{"id":21973,"date":"2026-01-13T10:38:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T18:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/?p=21973"},"modified":"2026-03-11T18:13:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T01:13:05","slug":"history-of-labels-when-were-stickers-invented","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/history-of-labels-when-were-stickers-invented\/","title":{"rendered":"The Amazing History of Labels: When Were Stickers Invented?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Avery labels come with a legacy that reaches back <strong><em>nine decades<\/em><\/strong> to the invention of stickers. In fact, in the history of labels, Avery is a name that&#8217;s hard to miss. The brand stands out for its quality, availability at national retailers, and a <a href=\"\/blog\/why-avery-stickers-are-the-best-sticker-mule-alternative\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reliable alternative to trendy sticker companies<\/a>. And if you&#8217;ve gone back-to-school shopping or worked in an office in the past 30 years, you&#8217;ve likely used Avery products\u2014even if you didn&#8217;t know it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Amazing History of Labels: Stan\u2019s Big Idea\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lduYFL6FOOI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Learn about Stan&#8217;s big idea in 1935.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My personal history with Avery goes back to when I was 12. My mom ran a small courier service in Diamond Bar, CA. Ever the resourceful businesswoman, she would send a courier to pick me up after school, using our secret family safety code. So I spent my afternoons at her office, doing a combination of homework and odd jobs. This often included printing address labels and addressing envelopes using Avery 5160 pin-fed address labels. Yes, I was in middle school during the ancient days when pin-fed printers were cutting edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast forward 27 years to 2019, preparing for an interview at Avery Products Corporation. I knew about Avery labels, but not much about their office supplies. While shopping for interview folders, I chose a black, cream, and gold set. I liked that the folders looked professional but still felt stylish enough to complement my creative personality. Only later did I realize they were Avery folders. And my full-circle moment with the most famous name in the history of stickers was complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-were-stickers-invented\">When were stickers invented?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ray Stanton Avery (R. Stanton Avery), who generally went by Stan, invented the first self-adhesive labels (or what he would soon market as stickers) in 1935. Although Stan Avery invented stickers in 1935, he actually didn&#8217;t start selling them until 1940 as the product &#8220;Kum Kleen Price Stickers.&#8221; In the same year, he obtained patent <a href=\"https:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US2220071A\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US-2220071-A<\/a> for a &#8220;method and apparatus for making label units.&#8221; In 1942, he obtained patent <a href=\"https:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US2304787A\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US-2304787-A <\/a>for a non-drying adhesive label and the method for making it. Want to learn more about stickers? Read about <a href=\"\/blog\/stickers-vs-labels-what-is-the-difference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the difference between modern-day stickers and labels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size is-style-outline has-small-font-size is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/custom-printing\/custom-stickers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Make a Sticker<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size is-style-outline has-small-font-size is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/category\/products\/labels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shop Avery Labels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-sticker-by-any-other-name\">A sticker by any other name&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is a sticker? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/sticker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Merriam-Webster defines stickers<\/a> as slips of paper with adhesive backs that a person can fasten to a surface. Throughout the history of stickers, people have often used the terms sticker, label, and decal interchangeably to describe any material with a sticky back. While experts today distinguish between stickers and labels based on their specific uses, the basic dictionary definition remains accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-decal-means\">What &#8220;decal&#8221; means<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the history of stickers, the term &#8220;decal&#8221; has developed a more complex meaning, closely tied to how they are applied to surfaces. When you think about using a label or sticker, you probably picture peeling it off a backing sheet and pressing it sticky side down onto a surface. Sometimes durable stickers are referred to as decals and are applied this way. However, often times the term &#8220;decal&#8221; indicates a different type of application (i.e., you transfer them from one surface to another using heat, water, or adhesive). For example, you transfer temporary tattoos with water, and <a href=\"\/help\/article\/avery-light-fabric-transfer-video-demos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fabric transfers with heat<\/a>. Vinyl letters for walls are another common type of decal people use in everyday life. