Backpack, new every year?

[Anonymous]

Jansport Trans backpacks are reasonably priced and last for years. Agree that a new backpack every year is wasteful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So DH and I are in a debate about backpacks. He wants DS (who is entering Kindergarten in September) to get a backpack that is plain so it can be used several years. I want to get something that he’ll think is fun (like his favorite characters) and get a new one every year since his tastes will change or the backpack wears out.

How do you handle backpacks?

Depends on what you want to teach your kids. Do you want to teach them to use products for a long time or to replace products frequently?

He will see both camps when he goes to school and you can help him choose the camp that aligns with your view of things.

Sounds like you and DH have different ideas so settle in among yourselves first and then present to kid. Don't put him in the middle.

This issue will arise in may areas constantly so consider the backpack issue practice for how to handle mom and dad disagreement if all kinds going forward.

[Anonymous]

We do good backpacks that last a few years. Im actually begging my rising sophomore to pick out a new backpack -- even the same one is fine -- but he's resisting because "this one still works." He's had it since 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The character backpacks are cheap and won’t last a whole school year. Get a quality, smaller backpack to use for kindergarten through second grade, and then revisit in third grade. My son is a senior in high school and I think he’s on his third backpack, ever.

This

[Anonymous]

Bought my kid a PBK backpack before starting K. It's not plain, but doesn't scream "little kid" – he's headed into 5th with the same backpack that is only a little bit worse for wear. I never expected it to last 6 years, but here we are. He will definitely get a new one before middle school, but I see no reason to replace something that he likes (because I've asked) and is still in good shape.

[Anonymous]

Bought my kid a large PBK backpack and it is 5 years old and we will use it for year 6! He always had to put his lunch box and winter coat in it at school, so they all suggested a large backpack from the beginning.

[Anonymous]

My rising 9th grader is finally getting a new backpack. He’s had the same LLBean one since elementary school and it’s still in great condition, but he wants one with a laptop sleeve for HS.

[Anonymous]

Kids grow so much in the early elementary years, you need to think about the size of the bag. What he can carry comfortable in 3rd or 5th grade is going to be as big as he is this year. I’d go for fun for a couple years, then switch to something longer lasting at least by middle school (and then again for high school).

[Anonymous]

I have 2 kids in middle school and we’ve done every 2 years

[Anonymous]

Consumerism and wastefulness will be the death of this country. OP, please get one he will use for several years.

[Anonymous]

Backpack #1 small - before K
Backpack #2 medium - k-5
Backpack #3 large - 6-(currently 7 and 9)

We sized up as the need for volume increased (bigger jackets, devices) not because the packs wore out. They still have and use the smaller packs (day hikes, vacation).

Good suggestion above to get character or themed lunch boxes, rain boots, jackets, etc. since they outgrow those anyway.

[Anonymous]

Use it till it wears out, gets lost or is too small to meet his needs. The cheap siderman one from Target will likely wear out much faster then the LL Bean one thoug. We went with the plainer LL Bean ones but if I knew my 5 year old would be super excited for a particular theme I might do it.

[Anonymous]

Get one that will last several years. If they want something that reflects their current interests, get some keychains to hang on it. My DD is finally getting a new one in 6th grade. The old one lasted all through elementary.

[Anonymous]

I got roller backpacks for my twins last year when they entered Kinder, they have been well used, I think there might be a few more months left for them. We will probably get new ones during winter break. Just change backpacks as needed, there is no rules....

[Anonymous]

Plain color, with initials in a weird contrasting color (like neon yellow). If you get an LL Bean one, there will be a million other kids with the same backpack, so you want to be able to find theirs at pickup (or make sure you kid brings home their own).