Is anyone else wondering where June went? I am pretty sure my kids JUST got out of school and know I am staring July smack in the face…
And with July comes thoughts of back to school. Here in Texas, we start in August but with the stores moving up there end of season sales earlier and earlier, the pressure to prep for the next school year hits in July for me. Luckily my kids are still at the age where the PTO school packet happily covers the supply shopping but we still have to think about restocking the closet with clothes that fit and, of course, we have to assess the backpack situation.
And come on, backpacks and lunch boxes are pretty much THE accessories of the elementary and preschool set. For the kids, it is all about who has what character or pattern. But for me – or really, my husband – it is all about what backpack will last until college. And while I have been able to convince my other half that a new backpack every few years should be allowed to make them excited about heading back to school, we do try to get at least 2 years or more out of them…
So when you take that and add in the fact that we have 4 kids, well, we’ve tried a few… So while not my usual photography wisdom, I thought I would share our favorites for those of you scratching your head at all the options…
Pottery Barn Kids: Y’all, I know that there are a lot of people who don’t want to buy into the cliche of PBK, but I’m just not one of them. The backpacks are solidly made, cute as anything and my kids love them. I am a big fan of the smallest size for 2-4year olds… but only if you don’t have to pack a lunch and a change of clothes or rest time loveys etc. These fit one or the other. But the beauty is your little one can totally carry them on their own and OMG is that cute or what. My oldest had this style when we lived in NYC and she was out of school before lunch time. It was perfect. If your little goes to preschool through lunch, then I recommend going up a size so that you can fit everything into it. Because let’s be real, if you end up having to carry it, you only want one thing to carry. Amiright?!
OhMint!: Y’all, I LOVE these seersucker backpacks with a monogram or name added. They are just crazy cute. The same tip applies in regards to size on these. I have one of the smallest for each of my boys and they serve as the “diaper bag” that goes where ever they go. My 3 year old gets a change of clothes and a snack in his and the baby gets his diapers, wipes, nursing cover and teething needs in his. They are small enough that I can toss them into a large tote and easily remove all the baby gear when I head out without them, which I love. All that said, my Little Lion used his the past two years for preschool – when he did not need to haul his rest mat back and forth, it was the perfect size for his lunch bow, two diapers, water bottle, and snack. He was also allowed to leave his rest time stuffed animal at school – all of which was great his first year. The second year he used it, his class required him to bring his stuffed animal and extra clothes each day and that put us over the top of being able to fit everything in. And I am big believer in just one bag – 4 kids, remember ;). So again, even if you have a tiny one, consider the medium size for school purposes.
Ralph Lauren: I feel like this was an untapped gem to stumble upon. I never would have thought to buy a back pack from RL but when I saw the adorable ones on sale before summer started a few years back, I snatched one up for each of the girls. Y’all, these things lasted and got used hard! I mean, drug across floors, tossed onto the concrete and just generally abused and they held up awesome. So well that I was shocked when 3 years later a seam busted on my Monkey’s leading us into a last minute scramble 3 days before school started last fall. But my other daughter is going on year 4 with hers and it still looks brand new thanks to occasional washes in the washing machine.
Hanna Andersson: So when the RL busted, we did not have time before the first day for my usual ordering online so it was a quick run to see what was available at the Houston Galleria. This was another unforeseen jackpot – I super love my daughter’s Hanna backpack. Just like their clothes, they are built to last kids and still look awesome. We are only 1 year into this backpack so I cannot speak to how long it will last us but there is definitely no need for a new one this year.
So those are my favorites. We have had some others, none that I would all out avoid but I totally give all of these gold stars. What are your favorite brands for backpacks?
(PS: no affiliate links here, just old fashioned tips for my tribe)
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