Your organization and style were coveted by kids who envied you.
2. Mood Ring
Image from Wikipedia
Having a mood ring was akin to having a small, enchanted science experiment strapped to your finger. It would shift color according to your “feelings” (or body heat), and everybody wanted to touch it to discover their mood. You became instant mysticism, emotion, and a little bit futuristic.
3. Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle Toy
Image from Ubuy Philippines
This tiny wind-up motorcycle could zoom across the classroom and jump off desks like a stuntman. Evil Knievel was a pop culture icon, and if you owned the toy, you essentially owned a part of his legend. Other children would cluster around just to watch it jump.
4. Space Food Sticks in your lunchbox
Image from Snack History
These chocolatey, chewy “astronaut snacks” were NASA space mission-inspired. Taking them to school declared, “I’m basically training to be an astronaut.” Other children may have PB&Js, but you had the future.
5. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Image from Ubuy Philippines
If you had your friends over and pulled out this red-and-blue robot battle game, you were the host with the most. You’d mash buttons until somebody’s head would pop up—total catharsis. On Monday, you were the legend they spoke about.
6. Wacky Packages Stickers
Image from Ebay.ph
These were satirical stickers of actual consumer items, such as “Crust” toothpaste or “Blisterine.” You traded and collected them as money, and they were riotous to children who believed that Mad Magazine was revolutionary. Applying them to your binder or desk made you the class clown.
7. A Spalding Hi-Bounce Ball (or “Spaldeen”)
Image from Ubuy Philippines
These neon-pink balls would bounce across rooftops if you threw them straight. Perfect for stoopball, handball, and general recess mischief. If you took one to school, suddenly you were having the playground game of the day.
8. Pet Rock
Image from Ubuy Philippines
It was literally a rock in a box with directions, but it was sold with such brilliance that millions were purchased. Having one made you part of the joke and a national phenomenon. You could name it, primp it, and parade it around like a show dog.
9. Sears Wish Book Circulation at Recess
Image from Internet Archive
You took the Sears holiday catalog, turned to the toy section, and BAM—you had an audience. All your friends indicated what they needed for Christmas as if you were a classroom draft choice. You weren’t cool; you were a dream gatekeeper.
10. Digital LED Watch
Image from Shopee Philippines
If you possessed one of those red-lit digital watches, you were essentially James Bond. You had to press a button to view the time, which made it seem like top-secret espionage. Analog was for grown-ups—this was the future on your wrist.
11. Charlie’s Angels or Six Million Dollar Man Lunchbox
Image from Ebay PH
Metal lunchboxes with thermoses were the coolest school accessory, and the cooler the theme, the more status you had. Bonus points if it was dent-free or still had your corresponding thermos inside. Farrah Fawcett or Steve Austin characters made you totally cool.
12. Clackers (before they were banned)
Image from Wikipedia
These string-acrylic balls clacked loudly and impressively when you had the rhythm correct. They were hypnotic, hazardous, and loud—everything a hip toy should be. Before schools outlawed them for injuries, they were the coolest thing on your desk.
13. TV-Themed T-Shirts (such as Mork from Ork’s “Nanu Nanu”)
Image from Angry Cherry
Wearing a shirt that reprised “Happy Days,” “The Brady Bunch,” or “Mork & Mindy” indicated that you were in touch with pop culture. “Nanu Nanu” tees or suspenders like Mork’s provided instant street cred. You were attuned to prime-time power.
14. Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers or Patches
Image from Sticky Brand
Whatever was on your backpack, binder, or denim jacket, those glow-in-the-dark whatever caught people’s eyes. Children enjoyed hiding in closets or holding the stickers with their hands to “charge” them and see the glow. If you owned them, you had actual star power.
15. Owning a Stylophone or Pocket Synthesizer
Image from Wikipedia
A small musical device that allowed you to play science-fiction-sounding notes with a metal stylus? That was cooler than a recorder and far cooler than singing in music class. Bonus: It made you appear a musical genius, even when playing random notes.