Sunday, August 23, 2015

Our Picks for Stylish Back-to-School Bags (with a Starbucks Giveaway - CLOSED)


As much as I hate to think about summer coming to an end, it's about time to start making those back-to-school purchases. While school starts for us on September 8th, in many other areas kids are already back to school. Like many people, we start each school year with fresh lunch bags and backpacks (unless the old ones are still clean and in good shape).

This year I did a lot of research to find eco-friendly and stylish options for lunch bags and backpacks that would suit our family. My daughter is 10 so she still likes the cute and fun options, but she also requires a certain level of "maturity" in her choices. My son is 13 so this in-denial mom has to be careful she doesn't go with styles that are too "little boy" for him.


Here are some of the goodies my family will be carrying this year:

1. Lug's Pedals Lunch Tote in cranberry red keeps food cool in its insulated interior. Store utensils and napkins in the exterior pocket. So important for a lunch bag - the material is fully wipeable and water-repellent for easy cleanup of spills. This pretty lunch tote comes in several colours and works for girls and women alike.

2. Available at Bentley, this Roxy Pineapple Print Backpack has the "cool factor" that a preteen or teen looks for. It's also big enough to carry all her stuff. This backpack has a main zippered compartment, an inside pocket and a front zippered pocket. The straps are padded for comfort. Plus, let's face it, it's just really cute! And it's on sale right now. Bonus.

3. This adorable Beatrix New York Katarina the Frog Lunch Box brings some cheer to your school day. It's insulated to keep food fresh. It's made with heavy-duty nylon and it's machine washable for easy cleanup (yay!). There's a name tag on the back so this little beauty can find its way back to its owner. Very important for kids - Beatrix New York lunch boxes are tested PVC-, phthalate-, lead- and BPA-free. Find Beatrix New York's stylish lunch boxes and backpacks in Canada or in the U.S.

4. Another versatile lunch bag from Lug, the Tackle Box Lunch Tote in camo olive is suitable for anyone from a young boy to a grown man (or a girl who likes camo, of course!). It's a good size for a nice big lunch - it holds a standard sandwich container plus more small containers. The foil lining keeps your lunch hot or cold. Enjoy easy access to the contents with the wide-mouth opening. There's a detachable shoulder strap too.



Back-to-school time can be stressful for the whole family, so it's always nice to be well prepared with all the items the kids (and my teacher-husband) need to start the school year off right. If lunch bags, backpacks and supplies are stylish and fun, that's all the better. It can ease the back-to-school stresses a bit by making things more exciting. (Just be sure to discard or donate some of your old backpacks and lunch bags to keep your house organized and running smoothly!)



In addition to getting these stylish back-to-school essentials, we have also created new desk areas in both of our kids' bedrooms. I have posts coming up about those spaces. Of course, we need to get around to doing some clothes shopping as well. The first-day-of-school outfit is crucial, right?

Have you done any back-to-school shopping? (Or fall shopping for those in a household where nobody's going back to school.) What did you buy?


Enter to Win a $20 Starbucks eGift Card!


Send the kids off to school and have a soy frappuccino on me! US and Canadian residents may enter to win a $20 Starbucks eGift Card using the rafflecopter below, until September 14th. (Giveaway is not affiliated with Starbucks.)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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96 comments:

  1. UnknownAugust 23, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    My son is starting JK this year. We picked up a new backpack, planetbox, and new water bottle. Still need new indoor shoes.

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    Replies
    1. JoKnowsAugust 23, 2015 at 4:13 PM

      Ah yes, the indoor shoes! Such a pain because they grow out of them so quickly! :( I need to get some too...

      Delete
  2. Ogitchida Kwe's Book BlogAugust 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    Yes I have went back to homeschool shopping. Picked up supplies and new shoes.

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  3. Momma At HomeAugust 23, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    I went back-to-school shopping for new clothes and new supplies.
    Shelia S

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  4. throuthehazeAugust 23, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    I haven't done any Fall shopping yet but I plan to in the next few weeks.

