Hello Kitty Tape Dispenser

This Hello Kitty tape dispenser is dated 1976 and labeled $1.25.

The tape itself is long gone, although it can be refilled.

Noranekoland Stickers

This set of Sanrio Noranekoland stickers dates from 1989. It features three cats: brothers Kuro and Tora and sister Mike.

Tora must be the tiger-striped cat, Mike is the calico (calicos are almost always females) and Kuro is the black and white one. I never saw this character in the 80s, and I suspect it was not common outside of Japan.

Bunny and Matty Mug

This Sanrio Bunny and Matty child-size ceramic mug is only 2.5 inches tall. It's dated 1976. The front looks to me like a pilot theme with Bunny and Matty wearing goggles and a parachute (but also a raincoat, rain hat, and boots).


But on the back, Matty is sitting in a cloud trying to catch a baseball:


Who said cute had to make sense? Hop two!

Robby Rabbit Sticker

This Robby Rabbit sticker by Sanrio comes from my '80s sticker collection. It features Robby and his bee friend painting.

It was a trade, which explains why it's not on it's original backing. I always kept my stickers on their backings in pristine condition, so I never understood why some kids took them off or stuck them on things. Still, I remember being happy to get this one, since Robby wasn't a very common character even then.

Hello Kitty Puffy Stickers

These classic Hello Kitty puffy stickers come from my childhood collection and are dated 1976.

I got these stickers as a "trade" during the early '80s sticker craze, and they have been in my sticker album ever since. I don't know what I traded to get them, but I'm sure I got the better deal, even with the missing flower sticker. Can you imagine kids occupying themselves with trading stickers and arranging them in albums nowadays?!

Sanrio Cats Mailbox

This Sanrio clear plastic mailbox is only 2.5 inches long and features cats wearing striped dresses. I don't know if this character has a name, but I've only ever seen them on this item. It's dated 1979.

Inside the mailbox are tiny sheets of paper and envelopes with cat stamps drawn on:

Hello Kitty Pencil Sharpener

This Hello Kitty pencil sharpener from Sanrio is dated 1976. The roof of the house slides off to empty the pencil shavings.

Cheery Chums Box

This pink plastic box from Sanrio features the Cheery Chums. It's dated 1979, 1984.

Robby Rabbit Pencil Case

This Sanrio Robby Rabbit pencil case is dated 1976 and priced at $1.95US. It's about 2.5 x 8.5 inches and it made of metal. It features Robby painting along with his bee friend.

Bicku Rican Mascot in a Can

This little Sanrio mascot is a terry-cloth chick sitting in a felt can. The front says "Bicku Rican A South Pole Village."

The back says "Mascot in a Can." It's dated 1982.

I've had this since 1982 and have never seen another one like it or anything else with this Sanrio character.

Hello Kitty Stapler

This is a 1976 Hello Kitty stapler from Sanrio featuring the original primary color scheme. It's about 4 inches long and uses tiny staples.

Robby Rabbit Pin-Back Button

This pin-back button from Sanrio features the character Robby Rabbit and dates from 1981.

Robby is playing tennis with his bee friend, and the button features the inspirational slogan "Never Give Up." Recently, I read that Robby was designed to appeal to boys; but that never occured to me as a child, and Robby Rabbit was one of my favorite Sanrio characters.

Hello Kitty Airplane Eraser

This Hello Kitty eraser dates from 1976 and originally cost $0.85. The case features my favorite Hello Kitty motif, Kitty flying her airplane. The eraser itself has an intoxicating bubblegum scent still potent after 30 years.

Bunny & Matty Stickers

Bunny & Matty were one of Sanrio's earliest character designs. Interestingly, early items are marked "Bunny & Ratty." Sanrio must have realized Ratty would not go over well in the US market.

Bunny & Matty Stickers, 1976