When it comes to back-to-school shopping, there is a definite divide between how parents and kids view the experience. As a member of the former party, you may feel anywhere from annoyed to genuinely terrified at the thought of re-stocking your child’s supply of various writing instruments (it’s never just a pack of pencils anymore), organizational must-haves (binders upon folders upon notepads), and endless “necessary” accessories (pencil pouch, tape dispenser, paper clips…) — not to mention the all-important back-to-school wardrobe. For those on the other side, though (i.e. our children), these seemingly insignificant things hold the power to make or break an entire school year (socially speaking). So, if your little one is just a little stubborn about her need for that lunch bag, think back to the time in your own life when sitting at the right lunch table was, well…everything, and you may not find her argument so illogical. In turn, use the back-to-school shopping experience as a way to teach her about budgeting and making smart purchases — check out these tips from experts at TD Bank. Second only to the first-day-of-school outfit in terms of important back-to-school items has to be the backpack. Here are some cool new options your little student might like:
K-3 Standout
Raskullz, the brand known for its 3-D bike helmets for kids, has brought its motley crew of characters to a new 3-D backpack line. Kids can choose to cart around Cutie Cat (pictured), Buggins (the lady bug), Radgon (the…dinosaur?), or Shark Attax, in several different colors. With their high-def, three-dimensional features, these bags are sure to stand out in the schoolyard. $26.99; c-preme.com/raskullz/backpacks.html(also available in Target stores).
Middle School Style
X Games champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White (well known to all fans of snowboarding and extreme sports) introduced backpacks to his eponymous apparel line for Target this year. White and his brother Jesse design the line together, drawing from their interests in skateboarding, snowboarding, music, travel, and art. At $44.99, the line’s backpacks are big enough to carry a laptop and durable enough to hold up to 33 pounds. See the full line at target.com.
The Classic
JanSport Backpacks never seem to go out of style. These bags are comfy to carry and come in classic as well as trendy prints and colors. They’re a safe bet for just about any age group because of their clean shape, durability, impressive storage capacity. And here’s the best part (for parents, anyway): Each bag comes with a lifetime warranty. Browse the full line at jansport.com or shop the newest styles at Staples stores or staples.com(prices start at $45.99).
The Custom
If your kid’s the type to take offense when a classmate copies his style, consider this: a fully customizable backpack, right down to the zipper and (optional) monogram. The Forever Frogs line of individually designed bags was created by a mom in honor of her daughter, who lost her life to a brain cancer at the age of 5. A portion of proceeds from each bag is donated to The Payton Wright Foundation to help other families battling pediatric brain cancer. Backpacks start at $69; see all available colors, prints, and designs at foreverfrogs.com.
