Backpack alternatives for high school girls

[luvmy3]

My dd uses a tote from PBTeen. Its very durable, but she doesn't like the pattern anymore and wants a purse like tote. I have looked everywhere trying to find something that can accommodate her books but haven't had any luck. I'm sorry I'm not much help, just wanted you to know you aren't alone in your thoughts on designer bags

 

[robinb]

I suspect Pigeon was irritated at the point she replied to your message because she had previously made it clear - several times - that she did not want to buy a designer bag. Having a 12 year old daughter myself, I completely understand where she it coming from.

And you can get well-made items that are not "designer". I believe that is what Pigeon is looking for. Perhaps posters could actually listen to her and respond to the question asked (like some of the more recent PPs have done)??

Perhaps posters should read the thread in order. She only said she didn't want a designer bag once in the OP when I replied to her. At the time it wasn't clear that she didn't want a designer bag or if she couldn't "thoil" a designer bag (I just discovered that word last week!). I had the reply up and I was thinking what to say to her when she posted post #9 right before my reply. Then she jumped down my throat. The same as she jumped all over tink_n_pooh and StitchesGr8Fan, both of which also tried to help her. At least I am not alone in being the target of her snarkiness.

FTR, the reason why I even opened this thread is because my own DD will start High School next year so I was looking for some options for her. We are not in an affluent district so I don't think the girls will be carrying Coach, but you never know.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

I'm so surprised to hear that high school girls think VB is for old ladies! It is still all the rage amongst middle, high school, and college students down here. I own several VB pieces myself. Don't know if these suggestions will seem any more youthful to her, but anyway...

I've seen many Lily Pulitzer tote bags around my college campus. (Link is to one example, but I've seen several different patterns and styles) They seem to be well-made and priced similar to VB.

Another brand to consider is Cath Kidston. Though it's relatively unheard of here in the US, it's very popular across the pond. Don't know if it being a major trend in London would sway her. Their bags are very well constructed, and many are made with an oilcloth material that is very easy to clean. If she's not into the vintage floral patterns, she might like the polka dots.

I wanted a tote for days when I was only carrying one binder and I thought the Vera Bradley totes are old lady like. They look like a quilt made into a purse/tote. NMS

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Adding fwiw that I love designer purses but I throw my books on the desk or floor and whatnot so I just didn't want to spend that money on something I knew I would heavily use.

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[MomToOne]

Perhaps posters should read the thread in order. .

And who's being snarky now? (And your reply about the daughter being irresponsible when Pigeon said items had been stolen was pretty snarky too.)

She only said she didn't want a designer bag once in the OP when I replied to her. At the time it wasn't clear that she didn't want a designer bag or if she couldn't "thoil" a designer bag (I just discovered that word last week!).

By the time you posted your reply, Pigeon had already said outright twice she didn't want a designer bag, and insinuated heavily another time (in the post you replied to, so I believe you got the insinuation fully). Her last post was a full 8 minutes before your post - not sure how long you need a window open to type one sentence. But reading the thread - in order - **I** was irritated with how much of the thread had centered around designer bags at that point when the whole reason for the thread was that she didn't want to buy one, so I can see how Pigeon was too...

 

[branv]

I've never ordered from here, but I had bookmarked this etsy shop because a) I loved the look of some of these bags to be used as diaper bags and b) I thought it might be a good option for my 16 yo niece's next bday. Even her backpacks are great looking. Again, can't vouch for quality/delivery, etc, but thought I'd pass it on:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cozibag?ref=pr_shop_more

 

[mmeb144]

How about LL Bean? I bought a messenger bag for both of my kids. My 20 year old son is still using the one I bought him in high school. My 18 year old daughter is on her 3rd one. They keep getting holes in them. LL Bean lets me return them, I pay shipping. It's all good!

LL Bean Messenger Bag

 

[scrapquitler]

My DD is a junior. I've purchased her backpack from Zappos each year, and always spend about $50-60. The backpack has lasted well for the entire year and thru the summer as well. We've only bought a new one because she wanted a different pattern. I believe that we have bought Vans and Jansport brands each time, and I've had no complaints.

 

[Pigeon]

My DD's carried an Abercrombie or Hollister tote bag. Full price is around $50 but I found it on clearance for $15. They were both surprisingly well made and durable.

Debbie, were these big enough to handle a couple of big text books and binders? The websites don't give any measurements.

 

[Debbie7452]

They carried several books and maybe one binder and a few spirals. I don't thinking mine had the bigger binders. They did have a pretty big pile of stuff in there!

 

[Sparkly]

For me, it's Kipling bags all the way. Expensive, but very well made and durable. We have one messenger bag that's lasted for 5-6 years of heavy usage.