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  5. Tina L.August 23, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    have not done much. Did buy some clothes.

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  6. spikeAugust 23, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    I haven't done anything but window shop!

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  7. Annie1August 23, 2015 at 7:02 PM

    We bought a few things for our grandkids when Target was going out of business here in Canada!

    RAFFLECOPTER NAME is Anne Taylor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoKnowsAugust 23, 2015 at 7:35 PM

      I bought sooo many things when they were closing (and before for that matter). Missing Target now! :(

      Delete
  8. JulieAugust 23, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    I've finished all of my back to school shopping

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  9. TabithaAugust 23, 2015 at 10:02 PM

    School started 8-12 so I have been done!
    Now on to Christmas....
    kayleefaith1228@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Belinda MAugust 23, 2015 at 10:17 PM

    I have been really slow and have started on nothing yet. I have not even gotten a list of back to school stuff for h im! We get to pick it up next week

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  11. AaronAugust 24, 2015 at 2:26 AM

    I have done no shopping.

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  12. Audrey StewartAugust 24, 2015 at 5:56 AM

    Yes, I help buy for all the grand kids. I love taking them shopping. Where we live, you can get a list from the school, or on line, what supplies they need. Everyone always gets a new backpack.

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  13. Betty SAugust 24, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    I have to be honest and say I have not started yet, but would love to buy some new linens

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  14. Brenda PentonAugust 24, 2015 at 7:04 AM

    I have some done. I've gotten paper, notebooks, pencils and shoes.

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  15. Suzie BAugust 24, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    I haven't done any fall shopping.. Im still hanging onto summer :)

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  16. Mami2jcnAugust 24, 2015 at 8:19 AM

    I haven't done any shopping as of yet.

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  17. Giddy up girlAugust 24, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    Just clothes. Lots more to do!

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  18. LaurenAugust 24, 2015 at 10:14 AM

    I bought office supplies during back to school just because!

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  19. AnonymousAugust 24, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    No I haven done any back to school shopping!

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  20. flowerchildAugust 24, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    No I have not done any back to school shopping yet.

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  21. UnknownAugust 24, 2015 at 11:24 AM

    I have not done any back to school shopping yet. Will have to get on that soon!! Eeek!

    ReplyDelete
  22. KAugust 24, 2015 at 11:50 AM

    I haven't started BTS shopping yet

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  23. Irene EichlerAugust 24, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    I think all our school supplies are purchased !!!!!

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  24. nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham)August 24, 2015 at 12:04 PM

    I haven't yet, but my kids need boots and socks.

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  25. AnonymousAugust 24, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    Leslie:
    I am a retired teacher, so I don't require back to school things, but I had a fun shopping trip for my son and daughter-in-law (both teachers). It is a lot more fun to star a school year when one has fresh things with which to begin.
    leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. kellyr78August 24, 2015 at 1:12 PM

    We have purchases some t shirts and a backpack so far.

    ReplyDelete
  27. AshleighSwerdfegerAugust 24, 2015 at 1:17 PM

    Yep ;) Mostly clothes lol and boots

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  28. wendy HuttonAugust 24, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    done with all the shopping

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousAugust 24, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    Annabelle would love that backpack! I am the mean mom who is making her wait until middle school starts next year for a new one! haha! We have gotten all of our back to school shopping done as of last week. We have to be early about it since both my husband and I go back to teaching at the same time, too. My whole house empties 9/9 when we all go back. It's a hot mess around here this time of year.

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  30. Lori's PlaceAugust 24, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    I haven't done any fall shopping or back to school shopping yet. I guess I am behind.

    ReplyDelete
  31. mariaAugust 24, 2015 at 8:12 PM

    Yes, got new clothes and binders.

    billiondollarprincesss @hotmail.com

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  32. jenn erinAugust 24, 2015 at 8:49 PM

    we haven't started the actual shopping but we have been making a list!

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  33. Karla SAugust 24, 2015 at 9:16 PM

    yes,I have some done,but need to do more. I bought some clothes and shoes for my son.

