Once your child gets past the character theme backpacks look at investing in a sturdy name brand backpack that is more expensive up front but should last several years. Some consignment stores sell used backpacks that look brand new. Backpacks are cheapest in August so I try and buy an extra cheap one (usually under $10) and keep it hidden in a closet. This way if one of them needs a replacement later in the year I don't have to spend $15-20 on one.

We don't do anything 'character'...clothing, bedding, backpacks etc So the way I've saved on backpacks is to buy a good quality one to begin with...

Just depends on your kid, but my kids were perfectly happy with their backpack from LandsEnd...for years and years. My older son got a new backpack last school year because he wanted a different style. He had had the same backpack for 8 years, so we really got our use out of it!

Our two landsend backpacks are 'retired' from school, but we still use them for other things...they're still going strong and still look great. Same for our LLBean lunchboxes. I highly recommend their products. They have great customer service and stand by their products.

My highschooler uses those sacks, or whatever they are called. Usually a Nike or an Addidas one. They are only 10 dollars.
My Junior High girls want messenger bags. So I will wait and watch for a good deal. In the mean time they can use an old beat up bag until I find a good price. I will probably end up ordering one online. Backpacks don't seem to end up in the resale shops here.

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I have nothing to declare except my genius."
- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) upon arriving at U.S. customs 1882

I buy my backpacks at Land ENds in their previously monogramed clearanced section. They are usually an aditional 30% off clearance price. The monogram comes off very easily with a seam ripper. I get the high quality (sometimes with monogramed characters) for about $10-20 depending on the style. My oldest has have hers now for 3 years and it still looks very good.

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

After character bags, we started buying on Ebags. The brand that we really like and lasts a long time is Ogio. My dh uses one for work and my ds in 11th grade uses his for school. They are of great quality and last forever. I do usually find some sort of discount for them and wait for free shipping too. They can be a little spendy but worth it if they last a long time. My dd in middle school just has a tote bag from different popular stores that she likes. We've done messenger bags but my ds found that they dug into his shoulders with the heavy books.

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Daycare mom