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?si=4q9gaN6sZPVmghad&amp;t=31&amp;v=N1CY_lldPbw&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This video demonstrates the application of vinyl decals<\/a>, and you can see how it differs from simply using a sticker or label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/image\/upload\/v1753471039\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_001_1000x1500.jpg\" alt=\"The image shows two vintage Avery label boxes, reflecting the history of stickers and adhesive labels. The top box has a retro design with a blue background, featuring an illustration of a hand peeling off small white rectangular labels. The text reads &quot;Avery Kum-Kleen Labels&quot; with the phrase &quot;self-adhesive and removable!&quot; below. The lower box has a black background with a red paint-shaped label and the text &quot;Avery Kum-Kleen Self Adhesive Labels Applied Without Moistening.&quot; Surrounding the box are illustrations highlighting the ease of use, showing how the labels can be applied without moistening and easily peeled off, a key innovation in sticker history.\n\n\n\n\n\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/image\/upload\/v1754682517\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_002_1000x1500.jpg\" alt=\"The image showcases a collection of vintage Avery label packaging, representing different moments in the history of labels. It includes various types of laser and self-adhesive address labels. The top left box is for Avery 5160 Laser Labels, featuring a bright red banner and a promotional offer for free labels. To the right is the Avery 6464 Remove 'Em Laser Labels, designed for removable and repositionable use. The bottom section shows Avery 5165 full sheet labels in a black box, and Avery 5260 self-adhesive address labels, highlighting ease of use with word processing systems. These products reflect the evolution of labels in office and personal use over time.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/image\/upload\/v1753471020\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_003_1000x1500.jpg\" alt=\"The image shows two vintage Avery packaging designs. The larger item is a blue box labeled &quot;Avery Self-Adhesive Die Cut Labels for Printing,&quot; featuring simple white illustrations of various label shapes, such as rectangles and circles. The box has a worn texture, adding to its retro appeal. Below, there is a smaller package for &quot;Avery Cloth Name Tape,&quot; which is designed for popular 3\/8&quot; labelers. The packaging features an illustration of a family with children, promoting its use for labeling clothes with iron-on or sew-on options. Both items reflect early innovations in labeling products.\"\/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">A collection of vintage stickers and labels including the original Kum Kleen labels and some of the first printable labels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-history-of-labeling-and-how-stickers-changed-it-all\">The history of labeling and how stickers changed it all<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At our core, <a href=\"https:\/\/typeset.io\/papers\/categorization-and-concepts-4dm226xtdp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">humans like to sort and categorize things<\/a>. In fact, it helps us find patterns, predict behaviors, and better understand the world around us in general. So naturally, humans have been labeling stuff pretty much since we&#8217;ve had stuff to label. Although before stickers, it usually involved tying various pieces of paper, cloth, wood, ivory, or bone to an object. Today, there are hundreds of ways self-adhesive stickers have made labeling easier and more efficient. They&#8217;re used for everything from putting price tags and ingredient lists on products to organizing file folders and finding books at the library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that in mind, let&#8217;s take a look at the earliest ways humans labeled objects. Then we&#8217;ll explore how modern stickers have made it so easy that even twelve-year-old kids can easily address business envelopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-history-of-stickers-amp-labels-infographic\">History of stickers &amp; labels infographic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The infographic below provides a visual overview of key moments in the history of labels and stickers, with each era explained in more detail in the sections that follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img width=\"1200\" height=\"2710\" data-public-id=\"web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_1200,h_2710,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Infographic titled \u2018A Brief History of Labels and Stickers\u2019 showing a timeline from ancient labeling in 3200 BCE through modern digital label creation. The timeline highlights key developments such as gum paste labels, the invention of self-adhesive labels in 1935, the expansion of labels into everyday use, and their role in branding, shipping, and organization today.\" class=\"wp-post-21973 wp-image-27741\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1768238565\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_1200,h_2710,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA 1200w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_1048,h_2366,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA 1048w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_848,h_1915,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_648,h_1463,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_448,h_1011,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/avery-products-corp\/images\/w_248,h_560,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1768238565\/web\/blog\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_Inforgraphic_1200x2710.png?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-brief-timeline-of-label-history\">A brief timeline of label history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Labels may feel like a modern convenience, but the idea behind them is ancient. Long before stickers and printable sheets, people were finding ways to mark, identify, and organize the world around them. This brief timeline highlights some of the most important moments in the history of labels\u2014and how they led to the invention of modern stickers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>3200 BCE<\/strong> marks the earliest known use of labels. In Ancient Egypt, bone and ivory tags were attached to goods buried with King Scorpion I, identifying contents and ownership. These tags represent some of the earliest known examples of labeling in human history.