So often back-to-school shopping starts with school book bags. But if you buy your kids the right school book bags, you shouldn't need to buy new ones every year.
Sometimes you save money on school supplies by finding deals every year. And sometimes, as with school book bags and lunchboxes, you save on back-to-school shopping by spend more one year and reusing for years to come.
More Tips: Back-to-School Survival Guide
Shopping for School Book Bags
When shopping for school book bags that will last your child from year to year, think about these considerations:
- Durability
- Long-lasting appeal
- Comfort
- Size
- Useful features
- School specifications
Scroll down to find book bags that fit the bill or see more on how to choose a school book bag.
The Children's Place Backpack
Pricegrabber
I bought my daughter a floral-print backpack from The Children's Place when she was 3 and going into preschool. Going into third grade she was still happily using it.
The Children's Place original patterns for both boys and girls make them interesting, but they don't become dated like bookbags with TV characters. And though I didn't spend much on the backpack, it has lasted for 5 years without a tear or any other signs of wear. I just throw it in the washer once a year.
L.L. Bean Backpacks
Love it when things match? Shop for L.L. Bean Lunch Boxes.
Jansport Mesh Backpack
Wildkin Horse Dreams Book Bags
Pricegrabber
These school book bags are sized for preschoolers through second graders, so they are not too much for the little ones. And they comes in lots of styles for both boys and girls: astronauts, planes, trains & trucks, butterfly, princess, construction, fairies, firemen, polk dots and pirates. Also shop for matching lunchboxes or for Wildkin messenger book bags.
JanSport Big Student Pack
These roomy book bags come in dozens of colors and patterns that won't go out of style anytime soon. And that's good because its sturdy construction means they may be around for several years.
They have two main compartments plus a front pocket with an organizer and a headphone cord port. Other features include an S-curved straps, zippered accessory pocket, a front stash pocket and a handle with reinforced hold on the top of the pack.
Olympia Rolling Backpack
Pricegrabber
When kids have to haul home several heavy books each day, wheeled book bags can be a back saver. But the wheels add weight, so if they are not necessary, better to go without. But if your child needs the extra help, these book bags come in multiple colors, including pink.
Large Vera Bradley Backpacks
Pricegrabber
Large, in the case of these Vera Bradley book bags, means larger than the purse-size backpacks of the designer. At 11.25" x 14.25" x 5.25" (with 31.5" adjustable straps) these backpacks are fairly standard-sized school backpacks. These padded, fabric book bags are not quite as durable as canvas, but hardier than you might first think. But girls will love the style for years to come. Shop for matching lunchboxes
Leather Backpack
Stacks and Stacks
