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Met with a chilly morning earlier this week, I was quickly reminded that summer is coming to a close. Along with the slow change in weather, the back-to-school flyers that are accumulating in my mailbox gave me a not-so-subtle reminder that fall is upon us.
The start of the school year can be a stressful time for parents and students alike; some children may be headed into the classroom for the first time ever, while more seasoned high schoolers need to make sure they’re up to date on every recent trend, and at the helm of it all, parents take on the responsibility of setting their child’s nerves at ease. This school year, take some stress out of back to school preparations by securing the perfect backpack for your child with our recommendations below that encapsulate a range of styles for a range of ages.
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First Timers:
School can be daunting for little tykes separated from their parents for the first time. Keep your first-timer’s nerves at bay with a backpack that will make them feel like an official “big kid” and even tuck in a few comfort objects that remind them of home.
Made from repurposed fabric for a one-of-a-kind end result, the Dimi Backpack from Cotopaxi’s “Del “Día” collection is perfect for little adventurers. Showcasing a patchwork combination of multicolored fabric, these packs are aesthetically exciting and make a great school bag for first-time students due to features like ergonomic shoulder straps, side pockets for water bottles, and a slew of interior accessories pockets for snacks, school supplies, or whatever else your young scholar may need throughout the day.
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Offered in a seemingly endless range of colors, prints, and finishes, this backpack from State is bound to match your little’s personal style. Want to take the personalization even further? Add on a unique monogram up to six characters long for an extra cost. A spacious main pocket keeps the bulk of your new student’s belongings at the ready, while side and interior zipper pockets help to promote organization while offering even more storage space.
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A timeless classic, and for good reason, L.L. Bean’s child-size backpack truly embodies the “don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” sentiment. Serving students since 1982, this backpack was built to withstand the rough-and-tough nature that comes with being in the six to nine age range. Constructed from rugged, weatherproof polyester and equipped with extra-tough zippers, this durable backpack is the ultimate affordable option.
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Stuck in the Middle:
Anyone who has children who are tweens, teens, and everything in between knows how confusing of a time this can be. While they’re not yet adults, but don’t feel like children anymore, it can be difficult for teenagers to find pieces that they’re excited about. Pleasantly surprise your otherwise temperamental child with a tasteful backpack upgrade this school year to get on their good side – even if it’s just momentarily.
Perfect for the pre-teen that isn’t quite ready to give up on color entirely, this playful flap top pack by Topo Designs subtly mixes sophistication with functionality for the entrance to middle school that lies ahead. Whether you opt for a colorblocked pack, or keep things simple with one solid color, this backpack has every organizational feature you could think of to ensure junior high runs smoothly. An internal padded laptop sleeve, side water bottle pockets, and a zipper pouch on the front of the bag create space for advanced school supplies that weren’t needed during elementary school.
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Merging a fashion forward design with practical features, your child is sure to be the envy of their class with this adorable backpack. Through mixing textures and design patterns, this otherwise simple backpack has a certain visual interest about itself. Cargo-net inspired elastic side pockets and intercepting front zipper pockets make this bag stand out from others on the market, and muted colors make it the perfect option for tweens looking to ditch their brightly colored elementary school backpack.
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As a brand with Swedish origins, Fjällräven is first and foremost focused on simplicity and practicality. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have fun with their product offerings. With a rainbow of colors to choose from, the Kånken backpack’s unique rectangular shape allows it to hold similarly rectangular school essentials, such as folders and a laptop, in a seamless fashion.
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Too Cool for School:
By the time your child reaches high school, chances are they’ll want yet another new backpack. While having fun is so fun, it can feel so very “grown up” to use a sophisticated-looking backpack as opposed to the printed, extra colorful bags of years’ past.
Although intended to be a diaper bag, as its name implies, this bag is a fantastic “everyday backpack.” Equipped with 13 storage pockets, easy access to interior contents, and a separate cushioned sleeve perfect for a laptop, this backpack is designed to keep up with those who wear it. Highly stain resistant fabric and stunning gold and silver hardwear keep this backpack looking fresh and bring a mature vibe about it.
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Extremely recognizable without heavy branding or excessive logos, MZ Wallace has full ownership over the “it-bag” factor. Adorned in the brand’s signature quilted texture, this backpack is as functional as it is fashion forward featuring a laptop sleeve, phone pocket, a detachable pouch for extra storage, and even a luggage sleeve should your studious child have any college visits on their horizon.
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Just about as adorable as it gets, this puffy backpack by CALPAK is sure to garner countless compliments, quickly making you parent-of-the-year for securing it for your high schooler. Offered in a handful of classic muted colors, along with a limited selection of unique colors, there’s no wrong option when it comes to the Luka Laptop. Lightweight, stylish, and overfilled with separate pockets and compartments for laptops and extra shoes, this bag will be in-use far beyond the high school halls.
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During the BTS season this year having confidence knowing that no matter what happens after the first school bus ride, one thing is for certain: you’ll be parent-of-the-year in your child’s eyes for getting them ready for their first day with the best backpack ever.
