Pencil cases have been around for years and years and were extremely popular in the 50s and 60s.They're still popular now, and are used by hundreds if not thousands of companies as a promotional tool. They come in many styles, and even today there is a call for mass-produced pencil cases. Although some group pencil bags under this heading, we will not, as pencil bags are merely that, a plastic of heavy cloth or canvas bag with a zipper that is made of a size that would hold a pencil in length.



The venerable case is what we shall discuss. Pencil cases are made to hold anywhere from 2 to a dozen or more pencils of varying shapes and sizes. The case is it of is often made of wood but it can also be made of metal wood. It is designed so that people will be kept free from accidentally being stuck by a pencil. This happens frequently because pencils are usually kept sharpened.

Pencil cases may be plain or have decorations. Often there is an associated theme with the case decoration. Many kid friendly cartoons and television or movie characters have had their likenesses on these cases. The Hello Kitty likenesses have been popular for about 10 years and continue to be a favorite. Businesses also promote their brands on pencil cases, as the flat surface is an ideal promotional space for businesses looking to market to children. Some pencil cases or boxes have functional value added with enclosed or attached math tables or pencil sharpeners. There are even some round metal tins with screw on tops that are being offered as cases for pencils.

Schools are the most likely location in which you will see the pencil case phenomenon in full force. At the beginning of every school year almost every grammar school child will plead for a pencil case, usually one with his favorite cartoon or hero's likeness gracing the outside. Pencil cases are dutifully taken to school but their follow up use is a bit shaky. For most kids, putting the pencils back seems to take way too much trouble. Pencil cases are held in hands and used as pretend swords. They are lost with some regularity and the hard plastic ones get stepped on and broken. Life is tough for the protectors of fingers and pencils.

You can find these at almost any dollar store, supermarket or other retail establishment. Some party suppliers even offer them as party favors for the grade school kids. And if you have ever had the joy and fun of giving one of these parties you will know firsthand that kids love to get these as little gifts. Go figure. I am not certain of the attraction of a child for these unless it is the advertising draw. It is almost impossible to find a plain pencil box anywhere. They all have some link to television or the movies.

Some adults even collect these little guys, and of course they are looking for the ones that are ole, unusual, or have a particular cartoon character or television character associated with it. It might be fun at that to look and see how many cases you could find with dogs or horses emblazoned on them.....Just bear in mind in the middle of the summer their popularity wanes but in a couple of months they are going to be at the head of the class.