25 Must-Have School Supplies Every ’90s Kid Owned
There was something magical about back-to-school shopping in the ’90s. The thrill of picking out the perfect Trapper Keeper, the smell of fresh pencil shavings, and the hope that maybe this was the year your gel pens wouldn’t get “borrowed” and never returned.
Every kid had their must-haves, from Lisa Frank folders to mechanical pencils that ran out of lead immediately.
Before tablets and smartboards took over, school supplies were all about personality.
Whether you were showing off your latest scented markers or carefully guarding your best erasers, these little things made the school day just a bit more fun.
1. Lisa Frank Folders
Oh, the joy of flipping open a Lisa Frank folder! Bursting with colors, every folder was a masterpiece featuring unicorns, dolphins, or any imaginable fantasy. It was like carrying a portable art gallery.
The bold, neon hues made sure you stood out in class. It wasn’t just about storing homework; it was about making a statement.
The magic of Lisa Frank was irresistible, catching everyone’s eyes and making you the cool kid in school.
2. Gel Pens
Gel pens were the ultimate tool for creative expression in the ’90s. With their smooth, colorful ink, crafting the perfect doodle became an art form.
From glittery sparkles to metallic sheens, each pen offered endless possibilities. It wasn’t just about writing notes; it was about creating masterpieces that dazzled the eye.
The joy of gliding those pens across paper was unparalleled. Every ’90s kid knew that having the full spectrum meant unlimited creativity at their fingertips.
3. Trapper Keeper
Nothing screamed ‘organized’ quite like a Trapper Keeper. With its bold designs and handy pockets, it was the epitome of school chic.
Velcro closure added a satisfying tear and seal experience that was oddly addictive. It was a multifunctional powerhouse, holding everything from essays to doodles.
Every ’90s kid cherished theirs as a prized possession. It was more than a binder; it was a personal assistant in colorful disguise.
4. Troll Pencil Toppers
Who could forget the iconic Troll pencil toppers? With unruly, colorful hair, they were the ultimate desk companions.
Perched atop pencils, these little creatures added whimsy to any classroom setting. Twirling their hair became a favorite pastime during dull lessons.
They weren’t just decorative; they were a symbol of childhood joy and imagination. Their playful presence brightened even the most monotonous school day, making every moment a little more magical.
5. Smelly Stickers
The excitement of earning a smelly sticker for good work was unmatched. These stickers were more than just rewards; they were olfactory delights.
From fruity scents to sweet treats, each sniff was a sensory adventure. Collecting them was a badge of honor, a testament to achievements both big and small.
The joy of trading and sticking them onto notebooks was a cherished ritual. Smelly stickers brought a whiff of fun to every ’90s kid’s school life.
6. Crayola 64-Pack Crayons
Opening a 64-pack of Crayola crayons was like unveiling a rainbow. With every shade imaginable, it fueled endless creativity.
The built-in sharpener was a game changer, keeping colors vivid and lines crisp. Drawing became an adventure, exploring new combinations and hues.
For many ’90s kids, this pack was a treasure trove, bringing every picture to life. It was more than a box of crayons; it was a gateway to a different world.
7. Milky Erasers
Milky erasers were the unsung heroes of the pencil case. With their soft, pastel colors and delightful shapes, they were a joy to use.
Mistakes vanished like magic, leaving no trace behind. They weren’t just functional; they were fun to collect and trade.
Every ’90s kid cherished these erasers, not just for their erasing prowess but for the playful pop of color they added to any desk.
8. Neon Highlighters
Highlighting with neon colors made studying feel like an art project. The bright hues transformed even the dullest notes into something exciting.
Every swipe was a burst of color, breathing life into textbooks. It wasn’t just about marking text; it was about making it memorable.
For ’90s kids, these highlighters were essential tools, turning study sessions into vibrant, colorful experiences.
9. Pocket Calculators
The pocket calculator was a technological marvel for ’90s kids. Small, compact, and oh-so-handy, it fit snugly in any backpack.
Its tiny screen and simple buttons made math homework less daunting. Calculating equations became a breeze, and the thrill of pressing buttons was oddly satisfying.
In an era before smartphones, this little gadget was a savior in math class, making even the most complex problems manageable.
10. Pencil Grips
Pencil grips were a small yet mighty tool in every ’90s kid’s arsenal. They came in a variety of colors and textures, making writing tasks more comfortable.
The soft, squishy feel was a joy to hold, reducing hand fatigue during marathon note-taking sessions.
These grips weren’t just practical; they were a fun way to personalize pencils. Every kid had their favorite, adding a unique touch to their writing experience.
11. Yikes! Pencils
Yikes! pencils were anything but ordinary. With loud, vivid designs, they were the statement piece of any pencil case.
Their funky patterns made every writing task seem a little less mundane. Every ’90s kid loved showing them off, and swapping designs became a playground pastime.
Each stroke of these pencils was a burst of color, transforming the simple act of writing into an exciting experience.
