Finding Inexpensive Backpacks Online

The new school year is fast approaching. Of all the necessities, a backpack is on the top of the list. If your kids are anything like mine, their backpacks take a severe beating and are lucky to make it through the first half of the school year. This is exactly why I shop around for the best prices on backpacks. Of course, while looking for inexpensive, I have to keep in mind the “cool factor”. Depending on your child’a age, this could mean Care Bears or Hillary Duff.

Personally, I’ve always been a Walmart fan. But to be fair, I looked into a few other discount stores. Target ( http://www.target.com ) has limited selections on their site. There aren’t many “cool factor” choices but their prices are pretty good. For your basic childs backpack the price starts at $7.88, these include Spiderman and Hello Kittie. If you want to step it up a notch, for a few more bucks you can get the Hello Kitty, Hillary Duff or Spiderman pack with speakers. The speakers play their favorite characters theme music.

If you have a teen who isn’t into theme designed backpacks Sears ( http://sears.com ) has a somewhat more expensive selection of High Sierra Packs. These rugid packs are sturdier than your average kids packs and have a lot more room. These are also a good choice if you do not want to buy a mid-year pack once the original has been beaten to oblivion. The High Sierra Packs will last a typical teens school year. These packs start at $19.99 and go up to $129.99.

Those of you who can’t see spending that amount of money on a school backpack but still want a good selection; I would suggest checking out both Kmart ( http://www.kmart.com ) and Walmart ( http://www.walmart.com ). I found a lot of choices between the two of these sites. Because these stores are in constant competition, Kmart being the little guy, I would suggest checking out Kmart first. Their sale prices are usually unbeatable. They both have your standard selection of packs: basic, roller packs, duffel bags, messenger style bags and of course the ultimate cool factor packs, the boom box pack. Yes, these packs actually have a boom box type system built in for listening enjoyment. Why didn’t they have these when I was a kid? For under twenty bucks, your kid can be the envy of all others. Of course, I’m not sure teachers would appreciate it much.

Surprisingly, Kmart offered more selection in childrens packs. Where as Walmart’s choices were mainly Bratz, X-men, Dora, Superman and Disney; Kmart offered these and then some. They had the Kindergartener’s fave, Carebears as well as Spongebob, Strawberry Shortcake and Starter packs in simpe colors. The most expensive pack, regular price, is $24.99. A few cents more than Walmart’s most expensive. Walmart’s backpacks start at $9.88 and Kmart’s regularly priced packs start at 15.99, but are curremtly on sale for $10.00.

I would say that if your kid is a stickler for the “cool factor”, I’d start at Kmart. If you have a teen, Sears may be your best bet. As far as saving money, I’d definately compare Kmart and Walmart prices. They both offer different styles and a close price range. Online shopping will almost always provide you with better prices, especially Kmart. So log on and get shopping!