18 Things Every ’80s Kid Had To Keep In Their Backpack
Ah, the glorious ’80s—a time when neon was brighter, hair was higher, and your backpack was basically your portable personality.
As an ’80s kid, my school bag wasn’t just for books—it was a curated collection of cool. Trapper Keepers? Oh, snap! Those velcro flaps were the VIP pass to organizational excellence (and loud classroom interruptions). Scratch ’n Sniff stickers? Absolutely—because why not make your math homework smell like root beer?
From Lisa Frank folders that radiated rainbow energy to perfectly sharpened pencils with erasers shaped like stars, every item was a vibe. And let’s not forget the charm bracelets jingling from our zipper pulls or the mini Koosh balls that lived in the side pockets.
So grab your jelly shoes, toss on a slap bracelet, and join me for a throwback trip through the must-have backpack treasures every ’80s kid knew, loved, and low-key showed off. Warning: side effects may include excessive nostalgia and spontaneous glitter!
1. Trapper Keeper
First things first: the Trapper Keeper was the holy grail of school supplies. With its Velcro flap and wild designs, it was the one-stop-shop for all things paper. Mine was decked out with lasers and unicorns—because why not? It was like carrying a piece of art to school every day.
The secret compartments were perfect for stashing notes or the occasional candy bar. Remember the sound of that Velcro ripping open during class? Iconic! If yours had geometric shapes, you were the Picasso of organization.
It wasn’t just a binder; it was a statement. Having a Trapper Keeper meant you ruled the school supplies scene. In a world of plain binders, it stood out like a neon sign in a sea of beige. Talk about making a mark!
2. Lisa Frank Folders
Lisa Frank folders were the true gems for the glitter-loving crowd. With rainbow tigers, dolphins in sunglasses, or psychedelic pandas, they transformed schoolwork into a kaleidoscope of color. Forget math—these folders were the real subject of interest.
I remember opening my backpack just to admire them, basking in their vibrant glory. It was like carrying a rainbow in your bag. You didn’t need them for geometry, but you brought them anyway, just for the joy they sparked.
Whether organizing homework or passing notes, they were the perfect accessory. These folders turned routine tasks into colorful adventures. Lisa Frank made every school day a little brighter and a lot more fun.
3. Scratch ’n Sniff Stickers
Scratch ’n Sniff stickers were the sensory adventure trapped in sticker form. Reward, currency, or status symbol? Yes, yes, and yes! Whether it was pizza, popcorn, or the mystery “blueberry,” you’d find me scratching and sniffing with glee.
Each sticker was a delightful surprise, a fragrant note on your otherwise scentless paper. Trading them with friends was like an aromatic stock exchange! The more unusual the scent, the more it was treasured.
In a world before digital emojis, these stickers communicated everything that needed to be said. They were the olfactory punctuation to a handwritten note, proving that sometimes, scent speaks louder than words.
4. Pencil Toppers
Pencil toppers transformed ordinary pencils into wacky works of art. Were they essential for writing? Absolutely not. But were they essential for life? Definitely! From pom-poms to wacky creatures, each topper had its own personality.
Hamburger-shaped erasers that didn’t actually erase anything? Check. The real magic was in the display. Sticking them on your pencil was like accessorizing for the school day ahead.
It was all about the aesthetic. They brought joy to the mundane task of writing, making every sentence a new opportunity for flair. Pencil toppers made schoolwork a bit more delightful—and a lot more colorful.
5. Pop Quiz Cheater Sheet
Ah, the pop quiz cheater sheet: a folded-up multiplication chart that every kid had tucked away. I wasn’t cheating; I was “studying creatively.” It was my safety net, my secret weapon in the world of math.
Tucked into my notebook or hidden in a pencil case, it was always ready to save the day. You never knew when a surprise quiz might strike, and this little chart was my trusty sidekick.
It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about peace of mind. With my cheater sheet, I faced math class with a little more confidence and a lot less stress. Who said math couldn’t be fun?
6. Jelly Bracelets
Jelly bracelets, sometimes known as slap bracelets, were the ultimate in ’80s fashion accessories. Part jewelry, part playground weapon, they were the perfect mix of fun and function.
You could stack them high or wear just one, but each bracelet added a splash of color and a dash of attitude. The slap bracelets, with their iconic crack sound, announced recess like nothing else.
Whether trading with friends or keeping them all to yourself, they were a staple in every ’80s kid’s collection. Just one slap, and you were ready for anything—from math class to the monkey bars. Talk about versatile style!
7. Colored Pens
Colored pens, especially scented markers, were the tools of choice for any creative note-taker. Writing my name in five neon shades? Yes, please! And if it was in grape-scented ink, even better.
Teachers may have groaned, but I loved the vibrant chaos they brought to my notes. It wasn’t just about writing; it was about making a statement.
Every note was a work of art, each assignment a canvas. The smell of those markers was the sweet scent of creativity. In a world of blue and black ink, I was a rainbow rebel. Who said notes had to be boring?
8. Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Garbage Pail Kids cards were the grotesque, hilarious trading cards that no ’80s kid could resist. Banned in some schools? Definitely. But that only added to their allure!
Each card was a tiny piece of rebellious art. If you had “Adam Bomb,” you were basically royalty. These cards weren’t just a pastime; they were a statement.
Collecting and trading them was almost as exciting as finding a rare card hidden in a new pack. The thrill of the hunt was real, and each card had its own story. In the world of trading cards, Garbage Pail Kids were the king of the hill.
9. Yo-Yo or Mini Etch A Sketch
Pocket-sized toys like yo-yos and mini Etch A Sketches were the rebels of the classroom. Teachers might have confiscated them weekly, but the call of the yo-yo never faded.
Yo-yos had a satisfying rhythm, always ready to perform tricks in the blink of an eye. And who could resist the charm of a mini Etch A Sketch?
These toys were portable fun, always ready to brighten a dull moment. Despite the risk of losing them to the teacher’s desk drawer, they were worth it. Sometimes, a little mischief was a part of the learning experience.
10. Bubble Tape
Bubble Tape and Hubba Bubba gum were the sugary symbols of sweet rebellion. Six feet of gum in a plastic shell—it was all about the drama of unrolling it, not just the taste.
Bubbling contests were an art form, and the bigger, the better. Teachers frowned upon it, but it was a risk worth taking.
The bright pink roll was a badge of honor, a mark of a true ’80s kid. Whether shared with friends or kept all to yourself, Bubble Tape was the everyday luxury every kid craved. The taste of freedom, one bubble at a time.
11. Walkman
If your backpack had the weight of AA batteries and a tangle of wired headphones, you knew you were carrying freedom. The Walkman was your personal concert on the go.
With the ability to escape into your own world of music, it was the ultimate ’80s accessory. Whether rocking out to Madonna or vibing to Michael Jackson, the Walkman was your ticket to a personal party.
In a sea of noise, it was your personal island of sound. The soundtrack of your life played out one cassette at a time. Long live the Walkman!
12. Cassette Tapes
Cassette tapes were the lifeblood of an ’80s kid’s musical world. Whether it was Madonna, Michael Jackson, Run-DMC, or a slow jam mix from your older sibling, each tape had its own vibe.
Rewinding with a pencil was practically a rite of passage. Tapes were more than just music; they were a mixtape of memories.
Creating a mixtape was a delicate art, each song carefully chosen. Each click of the play button was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Cassette tapes were the soundtrack of an era—one that never truly fades.
13. Pocket Dictionary
Not everything was fun, but even school supplies had flair. The pocket dictionary, alongside mini spiral notebooks, was a staple. Glitter pens turned vocabulary lessons into something special.
These pocket-sized wonders were perfect for jotting down notes or sneaking in some doodles during class. They added a touch of personality to the mundane.
School might not have been a thriller, but with these tools, it was certainly more colorful. The art of note-taking was never without its own flair and creativity.
14. Book Fair Poster
Book fair posters were the quintessential ’80s wall art. Whether it featured a cat, lightning, or an inspirational quote, it was the ultimate in school decor.
You bought it, you rolled it, and you swore you’d hang it. But it lived in your backpack for at least a month, slightly crumpled.
Despite never making it to the wall, these posters were a badge of participation. Each purchase was a promise of inspiration, even if it never saw the light of day.
15. Metal Lunchbox
The metal lunchbox was more than just a container for your sandwich; it was a statement of identity. Whether it had He-Man, Rainbow Brite, or The A-Team, your lunchbox said everything about you.
Bonus points if you had a matching Thermos! Opening it was an event—a daily ritual that revealed so much more than just lunch.
It was a conversation starter, a piece of pop culture you carried with pride. In the cafeteria jungle, a metal lunchbox was your badge of honor.
16. Sticker Collection Binder
Sticker collection binders were the albums of our childhood. Filled with pages of puffy, fuzzy, and metallic glory, they were to be admired, not used.
Trading and bragging about your best sheet was all part of the fun. Each sticker was a mini masterpiece, a collectible piece of flair.
The binder was a treasure trove, each page a gallery of sticky art. In a world of fleeting trends, these stickers remained a constant source of joy and pride.
17. Pencil Case
A pencil case was a must-have, and the see-through or snap-lid plastic ones were the best. Filled with erasers shaped like shoes, pencils you never sharpened, and the weird smell of rubber and graphite.
It was a mini office, ready to tackle any schoolwork thrown your way. The jumble of colors and tools was a comforting sight.
In a world of chaos, it was the one bit of organization you could rely on. A trusty pencil case was the secret weapon of every ’80s student.
18. A Folded Note from a Friend
Tri-folded notes from friends were the original text messages. Carefully folded into a triangle or heart, they were the whispers of friendship passed between desks.
Maybe it said “W/B/S” (Write Back Soon) or was filled with juicy gossip or doodles. Each note was a piece of art, a personal touch in an otherwise digital-free world.
It was the thrill of receiving and sending these notes that made school life exciting. Each fold was a secret shared, a bond formed in the simple exchange of paper.