Reflecting on the past, one might consider sticker trading as one of the more trivial pastimes of the 1980s. Nevertheless, I was an avid collector, and during the years between 1984 and 1987, I enthusiastically shared my sticker collecting adventures with every pen pal I had, which was quite the engaging hobby at the time.
Types of Sticker Collectors
Sticker collectors typically fell into two distinct categories. The first type embraced a more casual approach, filling tear-back, plastic photo albums with a “stick-and-go” mentality. They would enthusiastically adhere stickers to pages without much concern for organization, focusing instead on sheer quantity.
Conversely, the second type of collector took a more meticulous and strategic route. These individuals sought to complete their collections with rare and diverse stickers, carefully trimming each sticker while keeping its backing intact, ready to trade at any time. I was definitely one of those dedicated collectors, with a little bit of a Valley Girl twist, no doubt.
The Sticker Landscape
To understand the sticker landscape better, it’s helpful to know the four primary types of stickers: shiny, puffy, fuzzy, and scented. Shiny stickers were vibrant and colorful, featuring everything from monkeys and music notes to teddy bears and clowns (who were not yet considered creepy). Puffy stickers often depicted animals or other objects with googly eyes, while iconic characters like Pac-Man and Hello Kitty also appeared in puffy form.
Pop culture stickers were particularly popular, showcasing beloved toys, music, movies, and Saturday morning cartoons from that era, including Cabbage Patch Kids, Michael Jackson, and Ghostbusters—my collection had them all. The fuzzy stickers, which included designs like ladybugs and skunks, were especially delightful to touch, providing a tactile pleasure.
Scented stickers were the ultimate treasure for any 7-year-old in 1985. These delightful stickers were about the size of a half-dollar and included whimsical designs like a popcorn kernel that proclaimed “Poppin’ Good” and a cheerful pineapple exclaiming “Right on!” There were also numerous unicorns, rainbows, and hearts.
The Impracticality of Sticker Collecting Today
Despite the joy of collecting, stickers themselves served little functional purpose. There was no real play value; you could only flip through your album or trade with others. Ultimately, stickers were merely pieces of paper.
As a parent today, I find sticker collecting to be an impractical hobby. My own children have a fleeting interest in stickers, lasting only a couple of seconds. Nowadays, the only stickers kids seem to encounter are those handed out at the doctor’s office after receiving vaccinations or at the dentist—associating stickers with discomfort and pain. It’s no wonder that sticker collecting has faded away over the years.
Yet, in the simpler times of my youth, we derived great joy from those colorful papers, and perhaps it wasn’t such a trivial hobby after all. My sticker collection has become a nostalgic time capsule of my childhood, and I take pride in the fact that these cherished items have been preserved in good condition for over 30 years, waiting to be admired by my children—though they can only look, not touch.
Conclusion
In summary, sticker collecting in the 1980s was a unique and cherished pastime, characterized by two distinct types of collectors. Though it may seem trivial in retrospect, the joy it brought to many, including myself, is undeniable. Perhaps our children will find their own simple pleasures in their unique hobbies, just as we did.
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