Back in the days of mixtapes, Saturday morning cartoons, and neon everything, going back to school in the 1980s was a vibe all its own. While kids today have tablets and stylus pens, 80s kids rocked the coolest, quirkiest, and most colorful school supplies that were more than just tools—they were expressions of personality and playground currency. From folders that doubled as fashion statements to scented markers that made art class a sensory adventure, the contents of an 80s backpack were a time capsule of childhood magic. Let’s take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane and revisit 8 iconic school supplies every ’80s kid proudly carried.
1. Trapper Keeper
If there’s one item that defined the 80s school experience, it was the Trapper Keeper. Designed with Velcro flaps, bright colors, and bold graphics—ranging from neon patterns to unicorns and race cars—it wasn’t just a binder, it was a statement. Inside, students could organize folders, loose-leaf paper, and class assignments all in one place. The convenience of the built-in folder system made staying organized feel effortless, or at least way cooler than a boring three-ring binder. The satisfying rip of the Velcro opening before class was unmistakable.
2. Smelly (Scented) Markers
Ask any 80s kid and they’ll tell you—smelly markers were more than art supplies, they were sensory experiences. Each color in a pack of scented markers came with its own unique smell: cherry red, blueberry blue, lemon yellow, and the infamous black licorice for black. These markers turned ordinary school projects into aromatic masterpieces. They were especially popular for coloring posters, science fair titles, or doodling in the margins of notebooks. The scents were strong, sometimes overpowering, but kids couldn’t resist taking a whiff—even mid-class.
3. Lisa Frank Stationery
In the 80s, nothing said personality quite like a folder or notebook covered in the rainbow-colored fantasy world of Lisa Frank. With dancing dolphins, neon leopards, glittery unicorns, and wide-eyed cartoon animals, Lisa Frank school supplies were beloved, especially among elementary and middle school girls. The colors were intense, the characters unforgettable, and the aesthetic unapologetically joyful. Owning a Lisa Frank notebook or sticker book instantly made you part of a glitter-loving tribe. Kids would swap Lisa Frank stickers at recess and guard their stationery like it was made of gold.
4. Mechanical Pencils
Back in the 80s, mechanical pencils were the “it” writing tool in school. Forget sharpening those old wood pencils; the click of a mechanical pencil felt super modern and cool. Kids were all about the convenience—no more broken tips or trips to the sharpener, just smooth writing all the way. The pencils often came in transparent neon designs, letting you see the inner mechanisms at work. Some even featured built-in erasers under a cap and extra lead refills inside the barrel. For kids who were into gadgets, the mechanical pencil was the ultimate flex.
5. Pencil Toppers And Grips
Pencil toppers were a huge trend in the 80s, serving as stylish accessories. From fuzzy pom-poms to cartoon characters, these toppers were a popular way to personalize your pencil. Some even doubled as erasers, though their effectiveness was often questionable. Alongside these, pencil grips—made of soft foam or rubber—offered both comfort and flair. They came in bright colors and added an extra layer of personality to otherwise plain pencils. For fidgety kids, twisting the topper or sliding the grip up and down was a built-in distraction during long lessons.
6. Hello Kitty Pencil Cases
The Hello Kitty craze was massive in the 80s, and nowhere was that more evident than in school pencil cases. These often pastel-colored cases featured compartments for pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and even secret pop-out drawers. Many had magnetic flaps, sliding buttons, and decorative features that made them feel more like gadgets than simple storage. Kids proudly place their Hello Kitty pencil cases on their desks, treating them more like prized possessions than mere containers. Inside were color-coded writing tools, cute notepads, and maybe even a love note or two. Hello Kitty fans personalized their kits with stickers and keychains, creating an accessory that was both functional and fashion-forward.
7. Erasermates Pens
Erasermates were the miracle pens of the 80s—they could erase ink! For kids who wanted the sleek look of penmanship but feared mistakes, the Erasermate was a game-changer. Manufactured by Paper Mate, these pens featured erasable ink and a rubber eraser tip. The ink wasn’t perfect—it could smudge, and the eraser left behind a shadowy ghost of your writing—but that didn’t stop their popularity. Kids would use them for everything from homework to doodling in journals. The Erasermate brought a feeling of maturity to students who weren’t quite ready to ditch their pencils but wanted to level up. Plus, they came in classic 80s colors—navy, red, and black—giving your pencil case a touch of grown-up style.
8. Crayola 64-Color Crayon Box
The holy grail of school supplies in the 80s? The Crayola 64-color crayon box, with a built-in sharpener. It was more than just a crayon set; it was a palette of imagination. With colors like “Periwinkle,” “Burnt Sienna,” and “Macaroni and Cheese,” this box elevated coloring time to a whole new level. The sheer variety meant your artwork could be as wild and detailed as you wanted. The sharpener in the back was a game-changer—no more dull crayons or awkward sharpening with scissors. Kids who brought the 64-pack to school were instantly the envy of the class. They often became the go-to person when someone needed a specific shade for a project.
