Serendipity: “. . . finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for” (Webster’s Dictionary)
A truly serendipitous event doesn’t come along every day.
I’ve always loved shopping for school supplies. Since I’m now an adult I need to call them “office supplies,” but the principle is the same. Even now, back-so-school season infuses me with the nostalgia of new shoes, new notebooks, and finding the perfect box of crayons.
A few days ago, I asked my Facebook friends if anyone remembered the “Nifty” — a binder with two holes at the top for special Nifty loose-leaf paper and a magnetic-closure compartment to hold a pencil and eraser. It was from the mid-1960s, so that gives you a clue as to my age.
Mine was brown — boring, serviceable brown. Keep in mind, this was before they began marketing colors and designs that would appeal to children. I don’t remember how I learned about the Nifty, but every elementary-aged child who was anybody had to have one.
Last weekend, a few days after posing the Nifty question to my FB friends, I was on my way home from the flea market and randomly stopped at a garage sale. There wasn’t much in the sale assortment that appealed to me and I was about to leave, when I skimmed my eyes over the last table. There, atop a pile of assorted office supplies, was a distinctive black binder with the “hinge” at the top. Could it be?
Yes.
It was a Nifty — fully loaded with the special top-punched paper.
I felt God smiling. Still do.
Now that IS nifty!
I was the only one of my group that remembered these notebooks and for awhile, I was wondering if I was imagining it all or if they really ever existed! Thanks for posting this. BTW, interested in selling it? PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAZE?
Where can I buy one?
Good Lord!
Just today after seeing an ad for school supplies, I thought back to fourth grade and that aqua blue Nifty paper holder I just had to have!
Did a quick Google search, and here I am! Thanks for the images!
Bob Kirby
I am glad there are other Nifty lovers in the world.
But sorry, mine’s not for sale!
🙂
J.S.
Ok, so apparently Nifty had a brief comeback when I was a kid. I remember in the late 90’s that I had a bunch of “Nifty” brand stuff, hole punches, paper, and notebooks. It was all super cute. I wish I still had it.
Stumbled upon this site while searching for info and photos of Nifty Notebooks – bonanza. Mine was light blue and I loved it and I think of it often and wish I still had it. Crazy, I know! So happy you found one and I’ll keep looking. Thanks for sharking!
Oh, yeah. I had a nifty binder! I loved mine…
I liked the College Nifty Binder that had three side rather than two top pegs for paper. I sketched this one from memory. I want to make one from wood and fabric..maybe I will. I keep looking for them.