I brought a cheap messenger bag for sixth form college and it broke after a few months!

 

[Firefly09]

This reminds me so much of high school and how all the cool girls had the black Kate Spade bags. I'd say just get a backpack. They are DESIGNED to carry heavy, bulky loads. No purse or purse-like bag is ever going to be the same. Plus it balances out the load so she won't end up with back problems. Why do we let high school become such a fashion show?

Forgot to say that my LLBean backpack lasted through HS and into college before I replaced it with another LLBean

 

[Pigeon]

She actually has a nice LLBean backpack, but would rather be caught dead... She uses the LLBean backpack for certain non-school things.

I'm willing to indulge her need to fit in a little bit. Not with the ridiculous Coach bags, but with something reasonable. Waiting outside the high school I can see that none of the girls have actual backpacks, it's all totes or giant purses with the occasional messenger bag thrown in.

 

[goodfood4ursoul]

Perhaps this will sound crazy to some,
but after 3 bags breaking and your DD being rather particular about what kind of style of bag it has to be,
I'd consider setting a budget for a replacement bag,
give her the money, require her to do the research and find and purchase her own bag,
with the caveat that this is the last money you will be spending on her bag,
that she must choose wisely , as this bag has to last.

At 10th grade it won't hurt her to have to do the work and make her choice and have to live with it.
It might be a good life lesson

And it takes all the onus off of you to fix her recurring problem.
There are worse things in the world than carrying a well made backpack...

~just a thought...

 

[Anne34]

We live in a fairly affluent area also -- most kids carry backpacks or the shoulder bags from Pink. My daughter has gone still has the one bag we bought at the beginning of this year. She also got a new one for Christmas, but still uses the older one. They are cute and fairly durable.

She has used ones from Hollister and Aero in the past, but the don't hold up as well (and aren't as blingy that is very important to DD15).

 

[Lizzybean]

We live in a fairly affluent area also -- most kids carry backpacks or the shoulder bags from Pink. My daughter has gone still has the one bag we bought at the beginning of this year. She also got a new one for Christmas, but still uses the older one. They are cute and fairly durable.

She has used ones from Hollister and Aero in the past, but the don't hold up as well (and aren't as blingy that is very important to DD15).

I LOVE my pink tote. I got it a couple years ago with a Black Friday purchase I believe. It has held up well. It's also super cute.

I also have Coach totes, a brief case and a backpack. The totes and backpack were all purchased from the outlet with a coupon and were under $100. I know OP isn't interested in them but for anyone else they've held up years and the warranty makes them worth it in my opinion.

 

[mmeb144]

Perhaps this will sound crazy to some,
but after 3 bags breaking and your DD being rather particular about what kind of style of bag it has to be,
I'd consider setting a budget for a replacement bag,
give her the money, require her to do the research and find and purchase her own bag,
with the caveat that this is the last money you will be spending on her bag,
that she must choose wisely , as this bag has to last.

At 10th grade it won't hurt her to have to do the work and make her choice and have to live with it.
It might be a good life lesson

And it takes all the onus off of you to fix her recurring problem.
There are worse things in the world than carrying a well made backpack...

~just a thought...

My DD18 is always researching stuff before she buys it. Always finds the good deals. This is a good way to empower your DD.

 

[Melmac]

I also like Timbuk2 bags. They are extremely well made and come in all sorts of colours and sizes. The bag I have is a thick material on the outside (like backpack material but even thicker) with a rubber lining to keep water out. I use this as my carry-on when travelling. I think it would take a lot to destroy a Timbuk2.

I also like the bags from Sherpani. I have a purse from them and it has also held up very well. I got mine from an REI store. The don't look as "LL Bean" as the Timbuk2's might as you can get pretty designs and patterns. I'm pretty sure I will end up with a tote in the near future

Also, I am not sure where you are but I have had good luck with bags from Mountain Equipment Co-op (their brand). They would be comparable to REI.

 

[englishteacha]

What about an LL Bean messenger bag? They're durable and cuter than most backpacks.

 

[danceintherain]

Perhaps this will sound crazy to some,
but after 3 bags breaking and your DD being rather particular about what kind of style of bag it has to be,
I'd consider setting a budget for a replacement bag,
give her the money, require her to do the research and find and purchase her own bag,
with the caveat that this is the last money you will be spending on her bag,
that she must choose wisely , as this bag has to last.

At 10th grade it won't hurt her to have to do the work and make her choice and have to live with it.
It might be a good life lesson

And it takes all the onus off of you to fix her recurring problem.
There are worse things in the world than carrying a well made backpack...

~just a thought...

That's kind of what I'm thinking. Give her a budget. Have her find a suitable bag. If that one breaks, you get to pick the replacement, or she can use her own money to buy a new one.