Here in Florida, we head back-to-school right at the height of the summer months. And honestly, I am so grateful because the only thing I want to do during these dog days of summer is sit in the A/C!
Since we’ve already been in school for two weeks, my kids have had plenty of time to put their new bags to the test. The outcome? These back-to-school bags are holding up beautifully to real school days, and my kids still love them just as much as they did when they first picked them out.
I know back-to-school shopping can sometimes feel like a long list of things parents need to check off.
School supplies? Check.
New shoes? Hopefully.
Clothes that still fit? We’re working on it.
A backpack? Definitely.
But this year, my kids were able to have a little say in the things they’re taking with them into the new school year. Together, we perused (and yes, I’m using that word correctly) Parker Kids Co.’ s website to find the best style and color backpack for each of them. (Thankfully there isn’t an overwhelming selection, just enough to give them some autonomy, so this wasn’t painful!)
When they get to choose something that reflects their personality, it can make those everyday routines feel a little more exciting! That’s exactly what happened when Parker Kids Co. gifted my kids their new bags for back to school.
Disclosure: Parker Kids Co. gifted these products to my family for an honest review.
And if you find something your kids love, you can use my code BRITTANYDAHL for 10% off your order!
A Back-to-School Backpack for My Big Kid
My son chose the Venture Starter Set in Black, which includes the Venture Backpack, coordinating Lunch Box, and five interchangeable patches. (Oh the patches! There was actual screaming when we pulled them out of the packaging they were so excited!)
He’s at the age where his backpack needs to do a lot more than simply carry a folder and a lunch. He needs room for school supplies, books, and all the little things that seem to multiply throughout the school year.
The Venture Backpack feels like a great fit for this stage. It’s designed for ages 6–13, with padded straps and durable materials that can handle bigger school days. I can actually see it going into the next school year with us!
And I really love that it doesn’t feel like a “little kid” backpack. It’s simple, functional, and gives him a little more of that growing-up feeling.
The coordinating lunch box is another favorite because it coordinates and he can also add his patches to it!
The Venture Starter Set includes:
- Venture Backpack
- Coordinating Lunch Box
- 5 choose-your-own patches
A Sleepover Bag for My Preschooler
My daughter is still in preschool, so she was actually given a specific bag to use for school. But that didn’t stop her from wanting a new bag of her own!
She immediately decided she needed something for her sleepovers with her grandparents.
Enter the Travel Bundle.
The Travel Bundle includes a Duffel Bag, coordinating Belt Bag, and five choose-your-own patches. It’s designed for ages 4–12 and is perfect for travel, sports, sleepovers, and weekend adventures.
The duffel is a great size and will also work for some of our longer road trips and weekend travel throughout the year. You can easily pack up a few outfits, pajamas, and her favorite things. And the belt bag quickly became a favorite because she can carry her own little essentials without needing a grown-up to hold everything for her. (Why do kids insist on carrying around all the “little things”? haha)
The Travel Bundle includes:
- Duffel Bag
- Coordinating Belt Bag
- 5 choose-your-own patches
And Then Came the Patches…
Honestly, I think this was the part my kids were most excited about. They had five patches to choose for each bundle, and they took their job very seriously.
They looked through all of the options, debated which ones they liked best, made sure they didn’t choose the same ones (not sure why that was important…), and carefully decided which patches would go on their new bags.
And that’s one of my favorite things about Parker Kids Co. The bags aren’t just functional because the kids get to make them theirs.
The interchangeable hook-and-loop patches can be moved, swapped, and restyled anytime. So a patch they love this year doesn’t have to stay in the same spot forever. The Patch Gift Pack includes five choose-your-own patches, and they patches work with Parker Kids backpacks and accessories, so kids can continue building their collection over time.
For my kids, choosing the patches turned getting new bags into an experience instead of just another back-to-school purchase, which made it fun for all of us
Why I Love These Bags for Back-to-School
As a mom, I appreciate the practical side of these bags because they’re durable and designed with kids in mind. It’s also nice that the different pieces coordinate with each other, and they’re made to grow with the kids as their needs change each year.
But as a former teacher, I also really appreciate the independence they encourage.
As a first grader, my son can take more responsibility for his backpack and lunch box, and my daughter takes a lot of pride in arranging her patches just so before journeying to her grandparents’ house for an overnight stay.
Back-to-school isn’t just about buying everything on the supply list. It’s also about helping kids feel ready for what’s ahead. And since a fun new backpack makes them a little more excited to walk through the school doors, I’m all for it!
Ready to pick out your own back-to-school favorites? Use code BRITTANYDAHL for 10% off your Parker Kids Co. order.
Don’t Forget the Back-to-School Books!
Of course, no back-to-school season is complete without a few good books.
If you’re looking for books to help your child get excited about school, navigate a new season, or simply settle into a new routine, I’ve put together a few back-to-school book lists to help you find your next read without spending hours searching.
Back to School Books for K – 2nd Grade
Back to School Books for 3rd – 5th Grade
Back to School Books for 6th – 8th Grade
And if you’re looking for personalized book recommendations based on your child’s age and interests, that’s what I love to help busy moms with! Finding the right book shouldn’t require scrolling through hundreds of options. Sometimes you just need someone to narrow it down for you.
Here’s to a new school year filled with books worth reading, growing independence, new adventures, and plenty of good stories along the way.
