Save a Back: Backpack Solutions for Kids With Heavy Loads

A backpack seems like an essential element of back to school shopping and supplies, but in recent years, a lot of commentary has taken place about how heavy a school bag can be, for a child.  Does your child have heavy books to tote around?  Maybe you are concerned, as well. 

The issue shouldn't be as prevalent in early elementary school years, as book sizes are often smaller, and the self contained classroom makes it easy to keep all materials together.  In upper elementary classes, you may see some larger books, while at the middle and high school levels, the Science and History books, especially, seem to increase to huge sizes and weights. 

Rolling Backpack for Kids
Available at Amazon
in 20 different patterns for boys and girls.

A rolling bookbag is a great alternative to the challenge that faces the overloaded tween or teen.  In the case of many styles for girls, a wheeled backpack makes an attractive, and fun school bag.  For boys, it may be seen as a little less cool. 

A messenger bag offers a great alternative to the backpack, in that the cross body style makes it possible to carry the weight a little more evenly distributed.  Also, a messenger can be slung over a single shoulder, tote bag style.  Messenger bag styles for girls are wide and varied, though you may not find a huge selection in the aisles of your big box retailers.  Some have caught on and carry the popular style, but others don't seem to recognize the popularity of the mode.

In terms of boys' book bag styles, at the elementary level, messenger bags with favorite characters are really popular.  At the middle school, opt for something with cool graphics, or plain colors, for a more acceptable style.

High Sierra Messenger Bags
Available in several colors and patterns
for boys and girls, at Amazon.

One strap sling bags are really popular with both boys and girls, but make sure that the measurements will actually accomodate books.

One Strap Sling Backpack, 20"
Available through Amazon

You can find leads on many of these different school bag styles at the Amazon Kids page, and it's really helpful to know that many of the bookbag selections are Amazon Mom eligible, meaning that qualifying orders of $25 or greater can extend prime shipping benefits.

Back to School Sales

The best time to watch for back to school sales is just after the Fourth of July holiday passes.  Most department stores quickly begin to move out their seasonal materials, and the back to school supplies and products quickly take their places.  While school is still a good month and a half away, the sales are now! 

Don't miss end of the school year clearances, though.  As summer hits full swing, there are often a steady stream of clearances on through the summer, in preparation.  I have found clearanced stationary products at Walgreens and CVS mid-June, clearanced socks and undies in this time frame, as well, and a variety of other useful goods.

Back to school snacks will hit the shelves in the middle of August, with significant sales in these days and into September.  As well, that will be the time to keep an eye out for snack coupons.

Online sales are significant at the end of July, and into the first part of August.  Amazon and others will even have promotional offers for online shoppers during this time frame.  Technology based businesses often provide great promotional offers in this time frame, and popular apparel stores will run great sales.

Stock up on stationary, pencils, and more, during this stage, as regular prices during the year will be much greater.

Back to School Planning

In the midst of summer, it's unlikely that your youngsters are thinking about going back to school.  In fact, it's probably the furthest thing from their minds, right?  However, early July sees the transition in seasonal displays at the local department store, and Independence Day party supplies are traded out, in favor of notebooks, rulers, pens, pencils, and backpacks.  Sales are around the corner, and your budget cringes at the costs! 

Everything from back to school fashion, to back to school packs, can be fun, or challenging.  Planning helps, so here are some tips for getting your lists together in advance.

1.  Check with your chíld's school for supply lists.  By the end of July, my small town department store has lists available at the store entrance, which makes it easy for parents to look at their own school's expectations, without having to go out of their way.  If you are in a larger town or city, this may not be the case.  However, you can contact the specific schools to inquire about a back to school supply list. You can also check out school websites, if they exist, to find out more.

If your school doesn't have a supply list, you can refer to the "School Supplies List" page of this blog, for a basic rundown of needed items.  Your child will most likely receive a school supply list the first day of school, but by that time, many of the best sales are past. 

2.  Once you have a good list of supplies, watch your local circulars for sales.  Notebooks, paper, folders, and writing/drawing supplies, will usually be at their best prices of the year during the month of July, and during the first 2 weeks of August.  This is the time to stock up. 

3.  Back to School Clothes are customarily purchased during these same months.  Great deals are advertised on socks, underwear, and jeans, particularly.  Mid-July is the time to sort through your kids' closets and drawers, pulling out clothes that are damaged, outgrown, or otherwise inappropriate. 

Make a list for each child of needs, and start watching the sales.  Depending on your children's interests and ages, you will want to include them in the selection.  Set a budget, and help them to comparison shop, as they consider their choices. 

4.  Back to School for older children means equipment beyond notebooks and filler paper.  Your tweens and teens may need calculators, depending on age, and study level.  Likewise, word processing becomes a big part of life for students at upper levels, those who will need to write papers.  Whereas 30 years ago a typewriter was essential, now, a computer is necessary for paper writing.  Trips to the library are often less useful in research, than access to online resources.  You will want to think about your back to school computer needs, as you plan for your shopping. 

5.  Back to School meal planning is important, as well.  You may want to make it easy, and allow your kids to buy lunches.  However, many parents prefer the nutritional benefits, as well as economical, when it comes to packing a lunch.  An age appropriate lunch tote or lunch box is important, and your elementary aged children will, no doubt, want something that reflects their interests.  Older children may be a different story, where character lunch totes give way for something simple.  Food containers, and thermoses, make it possible to pack hot foods, leftovers, and economical drinks.  As you decide on an approach for the coming year, make sure to plan for the best relevant supplies.

Back to school is a fun time, exciting, and a little sad, as the freedom of summer draws to a close.  Don't miss some of the best online sales, in the midst of your research, as there are often great values available in your shopping.