Back in Time Today
The 1990s was a golden era for school supplies, filled with vibrant colors, unique designs, and a touch of nostalgia. These supplies were not just tools; they were a statement of personality and style that every kid wanted to showcase in their school life. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 20 school supplies every child of the ’90s dreamed of having in their backpack.
1. Trapper Keeper binders
The Trapper Keeper was the ultimate organizational tool of the ’90s. With its Velcro flap and vibrant covers, it was more than just a binder; it was a status symbol. Every kid wanted one to keep their notes, pencils, and secret doodles safe.
Inside, the multiple pockets and folders provided a haven for every loose sheet of paper. Whether it was covered in neon geometric shapes or featuring a favorite cartoon, each Trapper Keeper was a reflection of its owner’s personality.
A fun fact: the original design was inspired by the trapper folders used by students in the 1970s.
2. Pencil pouches with mesh windows
Mesh window pencil pouches were all the rage for showing off the coolest supplies inside. With a quick glance, you could see a rainbow of gel pens and a collection of quirky erasers.
They were practical yet stylish, allowing for easy access and personalization. Kids adorned these pouches with stickers and patches, making them as unique as their imaginations.
Whether clipped into a binder or tucked into a backpack, they were essential for keeping everything in one place while showcasing a bit of flair.
3. Lisa Frank folders and notebooks
Lisa Frank’s vibrant designs were every ’90s child’s dream. With neon colors and whimsical characters, owning a Lisa Frank folder or notebook was like holding a piece of art.
Unicorns, dolphins, and rainbows danced across the covers, making homework just a bit more magical. These items were not just school supplies; they were expressions of creativity and joy.
The brand’s explosion of color and imagination made every school day brighter and continues to evoke nostalgia for those who grew up in the era.
4. Gel pens (especially in metallic or neon)
Gel pens were the epitome of cool in the ’90s, especially when they came in metallic or neon shades. Every kid loved the way they glided across the page, leaving a trail of vibrant ink.
They were perfect for doodling in notebooks or sprucing up class notes with a pop of color. Whether writing a friend’s name or decorating a journal, gel pens added sparkle and fun.
The popularity of these pens made them a staple in every pencil case, and they remain a nostalgic favorite today.
5. Dual‐tip highlighters (chisel and fine)
Dual-tip highlighters were a versatile tool that made studying a bit more colorful. The chisel tip allowed for broad strokes across text, while the fine tip was perfect for underlining or adding small notations.
These highlighters were indispensable for students aiming for organized notes and colorful textbooks. The bright hues added a splash of excitement to otherwise dull pages.
Having a set of these highlighters in your pencil case was a sign of a prepared and stylish student, ready for whatever the school day might bring.
6. Smencils (scented pencils)
Smencils brought a delightful twist to writing with their enticing scents. Each pencil was infused with fragrances like bubblegum or root beer, making schoolwork a sensory experience.
Wrapped in colorful packaging, they were both a treat and a tool. The novelty of scented pencils made them a sought-after item, sparking envy among classmates.
Beyond their aroma, Smencils were crafted from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly choice that combined fun with sustainability.
7. Donuts-shaped erasers (D’oh! Erasers)
Donut-shaped erasers, famously known as D’oh! Erasers, were a fun blend of functionality and whimsy. Brightly colored and often topped with ‘sprinkles,’ they erased pencil marks with style.
These erasers were collectible items as well as useful tools, often swapped among friends. Their playful design added a touch of joy to correcting mistakes.
Having a donut eraser in your pencil case was a little indulgence that made tackling homework just a bit more enjoyable.
8. Poptarts lunchbox
The Poptarts lunchbox was a staple for lunchtime in the ’90s. With its colorful graphics, it was a fun way to carry your sandwich and snacks.
These lunchboxes were not only practical but also a fashion statement, often featuring popular cartoon characters or the iconic Poptarts logo. Kids took pride in their lunchbox designs, which often sparked lunchtime conversations.
Made from durable materials, they kept food safe and fresh, making them a trusted companion throughout the school year.
9. Mini whiteboard and dry-erase markers
Mini whiteboards were a creative outlet for students, perfect for doodling, solving math problems, or practicing handwriting. Paired with colorful dry-erase markers, they offered endless possibilities for expression.
Lightweight and portable, these boards were easy to carry from class to class or use at home. The ability to erase mistakes quickly made them a favorite tool for learning and play.
A mini whiteboard was not just a school supply but a canvas for budding artists and enthusiastic learners alike.
