18 School Supplies from the ’90s You Probably Owned

Vibrant colors, trendy accessories, and unusual school supplies defined the 1990s. Getting new school supplies was an interesting aspect of beginning the school year for children. From glittering pens to traditional backpacks, these objects became legendary pieces of the "90s school experience."

Tricia Quitales
March 24, 2025
5 min read

18 School Supplies from the ’90s You Probably Owned — Antoni Shkraba on Pexels

Many students owned a range of school supplies. While some were all about personal style or quirky fun, others were useful. Looking back on school supplies from the 90s that you most likely owned, we explore the nostalgia around them and the reasons they were so popular in this article. A major component of childhood memories, these objects defined the school days of an entire generation.

1. Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper

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Any ’90s youngster had to have the Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper. It was a useful and fashionable object with vivid, animal and rainbow-based designs. Having one meant you followed the trend and kept all of your documents in the most stylish manner.

2. Tamagotchi

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Though not a conventional school supply, the Tamagotchi was a friend to many students. However, children trying to keep this digital pet alive during class started to find it a distraction. Whether you fed, cleaned, or watched it flourish, the Tamagotchi was necessary in the 1990s.

3. Neon Gel Pens

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The best writing instruments available in the 1990s were neon gel pens. Their vivid, strong hues brought notes and doodles to life. Children were delighted to use them to create secret messages that only their friends could read or to make their schoolwork more interesting.

4. Backstreet Boys Pencil Case

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Fans of the Backstreet Boys had to have a pencil case featuring this boyband. The case showed their passion for ’90s pop culture and carried all their school supplies. It was both utilitarian and personal, with band images all over it.

5. Fuzzy Pencil Toppers

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Everybody had lovely accessories on their pencils: fuzzy pencil toppers. Available in various forms, they included animals and characters and gave any writing tool a lighthearted appeal. Thanks to these little accents, every pencil felt different and fun.

6. Spiral Notebooks

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In the 1990s, spiral notebooks—often adorned with vibrant patterns or doodles—were essential for every student. Notes were taken, stories were written, or even secret messages passed between friends were written on them. Most students turned to their straightforward, utilitarian notebooks first.

7. Slap Bracelets

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Children loved to wear slap bracelets around their wrists as fashion statements. They were fun to wear and play with during breaks, and they could be slapped onto the wrist and curled into shape. Many students wore slap bracelets in various colors or patterns to show their own style.

8. Crayola Crayons (with the Built-in Sharpener)

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Every student’s pencil case included Crayola crayons, which were a mainstay. The ones with built-in sharpeners were even better. Your favorite colors were always ready for use since the sharpener allowed simple crayon maintenance. The recognizable Crayola crayon box was evidence of early ingenuity.

9. Pogs

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During the ’90s, pogs were a sought-after collectible that kids carried in their school backpacks. Part of a game involving stacking and slamming, playing these little, round discs became a hobby. School life was as much about trading pogs with friends as any course of instruction.

10. Butterfly Hair Clips

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Though technically a fashion accessory, children sometimes used butterfly hair clips to accessorize their pencil cases or backpacks. Their little, vibrant designs made them the ideal object to highlight their taste while keeping things functional. It was a creative approach to somewhat liven their school day.

11. Magic Markers

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Magic markers, especially those in neon or metallic tones, were a favorite for writing and drawing. They made everything from art projects to homework stand out. The markers’ scent and smoothness provided an experience that made homework more fun.

12. Trapper Keepers with Built-in Calculator

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Even more popular were some Trapper Keepers since they included built-in calculators. Their additional features made them seem like a cool gadget, even though they were only meant for paper organization. It is one of the most often used school supplies since it is the ideal mix of utility and originality.

13. PopSockets (or similar handheld gadgets)

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Although PopSockets were not as common until the 2000s, the first models of handheld devices were all around in the 1990s. They had a fun factor and helped children hold their books, keep their notes together, and maintain their posture. Now, we can still see it differently, just like how we put pop sockets on our phones nowadays.

14. Hello Kitty Everything

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In the 1990s, Hello Kitty permeated all aspects of life, including classroom materials. Having a Hello Kitty item showed the current style, from pencil cases to folders and erasers. For those who appreciated the Japanese character’s adorable and vibrant look, these pieces were ideal.

15. Jumbo Erasers

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Pencil cases often featured larger-than-life, sometimes novelty-shaped erasers. From food to animals, they were in various shapes and sizes and far more entertaining than regular erasers. Although they were little toys or collectibles, kids would use them to fix mistakes.

16. Converse Backpack

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Backpacks can be found in all shapes and sizes, but the Converse brand distinguished itself in the ’90s. Students loved their backpacks, which frequently included striking logos and original designs. For many children, they were the preferred bag for books or gym clothing.

17. Pocket Disc

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The pocket disc was a fun break-time game. The little fabric disc could be tossed and caught. It’s a handy toy for school since it fits simply in your pocket. Kids would toss the pocket disc around during lunch or recess, vying to make the best catch.

18. Beanie Babies Pencil Toppers

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Not only were Beanie Babies for collecting, but many children also had Beanie Baby pencil toppers. Many writing tools gained some cuteness from these little stuffed animals. Combining the craze for Beanie Babies with the utility of a pencil topper, they were both toys and accessories.