I use a diaper bag, lol. (To be fair, it's a really nice kate spade canvas one). The bottle pockets on the end hold my water bottle and my umbrella, and the middle holds a laptop and piles of papers. The oodles of pockets are great for pens and index cards and such.

I use mostly free bags given out at various places. The one I have been using for the last few years was given to us at a PD by a book publishing company. I would much rather have money or a gift card than a bag.

Anonymous wrote:I'm no longer a teacher, but I used a Longchamp bag for years. It's nylon so it cleans up really well, holds a lot and is really durable. Later, it doubled as a diaper bag and even now, 12 years later, it's still in pretty good shape.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Longchamp-Le-Pliage-Large-Shoulder-Tote-Bag-Classic-Colors/prod148200074/p.prod?srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=43-37563324-2&ecid=NMCIGoogleProductAds

My aunt gave me a longchamp tote for a big birthday years ago. I'm not really a fancy purse person, but I've gotten a ton of use out of it over the years.

I just have to chime in that I think this is such a wonderful gesture. I've used everything from a nice purse to reusable grocery bags to nonreusable plastic grocery bags to tote my grading around in, but I still remember fondly the first bag my mother gave me when I got my first job. It's a very thoughtful gift!

scout bags are so so cute. The have lunch bags and about everything you would want!

LL Bean canvas tote

Duluth Trading Company has some great bags suitable for teachers:

http://women.duluthtrading.com/store/womens/womens-accessories/tote-bags/wm-bags.aspx

I'd get her a lands end tote and a nice purse. You can find some nice purses at tjmaxx for 100-150 and the tote is about 35.

Anonymous wrote:I'm no longer a teacher, but I used a Longchamp bag for years. It's nylon so it cleans up really well, holds a lot and is really durable. Later, it doubled as a diaper bag and even now, 12 years later, it's still in pretty good shape.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Longchamp-Le-Pliage-Large-Shoulder-Tote-Bag-Classic-Colors/prod148200074/p.prod?srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=43-37563324-2&ecid=NMCIGoogleProductAds

+1 I love it and it is one of the only bag that I would there giving to someone (cannot see someone not having a use for it).

Anonymous wrote:What if I give a more practical bag like you all suggest and a nice wallet/ wristlet? I want to give her something she will like and won't be able to afford for herself right away.

Sounds great!

What if I give a more practical bag like you all suggest and a nice wallet/ wristlet? I want to give her something she will like and won't be able to afford for herself right away.

I'm no longer a teacher, but I used a Longchamp bag for years. It's nylon so it cleans up really well, holds a lot and is really durable. Later, it doubled as a diaper bag and even now, 12 years later, it's still in pretty good shape.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Longchamp-Le-Pliage-Large-Shoulder-Tote-Bag-Classic-Colors/prod148200074/p.prod?srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=43-37563324-2&ecid=NMCIGoogleProductAds

Yeah, the one she's lugging around everything in will be worn out. But a really cute work bag for conferences and interviews would be great.

I wouldn't go crazy with an overly expensive bag as I have found that I am pretty hard on my work bags as a teacher.

My niece will graduate this spring with a degree in education and I would like to get her a bag for her first real job. What would you suggest? Budget is under $300 if possible, but I will splurge if the bag is amazing.