Backpack recommendation...without all the tv characters?

[PNWmama]

Hi!  I need a backpack brand recommendation for my very tall 4 year old DS.  We have one of those really cute Skip Hop animal backpacks for my 2 year old, but it is too small for my 4 year old DS.  Anyone know of a cute backpack that is larger than the Skip Hop ones, but doesn't have TV characters plastered all over it?  Thanks!!

[4Marmalade]

My older two dc's have backpacks from LL Bean for school.  They've been great - a bit pricier but durable and will be used for years.  A pretty big selection of colours or patterns and no characters.  If I remember correctly I think they have backpacks sized for younger kids but my small dd has been able to handle one of the bigger ones as it needs to hold all her school stuff.  With the school year over there might be some clearance going on.  Check out Lands End as well. 

[philomom]

I was going to say Land's End, too.

[samstress]

i like the mimi the sardine backpacks (and so does my 4-year-old), but it sounds like they're too small for your ds. 

garnet hill has some cute ones.

i've also seen plenty at target that don't have characters on them.

[mizzoh]

I just got my 5 yo a cute one at REI

[LynnS6]

Lands End makes 3-4 sizes depending on height. http://www.landsend.com/ix/luggage/Luggage/Backpacks-Lunch-Boxes/index.html?seq=1~2~3&catNumbers=2431~2444&visible=1~2~1&store=le&sort=Recommended&tab=18&cm_re=D-11-7

i've actually had good luck with Target and the like -- you need to go to the sporting goods/luggage section, or wait for the back to school sales. But they do have plain backpacks. (They tend to run a bit large.)

[pianojazzgirl]

We got one for dd at the Gap a few years ago.  I noticed they have them at Old Navy as well.  They come with matching lunch bags if you want to go all matchy-matchy, lol...

[One_Girl]

My dd got her backpack at WalMart while in preschool and has used it for four years.  She is in Elementary school now and there isn't a need for something that carries a lot of heavy stuff yet so it still works well.  Shopko, Target, and Fred Meyers also have cheap backpacks with a variety of themes and colors.  LL Bean is good for backpacks if you need something sturdy and long lasting.  I am too cheap to spend that kind of money on a kid backpack but I have one for myself that I used throughout college and it is still holding up very well.

[PNWmama]

Thanks all!  We live in a rural area and don't have access to a Target.  We have Walmart, but all the backpacks there are cartoon covered.  I will check out some of the places recommended!  Many thanks!

[34me]

Try LL Bean too. They have a lifetime warrenty.

[ecoteat]

We got one from Hanna Andersson that was really cute, but did not hold up nearly as well as I expected, especially considering the price! I will probably only buy LLBean backpacks from now on. My ancient ones are still great! (And I live near an outlet, so we buy a LOT of our stuff from there.)

[poetlizabeth]

Crocodile Creek has great back packs, that feature animals and other things children are interested in but don't have any cartoon characters on them. They are usually sold in independent toy stores or you can always order them online!

http://www.shopatron.com/products/category/476.0.1.1.16748.0.0.0.0

[K1329]

Have to add another vote for LL Bean. Amazingly durable. My dd's still looks almost brand new after 2 years of heavy use.

[swd12422]

I'm not sure how heavy-duty the backpack needs to be (it's not like he has a Calculus text book to lug around yet), but we got DS a toddler pack from Bratsacks Babyware on Etsy. She also makes "big kid" packs and messenger bags, all out of corduroy (and I think other heavy-duty fabrics) from recycled pants. DS uses his to carry his lunch to preschool, and packs for visits to grandma with it, and it has held up well.

[kawa kamuri]

check lands end 

[mommy68]

I love LL Bean and Walmart has plain ones as well, so do most shoe stores.