17 Things Every ’70s Kid Had in Their Locker
Here's a nostalgic journey through 17 iconic items that defined every '70s kid's locker.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Step back into the vibrant hallways of the 1970s, where lockers were more than just storage; they were personal sanctuaries reflecting the era’s unique culture. This listicle delves into the artifacts that not only organized school life but also expressed individuality during a transformative decade.
1. Groovy Stickers and Pins from the 1970s
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Lockers in the ’70s were adorned with vibrant stickers and pins, showcasing peace signs, smiley faces, and band logos. These decorations were a form of self-expression, turning metal lockers into personalized art pieces.
2. Cassette Tapes and Portable Players
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Before digital music, ’70s students carried cassette tapes and portable players to enjoy their favorite tunes. Sharing mixtapes was a common practice, making music a communal experience.
3. Trapper Keeper Notebooks
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The Trapper Keeper was more than a notebook; it was a status symbol. Its Velcro closure and vibrant designs kept papers organized and made a statement about the owner’s personality.
4. Magnetic Mirrors and Shelves
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To keep things tidy and stylish, students used magnetic mirrors and shelves. These additions helped organize books and personal items, reflecting the owner’s flair and practicality.
5. Handwritten Notes and Doodles
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Passing notes was a rite of passage. Lockers stored these folded messages, often adorned with doodles, serving as a secret communication hub among friends.
6. Decorative Lunchboxes
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Lunchboxes featuring popular TV shows and cartoons were both functional and fashionable. They often resided in lockers, ready for midday meals and showcasing personal interests.
7. Colorful Pens and Pencils
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From scented markers to multicolored pens, writing tools were a source of pride. Students often showcased their collection, making note-taking a more enjoyable task.
8. Locker Wallpaper
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To add a personal touch, students lined their lockers with patterned wallpaper. This customization turned a bland space into a reflection of one’s style.
9. Comic Books
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Hidden behind textbooks, comic books provided a quick escape during breaks. Titles like “Archie” and “Spider-Man” were favorites among students.
10. Gym Clothes and Sneakers
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PE uniforms and sneakers were staples in lockers. Often carrying the scent of recent activity, they were essential for daily physical education classes.
11. Personal Diaries
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Many students kept diaries to pen down thoughts and experiences. Stored securely in lockers, they were confidants in written form.
12. Buttons and Badges
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Expressing opinions or fandoms, buttons and badges were pinned inside lockers. They served as miniature billboards of one’s beliefs and interests.
13. Calculators and Stationery
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Bulky yet essential, calculators were a technological marvel. Paired with personalized stationery, they made math classes more manageable.
14. Mini Magazine Collections
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Magazines like Tiger Beat and Seventeen often found a home inside lockers. Students loved flipping through the pages during free periods to catch up on celebrity gossip and style trends.
15. Mini Chalkboards
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Tiny chalkboards inside lockers helped students jot down reminders and motivational quotes. They were practical, fun, and a little messy, thanks to all the chalk dust.
16. Friendship Bracelets and Crafts
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Handmade friendship bracelets often dangled from locker hooks. They were colorful symbols of loyalty and treasured reminders of close bonds.
17. Tiny Toys and Collectibles
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Miniature toys like trolls, Hot Wheels, and tiny figurines made lockers more fun. They served as good luck charms and conversation starters between classmates.