17 School Supplies Every ’80s Kid Had in Their Backpack
This list highlights 17 school supplies that were commonly found in the backpacks of children in the 1980s.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In the 1980s, school supplies reflected popular culture, trends, and the technology available at the time. Many of the items students used were colorful, character-themed, and sensory-based. These supplies were not only practical but also served as a form of personal expression for students.
1. Trapper Keeper
Yortizsoto16 on Wikimedia Commons
A large, colorful binder with built-in folders and a velcro flap. It helped students organize notebooks, loose papers, and assignments in one place. Mead mass-produced it and became a classroom staple. The bold designs made it visually distinct and easy to personalize.
2. Lisa Frank Stickers
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Brightly colored stickers featuring animals, rainbows, and geometric patterns were widely collected and used to decorate school supplies. They became popular for their instantly recognizable art style and reflected the 1980s interest in vibrant, playful visuals.
3. Scratch-And-Sniff Stickers
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Reward stickers that emitted a scent when rubbed were used by teachers for grading and encouragement. The scents ranged from fruits to desserts and novelty items. They were mass-produced and widely traded among students.
4. Pencil Toppers
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Small decorative attachments were placed on top of standard pencils. They came in shapes like animals, sports gear, or fuzzy balls. They served no functional purpose but were used to personalize pencils. Students commonly traded or collected these.
5. Color-Changing Erasers
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Erasers made from heat-sensitive material that changed color when rubbed. They were available in neon and pastel shades. Though not highly effective for erasing, they were popular for their visual novelty. They were sold individually or as part of multi-packs.
6. Scented Markers
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Markers infused with synthetic scents such as cherry, grape, or mint. Mr. Sketch was the most recognizable brand. These were used for both school assignments and creative projects. The smell added a sensory appeal that made them highly memorable.
7. Spiral Notebooks With Doodles
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Standard lined notebooks with spiral binding, often decorated with student-made art. Covers were customized with stickers or drawings. Used for core subjects like math, science, and English. The spiral spine allowed easy flipping and tearing of pages.
8. Book Covers Made From Grocery Bags
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Homemade book covers were created by folding brown paper bags. Students decorated them with names, drawings, and stickers. They were used to protect textbooks issued by schools. This method was cost-effective and widely used before commercial covers became popular.
9. Cartoon-Themed Lunchbox
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Hard plastic lunchboxes featured licensed characters from various shows. They included a matching thermos inside with a twist cap. Common themes included superheroes, cartoons, and pop icons. These were used to bring packed lunches from home.
10. Puffy Stickers
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These raised, padded stickers with a 3D appearance were used to decorate folders, notebooks, and lockers. They were sold in small packs at bookstores or toy aisles and were considered collectibles by many students.
11. Pastel Highlighters
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These felt-tip highlighters in soft neon tones were used to mark textbooks, notes, and study materials. They were available in packs of multiple colors, and they added emphasis to important text while providing aesthetic appeal.
12. Mini Notebooks
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These small notebooks were sized to fit in pockets or pencil cases. They were used for quick notes, personal thoughts, or games and often had cartoon or glittery covers. These were sometimes given as party favors or collected in multiples.
13. Jumbo Pencils
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These oversized pencils were thicker than standard ones and designed for younger students still developing fine motor skills. They required larger sharpeners and often came in novelty designs. They were less practical but visually fun.
14. Ruler With Built-In Stencil Shapes
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Plastic rulers, often brightly colored and made from durable plastic, were popular in elementary art and math classes. They were used for measuring and tracing shapes, and they included cut-out shapes such as stars, circles, and squares.
15. Pen With 10 Ink Colors
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These multi-ink ballpoint pens allowed color changes with a click mechanism. Colors included red, blue, green, and yellow, among others. They were used for note-taking and color-coding assignments. They were bulkier than standard pens and often jammed with overuse.
16. Plastic Pencil Case With Sliding Lid
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These rigid plastic cases had compartments and a sliding or flip-open lid. They were used to hold pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and small rulers. Some versions included built-in sharpeners or small mirrors. These cases were durable and came in various colors and themes.
17. Glow-In-The-Dark Supplies
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These school supplies, like pencils or erasers, emitted light after being exposed to bright light. They were used for novelty and visibility in dim conditions. The glow effect was activated by holding the item near a light source. These items were sold especially during the back-to-school season.