Nostalgic moments in Stranger Things: 80s school supplies edition
Back in the 1980s, school shopping was a ritual that went beyond just grabbing pencils and paper. Walking into a store meant being greeted by bright colors, bold designs and items that were as much about personality as practicality. The Trapper Keeper ruled the hallways, letting kids customize their binders with velcro flaps and glossy cover art. Lisa Frank’s neon animals and rainbows covered folders and stickers, while a four-color BIC pen or a pack of Mr. Sketch scented markers could instantly make note-taking more fun.
Lunch was an event of its own thanks to metal lunchboxes that doubled as fashion statements. Whether you were carrying Luke Skywalker, E.T., or He-Man to the cafeteria, these boxes had as much personality as the kids holding them. Pencils were far from basic, too. A classic yellow Ticonderoga could still earn a spot in a teacher’s good graces, while Paper Mate’s Eraser Mate pens introduced the thrill of erasable ink. And for projects, Elmer’s rubber cement offered the rare combination of repositionable glue and that unforgettable smell that every 80s kid remembers.
Even with modern tech at their fingertips, kids today can still get their hands on many of these iconic school supplies. Retro Trapper Keepers, Star Wars lunchboxes, and colorful sticker sets have returned to store shelves, proving that simple, analog fun never really goes out of style. For some parents, shopping these throwback items for their own kids is like stepping into a time machine.
Below, we’ve collected some of our favorite 80s school supplies in photos and articles, celebrating the colorful, quirky essentials that defined a generation of classrooms. Whether you’re a Gen X alum or introducing a new student to these retro treasures — here are some of our sentimental faves!
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$24.49Shop nowRemember leg warmers, bold colors, big hair, and oversized blazers? This original style (but brand new) Trapper Keeper keeps the 80s school supplies vibe alive. A silhouette of palm trees is enhanced by hot pink and purple – totally tubular!
08/20/2025 07:02 am GMT -
$49.99Shop nowEleven won’t be the only one rocking these bold stripes this back-to-school season! Jansport has outfitted a Superbreak Plus in this instantly recognizable pattern as a tribute to the fashion sense of one of our very favorite Stranger Things heroes.
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$12.99$11.88Shop nowLisa Frank stickers haven't gone out of style since they first came in to style. They're as fun and motivating as ever!
08/20/2025 07:03 am GMT -
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$7.99$6.99Shop nowBefore we had smart phones and other Information Age wizardry, kids were totally impressed with the voodoo of these all-in-one 4-color pens. Turns out you can still capture that nostalgic magic today.
08/21/2025 02:04 am GMT -
$19.99$14.54Shop nowShare your back-to-school nostalgia with the littles in your life! Mr Sketch chiseled, scented markers are still around and just as yummy-smelling as ever!
08/21/2025 02:05 am GMT -
$6.50$5.59Shop nowSome products are so enduring they manage to survive extinction. Even in this age of revolutionary tech, Ticonderoga pencils are still so vital to the education experience that many teachers name the brand explicitly on their school supplies list. No cheap and crappy pencils for their classes!
08/20/2025 02:03 am GMT -
$6.50Shop nowWith the advent of glue sticks, you don't see rubber cement on many school supplies lists these days, but yes -- you can still buy it! Gen X and older know what's up. Besides the fact that it smells so-bad-it's-good, rubber cement is that rare liquid adhesive that won't wrinkle the paper when it's applied -- plus it allows for easy repositioning.
08/20/2025 05:03 am GMT -
$7.48Shop nowLaunching in 1979, when many Gen Xers were around middle school age, these erasable pens were basically magic. Never a perfect technology (and largely displaced by other options like Pilot's Frixion pens these days), the Eraser Mate brand persists, seemingly still useful for those of us trying to keep sharp with off-line crossword puzzles!
08/20/2025 02:01 am GMT
12 more nostalgic things to remember from 80s school days
Stranger Things school supplies
- Big things are on the horizon. Stay bold, stay alert and stay organized.
- No need to fear the Upside Down. The hook and loop closure helps trap all your stuff inside – even if you drop it!
- Two folders help keep your papers secure. Each folder has a vertical pocket that holds loose sheets so they won't fall out. Common stats are printed right on the folders, so you don’t forget the...
- 🐾 Trendy Design - Stunning Stranger Things composition book designed with a case binding system with incredible details that will make you stand out! Start your academic year in style! Includes a...
- 🐾 Plenty Of Space - A versatile A5 notebook that includes 192 lined pages ideal as a notepad, exercise book, scketch book, address book, or memo pad. You can also use it as diary 2024! It also...
- 🐾 A5 Size - This fantastic note pad has ideal measurements of an A5 making it easy to take it with you everywhere you need. Ideal for school, university or office use. Carry it with you in your...
- Countdown to Christmas: Enjoy 24 days of surprises with this Stranger Things advent calendar, filled with stationery, accessories, and fun goodies to make the holiday season magical
- 24 Daily Gifts: Includes pencils, pen, keyrings, sticky notes, clips, bracelets, stamps, necklace, stickers, and more. A fun Christmas countdown calendar for kids who love creative play
- Ideal for Fans: Designed for Stranger Things fans, this calendar features themed stationery and collectibles. A must-have for children who enjoy unique Christmas decorations and gifts
- Take on the year and stay organized with the help of your favorite adventuring group
- No need to fear the Upside Down. The hook and loop closure helps trap all your stuff inside – even if you drop it!
- Two folders help keep your papers secure. Each folder has a vertical pocket that holds loose sheets so they won't fall out. Common stats are printed right on the folders, so you don’t forget the...
- Grab a collectible Stranger Things accessory pouch and flaunt your fandom! Featuring four different styles: Hellfire Club, Hawkins High, Mind Flayer, and California Vibes.
- Measures 11" x 3" x 1.5" with zipper-tight storage. Made of durable lined polyester canvas with coordinating colorful zipper. Long-lasting and washable fabric.
- Great for school, work, home, or office! Use your Stranger Things accessory pouch for pencils, school supplies, cosmetics, chargers, and more!
- Stranger Things Office and School Supplies Set - Bundle with 6 Pc Page Clips, Phone Decals, Stickers, and Bookmark Page Marker | Stranger Things Office Accessories Pack.
- This Stranger Things merchandise set includes 6 page clip bookmarks, 2 Stranger Things patches, 1 Stranger Things decal, and 1 Stranger Things bookmark.
- This set of Stranger Things bookmarks and stickers is perfect to use as party favors, party supplies, goodie bag fillers, and more.
- THIS STRANGER THINGS BOOKMARK has a slim design making it easy to use with all types of books, journals, planners and more
- INCLUDES A COORDINATING TASSEL to help you easily keep your place
- BOOKMARKS ARE PERFECT for keeping your page and showing your enthusiasm for reading
- Stranger Things Merch - Relive the retro vibe with this premium A5 journal notebook designed like a VHS tape, a perfect collectible for fans of Hawkins’ mysterious adventures. An ideal stationery...
- Premium Hardcover Notebook A5 - Features a durable hard cover with a smooth finish, ideal for everyday use at school, work, or on the go.
- Bullet Journal A5 Interior - Includes 96 sheets (192 pages) of 100gsm paper with a bullet grid layout, perfect for organising notes, lists, or creative ideas. Also includes a page of stickers.
One Response
I swear I’d never seen anything by Lisa Frank until the 90s.
80s Trapper Keepers lacked the suprematism pazzaz of the 90s ones.