Vera Bradley shopping help for 13yo

[mrsbornkuntry]

I had no idea my DD wanted one until we were in the SOG gift shop last week and she pointed out the Vera Bradley purses and said she wanted one (until she saw the price--she would've had to spend her own money). So I'm looking at the sale ones on their website for a Christmas present and I have no idea which one to get her, I asked her what she'd carry in it and she said "my wallet and stuff" so not much help there, I'm guessing just some personal hygeine items. Can anyone help me? What is a good size for that age (she'll be in 8th grade, middle school)? Also, is one pattern more popular than others? I'd really rather stick to the sale, I was looking at the meditarranean blue, raspberry fizz, or pinwheel pink.

She also mentioned wanting a lunch box this year (I guess kids in her school still bring their lunch), does the Vera Bradley one hold much?

And most importantly, does anyone have a code? TIA .

 

[cepmom]

my DD11 carries the Maggie style. She just puts her wallet and other small things in there. She also wants one of the tote type bags for her books for next year, but I'm still looking into that. DD has the raspberry fizz Maggie bag and the pinwheel pink cosmetic bag. Haven't ever seen the lunch bags in person though. I've ordered several times from the VB site and I've never seen any codes. If you do Sunshine Rewards, you can go through them for 4% back.

 

[ceecee]

Around here the Hipster and the small backbacks are most popular. My DD will be going into 8th grade and all her friends have them. She uses the "Vera" as a book bag and since it is no longer cool to pack in Middle School, I got the lunch bag which isn't very big, but I think there is a new style now.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I just bought my 11 year old cousin the Hannah (because her name is Hannah) in the cupcake pink, it was on sale at one of the local vendors. It is the perfect size for her. I tried to get her to get the mini-hipster, but she was set on getting her namesake and she couldn't be happier. I think it is too small for an older girl though.

I just heard a radio spot that one of our local vendors has many styles 50% off, so you might check any in your area as well. It is time for the fall colors to come in and they are retiring last years colors, so now is a great time to buy.

The last day for the free shipping was yeaterday, but you had to spend $75 to get it.

Suzanne

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Vera Bradley is all the rage for the 10 - 13 year old set where I live. My daughter got several pieces for her birthday. I got her the lunchbox in Daisy Daisy for Christmas last year. It holds plenty for her. The new style looks like it'll hold more, though. I've ordered her the messenger bag in Daisy Daisy for her bookbag for next school year. It was on sale on the VB website. I ordered another sale piece to have on hand for a birthday gift and got free shipping on the order.

As for purses, the Libby is popular. It's small, but holds a lot.

 

[Aliceacc]

Try these:
http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?Sku=10383018

or this:
http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=400&sku=10449:911

There are almost always sales on the styles they're retiring.

The kids in my school tend to love Vera Bradley as backpacks/ totes. (My school goes grades 6-12)

 

[java]

My daughter is a bit of a vera addict. She is particular when it comes to pattern. Her favorite is Java Blue- but she has some owls stuff and also some of the new purple one- Mod Purple I think?

Shape of bag depends on her mood- she carries her tote most often. But she also uses her small purse often - But in looking at the sale site she picked out this one as the one she would want.

http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=400&sku=10327:6

In the Mod Floral Pink.
(I may have to nab that for Christmas myself although I am sure they'll come out with a new color that she'll have to have.)

 

[luvmy3]

My dd is using the Amy in Capri Blue. She carries her phone DSi, her ipod, a small wallet and chapstick. Some of the colors are on sale for $15

http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=400&sku=130:6

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I use the Cool Keeper "lunch" tote. You'd be surprised what you can stuff in it, but I don't have to worry about keeping an ice pack in it. I just need to tote it to work and pop it in the fridge if it needs to keep cool. I can easily fit a Yoplait yogurt, and snack size ziploc or two of snacks like pretzels of Goldfish, grapes, baby carrots, and could probably could fit a sandwich in there too and maybe a half-liter of water if I pack it right.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Thank-you all for your recommendations, I can't believe all of the choices! I ended up going with the Libby in raspberry fizz and I got a matching wallet for a stocking stuffer. I also ordered the Let's Do Lunch in raspberry fizz (I hope I didn't screw up getting it in the same pattern ), I'll probably give that to her before school starts.