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  34. Susan T.August 24, 2015 at 9:20 PM

    I refuse to let go of summer so I haven't done any fall shopping yet!

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  35. Krista MAugust 24, 2015 at 11:12 PM

    Yes we are pretty well done all our back to school shopping, & the grand total so far is around $750 which is ridiculous. 4 pairs of shoes, coats, backpacks, supplies, clothes... ugh it's so crazy at this time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Erika EAugust 25, 2015 at 12:05 AM

    Yes, we are doing lots of back to school shopping. Jeans and school supplies are done but I still need to buy shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 2:16 AM

    I am almost done buying the suplies we all need for a new year of school😆

    ReplyDelete
  38. naiddia pAugust 25, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    We have started our shopping and have gotten school supplies, backpacks and clothes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Jennifer L.August 25, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    We haven't started yet. But soon I'll buy some (home school) supplies.

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  40. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    I have gotten some of the clothes and shoes shopping out of the way.

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  41. verycutekittiesAugust 25, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    I have not started back to school shopping yet

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  42. blogginggalAugust 25, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    I did - I have bought clothes. :) (Suzi)

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  43. AnonymousAugust 25, 2015 at 12:51 PM

    we have only done minimal shopping as we try to keep it spread out so it isn't a mad rush.
    jan

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  44. DanaveeAugust 25, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    I'm a teacher, soooooo I bought back to school clothes!!!!!!! And of course a few classroom goodies like a beanbag for my "listening station" area!

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  45. Victoria EssAugust 25, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    I've finished all my BTS shopping. I bought new clothes and new school supplies.

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  46. Maria KatieAugust 25, 2015 at 11:05 PM

    So far we got some school supplies but need still backpack, lunch pails & running shoes

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  47. UnknownAugust 26, 2015 at 12:09 AM

    No, I have not yet. Hopefully soon - shaunie

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  48. DonnasAugust 26, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    No, we don't have to do back to school shopping in our household anymore, and we also haven't done any fall shopping.

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  49. Amy CAugust 26, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    I have done all my back to school shopping. I bought school supplies pens, pencils, backpacks, shoes etc.

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  50. UnknownAugust 26, 2015 at 1:45 PM

    we did some. Got him new clothes and backpack, just need some school supplies

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  51. Tiffany BanksAugust 26, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Yes!! All of my back to school shopping is done for my kids!! I bought their uniforms, school supplies, book bags, & shoes :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Erika LetsonAugust 26, 2015 at 10:37 PM

    I have done some back to school shopping. I have gotten some shoes, school supplies and one backpack. I'm hoping to finish this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  53. NatalieAugust 27, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    I have bought most of my daughter's school supplies but have not gotten new clothes for her.

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  54. SimmyAugust 27, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    Yes! Lots of Hillroy notebooks!

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  55. LauraAugust 27, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    School supplies and some clothes for each of my 3 kids.

    ReplyDelete
  56. KellypcAugust 27, 2015 at 10:22 PM

    I just bought a ton of new clothes for my husband!

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  57. Suburban prepAugust 28, 2015 at 1:45 PM

    I just bought a new pair of boots. I think I might need some long sleeve t shirts too though.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Shelly PetersonAugust 29, 2015 at 2:44 AM

    I went BTS shopping for my son. I got him, shorts, shirts, pants, shoes, under clothes, back pack and school supplies.

    ReplyDelete
  59. SBAugust 29, 2015 at 3:20 PM

    We went shopping for clothes and school supplies yesterday

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  60. UnknownAugust 29, 2015 at 3:27 PM

    I've been starting to buy some new fall clothes! My favorite season to dress for :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. Patrick SiuAugust 29, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    I'm almost done with my back to school shopping

    ReplyDelete
  62. UnknownAugust 29, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    I am avoiding back to school shopping but need to shop for my 3 school aged daughters. Maybe next week as school doesn't start until September 11.

