I don't go for expensive ones in case they lose them. Although they haven't lost many. Our Target ones last a couple years. The kids love having characters on their backpacks (Toy Story, Ninjago, Star Wars).

I take him to store of my choice and let him choose.

Anonymous wrote:My 1st grader wants to choose a horrible, cheap, tacky cartoon themed backpack and I want something tasteful. I know I shouldn't make a big deal out of it, but I can't help it. What should I do?

He is the one who is going to be using it, so let him choose. Little boys have their own style and taste.

Anonymous wrote:My 1st grader wants to choose a horrible, cheap, tacky cartoon themed backpack and I want something tasteful. I know I shouldn't make a big deal out of it, but I can't help it. What should I do?

He is the one who is going to be using it, so let him choose. Little boys have their own style and taste.

I let my kids pick their backpacks/lunchboxes. But I do veto something that looks like it won't work (wrong size, not durable enough, etc).

I wouldn't restrict them to solid colors or anything, that's so boring. There's plenty of time for that when they have to be "professional."

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks for the responses, I think I will just have to suffer through this. I tried today to get him to select an ll bean bag, but it was a no go. My fault for taking him back to school shopping at target and letting him see the wall of brightly colored backpacks, before buying his sensible bag!

Good for you OP. I am glad you are going to let him have his backpack. It is a big deal to have a "cool" backpack at this age. If you are still in the buying stage I highly recommend Crocodile Creek backpacks. They have them on Amazon. My son got a nice one of a dragon and a knight. The backpack is sturdy and just right for his size. Besides the dragon and knight option, they also have a robot one, and two dinosaur choices.

We get a new one each year, so yes, I let them pick. If it falls apart because it's cheap before the year is over, I'm fine with picking up a new one. If it falls apart because they're dragging on on the floor by a strap, then at least part of the cost of a new one comes out of their allowance.

OP here, thanks for the responses, I think I will just have to suffer through this. I tried today to get him to select an ll bean bag, but it was a no go. My fault for taking him back to school shopping at target and letting him see the wall of brightly colored backpacks, before buying his sensible bag!

Yes my kids pick their own. If they were hauling heavy books I would say they would need a better quality backpack. A first grader doesn't have heavy books and they are still young. I say let them pick something they like.

Yes - backpacks and lunch boxes are a right of passage, as in most kids remember their first few. They have all of their school and college years to own the Jansports, LL Beans etc. Why not let him have this one in Sept if it isn't too expensive. It may end up lasting, as 1st graders aren't always carrying home big texts but rather folders, worksheets etc. If it falls apart, then you can always get him a llbean or whatever in a few months -- and in a few months, he won't see all the other fun backpacks on the shelves since those tend to disappear after back to school time.

No. Something durable in solid colors. They can choose among the color choices (lands end, ll bean, etc. )

No, not at that age. When they are older and have allowances/savings, they can use that to pay for something I find painful to spend my own money on. You will be amazed how quickly they say your choice is just fine with them. It makes them become more thoughtful about purchases.

I give them a choice among those that I like. If you want to get one that will last a long time and this one will fall apart, I think you can say no. If you just think it's ugly (but not offensive), then you have to get it now that he knows about it.

Suck it up. I know exactly how you feel though! I HATE that stuff, but my boys adore it. Such is life.

My 1st grader wants to choose a horrible, cheap, tacky cartoon themed backpack and I want something tasteful. I know I shouldn't make a big deal out of it, but I can't help it. What should I do?