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>During the <strong>Industrial Revolution (1760\u20131840)<\/strong>, mass production and expanded trade created a new demand for labels. Advances in printing made paper labels more widely available, helping manufacturers identify products as goods moved through growing commercial networks.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>By the <strong>1880s<\/strong>, paper labels applied with water-activated gum paste became common. While effective, these labels required manual preparation, limiting speed and efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Everything changed in <strong>1935<\/strong>, when R. Stanton Avery invented the first self-adhesive label. By eliminating the need for water or paste, Avery transformed labeling into a faster, more practical process. This laid the foundation for modern stickers and labels.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In the <strong>1940s and 1960s<\/strong>, self-adhesive labels moved beyond industrial use and into offices, businesses, and everyday environments. During this time, labels became standard tools for organization and communication.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The <strong>1990s<\/strong> brought another shift as personal computers and desktop printers allowed people to design and print labels on demand. Label creation became more customizable and accessible than ever before.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Today<\/strong>, labels continue to evolve alongside the way people work, create, and sell\u2014supporting everything from packaging and shipping to events, organization, and personal expression.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-early-labeling-milestones\">Early labeling milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-earliest-labeling-history\">Earliest labeling history<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The history of labeling goes all the way back to ancient Egypt to the time of King Scorpion I, around 3150 BCE, at least as far as we can tell. We have this touchstone in time because of <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.archaeology.org\/9903\/newsbriefs\/egypt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discoveries made by archeologist G\u00fcnter Dreyer at Abydos in 1999<\/a>. Dreyer uncovered bone and ivory tags dating back to 3200 B.C. Originally attached to boxes or containers, these tags detailed the product quantity and origin. They included the names of places and organizations that were part of trading goods like grain and fabrics. This find marks the earliest known use of writing for labeling and identification in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-just-add-water-paper-labels-in-the-1800s\">Just add water: paper labels in the 1800s<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/education.nationalgeographic.org\/resource\/industrialization-labor-and-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Industrial Revolution (roughly 1760\u20131840)<\/a> made more goods available to more people, and they could get them cheaper and faster than ever before. Then, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/canning-food-processing#:~:text=In%201810%20Peter%20Durand%20of,Royal%20Navy%20in%20large%20quantities.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in 1810, Peter Durand also patented tin cans for food<\/a>. The rapid increase in goods, combined with the challenge of labeling sealed, opaque cans, led to a revolution in the history of stickers and labels too. Luckily, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/toah\/hd\/lith\/hd_lith.htm#:~:text=Lithography%20was%20invented%20around%201796,them%20with%20rolled%2Don%20ink.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the relatively new invention of lithography (1796)<\/a> provided a clean, accurate printing solution. By the 1880s, manufacturers were using various adhesive gum pastes to stick paper labels directly onto cans, bottles, and jars. The only catch? You had to moisten the labels with water to make them stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/image\/upload\/v1753471003\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_004_3000x1500.jpg\" alt=\"The image features two classic name badge label packages from Avery and Dennison. On the left is an Avery pack of &quot;Name Badge Labels&quot; in red, featuring the well-known &quot;Hello, my name is&quot; design, perfect for meetings and events. Avery, a label maker famous for name tags, emphasizes the removability and eco-friendly material of the product. On the right is a blue &quot;Hello, my name is&quot; badge package from Dennison, containing 100 badges with a similar blue and green design. These items highlight the long-standing use of name tags in both professional and social settings.\" style=\"width:630px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vintage &#8220;Hello, my name is&#8230;&#8221; name tags in the original  Avery Dennison packaging from different decades. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-r-stanton-avery-the-beginning-of-modern-sticker-history\">R. Stanton Avery: The beginning of modern sticker history<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The history of Avery stickers is a story of innovation that changed the way we label and organize. When Stan Avery invented the first self-adhesive stickers in 1935, it completely changed the labeling game for everyone. From giant manufacturers and small businesses labeling products to the average person organizing their home or workspace, labeling became more efficient. People no longer needed a separate way to moisten labels. Avery went on to form Avery Adhesives, located in downtown Los Angeles. When he started selling his invention in 1940, people used the first stickers to put prices on goods and products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the next three decades, Avery Adhesives continued to expand, incorporating in 1946 and changing the name to Avery Products Corporation in 1964. As the company grew, it became an integral part of the history of stickers and labeling. In the 1990s, the original Avery Products Corporation merged with Dennison Manufacturing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.averydennison.com\/en\/home\/company\/our-history.