Children’s Backpacks
My three-year-old just started nursery school this month (and it’s been a harrowing experience). One thing he does seem to like about school is his backpack.
The backpack he’s using for school is a Miki House blue denim backpack that was given to him when we lived in Japan. It’s just big enough for a change of clothing, a handkerchief, a cup, and two tissue packs - one wet and one dry. On the loop handle, we’ve attached a beaded key chain my husband got him that spells out his name.
The other kids in the class, though, have brightly colored backpacks displaying characters from Barbie to Thomas the Tank Engine. Most are more than half the kids’ height and threaten to topple the kids over when they’re worn. Choosing backpacks is an art especially for older kids who have a lot more things to carry to school - homework, pencil cases, textbooks, lunch, etc.
What do you look for in a kids backpack?
ETA: Project Backpack is collecting backpacks and school supplies for children affected by Hurricane Katrina.
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POSTED IN: General Play Library Goodies
9 opinions for Children’s Backpacks
Qadira
Sep 10, 2005 at 11:14 am
Wide padded shoulder straps are vital when your child reaches the upper elementary grades and has to carry books back & forth in order to do homework in the evenings. When my son was little, he wanted the flashy bright movie character backpacks (Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh, etc). Now he likes the ones that look like mountaineering packs. The more pouches, zippers, expandable straps, pockets, and gadgets it has, the better.
Lei
Sep 11, 2005 at 4:55 am
Q, I like those super-trekking backpacks too! The one I used to use for pseudo-hikes doubled as a diaper bag. :D
river2sea72
Sep 12, 2005 at 8:37 pm
I just found a store that sells the cutest whimsical backpacks (flower themes or sports themes) and will embroider the child’s name on the flap for an extra charge.
We also have one with a handle and wheels. I’ve noticed those are getting more common. Good idea. I could have saved my back a lot of pain if I’d only had wheels!
Leslie
Sep 12, 2005 at 9:25 pm
Alan has a backpack which he doesn’t carry - I do. It’s a 3/4 size one that I got at Children’s Place. We got the matching lunchbox to it also. It’s just red and blue with reflective tape.
Lei
Sep 13, 2005 at 12:06 am
Hi river2sea72 and Leslie! Thanks for the comments. The variety of children’s backpacks astounds me. Kids have way too many choices nowadays (says the crotchety old lady on the porch).
Kristina Chew
Sep 13, 2005 at 12:40 am
After two years with a fluorescent green LL Bean pack, Charlie has a new one, blue with a shark and his name (the previous one had his initials). I find "old" backpacks imminently useful, to transport beach gear, daytrip riff raff, the changes of clothes and snacks and water bottles we can never do without. Talk about recycling!
Lei
Sep 13, 2005 at 1:29 am
Hey Kristina! Thanks for dropping by. :) We have quite a few old backpacks lying around too waiting for the day when we can take some day trips out of the city. We have backpacks dating back to college that have too much nostalgic value to toss or give away.
Parentingjoy
Sep 13, 2005 at 2:29 am
Ergonomic backpacks are very popular here due to heavy school bags. They cost hundreds of dollars!
Lei
Sep 13, 2005 at 3:10 am
Parentingjoy, I remember being shocked at how much standard leather backpacks are in Japan. Also hundreds of dollars and don’t look ergonomic in the least! Apparently, they’re traditionally given by grandparents.
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