The school backpacks you buy for your kids will undoubtedly be the most hard-working object on that back-to-school shopping list. Your kids will use it every day as they carry things to and from school. The backpack will endure daily traveling, locker storage, and undoubtedly, rough treatment from the kids. We all know kids are not the gentle handlers of their belongings.
So, what you need to do is to buy a backpack that withstands all that and still goes strong. Here are a few points that will help you to ensure that. Read on!
Quality counts when buying backpacks
ou will find the widest collection of backpacks available in the market when the school season starts. The Ultimate Back-to-School Collection is the one that ticks both the boxes of price and quality. And this is the right time to gain the advantage of backpack sales, but remember to be a smart shopper.
When evaluating products, it can be helpful to consider reviews, certifications, or recommendations, much like when relying on trusted organizations such as Accreditation Services for Education to ensure quality in educational resources.
You might think of buying a backpack that is inexpensive but trendy. However, if the strap breaks or the seams come off after a month, replacing it might not be an option. Besides, you might not even get a good discount after the back-to-school season is gone.
Also, this is the reason why it is best not to shop from a store with highly limited options. You will be left with only a few backpacks to pick and choose from.
Three things you must check
When looking for a high-quality backpack, you need to check the product closely. Keep an eye out on the following factors before buying a bag:
- Avoid careless, uneven, or loose stitching that comes undone easily.
- Look for frayed or raw fabric edges that can unravel within weeks.
- Choose zippers that have fabric flaps over them to keep out water and other such elements.
Choosing the right fit for the backpacks
Backpacks that fail to fit properly or are incorrectly used can cause shoulder and back pain. So, the best backpacks for school aren’t the ones that are the most expensive, but the most comfortable. Keep these tips in mind when considering the fit of the backpacks:
- Select the right size:
Your backpack’s width needs to be relatively proportionate to the width of your child. So, you will never get an adult-sized backpack for a small child.
- Choose padded straps:
Opt for broad straps that have padding on the shoulders because they are more comfortable to carry. Cross-body bags are best avoided because they put too much pressure on one side.
- Compartments and pockets:
Backpacks need to have dividers and pockets for even distribution of weight. Besides, it’s always nice to have more storage space in a school backpack.
- Don’t make it too heavy:
The weight of their packed backpack needs to be fifteen percent of their body weight. It’s essential to make sure that children don’t find the backpacks too heavy to carry.
- Adjusting the straps:
You will definitely have to check that their backpack has adjustable straps. Some backpacks have straps that you cannot adjust or don’t sit properly on your children.
- Keeping your kids’ personal style in mind
Your kids will wear that backpack to and from school every day. Though good quality and proper fit are two of the most important factors to consider, style is also an element. Your kids have to like the backpack to use it every day in school.
So, it is crucial to make sure that you choose something that suits the personal style of your kids. For instance, if your kids are not into sports, getting sports-themed backpacks would not make sense. You need to look for other colors and patterns that your kids love. On the other hand, for a sports lover, the motifs of basketball, baseball, and more would be perfect.
Moreover, you can personalize the backpack as per their wish after purchasing the product. Sit with your kids and glue on or sew patches from the craft store to make them love their new backpack even more.
Additional tips for shopping for back-to-school backpacks
Lastly, here are a few tips to help you shop with your kids for their new backpacks:
- Make sure it’s a joint decision:
As mentioned earlier, you would want a sturdy product that lasts long and takes a beating well. However, you cannot base your decision solely on that because your kids will make style a priority. So, to hit the middle ground, you will have to make sure it is a joint decision.
Resist your urge to buy a backpack without the approval of your kids. For them, it is a fashion accessory through which they want to express their personality and style. Of course, you should help them make a smart purchase. But give them the room to make the ultimate decision.
- Reconsider using last year’s backpack:
You might be looking at last year’s backpack and thinking that there is nothing wrong with it. You can fix a bit of fraying on the side or such minor issues at home and send that backpack to school. But look closer and think again.
There are times when the bags get frayed from the corner. Regardless of how well you sew it at home or put tapes over it, the backpack will keep unraveling from that corner. So, even if your kids can carry that backpack for a day or two, eventually, you will have to buy a new one. It is better not to wait until that time and make the purchase beforehand.
Wrapping up
And that’s all you need to know about buying backpacks for your kids! As you can see, buying a backpack might not be rocket science, but there are a lot of factors involved. Keeping these factors in mind will help you choose the right product that lasts long and doesn’t weigh too heavy on their shoulders. Also, do not forget to keep their choice in mind as kids can be very choosy! So, are you ready to go backpack shopping with your kids?