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to form Avery Dennison<\/a>. Then, in 2013, Avery Dennison made a strategic decision to focus on its core strengths, leading to the sale of its office products division. This created the modern Avery Products Corporation, where we&#8217;re dedicated to providing high-quality labeling and organizational solutions. Today, Avery Products Corporation is headquartered in Brea, CA, about 35 miles from the original Avery Adhesives location in downtown LA. We continue to build on Stan Avery&#8217;s rich legacy, offering a wide range of labels, stickers, and office supplies that help people stay organized, whether at home, school, or work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/image\/upload\/v1753470984\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_005_3000x1500.jpg\" alt=\"The image displays a collection of old stickers from Avery, highlighting different types of stickers. On the left is a pack of Avery 5160 Laser Labels, ideal for addressing, with a promotional offer for free clear labels. To the right, there is a vintage Avery box for &quot;self-adhesive labels for data processing,&quot; showing how labels were packaged for office use. Below that, there are smaller packs of Avery file folder labels and name badge labels, including the iconic &quot;Hello, my name is&quot; design. These items showcase various Avery stickers used for organization, labeling, and name tags throughout the years.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some of the most popular label and sticker products from the Avery Dennison era. The vintage packaging showcases a wide range of uses from name tags and file folder labels to different types of printable labels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sticker-and-labeling-evolution-in-the-21-st-century\">Sticker and labeling evolution in the 21<sup>st<\/sup> century<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve come a long way since Stan Avery patented the first sticker-making apparatus in 1942, marking a significant moment in the history of stickers. What used to be a simple tool has now become a versatile and accessible option for everyone, whether you&#8217;re labeling products, decorating, or organizing. With the rise in printing options and the sheer variety of stickers available, there\u2019s something out there for every need and style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s more, 90 years of innovations in materials and label printing techniques have made the stickers and labels of today more advanced than ever. You\u2019ll find everything from durable waterproof films and removable stickers to repositionable, block-out, and even holographic options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Avery, we continue to pioneer these changes. In 2014, we launched <a href=\"\/custom-printing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our custom printing business<\/a> as a direct-to-consumer platform, allowing customers to create and order custom labels with ease. Then in 2018, we introduced <a href=\"\/blank\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">blank label sheets available for online orders<\/a> with no minimums or set quantities, giving customers even more flexibility and convenience. Today, we offer high-quality stickers and labels that make life easier and more organized for everyone. Whether you\u2019re starting a small business, labeling your pantry, or managing your time with planner stickers, there\u2019s a sticker just right for you. And of course, you can still quickly and easily address envelopes with <a href=\"\/products\/labels\/5160\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the iconic Avery 5160 address label<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-stickers-are-made-today\">How stickers are made today<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stickers are typically made with three main components: facestock, adhesive, and release paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Facestock<\/strong> is the part of the sticker you see and can be a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and clear, white, holographic, and metallic films.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adhesive<\/strong> is generally on the back of the sticker and is what makes it stick. It can be permanent, removable, or repositionable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Release paper <\/strong>is the slick, shiny sheet that you peel off stickers before use. Wax paper, acetate, and paper coated with silicone polymers are all examples of release papers for stickers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-stickers\">Types of stickers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stickers come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes. However, these are the top 10 most common types of stickers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Custom Stickers<\/strong>: Fully customizable stickers that are perfect for branding, promotions, and personalized gifts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round Stickers<\/strong>: Available in various sizes, these circular stickers are ideal for seals, logos, and decorative purposes. