There was something truly special about heading back to school in the ’70s and ’80s. Sure, the summer fun was over, but that didn’t matter once you got your hands on the latest and greatest school supplies. Back then, it wasn’t just about what you learned in class—it was about what you pulled out of your backpack. From colorful notebooks to the coolest pens around, we couldn’t wait to strut our stuff in the hallways, comparing our new gear with friends. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit those must-have school supplies that made heading back to school feel just a little bit magical.
Crayola Crayon 64-Pack with Sharpener
The holy grail of art supplies had to be the Crayola 64-pack, and CNN notes it’s as popular as ever. Not only did it offer every color under the sun, but it also had the built-in sharpener on the back of the box. Pulling out that box in art class was an instant status boost.
The smell of fresh crayons and the satisfying crunch of a new crayon’s tip were simple pleasures. And nothing beat the smooth, vibrant colors they produced—except maybe that sharpener, which never quite worked as well as we hoped.
Peechee Folders
Before the era of digital planners, we had Peachy folders to keep our papers in check. The Smithsonian Magazine also reveals their history is as interesting to learn as these folders were to look at. These colorful folders often featured illustrations of athletes, school scenes, or motivational messages. They were lightweight, affordable, and perfect for organizing handouts, homework, and, let’s be honest, the occasional crumpled love note.
What made Peachy folders so special was the ability to personalize them. Many of us would doodle on the covers, write out our crush’s name, or practice signing autographs for when we inevitably became rock stars. They may not have had the high-tech appeal of today’s gadgets, but they did the job—and looked good doing it.
Smelly Markers
If you remember taking a big whiff of a marker in elementary school, you’re not alone. Smelly markers, with their vibrant colors and even more vibrant scents, were a classroom favorite. Each one was full of equal surprises, notes Wonderopolis. Whether it was grape, cherry, or the weirdly beloved black licorice, each marker was like a mini-scented adventure.
These markers didn’t just add color to your art projects—they turned them into sensory experiences. Of course, there was always the kid who ended up with a rainbow-colored nose from sniffing too close, but that was just part of the charm. Smelly markers were the perfect blend of creativity and a little bit of harmless mischief.
Hello Kitty Pencil Cases
Nothing kept your school supplies in check quite like a Hello Kitty pencil case. These plastic cases often came with multiple compartments, perfect for stashing away pencils, erasers, and even a tiny ruler. With bright colors and adorable characters, they made even the dullest math class a little more bearable.
The real fun came in organizing (and showing off) everything inside. There was a certain satisfaction in opening up your pencil case to reveal a perfectly organized array of supplies. And if you had one of the fancy cases with built-in sharpeners or secret compartments, you were practically royalty.
Flair Pens
For those who wanted their notes to stand out, nothing beat a set of Flair pens. These felt-tip pens came in a rainbow of colors, perfect for underlining, doodling, or writing out elaborate bubble letters. They had just enough bleed to make every stroke feel bold but not so much that it ruined your notebook pages.
Using a Flair pen wasn’t just about function—it was a statement. These pens were perfect for adding a bit of personality to your homework or crafting colorful posters for school projects. Plus, the subtle squeak of the felt tip on paper was oddly satisfying.
Lisa Frank Everything
If you wanted your school supplies to make a statement, Lisa Frank had you covered. Known for its bold colors, glitter, and whimsical designs, everything from folders to pencil cases got the Lisa Frank treatment. Rainbows, dolphins, unicorns—her designs had it all, and they were impossible to ignore.
Lisa Frank supplies were perfect for showing off a bit of your personality. You couldn’t help but feel a little extra when pulling out a neon tiger-covered notebook. It was like bringing a bit of fun and fantasy into every class.
Metal Lunch Boxes
Okay, so they weren’t technically “school supplies,” but metal lunch boxes were still a vital part of the school day. These sturdy containers came in every design imaginable—from Star Wars and The Brady Bunch to classic superheroes. With matching thermoses, they were the ultimate lunchtime accessory.
Carrying a metal lunch box wasn’t just about toting your PB&J; it was about showing the world where your fandom loyalties lay. Plus, they doubled as a drum during recess or, in a pinch, a shield during playground battles.
Glue: From Elmer’s to Paste Pots
When it came to gluing things down, the ’70s and ’80s gave us a variety of sticky solutions. Elmer’s White Glue was the undisputed king, with its iconic orange cap and thick, milky consistency. It was perfect for everything from school projects to papier-mâché creations, and who didn’t enjoy peeling off the dried glue from their fingers? For a quick fix, nothing beat a trusty glue stick, which seemed revolutionary with its mess-free application.
But Elmer’s wasn’t the only game in town. There was also the ever-present rubber cement, complete with that brush attached to the lid and a scent that was… well, unforgettable. And who could forget those paste pots with the plastic spatula built into the lid? The paste had a weirdly satisfying texture, and for some reason, there was always a kid who wanted to eat it. No matter which brand or style you preferred, glue was a staple in every school supply arsenal, ready to bond, create, and occasionally cause a little mess.
Erasermate Pens
A pen that could erase? It felt like living in the future. The Erasermate pen had ink that could be erased with a rubber eraser on the cap. While it never quite lived up to the promise of a true do-over, it was still a game-changer.
Of course, erasing wasn’t as clean as the ads suggested. You often ended up with a smudgy mess, but that didn’t stop us from trying. It was a rite of passage to test how much you could get away with before the paper tore.
The Big Chief Tablet
The Big Chief tablet was a classic. With its thick, pulpy paper and bright red cover, it was a staple for practicing handwriting. The pages were wide-ruled and perfect for those early years of school when learning to write in straight lines was an accomplishment.
The smell of the paper and the feel of a thick pencil gliding across the page were unforgettable. And who could resist the temptation to draw in the margins while waiting for the next lesson to start?
Pencil-Top Erasers
Pencil-top erasers came in all shapes and colors. These little add-ons transformed your average No. 2 pencil into something much cooler. Whether they were shaped like animals or simple bright cones, they were as fun to trade as they were to use.
Of course, they weren’t always the most effective erasers. Sometimes they just smeared the pencil lead around or crumbled under pressure. But that didn’t matter—they were all about style.
Slide Rulers
Before calculators became common, slide rulers were the go-to tool for math whizzes. They looked complicated, which automatically made you seem smarter just by owning one. And while not everyone mastered them, they were still a cool accessory to whip out during class.
There was something satisfying about sliding the plastic components back and forth. Even if you never actually used it for calculations, it was a great fidget toy for long lectures.
Trapper Keeper Notebooks
Nothing said “I’m ready for class” quite like a Trapper Keeper. These binders weren’t just practical with their built-in folders and Velcro closures—they were downright cool. Whether yours had kittens, race cars, or geometric patterns, opening that cover was like unlocking a world of organization and style. It didn’t hurt that the satisfying rip of Velcro when you opened it always turned heads.
The Trapper Keeper wasn’t just a binder; it was a status symbol. You could tell a lot about someone by their choice of cover design. And with all those pockets and pouches, it was perfect for stashing away doodles, secret notes, and of course, those pencil-top erasers you couldn’t resist collecting. Walking into class and pulling one of these out was a sure way to spark a little envy.
There was a time when a fresh set of school supplies meant infinite possibilities. Whether it was a colorful pen, a vibrant marker, or a fancy new binder, these items didn’t just help us learn—they helped us express ourselves. And while today’s kids might have tablets and digital planners, there will always be something special about those classic school supplies from the ’70s and ’80s.
