Help Me Find a Bag for Our AWESOME Nanny

[new_mom_mry]

So words cannot describe how amazing our nanny is...and sadly she is leaving us to go back to school. Needless to say we would like to express our appreciation for everything she has done for our DS with a couple of parting gifts. I've already bought her a couple of gifts (cashmere scarf and Trish McEvoy perfume) and would would love to also buy her a handbag. I am by no means a handbag expert, in particular, when it comes to the type of bag I am looking to buy. She is going to be a student again, so would love to get her a bag that would fit her laptop, some books, lunch, etc.? Her style isn't high fashion, but at the same time, I would love to get her something NICE. Perhaps, some of you mamas have recently been in school or have experience with a perfect bag of just this very type! For some reason I am envisioning a tote bag that would fit all of the outlined criteria, but of course this awesome bag can take on any shape or form (lol, well almost any). Please help. One last thing, it would be really cool if Endless carried it, because I have a giftcard to that site that I want to use and because they are currently offering 35% off purchases of $150+. Budget=$150 or so, plus or minus. TIA!!!!!!!!

[Kindra178]

I'm not in school, but I carry all of the aforementioned things to and from work on a train regularly. The only thing I found that can comfortably hold all of those things is a backpack. I carry an LLB Apex pack to and from work every day. I realize that's not the most professional thing in the world, and I use something else when I see clients, but it has made my life so much easier. How about a leather pack:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/49401?feat=2-SR0&attrValue_0=Brown

or a North Face or Patagonia pack with a small wristlet to be used as a wallet and purse?

My friends love Levenger and Lodis bags too.

http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/NAVIGATION/Products.asp?Params=category=11|level=2|pageid=155

Finally, BR has some plain reasonable totes that seem large. This with a laptop sleeve may work:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=13940

[*myfoursons]

Cambridge satchels are pretty trendy right now, but they're just so lovely. I definitely would get one for a student. ASOS also sells them ...

http://www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/shop/collections/the-classic

[niccig]

I"m back in school. I take a computer bag...not very pretty. But I've noticed the trendy students have a functional bag like backpack, messenger bag and a cute smallish purse! I'd go for trendy purse and let her get her own functional bag.

If you know the size of her laptop, a cute laptop sleeve would be good. Then she can put it in any bag she wants.

[new_mom_mry]

thanks so much everyone for the ideas...I also added the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote to my list of potential options...I remembered that those were super popular a few years ago while I was still in grad school! For whatever reason, I am thinking that leather might not be in my nanny's style...her style is much more casual than that...think earthy, environment embracing NorCal type of girl rather than a fashionista!

[pastrygirl]

For non-leather, I love Sherpani bags! I have a few and love every one.