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Square and Rectangular Stickers<\/strong>: These are versatile stickers you can use for labeling products, gift tags, or address labels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Glossy Stickers<\/strong>: Designed to stand out with a shiny finish, these stickers commonly serve as marketing materials, product packaging, and event promotions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Glossy Clear Stickers<\/strong>: Transparent stickers blend seamlessly with the surface, creating a clean, professional look. People often use them for branding, packaging, and sleek product labels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matte Stickers<\/strong>: With a smooth, non-reflective finish, matte stickers offer a more understated, elegant look. People commonly use them for labeling, scrapbooking, and other creative projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Removable Stickers<\/strong>: Designed for easy removal without residue, these stickers are perfect for temporary labeling, promotions, or projects requiring reusability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waterproof Stickers<\/strong>: Made to withstand moisture and outdoor conditions, these durable stickers ideally label items exposed to water or harsh environments, such as bottles, outdoor equipment, or gardening tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Planner Stickers<\/strong>: Fun, colorful stickers designed specifically for use with a personal planner or bullet journal to manage time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Label Stickers<\/strong>: Stickers specifically designed for labeling purposes, such as organizing storage containers, jars, or office supplies. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different labeling needs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size is-style-outline has-small-font-size is-style-outline--4\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/custom-printing\/labels\/material\/stickers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Avery Sticker Materials<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.avery.com\/image\/upload\/v1753470923\/1754367930_2026-01_Blog_History-of-Labels-When-Were-Stickers-Invented_Article_006_3000x1500.jpg\" alt=\"The image features vintage packaging for Avery self-adhesive file folder labels and an old instructional booklet. On the left is a small blue and white box labeled &quot;Avery self-adhesive file folder labels,&quot; showcasing its simple retro design. To the right is a bright yellow vintage paper goods booklet with the title, &quot;Bright Ideas to Make Bright Girls Shine at Filing.&quot; The cover includes a 1950s-style illustration of a woman organizing files, adding to the nostalgic feel of both products.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vintage Avery brand file folder labels and a marketing brochure circa the 1950s demonstrate how labels were integrated into the workplace.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cultural-impact-of-stickers-and-labels\">Cultural impact of stickers and labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stickers and labels are such a versatile and fun part of our lives, whether we realize it or not. They&#8217;ve certainly been a huge part of my life since my mom introduced me to address labels in the 90s. I saw firsthand how they helped her small business send professional mail more efficiently. Labels also help office professionals stay organized. They make it easy to identify and manage everything from documents to supplies. For small and medium-sized businesses, stickers can be a real game-changer as well. They add a professional touch to branding and packaging that makes a big impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And let\u2019s not forget the joy stickers bring in everyday life\u2014think of the memorable bumper stickers you&#8217;ve seen. Or maybe stickers you collected as a kid and traded or displayed with pride. Then there\u2019s the classic &#8220;Hello, my name is\u2026&#8221; name tags that we\u2019ve all used at events. They&#8217;re a simple yet powerful way to connect with others. Did you know that the iconic Avery &#8220;Hello, my name is&#8230;&#8221; stickers have even made their way into pop culture? They&#8217;ve shown up on many of our favorite TV shows and were referenced in a song by Eminem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-amazing-history-of-stickers-labels-and-all-of-us\">The amazing history of stickers, labels, and all of us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When Stan Avery invented stickers almost 100 years ago, did he know how big his place in the history of stickers would be? I truly don&#8217;t know, but what I do know is that stickers and labels are more than just a tool\u2014even for my mom just addressing envelopes in the 90s. For her, like many business owners before and after, they were a way to make her business look professional and stay organized. Regardless, Stan Avery&#8217;s legacy reaches down to us to this day through Avery products that continue to provide solutions with the same dedication that started it all. From helping small businesses create a polished image to offering simple tools for everyday organization, modern Avery products have become an integral part of both professional and personal life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is your favorite memory of using stickers or labels? Share with us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@averyproducts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TikTok<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Avery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">join the conversation on Facebook<\/a>, or share your projects using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/explore\/tags\/averyproducts\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#avery products on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From ancient Egyptian tags to the invention of self-adhesive labels, explore the fascinating history of labels and discover when stickers were first invented.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":27739,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2680],"tags":[4456,4170,4457,3829],"class_list":["post-21973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-avery-weprint","tag-history","tag-labels","tag-stan-avery","tag-stickers"],"blocksy_meta":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Amazing History of Labels: When Were Stickers Invented? - Avery Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In the history of labels, Avery is a name that&#039;s hard to miss. 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