When it’s time for back-to-school shopping, don’t forget to add a stylish backpack to your list! Whether you have a preschooler toting crayons and finger foods or an elementary-school scholar, Ottawa retailers have the perfect bag to carry it all in style.
Take a walk on the wild side
Your little one will love getting ready for school with a Mountain Equipment Co-op LittleLife® Animal Daysack. Kids ages six months to three years can transform themselves into a ladybug, shark or turtle with the daysack’s stow-away, weatherproof hood, and a removable safety rein ensures your little critter won’t wander away!
Features a top grab handle, an internal name/address tag, adjustable padded shoulder straps and sternum strap.
Available in store or at
www.mec.ca, $36.
Fly your own way
This bird is ready to gobble up your little one’s school supplies!
Available at Mountain Equipment Co-op, the Deuter Kikki Daypack features a beak lid that buckles to secure backpack contents, two external pockets with Velcro closures and a special loop for attaching toys. Reflective details at the front and sides provide increased visibility. Dimensions are 14” high, 8” wide and 6” deep. Available at www.mec.ca, $43.
Out-of-this-world style!
Blast back-to-school with a brightly-coloured, solar system backpack (matching lunchbox and sandwich keeper sold separately), or trot off to class with this adorable horse-themed backpack (lunchbox and drinking bottle sold separately). Ideal for children ages three to eight, these sturdy backpacks are 11.5” wide and 14” high.
Available at Mastermind Toys, Indigo, Boomerang Kids and Tag Along Toys. Backpack $28.99, lunchbox $18.99, bottle $10.99, sandwich keepers $6.99.
Simple & scholarly
Your grade schooler’s teacher will raise her eyebrows at the smart design features of the Elementary Book Bag from Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Made of durable nylon with a reinforced bottom panel, this bag can handle all your books plus the gritty sidewalk at the bus stop.
Padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap helps spread the load when the homework piles up, and side stretch mesh water bottle pockets will help keep your budding scholar hydrated.
Available in an array of fresh colour combinations at
www.mec.ca or in store, $43.
Give peace a chance
Kids can’t help but smile at this funky Peace Signs Purple Macropak from Wildkin.
Designed for kids ages eight and up, this roomy and durable backpack is 17” high, 12.5” wide and 7.5” deep. Three spacious, zippered compartments and multiple interior pockets will help keep school supplies organized. Side pockets offer easy access to water bottles.
Available at Baby enRoute, $49.95. (Note: This style is also available in smaller sizes with matching lunchbox.) www.babyenroute.ca