I considered the messenger bag, but she tends to leave her bag in her locker and not bring it home because she doesn't have time to get it after school so we'll probably just stick to her Land's End backpack this year.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I use the Cool Keeper "lunch" tote. You'd be surprised what you can stuff in it, but I don't have to worry about keeping an ice pack in it. I just need to tote it to work and pop it in the fridge if it needs to keep cool. I can easily fit a Yoplait yogurt, and snack size ziploc or two of snacks like pretzels of Goldfish, grapes, baby carrots, and could probably could fit a sandwich in there too and maybe a half-liter of water if I pack it right.

This sounds like something I could use for me...maybe I'll add it to my santa list .

 

[windycitymom]

I use the Cool Keeper "lunch" tote. You'd be surprised what you can stuff in it, but I don't have to worry about keeping an ice pack in it. I just need to tote it to work and pop it in the fridge if it needs to keep cool. I can easily fit a Yoplait yogurt, and snack size ziploc or two of snacks like pretzels of Goldfish, grapes, baby carrots, and could probably could fit a sandwich in there too and maybe a half-liter of water if I pack it right.

I can fit 3 cans of pop/beer (with small ice pak) into the Cook Keeper tote!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I can fit 3 cans of pop/beer (with small ice pak) into the Cook Keeper tote!

That's cool. I've had two bottles of water in it, but usually it breakfast and lunch.

 

[rcraw45425]

Mod Pink, Raspberry Fizz and Java Blue are popular patterns here. The hipster is a good size for that age group too.

 

[kellydizfan]

My friend purchased the lunch tote for my DD for Christmas - it hasn't been used and she is not interested in using it. Now we have 2 ditty bags, they came home with today - a blue/yellow circle pattern & the other was a awful blue/green/white pattern. These were early b-day presents. What is so special about them? I wouldn't pay $25for these bags then add shipping & tax on top of it. I don't think they are worth the money. Maybe I should sell them and turn the money over to the girls. Tags are still on them. I don't see my girls using them, they just threw them on the counter and walked away. My girls are 15 & 12. If I didn't pick them up, they will still be sitting there for days.

 

[Mrsduck101]

My dd is 13 and her favorites are the mini hipster and the backsack. I've been lucky enough to get her Vera at the outlet sale, so fairly cheap. She also has a regular tote that she uses for a library bag. I just bought a Mod Floral Blue backsack on vb.com when they had all backsacks for $22 to put away for a future gift. She also likes Peacock a lot and in the new patterns loves both the Cupcakes (pink and green).

You can get some great deals on ebay. Also there are Vera trading boards on both yahoo groups and facebook that move quickly and have really good prices.

 

[momof1princess]

my DD11 has a maggie VB purse in mesa red, which she loves, but i might get her something a little bigger for christmas.

 

[DVCBELLE]

My friend purchased the lunch tote for my DD for Christmas - it hasn't been used and she is not interested in using it. Now we have 2 ditty bags, they came home with today - a blue/yellow circle pattern & the other was a awful blue/green/white pattern. These were early b-day presents. What is so special about them? I wouldn't pay $25for these bags then add shipping & tax on top of it. I don't think they are worth the money. Maybe I should sell them and turn the money over to the girls. Tags are still on them. I don't see my girls using them, they just threw them on the counter and walked away. My girls are 15 & 12. If I didn't pick them up, they will still be sitting there for days.

I'd sell them if you don't like them...

This is what I love about Vera Bradley...they seem to have the perfect bag, purse, duffle for everything I want. The backpack is PERFECT for Disney for me...it is durable, lightweight and lots of storage space. My DD carried a backpack this year and it lasted the entire year...it was light pink and still looks awesome and she will be carrying it again next year. I have the large duffle and reg duffle and a tote bag and they are perfect for just about any trip - an overnight to grandma's, a weekend getaway or even carryon for a plane. I have the hipster and mini-hipster. I could never find the right purse before but now - I LOVE both of them and haven't had to buy a new purse in over a year and both are still in great shape. I have not regretted paying for any of the pieces I have - they are very durable and last forever. While they might not be your taste - they are definitely a good value.


I was once like you - About 10 years ago I got a makeup bag set as a gift and didn't love it or think it was that great - but once I found the right pattern and bags for me...I can't get enough of them. Which is why I am thankful I can make a yearly trek to the outlet sale.