Ah, the 1970s—a time when school supplies were as colorful and unique as the kids using them. Walking into a classroom back then was like stepping into a kaleidoscope of creativity, with each desk filled with items that reflected the personality of the student. These weren’t just tools for learning; they were a part of your daily life and a way to express yourself. From funky pens to iconic lunchboxes, here are 13 school supplies that you probably used every day if you were a student in the ’70s.
1. Trapper Keeper Notebooks
The Trapper Keeper was the ultimate school companion, combining practicality with serious cool factor. With its velcro closure and bright, graphic covers, it kept all your papers neatly organized in one place. Whether it was a bold rainbow design or a serene landscape, your Trapper Keeper said as much about you as the clothes you wore. The built-in folders and pocket made it easier to keep your assignments and notes in order, a real game-changer for students who always seemed to lose track of their things.
What made Trapper Keepers so iconic was their unique style and functionality. They weren’t just a notebook—they were a statement. You probably remember the satisfying rip of the velcro or the way the bright colors stood out in your stack of books. They made staying organized feel fun and even a little bit rebellious, as teachers weren’t always fans of the noisy closures during class.
2. Metal Lunchboxes with Thermoses
In the ’70s, your lunchbox wasn’t just a container for your PB&J—it was a status symbol. Metal lunchboxes came in every imaginable design, from superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman to TV shows like The Brady Bunch and Scooby-Doo. Each one had a matching thermos, often featuring the same artwork, ready to keep your soup or milk the perfect temperature until lunchtime.
Opening your lunchbox in the cafeteria was always a moment of pride—or envy if someone else had a design you wanted. These lunchboxes weren’t just practical; they were pieces of art. And let’s not forget the satisfying clang they made when you set them down, a sound that still echoes in the memories of anyone who grew up during this time.
3. Big Chief Tablets
Big Chief tablets were a staple for learning how to write. These oversized notebooks with their distinctive red covers and Native American chief logo were perfect for practicing penmanship. The wide-ruled pages were ideal for young learners, with plenty of room for those wobbly first letters. The slightly rough paper added to the charm, even if it made erasing a challenge.
Using a Big Chief tablet was a rite of passage in the ’70s. You’d fill its pages with endless rows of letters, numbers, and doodles when the teacher wasn’t looking. The thick, cardboard backing made it sturdy enough to last the whole school year—or until you accidentally spilled your milk carton on it.
4. Peachy Folders
Peachy folders were everywhere in the ’70s, with their distinctive orange-yellow color and illustrated covers that often featured school sports, cheerleaders, or academic motifs. These folders were designed to hold loose papers, and while they were simple, they were an absolute must-have. If you didn’t have at least one in your backpack, were you even in school?
These folders were practical, but they also had a certain charm. You might have scribbled your name on the front in bubble letters or doodled on the covers during a particularly boring class. They were lightweight, affordable, and just sturdy enough to last a few months of daily use.
5. Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
Nothing made getting a good grade more exciting than receiving a scratch-and-sniff sticker on your homework. Teachers loved rewarding students with these scented wonders, featuring everything from fruity smells like strawberry and grape to more unique scents like popcorn and root beer. You probably remember rubbing the sticker furiously to release the scent and then passing it around to your friends.
Scratch-and-sniff stickers became collectibles in their own right. Kids would trade them like currency, and you always had that one friend with a sticker album full of rare finds. These tiny, scented stickers turned mundane schoolwork into something to celebrate.
6. Pocket Calculators
Pocket calculators were cutting-edge technology in the ’70s, and having one made you feel like a math whiz. They were clunky by today’s standards, but back then, they were a marvel of modern science. Brands like Texas Instruments led the charge, producing calculators that could handle basic functions like addition, subtraction, and multiplication with ease.
Owning a calculator wasn’t just about doing math—it was about feeling like you had a tiny piece of the future in your hands. They were often powered by a single 9-volt battery, and their buttons made a satisfying click when pressed. While they weren’t required for most classes, having one definitely gave you a leg up on your multiplication tables.
7. Mead Spiral Notebooks
Mead spiral notebooks were the backbone of any student’s supplies. Available in a rainbow of colors, these notebooks were perfect for taking notes, doodling, or writing notes to your friends. The metal spiral binding made them easy to flip through, though you probably got your fair share of paper cuts from it too.
These notebooks were sturdy, reliable, and just the right size to fit into your backpack. Whether you used them for journaling or jotting down homework assignments, they were an everyday essential that no student could do without.
8. Colorful Erasers in Fun Shapes
Erasers weren’t just for fixing mistakes—they were a form of self-expression in the ’70s. From bright, rainbow-colored designs to novelty shapes like animals, cars, or food items, erasers were as much a fashion statement as they were a tool. You probably had a few favorites that you kept in a special pocket of your pencil case, even if they didn’t erase very well.
The downside to these erasers was that they often left more smudges than they removed. But that didn’t matter—they were fun to collect and trade with friends. Whether you had a scented eraser or one shaped like a little hot dog, these school supplies brought a bit of whimsy to your desk.
9. Crayola Crayons (64-Pack)
The Crayola 64-pack was the holy grail of school supplies. With its built-in sharpener and an unmatched variety of colors, it was every kid’s dream to own one. Names like “Burnt Sienna” and “Cerulean” became part of your vocabulary as you carefully selected the perfect shade for your art project.
Having the 64-pack wasn’t just about coloring—it was about status. You knew you’d hit the jackpot if your parents bought you one, and you guarded it like treasure. There was nothing more satisfying than opening a fresh box and seeing all those perfectly pointed crayons lined up in rainbow order.
10. Elmer’s Glue
Elmer’s Glue was a classroom staple that every kid used daily. Whether you were gluing macaroni to construction paper or working on a science fair project, this white glue was the go-to adhesive. The orange cap was always a little tricky to open, but once you got it going, the possibilities were endless.
The best part? Peeling dried glue off your hands was oddly satisfying. It was a universal pastime during arts and crafts time, and you probably remember the distinctive smell of Elmer’s Glue, which instantly takes you back to your elementary school days.
11. Plastic Rulers with Stencils
Plastic rulers weren’t just for drawing straight lines—they often came with built-in stencils that added a creative twist. Shapes like stars, hearts, and circles could be traced onto your paper, making even the most basic notes a little more fun.
These rulers came in a variety of bright colors, and some even had holographic designs that changed as you tilted them. They were lightweight, practical, and a little bit magical, turning your math homework into an art project.
12. Pencil Sharpeners with a Shavings Catcher
A good pencil sharpener was essential in the ’70s, and the best ones had a built-in container to catch the shavings. These handheld devices came in fun colors and shapes, making them as much a part of your desk aesthetic as your other supplies.
Sharpening your pencil during class was always a bit of an event, especially if you had a noisy sharpener. But the satisfaction of a freshly sharpened pencil made it all worth it, and you probably had a favorite sharpener that you carried everywhere.
The school supplies of the ’70s weren’t just tools for learning—they were a part of our identity. Each item, from Trapper Keepers to scratch-and-sniff stickers, had a unique charm that made going to school a little more exciting. Which of these supplies brings back the most memories for you?
