Reflecting on the past, one might argue that sticker trading was one of the more trivial hobbies of the 1980s. Nonetheless, I was an avid collector, and during the years spanning from 1984 to 1987, I eagerly detailed my sticker adventures to every pen pal I had.
Types of Sticker Collectors
Sticker collectors generally fell into two categories. The first type was the casual collector, who utilized tear-back plastic photo albums to affix their prized stickers. This “stick-and-go” method was often haphazard and lacked the finesse of more organized approaches, but it was effective for many enthusiasts.
The second type—more discerning and strategic—focused on meticulously curating their sticker collections. These collectors sought out rare stickers, carefully separating each one from its backing for easy trading at a moment’s notice. That was totally me, embracing my inner Valley Girl.
Types of Stickers
For a quick refresher, there were four primary types of stickers back then: shiny, puffy, fuzzy, and scented. The shiny stickers featured every vibrant hue imaginable, often depicting whimsical images like monkeys with bananas, teddy bears, and rocket ships.
Puffy stickers typically showcased animals or objects adorned with googly eyes, including iconic characters like Pac-Man and Hello Kitty. Pop culture stickers represented the essence of the ’80s, capturing the spirit of beloved toys, music, movies, and cartoons—think Cabbage Patch Kids, Michael Jackson, and Ghostbusters. My collection had them all.
I had a particular fondness for fuzzy stickers, which included images like red lips and skunks. They were tactile and delightful to touch. The scented stickers, however, were the pinnacle of joy for a 7-year-old in 1985. They came in fun shapes, with delightful phrases like “Poppin’ Good” and “Smile Power!” adorned on popcorn and toothpaste stickers, respectively. Of course, there were also the ubiquitous unicorns and hearts.
The Limitations of Sticker Collecting
One notable aspect of sticker collecting was its inherent limitations: there was little one could do with these stickers. They weren’t toys; they were merely decorative pieces of paper that one could admire or trade with friends. In today’s parenting landscape, I find sticker collecting rather unappealing. My children’s enthusiasm for such a hobby would likely fade in a mere 2.3 seconds.
In contemporary society, stickers are often associated with visits to the doctor or dentist—where they serve as rewards for enduring discomfort. It’s no surprise, then, that sticker collecting has diminished in popularity. Who can blame the younger generation for not embracing it?
A Nostalgic Reflection
Yet, in the simplicity of my childhood, we cherished those colorful papers and found joy in our collections. Perhaps sticker collecting wasn’t as trivial as it seemed. In fact, my collection serves as a wonderful time capsule of my youth, preserved for my own children to appreciate—albeit with their eyes only. Sorry kids, those are Mommy’s treasures!
Further Reading
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In summary, the nostalgic hobby of sticker collecting offers a glimpse into the joys and simplicity of childhood, serving as a reminder of the innocent pleasures of our youth.
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