10. Multi‐compartment mechanical pencils
Multi-compartment mechanical pencils were a marvel of engineering and design. With compartments for different lead sizes, they allowed students to switch between tasks seamlessly.
These pencils were often adorned with colorful patterns, making them both a practical tool and a style statement. The convenience of having multiple leads in one pencil made them a favorite among students who loved efficiency.
Their innovative design captured the spirit of the ’90s, a time when creativity and practicality went hand in hand.
11. Puka shell backpacks or fanny packs
Puka shell accessories were the epitome of cool in the ’90s, and backpacks or fanny packs featuring these designs were no exception. With vibrant colors and shell patterns, they were both trendy and functional.
Perfect for carrying books or essentials, these bags added a beachy vibe to school fashion. Their lightweight and durable design made them a practical choice for students on the go.
Owning a puka shell backpack was like carrying a piece of summer vacation with you, all year long.
12. Beaded keychains with school supplies (like mini rulers)
Beaded keychains were a fun way to accessorize a backpack or pencil case. Featuring mini school supplies like rulers and scissors, they added a playful touch to everyday items.
These keychains were often crafted with colorful beads, making them as much a fashion statement as a practical tool. Swapping or collecting these keychains was a popular pastime among students.
Carrying one of these keychains was like having a mini toolkit of fun and creativity wherever you went.
13. Reusable gel seat cushions (memory foam pads)
Gel seat cushions made sitting through long classes a bit more comfortable. With their memory foam-like padding, they provided support and softness.
These cushions were often covered in bright fabrics, adding a splash of color and personality to classroom chairs. Students appreciated the comfort and style they brought to a school day.
Owning a gel seat cushion was like having a personal comfort upgrade, making even the hardest chairs bearable.
14. Sharpener-built-into-sturdy cases
Pencil cases with built-in sharpeners were a clever solution to the age-old problem of dull pencils. With sturdy construction and vibrant designs, they kept writing tools sharp and organized.
These cases were a staple in every student’s supply arsenal, offering convenience and style in one package. The built-in sharpener ensured that a fresh point was always at hand, perfect for note-taking or drawing.
This innovation made the pencil case a classroom essential, revered by students who valued efficiency.
15. Magnetic locker mirrors and photo frames
Magnetic locker mirrors and photo frames turned school lockers into personal sanctuaries. These accessories allowed students to add a touch of home to their school environment.
The mirrors were perfect for quick checks between classes, while the photo frames showcased cherished memories with friends and family. Adorned with stickers or glitter, they reflected each student’s unique style.
These items transformed lockers from mere storage spaces into personalized retreats, brimming with personality and warmth.
16. Character-branded scissors and rulers (e.g., Disney, Nickelodeon)
Character-branded scissors and rulers brought favorite TV and movie characters into the classroom. Featuring icons from Disney or Nickelodeon, they made mundane tasks a bit more magical.
These tools were not just functional; they were a way for students to express their fandom and personal tastes. The colorful designs and familiar faces brightened up any school day.
Owning character-branded supplies was like having a piece of your favorite shows and movies with you at all times.
17. Stinky stickers or scratch-and-sniff decals
Stinky stickers and scratch-and-sniff decals were a sensory delight for ’90s kids. Each sticker released a unique scent, from fruity to downright odd, sparking curiosity and giggles.
These stickers were often used as rewards or just for fun, adding a fragrant layer to notebooks and binders. Collecting them was a beloved hobby, with each scent offering a new adventure.
The playful nature of stinky stickers made them a cherished part of school life, appreciated for their novelty and creativity.
18. Slap bracelets with school‐themed charms
Slap bracelets were a staple of ’90s fashion, and those with school-themed charms added an educational twist to the fun. With a simple flick of the wrist, they wrapped around, providing instant style and entertainment.
Adorned with charms depicting pencils or books, they were both playful accessories and conversation starters.
These bracelets were traded among friends and collected in a variety of colors and designs, making them a beloved memory of school days filled with fun and friendship.
19. Neon duct tape for book repairs and decorations
Neon duct tape was the go-to solution for book repairs and custom decorations. Its bright colors transformed ordinary textbooks into personalized masterpieces.
Whether mending a torn cover or creating a unique book jacket, neon duct tape added flair and resilience. Students loved the creative possibilities it offered, from bold stripes to intricate designs.
This versatile tool was an essential part of a ’90s student’s toolkit, celebrated for its practicality and creative potential.