We get lots of emails asking for product recommendations for gifts, necessities, clothing, gadgets and more. Since we’re full of opinions around here, we’re glad to help. We’re happy to announce that instead of just emailing our readers back with suggestions, we’re going to start sharing some of our writers’ answers with you via our new Ask TOP feature. If you have a question or a shopping conundrum, email us at theopinionatedparent at gmail dot com and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Please be aware that these are not our usual product reviews. Our writers may or may not have seen, touched or tried the items noted in the Ask TOP posts, but have simply taken the time to do some research to help out a fellow parent.

Reader Kate R. asks TOP…

Can you help me? I’m desperate.

My 4 (almost 5) year old son is starting pre-school and needs a “large” backpack. A preschool back like the wonderful ones at gemgem.com will not work for the school requirements.

Can you help me find a cool young boy backpack? I’d REALLY appreciate it!

Chelle says:

My girl has always loved packing her own bag for our many adventures. We started off with a small soft plush backpack and now she has a couple of special backpacks that she adores.

She especially loves her Deuter Schmusebar Daypack ($35) and her ultra-inexpensive ($16) Kids Dome Daypack From Mountain Equipment Coop. Both are great durable backpacks, just the right size and not character based.

And from Mountain Baby, she loves her Tatonka Kiddy Kids Backpack ($30 – pictured @ left). Designed by the pros, this is a fantastically ergonomic choice for a young child and comes with Tatonki, the stuffed dude in the image.


Sara says:

I have actually been on the hunt for one of these myself so I’d love to share my finds with Kate.

The toddler backpacks ($24.95) from My Sweet Dreams Baby are great. They can be personalized, which would be especially great for some of the more plain styles (and what kid doesn’t love to see their name on their stuff?) The prints are less babyish to me than some I have come across.. This may still be too small for Kate’s little man, although it is larger than the gemgem.com one. The same site also has a slightly larger kid version for $34.95.

Personal Creations has these cool packs (I love the firetruck one) one sale for just $19.98. (pictured @ right)

Lillian Vernon’s “Lilly’s Kids” offers a great less kid-like one ($19.98) with reflective safety strips and it can be personalized if you choose. This one’s similar, but has a matching wallet.

This one ($19.98) has bungee straps that could come in handy. However, right now it’s only showing purple as an option for color, so that won’t work for your little man! Maybe they’ll be adding more colors soon, though!

Rashmi says:

I know by listening to other Moms that pre-schoolers need backpacks that can fit a big book or two, including a folder for all those forms etc. Most moms also say that teachers prefer bags that don’t have drawstrings, wheels, lights and other such difficult and distracting thingamajigs. (Ed: Amen to that!)

Which is why I feel that the Boys’ Preschool Backpack by Land’s End ($26.50, pictured @ left) is ideal. It’s made for pre-schoolers, yet it’s still big enough to carry a book, a change of clothes, and a little something for recess or show-and-tell. An exterior pocket carries extras. Comfort features include padded c-shaped shoulder straps that fit better, and a padded lumbar panel to cushion his back. The polyester body means it’s easy to clean, and there are two compartments to organize his stuff. The 360° reflective trim improves visibility and you have the option to get it monogrammed as well.

Meg says:

I recommend the Kelty Grommet 100%, all the way! We bought it ($25, pictured @ right) for our son to take to church with him. It’s bigger than a kiddie pack but definitely not too big for him to handle — and it’s cool just like his Daddy’s!

Heather says:

I don’t know how “cool” they are but both of our boys have LL Bean backpacks. The Junior Original Book Pack ($19.50, pictured @ left) is big enough but not too big for a little body. We’ve been using them for a few years and they hold up perfectly. (Christy seconds that recommendation!) Monogramming is available for just $6.

The LL Bean Camp Critter Pack might be too small for Kate’s little guy, but it sure is cute!

Well Kate…we hope those options give you a good start on picking your son’s first backpack.

As an early childhood teacher, I’d like to give you a few tips to keep in mind as you shop:

*Make sure it’s not larger than your son. He needs to be comfortable. If he’s a very small child, his teacher will understand. If he’s average or large, then it’s not as much of an issue. This is particularly important if he’ll be carrying it for any distance or length of time.
*But…be sure it can hold an average picture book or he’ll either be losing things or bringing home grocery bags on a regular basis.
*Padded shoulder straps are a must – those library books get heavy!
*One or two pockets on the outside are great. Too many will just be frustrating for everyone.
*A water bottle pocket on the side is a great feature to keep your son hydrated without juices, but make sure the pack is water resistant so his books don’t get soaked if it leaks. In my classroom I recommend that water bottles always be placed in a ziplock bag too – just in case!
*Avoid wheels or, at the very least, check if they’re allowed in your son’s school. They’re a tripping hazard in busy hallways.
*If you choose to monogram your son’s bag, you may want to go with initials rather than his full name. He’ll still know which bag is his, but strangers won’t know his first name.

Thanks for asking TOP, and have fun shopping!