12. See-Through Rulers
See-through rulers were the ultimate tool for precision and fun. Their clear design allowed for perfect alignment, making geometry tasks a breeze.
The colorful printed measurements added a touch of flair, standing out on any desk. For ’90s kids, they were more than just rulers; they were cool accessories.
These rulers made measuring fun and added a splash of color to math class.
13. Mini Staplers
Mini staplers were the adorable solution to keeping papers together. Compact and colorful, they fit perfectly in any pencil case.
The satisfying click of staples binding sheets was music to any organized student’s ears. In the ’90s, having one meant business.
These tiny tools weren’t just practical; they were cute conversation starters, adding a touch of personality to any task.
14. Peachy Erasers
Peachy erasers were the epitome of charm in the ’90s. With their soft, pastel hues and delightful shapes, they were a joy to use.
Mistakes disappeared with an effortless swipe, leaving no trace behind. These erasers weren’t just functional; they were adorable collectibles.
Every ’90s kid loved adding them to their collection, and trading for new designs was a common pastime.
15. Colorful Paper Clips
Colorful paper clips were the unsung heroes of organization. They came in every shade imaginable, adding a pop of color to stacks of paper.
These clips weren’t just practical; they were a playful way to express personality. For ’90s kids, collecting different shapes and designs was a fun hobby.
Binding papers was never boring with these accessories, making even the most mundane tasks a delight.
16. Rubber Cement
Rubber cement was the go-to adhesive for art projects. Its unique texture and satisfying peel-off factor made it a favorite among ’90s kids.
Applying it with the brush was an art form in itself, and the smell was oddly nostalgic. Creating collages and crafts was a sticky, enjoyable affair.
This glue was more than just a tool; it was a cherished component of every creative endeavor.
17. Binder Clips
Binder clips were the unsung heroes of paperwork management. With their sturdy grip and color variety, they kept school chaos at bay.
These clips weren’t just functional; they were fun to collect and swap. Many ’90s kids found joy in organizing their notes with these amazing tools.
Binder clips added a touch of flair to schoolwork, transforming stacks of paper into neatly bound compositions.
18. Book Covers
Book covers were the perfect blend of protection and personality. Stretchy and vibrant, they transformed plain textbooks into style statements.
’90s kids loved covering their books with these accessories, adding a splash of color to their backpacks. Swapping designs was a popular pastime.
Each cover was a reflection of individual taste, making textbooks a little more bearable and a lot more fun to carry around.
19. Kaleidoscope Pencils
Kaleidoscope pencils were a mesmerizing addition to any pencil case. Their swirling patterns captivated the eye, turning writing into a visual delight.
For ’90s kids, these pencils were more than just writing tools; they were pieces of art. Each pencil stroke seemed to paint a picture, bringing creativity to even the simplest tasks.
These pencils weren’t just practical; they were a joy to behold and to use.
20. Magic Markers
Magic markers were the ultimate tool for unleashing creativity. With their bold colors and smooth application, they brought every drawing to life.
For ’90s kids, each marker was a wand, transforming blank pages into masterpieces. The joy of coloring with these markers was unmatched.
They weren’t just for art class; they were for any time inspiration struck, making every moment a colorful adventure.
21. Plastic Protractors
Plastic protractors were the tools of geometry wizards. Their transparent design made measuring angles a breeze.
For ’90s kids, these protractors were more than just math tools; they were instruments of precision and style.
The printed measurements added a splash of color to any desk, making geometry class a little more interesting and a lot more colorful.
22. Sticky Notes
Sticky notes were the perfect blend of function and flair. With vibrant colors and endless possibilities, they transformed organization into an art.
For ’90s kids, sticking notes everywhere was a way to express creativity and remember important tasks. Each reminder was a splash of color in their daily routine.
These notes weren’t just practical; they were a fun way to navigate the chaos of school life.
23. Scratch-n-Sniff Stickers
Scratch-n-sniff stickers were a sensory delight for ’90s kids. Each sticker held a fragrant surprise, from fruity to sweet scents.
Collecting them was a fun and aromatic hobby, with every scratch releasing a whiff of nostalgia. These stickers weren’t just for decoration; they were olfactory adventures.
They made the mundane world of schoolwork a little more exciting, adding an element of surprise to every page.
24. Liquid Paper
Liquid paper was the savior of handwritten mistakes. With a simple swipe, errors disappeared, leaving a blank slate.
For ’90s kids, this correction fluid was a must-have in every pencil case. The brush applicator made fixing mistakes a satisfying ritual.
This little bottle held the promise of perfection, turning blunders into opportunities for a fresh start.
25. Clipboards
Clipboards were the portable desk of choice for ’90s kids. With sturdy clips and ample surface area, they were perfect for on-the-go writing.
Whether in class or on a field trip, these clipboards were indispensable. They weren’t just practical; they were stylish accessories.
Many students personalized theirs with stickers, making each board a unique reflection of their personality.