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The Ups and Downs of Sticker Collecting in the 1980s
Reflecting on my childhood, it’s clear that sticker collecting might have been one of the more eccentric hobbies of the 1980s. Nevertheless, I was a dedicated collector, eagerly sharing my sticker adventures with pen pals from 1984 to 1987.
Sticker collectors generally fell into two categories. The first group adopted a straightforward method: filling tear-back, plastic-film photo albums with stickers, slapping them onto the pages without much regard for organization. This “stick and go” approach may have lacked finesse, but it certainly worked for many collectors.
In contrast, the second group of collectors approached the hobby with a more strategic mindset. These individuals meticulously acquired stickers with the goal of building a diverse and rare collection. They would carefully cut out each sticker, preserving the paper backing for easy trading. This was the method I personally favored, with just a hint of that nostalgic Valley Girl flair.
The Four Main Types of Stickers
To better understand the sticker phenomenon, it’s useful to recognize the four main types of stickers: shiny, puffy, fuzzy, and scented.
Shiny stickers were available in a vibrant array of colors, from pastels to neons, and featured designs like monkeys, music notes, rocket ships, teddy bears, and clowns (who, at the time, were not yet associated with fright). Puffy stickers often depicted animals or inanimate objects adorned with googly eyes, including popular characters like Pac-Man and Hello Kitty.
Pop culture stickers represented the toys, music, movies, and Saturday morning cartoons of the era. Iconic characters such as Cabbage Patch Kids, Michael Jackson, Gremlins, Snoopy, Popeye, Scooby Doo, Ghostbusters, Pound Puppies, Shirt Tales, Smurfs, and The Muppets were all part of my cherished collection.
Fuzzy stickers were particularly delightful, featuring designs like red lips, skunks, soccer balls, ladybugs, and even the occasional Scotty dog. They provided a unique tactile experience that appealed to many children.
The scented stickers, however, were the epitome of joy for a 7-year-old. These half-dollar-sized treasures included a cheerful kernel of popcorn proclaiming “Poppin’ Good,” an adorable pineapple exclaiming “Right on!” and toothpaste that boasted “Smile Power!” Other popular designs featured unicorns, rainbows, happy animals, and a plethora of hearts.
Despite the enjoyment they brought, sticker collecting had its limitations. There was little to do with them beyond merely admiring your collection or trading with friends. Ultimately, stickers were just pieces of paper.
As a parent today, I find it hard to envision my children dedicating much time to a hobby like sticker collecting. Their attention spans seem far too short for such a pastime, often lasting only 2.3 seconds. Today, stickers are mostly associated with doctor’s visits, serving as a consolation prize after vaccinations or dental procedures. No wonder sticker collecting has faded in popularity; modern children have little incentive to pursue it.
Yet, in the simpler times of my childhood, collecting those colorful stickers brought immense satisfaction. Reflecting on it now, my collection serves as a nostalgic time capsule of my early years. I’m proud that, for over 30 years, these treasures have survived the elements for my children to admire—albeit only with their eyes. Sorry kids, those are Mommy’s stickers. Look with your eyes, not with your hands.
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In summary, while sticker collecting may seem trivial in retrospect, it provided joy and connection during my childhood. My collection now serves as a cherished reminder of simpler times, as well as a lesson in the value of nostalgia.