Yo, woe’s up with the back to school shopping list? In the good ‘ole days, all we had to do was show up with a few crayons and a number 2 pencil. Now, mom’s gotta fill her SUV with reams of paper, wipes and glue sticks ‘til she can’t see out the windows. Where’s the fun in that? The only thread of enjoyment we have left is shopping for the back to school kids backpack.
Thankfully there’s a ton to choose from, from the sporty to the outdoorsy to cute, clever, colorful and adorable. So carry on and let the fun shopping times begin. (Did we leave you wanting more? Check out our Pinterest Board for even more of our top gear picks here.)
They’ll get right down to business with this backpack. No intros necessary. ($50, by Sprayground, see website for additional colors)
Hoopster alert! This pack’s a slam dunk and comes complete with a hoop for downtime. ($28.10, available at Marcia’s Attic for Kids, 29N Dean Street, (201) 894-5701)
Make separation easier when you let them take an Uglydoll along for the ride with “My First Backpack” from Lands’ End. Roomy enough for a lovey, sippy and a change of clothes, and includes the kid fave. ($39, available from Lands’ End, with monogramming available, in various patterns)
Teens and tweens (and mamas) will love Longchamp’s new version of the classic Le Pliage. Completely customizable down to the color combination and monogram, there’s no risk of copycats! (starting at $150, available at Longchamp)
Soft, roomy and cool. Diesel brings it in Khaki for your little guy. ($89, Available at Pumpkin and Bean, 55N Dean Street, Englewood, 201-503-9001)
Let them go highlighter happy with this scented pack, including lemon, berry and orange- sure to keep reading fun. ($4.95 for a set of six, available at Paper Source)
Lands’ End new MadBox lunchbox was invented by kids, for kids. With a neat insert that keeps the cool food cool and leaves the room temp items alone, mama can include all their favorite eats. ($35, available from Lands’ End in various colors and patterns)
She wants something she can adorn. We like this option from Zara Terez, with plenty of room to hang her charms. ($56.50, Available at Marcia’s Attic for Kids, 29N Dean Street, available at Marcia’s Attic for Kids, 29N Dean Street, (201) 894-5701)
A science buff does not a geek make- they can still be cool and wow their pals with this glow-in-the-dark backpack.($55, by Sprayground, available in other colors)
We love these lunchbox cold packs and patterned lunch skins, sure to give even picky eaters an appetite. ($9 for cold packs $10 for lunch skins, available at Pottery Barn Kids)
Dino spikes were so 2011, go with bubbles this year. ($60, Available at Pumpkin and Bean, 55N Dean Street, Englewood, 201-503-9001)
