This May be the wrong area to post, but since we are all bag-aholics

[lmladuke]

Can anyone think of a place to buy cute, unique kids backpacks? My son is almost 3 and he would love to carry one - but most of what they make are too big, too tacky, etc. I know Ella makes kids backpacks, but the dimensions are not much smaller than the adult ones. I need a Mini version and would love some great truck or firetruck fabric.

Any ideas?


Lori

[khakismom]

There's some cute ones at LL Bean:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=34521&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5158&cat4=&shop_method=pp&feat=dp28

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=32770&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5158&cat4=&shop_method=pp&feat=dp28

I've never seen the second one, the critter backpack, but I have seen the first and it's definitely small enough for a toddler. And they are really cute!

Here's a fireman backpack from ebags. I'm not sure about the size though, but hey, it's got firetrucks on it. :)

http://www.ebags.com/wildkin/fireman_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15736

[tigalig]

I loved Maureen's finds and my suggestion may fall into the tacky category, but here it goes. Pepperidge Farm has a "play food set" that comes in transparent backpack. I could only find the McDonald's version on line, see it at:

http://www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/1980639/ctid/17/INstock/Y/D//ls/default

I bought it for my son to see if he would really carry a backpack and so that it would not be incredibly heavy and so far, he carries it everywhere. I like the fact that it's transparent because I can quickly assure him that what he's searching for is in there. I'll have to look at those LL Bean ones for his third birthday this summer.

Ida

[petersmom]

I found these :

http://www.otterbaygifts.com/shop/singles/698.htm
http://www.kidstravelzone.com/school_gear.htm
http://www.aspecialgift.com/children-bags.asp
http://www.mybambino.com/backpacksschool.html
http://www.yellow-turtle.com/store/index.html?action=browse&CategoryNum=10645743441689495


Hope these help! Can you tell I have been looking :)
Although I ended up purchasing ella's for our nieces.

Stephanie

[lmladuke]

from the dimensions, it looks like it might be too big. It is adorable though

Lori

[lmladuke]

size-wise it seems small enough, and the embroidery is nice. I am curious, why did you decide to go with the ella? Was it because of the fabric choices? I just think they are too big for a 3 year old. Maybe I will email Kim at Whimsical Wears and see if she does a mini backpack.

Lori

[petersmom]

Lori,
Our nieces and Goddaughter range from 5-10 yrs old. They are all at the same dance studio, so we bought the fashion frog backpacks, with different kinds of material and trim on the bottom with their initial.
Sorry, not sure how they will like them yet they should be arriving any day, just in time for easter :)

Stephanie

[parkersmama]

Ella does offer a child-size backpack. They used to have some pics but I can't find them or the dimensions right now!

[petersmom]

Lori,
I received the ella girls backpacks last night .

They are so darn cute!!!! So cute that I guess I'll have to pack DD(5 months) stuff so I can get to carry it ;)

Anyway my only concern for you is that the straps are NOT adjustable, my 19 month old kept taking the bags out of their box to carry and the straps kept falling off. Now, that being said I'm sure Aimee could make the straps to the length of your choice and resolve that problem.

Stephanie