    ReplyDelete
  63. UnknownAugust 29, 2015 at 11:14 PM

    School supplies done! First day of school outfits and some new shoes done! I usually wait until mid Fall to start adding the winter wardrobe

    ReplyDelete
  64. UnknownAugust 30, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    I haven't done much shopping yet. Waiting for the next weekend .. hope the sales really kick in!

    ReplyDelete
  65. gene dAugust 30, 2015 at 8:28 PM

    i picked up a nice backpack for my son.

    ReplyDelete
  66. DawnAugust 31, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Our kids started back to school way to early this year, bummer. We bought supplies and some clothes. I still need to get them a fall jacket.

    ReplyDelete
  67. jasna malobabicSeptember 1, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    Supplies !

    ReplyDelete
  68. KristenSeptember 1, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    I have not done any fall shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  69. UnknownSeptember 1, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    Just a few tshirts for my son, not much

    ReplyDelete
  70. cotec007September 1, 2015 at 7:05 PM

    no I haven't, my son is starting preschool but he already has everything, it's just old and a new lunch bag would be great

    ReplyDelete
  71. lori bSeptember 1, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    i still need to start

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  72. NicSeptember 1, 2015 at 11:50 PM

    Just some new clothes.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Melissa StormsSeptember 3, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    We have the school supplies all done. My son has outgrown everything though and we haven't done any clothes shopping yet. He starts on the 9th so we will be hitting the mall this weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  74. UnknownSeptember 4, 2015 at 11:24 PM

    No one here is heading to school. It's just a regular week for us.

    ReplyDelete
  75. JaniceSeptember 4, 2015 at 11:30 PM

    No fall shopping yet, but hope to do some shopping real soon.
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Chris StockfordSeptember 5, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Bookbags!

    ReplyDelete
  77. jenness mSeptember 5, 2015 at 7:03 PM

    I've finished all the shopping. Bought all the school supplies, a backpack, fall jacket and runners.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Rachelle LaneSeptember 5, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    My daughter starts schooI next year, so we're off the hook for now. But this faII, I'm shopping for new shoes and sweaters

    ReplyDelete
  79. JulieeSeptember 7, 2015 at 6:36 PM

    I have bought some new tops.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Just Another HR LadySeptember 7, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    All the school necessities...sneakers, jeans, tops,jacket, dresses etc.

    ReplyDelete
  81. a_m_rsSeptember 7, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    i'm always looking for deals for clothes and supplies even though my daughter is a year away from school.. i'm getting prepared

    ReplyDelete
  82. Jonnie (JB)September 8, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    I bought so much! School supplies, backpacks, lunch bags, shoes, clothes...it's amazing how much it takes to get kids ready to go back.

    ReplyDelete
  83. FloSeptember 8, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    I bought new sneaker and some clothes for the Grandchildren for back to school.
    Florence C

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  84. ivy pluchinskySeptember 8, 2015 at 4:31 PM

    we got some new clothes and shoes! she is starting grade 1 and growing like a weed

    ReplyDelete
  85. UnknownSeptember 8, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    We did the usual backpacks, shoes, clothes and school supplies.

    ReplyDelete
  86. JaimeeMSeptember 9, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Super easy this year for back to school shopping. Just had to buy a backpack, lunchbag and school shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hide C.September 10, 2015 at 3:38 AM

    I bought new backpacks, lunchbags, shoes and school supplies this year.

    ReplyDelete
  88. MzBeeBeeSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:52 PM

    I brought a bookbag and tons of school supplies for my teenage son. I can never go over how much money you can spend on paper and pens this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  89. amanda whitleySeptember 10, 2015 at 9:49 PM

    i did all of my daughters back to school shopping all ready. we got her a new backpack and school clothes.

    ReplyDelete
  90. UnknownSeptember 12, 2015 at 5:13 PM

    I bought new clothes and a backpack

    ReplyDelete
  91. PamelaSeptember 12, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Yes, I bought my kids some much needed pants and all the school supplies

    ReplyDelete
  92. UnknownSeptember 13, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    we had almost everything he needed.

    ReplyDelete

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