A school backpack should suit the child's age, not the year they will be in three years from now. Here is how to choose the size for each stage, what is worth knowing about character backpacks, and the backpacks we have now, with a name or a charm to identify them.
See the backpacks Character backpacksSize by stage, not by how much they will grow
It is tempting to buy a big backpack “so it lasts”. The problem is that a backpack that sticks out at the sides or hangs below the waist shifts the weight to the lower back and is uncomfortable. It is better to have one that fits this school year and another when they move up a stage.
At ages 3 to 5, children carry very little: a snack, a change of clothes and a sheet of paper to take home. A small backpack that they can open on their own is enough. In primary school the volume and weight change: books, exercise books and a pencil case. Here it helps to have two padded, adjustable straps, a main compartment big enough for the books, and a backpack no wider than their back.
Age also decides the design. At four they want the character they see at home; at nine they sometimes prefer something more discreet. If you are unsure, let them choose between two or three backpacks in their size.
Backpacks we have now
The first two come with the name as standard. The character backpacks are officially licensed and are identified with an engraved charm, bought separately.
Character backpacks: what is worth knowing
Official licence
Our Spiderman, Avengers, Gabby's Dollhouse and other character backpacks are officially licensed products.
Their name, on a charm
They are sold with their original design, with no name on the fabric. To identify the backpack you can add a faux leather charm with their name engraved, which hooks onto the zip.
Few units of each model
We have only one or two backpacks of many characters. If you see the one they want, it is better not to leave it until the last week of August.
With the name as standard
The animal backpacks have the name in iron-on vinyl on the back and on one of the handles, and the other backpack has it on a star charm with colour printing.
Which school backpack for which age
| Stage | Age | What they need |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 0-3 years | A very small backpack for a change of clothes and a cup |
| Reception and infant school | 3-5 years | Small backpack, easy to open, for a snack and a change of clothes |
| Early primary school | 6-8 years | Room for exercise books and a pencil case, adjustable straps |
| Later primary school | 9-12 years | More capacity for books, without being wider than their back |
Frequently asked questions
What backpack does a 3-year-old need?
A small, light backpack with room for a snack and a change of clothes. At that age, a nursery backpack or a small backpack is enough.
When should you move up to a bigger school backpack?
Usually when starting primary school, when children begin to carry books and exercise books. Before that, a big backpack only adds weight.
Can character backpacks be personalised?
They are sold with their original design, but you can add a charm with their name engraved, which hooks onto the zip. The charm is bought separately.
Are the character backpacks original?
Yes, they are officially licensed products.
Which backpacks already have the name on?
The animal backpacks have the name in iron-on vinyl on the back and on one of the handles. The other backpack, designed for ages 4 and up, has it on a star charm with colour printing.
Choose the backpack in their size
Look at their stage first, let them pick the design and add their name so it does not get mixed up on the coat peg.
See all the backpacks