Shop like a Pro: Backpacks
The Star's Shop-Like-a-Pro columnist Angela Koszuta went on the hunt for this year's best backpacks.
Tie dye mini backpack by Crocodile Creed. Available at Olly Shoes. $29.95
Skull print messenger bag. Available at Gap Kids. $29.50
Peace heart pattern pack. Available at Old Navy. $15
Plaid Drifter backpack for Ogio. Call 1-800-678--314 or visit www.ogio.com for retailers.
Yellow Swiss Athletics backpack. Available in three colour combinations at Zellers. $19.97
MacKenzie polka dot backpack. Available at Pottery Barn Kids. www.potterybarnkids.ca (no monogramming service available in Canada). $55
Personalized camo print bag. Available at www.younameitbaby.com. Custom embroidery costs $6. $33.99
Dabbawalla doggie backpack/tote. Available at www.kidsbynature.ca. $34.98
Blue and red Barney Rustle messenger bag. Available at Crumpler, 831 Queen St. West. or www.crumpler.ca $109.99
Zoo mini bag by Skip Hop. Bee design shown, but comes in various animal designs. Available at Indigo and Chapters Stores and Hello Sunshine, 5 High Park Ave., www.hello-sunshine.com $25
For more on the return to school, peruse our Back to School Section.
I recommend Mountain Equipment Co-op bags. Highly durable! I have see my kid throw it on the ground, toss it in the air and use it as a seat. Still going strong.
Posted by: J Zuk | September 02, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Nice looking packs, but will they last the year? My son has been using the same backpack for 2 years from MEC and it's still in great shape. This year we bought a pack from MEC for our daughter because she went through a few packs from other retailers in the last couple of years. MEC's backpacks are tough and reasonably priced.
Posted by: Greg Devitt | September 02, 2010 at 01:05 PM
I'm a little surprised that you featured a bag that you can have personalized. Any stranger can call a child and act like they know them.
Posted by: J | September 02, 2010 at 01:11 PM
Why would any parent buy their kid a backpack with their name embroidered on it? This is exactly the type of thing that they've been warning parents against for decades as it makes kids an easier target for pedophiles.
Posted by: DSo | September 02, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Watch out for 'stranger danger'... don't even get me started on how ridiculous this is.
Posted by: Alberto White | September 02, 2010 at 03:22 PM
We have found Roots backpacks to be very durable. They are available at Toys R Us for $20, good value. I also agree with the question of having a child's name so prominently placed on the backpack, best to have it on the inside, that's just common sense.
Posted by: LJ | September 02, 2010 at 03:41 PM
LL Bean packs are the best! My daughter's is in its second year and machine-washed up well.
Posted by: laurie_hayden@hotmail.com | September 02, 2010 at 06:53 PM
I would NEVER put a child's name on their back pack. It would be on the inside where they can't see it. If anything on the outside, only an intial.
Posted by: Ang | September 03, 2010 at 06:20 AM