Gen Alpha’s retro back-to-school shopping lists shock millennials with ‘new status symbols’

Back to school – and back to the future.

Millennials are getting déjà vu seeing the retro school items that Gen Alpha is adding to their shopping lists as they head back to the classroom.

This year, younger students are bringing back classic school supplies that the older generation once loved, according to Axios.

The iconic Bic 4-colour pens that millennials loved to click in the classroom are all the rage as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2020.

Meanwhile, many Americans in their 30s and 40s probably remember Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers from their school days.

Now, young people are using the loose leaf connector again, choosing models a little more “retro” than Lisa Frank with the vibe of the 80s and 90s.

Other staple items on back-to-school lists include composition books, crayons, and colored pencils.

Also hot: the classic TI-84 calculator, which debuted in 2004.

Axios reported that water bottles are still a status symbol in schools — but the brand that marks a student’s status has changed.

Last year, Stanley’s viral tape was a symbol of popularity in high schools, with those not being the subject of bullying, The Cut previously reported.

The New York Times reported that Stanley’s reign as the superior symbol appears to be over, and brands such as Owala, Hydro Flash and Lululemon are vying for their time in the spotlight.

The Owala FreeSip seems to be one of the more popular options, especially if you can get your hands on the highly coveted Owala blue bow special edition sold at Urban Outfitters.

Meanwhile, the Lululemon 18-ounce Back to Life Sports Bottle is also popular — but only in the “pink glow” colorway.

And of course, there’s the Hydro Flask bottle, which was a favorite among millennials nearly a decade ago, and definitely fueled the trend of water bottles as a status symbol.

School clothes are a little different this year too, according to TikToker Casey Lewis, who says leggings are out and denim is in.

“This year, it seems like it’s all about denim — denim shorts, denim skirts, denim jackets are making a comeback,” Lewis said.