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The search for the perfect backpack or messenger bag is the most important (and dramatic) part of our back-to-school shopping experience.  Even though my oldest is in 8th grade, I am not an expert in backpack shopping.  I'll give you some of my advice and what has worked for us.  But I have found that as the kids get older, what they like to carry for school changes dramatically from year to year.

Backpacks for Preschoolers
They don't really need a backpack but their older sis or brother has one so you get them one.  Here are some suggestions for the wee packs:

• Little Packrats - I raved about this brand in my post on lunchboxes.  Little Packrats has a wide variety of backpacks for little kids that are awesome.  My girls were in love with horses when they were younger and I got them a great horse backpack. There are also dog, dino and other backpacks for the wee kids.

Backpacks for Young Kids (Kindergarten to 4th Grade)
Here are some of my suggestions for good, solid backpacks for younger kids:

• Lands' End - You just really can't go wrong with a Lands' End backpack. They are made well and will last the whole year.  I love these backpacks and have purchased one nearly every year.
• Jansport - Another no-brainer for school backpacks.  Jansport makes a wide variety of backpacks for all ages and sizes.  The price is usually very reasonable and for under $25 you can get a great backpack that will last at least one year.  Jansport brand products can be found at sporting goods stores and at Target.
• Miquelrius Agatha Ruiz - If you have a "girly girl," look no further than this brand of backpacks.  Bright colors and cool designs make this a hot backpack and at a cool price!
• Fancy but Awesome - If you don't mind spending more cash on a backpack for a kid, Kipling makes great bags that really last.  Kipling bags are pricey but good quality and they last forever.  Bonus -- each one has a monkey key chain thingy which is like gold for girls.  Don't ask me to explain it.

What Not to Buy-My Opinion
Rolling backpacks and other trendy backpacks. This is just my opinion based on our experience but one thing we learned was that rolling backpacks don't work.  It sounds good in theory and for about a week it works.  But bringing the rolling backpacks to school is tough for kids if they have to use stairs and the rolling backpacks are pretty bulky, hard to put in a locker or cubby.  We tried the rolling backpack thing and I've discussed with other families who had the same experience we did.  Resist the urge to purchase the rolling backpacks, no matter how much they beg.  Same goes for the "water-hydration packs" and the "iPod" backpacks.  Don't spend the money on the extra trends as it will be "out" as soon as you buy it.  Get a sturdy one and if it's not big enough to carry all the books home... your kid has too many books to carry home. I have gotten used school books, purchased online, to save my kids from having to carry the books back and forth. It's insane how much they have to carry and this is one solution but that's another story.

Sad but True-Bullet Proof Backpacks
I just had to add this to the post because it's so sad that there is even a need for a backpack that is BULLET PROOF.   Click on the the link above to see the information about this subject.  Real life is sometimes much stranger than anything on TV or the movies.