Reflecting on the past, it’s hard not to chuckle at the notion that sticker trading was one of the most amusingly simple pastimes of the ’80s. I was an avid collector, and during the years between 1984 and 1987, sticker collecting became the hobby I eagerly shared with every pen pal I had.
Sticker collectors generally fell into two categories. The first group consisted of those who filled plastic photo albums with tear-back pages, embracing a “stick ’em and forget ’em” mindset. (Just a moment here—let me slap these beauties down until every page is brimming!) While this method sometimes lacked precision, it worked like a charm for many collectors.
The second group represented a more refined approach. These kids meticulously sought out stickers to create a coveted collection, aiming for rare and diverse finds. They carefully cut each sticker, keeping the backing intact, ready to trade at a moment’s notice. That was totally me (had to add a touch of that classic Valley Girl vibe)!
Types of Stickers
For those who need a sticker primer, there were four main types: shiny, puffy, fuzzy, and scented. Shiny stickers dazzled in every vibrant hue, from pastels to neon, showcasing playful designs like monkeys, music notes, rocket ships, teddy bears, and clowns (before they became creepy—though, let’s be honest, they always had a hint of spookiness!).
Puffy stickers were often shaped like animals or objects with googly eyes, and iconic characters like Pac-Man and Hello Kitty also made the cut. Then there were pop culture stickers that captured the essence of the era, featuring Cabbage Patch Kids, Michael Jackson, Gremlins, Snoopy, and many more. I had them all!
Fuzzy stickers were my personal favorites—red lips, skunks, soccer balls, and the occasional Scotty dog, all of which had a delightful texture that was so satisfying to touch. As for the scented stickers, they were pure magic for a 7-year-old in 1985. Think of half-dollar-sized treasures like a cheerful popcorn kernel proclaiming “Poppin’ Good” or a cute pineapple exclaiming “Right on!”
The Reality of Sticker Collecting
However, the reality of sticker collecting was that you couldn’t really do much with them. They were simply pieces of paper. You could flip through your album or, if lucky, find someone willing to trade. But ultimately, stickers were just that—stickers.
As a parent today, I can’t help but think this hobby would be a tough sell. My kids’ attention spans for sticker collecting would last a mere 2.3 seconds! Nowadays, stickers are mostly associated with visits to the doctor’s office, handed out to soothe kids after shots, which is probably why sticker collecting has faded away. Who can blame the little ones for not wanting to dive into that?
Yet, during the uncomplicated days of my childhood, we cherished those little sticky treasures, and it brought us so much joy. Looking back, my sticker collection is like a delightful time capsule of my youth. I’m proud that for three decades, from one basement to another, these keepsakes have survived dust and cobwebs for my kids to admire—just admire! Sorry kiddos, those are Mommy’s. Look with your eyes, not with your hands.
For more insights on parenting and other fascinating topics, check out this post on home insemination kits.
In summary, sticker collecting in the ’80s was a simple yet cherished pastime that brought joy and nostalgia, encapsulating the innocence of childhood. While the hobby may not resonate with today’s kids, it remains a beloved memory for those who experienced it.