The ‘90s was the last decade before smartboards and computers became popular in the classroom. Students were, for the most part, taught using blackboards, marker boards, and other traditional aids. But they had access to some of the most awesome school supplies. Trapper Keeper binders, roll-down world maps, and scented pencils remain etched in the memories of people who grew up during the ‘90s and serve as a reminder of those simpler, more colorful times.
Trapper Keeper binders
These binders were the one thing that helped ‘90s students stay organized. They featured several dividers to store class notes, homework, and handouts and a unique closure made of velcro. The binders also had bold and bright designs like spacescapes, geometric patterns, and neon grids, which made them attractive. To make the binders uniquely theirs, students would sometimes heavily decorate the inside with stickers. The design of one’s Trapper Keeper binder was usually a reflection of their personal style.
Neon pencil grips
The use of pencil grips is an unforgettable trend of the ‘90s. Back then, pencil grips had become somewhat of an obsession for kids. Available in various shapes and materials, they made writing more comfortable while adding a splash of color. The most commonly available pencil grips were neon-colored. These grips became mini collectibles for many students, who would swap colors and styles with friends.
Novelty erasers
These erasers were as popular as pencil grips in the ‘90s. Novelty erasers were available in various scents, sizes, and unique shapes, like those of dinosaurs, foods, and sports equipment. While these erasers made going to school a little more fun for kids, they didn’t erase well and often left smudges on the paper. That said, novelty erasers added character to any kid’s pencil case. Combined with pencil grips, they made the mundane tasks of writing, drawing, and calculating interesting.
Mr. Sketch scented pens
In the ‘90s, no art class or school supply kit was complete without a set of scented markers, particularly from Mr. Sketch. These pens were famous for their intense fruity scents like watermelon, cherry, and blueberry. School students and younger kids would open their markers just to smell them. The pens also came in vibrant colors, which made using them more interesting. Coloring and doodling with Mr. Sketch markers were a multi-sensory experience that engaged creativity. Students in elementary schools would use them to add a burst of color and fun to otherwise standard worksheets.
In addition to color and scent, the chunky body of Mr. Sketch markers and the ease with which they could be held made them a popular back-to-school tool. While some teachers banned scented pens because they were distracting, Mr. Sketch markers remain a memorable staple of 90s school supplies, forever associated with the simple joy of drawing.
Gel pens
Back in the ‘90s, gel pens were all the rage. One could find them in almost every color imaginable, including electric blue, metallic silver, metallic gold, and neon pink. But these pens were loved not just because of their colors. Students and teachers also preferred them because of the bright and smooth lines they could produce. These pens quickly became everyone’s favorite for taking notes, leaving behind the trusty ballpoint pens that were a standard for decades previously.
Another reason gel pens were popular is their appealing scent, which made drawing and writing more rewarding. Some even used the pens to scribble on their hands when bored in class. While just a single pen was a prized possession, some students owned a whole set of these colorful scented pens in the ‘90s.
Scratch-and-sniff stickers
Sticker sheets, especially scratch-and-sniff ones, were a beloved addition to ‘90s school supplies. Teachers often used them as rewards, and students collected them or traded them with friends. One could find scratch-and-sniff stickers in scents like grape, bubblegum, and pizza. Beyond the scented varieties, holographic and puffy stickers were popular for decorating notebooks, folders, and binders and adding a personal touch to them.
Smencils
While scented markers were wildly popular, the ‘90s also saw the emergence of Smencils—scented pencils infused with aromas like watermelon and cinnamon. These pencils were often a treat to use in class because of their delightful scents, which added a little fun to writing and note-taking. Smencils were often kept as collectibles and used sparingly to preserve their scent.
Each of these items added a memorable, colorful touch to the ’90s school experience, shaping the way students approached everyday tasks and helping them express their individuality. Everything from gel pens to scratch-and-sniff stickers introduced a sense of creativity and fun. These tiny items continue to bring a wave of nostalgia to anyone who grew up in the decade.