16 Random School Supplies That Defined the Year
These 16 quirky school supplies instantly bring back memories of classrooms, backpacks, and the little trends that ruled the school year.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some school supplies were more than just tools. They were mini fads that shaped an entire school year. From unique pencils to fun desk accessories, certain items became a status symbol or the must-have thing in every backpack. Here’s a nostalgic list of the random school supplies that once defined a year of student life.
1. Gel Pens
Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
These colorful pens made notes sparkle and pop, even if teachers banned them for being “too distracting.” Kids traded colors and doodled all over their notebooks.
2. Trapper Keeper Binders
Kyle Van Horn on Flickr
The ultimate organizer, Trapper Keepers came in flashy designs with Velcro flaps that echoed across classrooms. They were a statement piece for the hyper-organized or the trendsetters.
3. Scented Markers
jessica wilson {jek in the box} on Flickr
Opening a pack of scented markers was like sharing contraband in class. Each color had a smell: grape, cherry, or the dreaded black licorice, and everyone had a favorite.
4. Mechanical Pencils with Colored Leads
mr_t_77 on Flickr
These weren’t just practical, they were fun to show off. Writing math problems in blue or purple lead made even boring assignments entertaining.
5. Pencil Grips
Aprilyn Podd on Flickr
Whether squishy, sparkly, or shaped like animals, these grips made handwriting less of a chore. Some kids collected them like jewelry for their pencils.
6. Glitter Glue
artsy Amy on Flickr
Glitter glue instantly upgraded posters and art projects but somehow ended up on hands, desks, and clothes. The shine was worth the mess. Every craft table became a sparkling battlefield.
7. Locker Mirrors
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Middle schoolers turned their lockers into mini bedrooms, and the mirror was the first accessory. It was perfect for quick hair checks before class or sharing silly faces with friends.
8. Eraser Tops
Wil Taylor on Flickr
These tiny cone-shaped erasers gave old pencils new life. Kids often swapped them for colors or fun shapes, and they mysteriously disappeared as fast as they appeared.
9. Foldable Rulers
Wikimedia Commons
They snapped into a straight line with a satisfying click and folded back into a compact size for your pencil case. Sometimes they doubled as fidget toys during boring lessons.
10. Character Pencil Cases
AmaniTheLion on DeviantArt
From cartoon heroes to glittery unicorns, pencil cases were as much a fashion choice as a functional item. Opening one at your desk was like revealing your personality to the world.
11. Sticky Notes in Fun Shapes
Annie Vo on Unsplash
Hearts, stars, and speech bubbles made reminders and notes feel like tiny decorations. Passing one to a friend in class felt secretive and special.
12. Plastic Book Covers
Andreas Adolfsson on Flickr
Schools handed out dull textbooks, but stretchy or shiny book covers gave them a glow-up. Students treated them like a protective shield for their backpack contents.
13. Mini Staplers
WindyThePlaneh on DeviantArt
These tiny tools felt powerful in small hands, especially when paired with colored staples. Kids loved showing them off and “helping” the teacher by stapling anything they could.
14. Clip-On Keychain Hand Sanitizers
Martin Sanchez on Unsplash
Long before they became essential, these tiny bottles were more of a style statement. They dangled from backpacks in fun scents like bubblegum or watermelon.
15. Highlighter Packs
Jonas Von Werne on Unsplash
The more colors you had, the more official your notes looked. Students highlighted everything, whether it was important or not, just to make their pages pop.
16. Wite-Out Correction Tape
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Fixing mistakes with this smooth, peel-free tape was satisfying in a way no pencil ever could be. Everyone borrowed it, and passing it down the row became an unspoken classroom routine.