As much as it pains me to write, it’s time to hang up the swim suits and set the alarms because school is nearly back in session. It was high time for new backpacks around these parts and, after a few shoddily made rounds with other brands, I finally bit the bullet and ordered backpacks from LL Bean. I have gear from them that has lasted for years and years and just keeps on going. I had a coupon for 20% off and free shipping, so I sat the PCP down at the computer and went through every single make and model until we agreed on the Explorer Backpacks and Flip Top Lunch Boxes. Red for John, blue for Whit. They are well made and just the right size to grow with them for a few years.
After two years of packing lunches every single day in Easy Lunch Boxes containers, it was time to replenish my supply. I have literally used these and run them through the dishwasher every single day and only had one small corner chip off of one lid! Since I was ordering, I also added in the new Mini Dippers. Before sauces and condiments kind of made a mess so I was thrilled to see these come out. Be warned, these containers do not fit in all lunchboxes, so measure first if you plan to use them. A couple of water bottles later and we’re ready for school!
Since we order school supplies on-line by grade and gender and they arrive at the classrooms at meet the teacher day, that is always taken care of. I used to love shopping for supplies as a kid and explicitly remember Mother taking us to the CVS to pick them out after the first day of school! But times have changed and I’m sure not going to do something the hard way when there is a no-brainer way to get it done. We did pick up a few things to replenish our homework cart at home.
Here’s to a great year!
xoxo
I agree with you about the LL Bean backpacks – I bought our first ones at the ages of 4 & 2 (6years ago) and they're still going strong with very little wear – all of the zippers & clips still work & the monogram still looks great!
I have to admit, since we homeschool, I secretly miss the "back to school prep" part of the year – but I'm the only one here who does. I'm a sucker for school supplies!
Love your choices – hope y'all have an awesome school year!! :-)
Love your choices, will have to remember those in a few years when my lil ones start school. I still have my LL Bean backpack from college (and I won't indulge you with how many years ago that was, way too many!!) and a couple of years ago I ordered my first LO a suitcase. #2 LO will be getting one this Christmas too!
Not as much as it "pains" me!!!! Where oh where has my summer gone! I love LL Bean! xo
I have also taken advantage of the supplies there the first day too and it really is great. Only, this year my oldest is in 6th grade and I have to shop for him. I have to say that I love the homework cart and I am so doing that this year, and I know just where to find the cart. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I know I can always come for a visit and leave with inspiration. Alaina
Happy School Year! We have a 3K-er and a brand new preschooler around these parts in two more weeks. I'm ready for a schedule but NOT ready to give my children up!
You'll be pleased to know, I am 28 years old and still have my first LLBean backpack from middle school. They are durable, and stylish, and as far as I remember ALL kids love them. I believe that they also replace them for free? Is the lifetime warranty still in effect?
Yes- same great policy!
We use the LLBean backpacks and lunchboxes too. They have held up so much better than any other brand and you can send them back for repairs! I am excited about buying school supplies too for some odd reason. We don't go back until September though so we still have a few weeks left of summer! Best of luck to your boys for a successful school year!
-Shelley
LL Bean makes fabulous bags! And, a good lunch box is a must. Our girls took their lunches everyday until they graduated.
What a fantastic idea to have everyone order the supplies online!!
Love the Ikea cart. I have one in my craft room and we just purchased one for our youngest to take to college with her.
Love the LL Bean backpacks, and well worth the $$. My youngest used his for 7 years, until his graduation this past Spring. It still looks great. I ran it through the washing machine at the beginning of each school year and it always looks like new. Now, as a college freshman, he's ready for a "cool leather messenger bag." :) At the moment, I'm not really missing buying school supplies. :)
I'm excited, I bought the Easy Lunch Boxes for my husband and I to use this year. (I have adult children). If they are as good as everyone says, I'll be buying my daughters & s-i-l some for part of their Christmas presents.
Hi Amanda- I was actually searching online for new lunch boxes for my boys when I started reading your post. What do you use to keep your boys food cold? Do you put an ice pack under the food container or in the mesh part and does it stay cold until lunch time? Thanks! Julie
I've only used it once for an art class but I put one of those ice backs in the bottom and it was still part frozen 10 hours later!
My college aged kids used the LLBean bookbags all through their school years. They are wonderful…and we had the red and the navy too. Our school has been back in session here for a week now. It is still summer in my mind though! :) Way too early for school
I'm dying to know what you put in those lunch boxes……knowing you it is something fabulous :)!
We've had LL Bean backpacks for going on 7 years now. We have had zipper malfunctions twice between the 2 kids, and LL Bean has always replaced them- without questions, for free. (Or you have the option to take the return amount and get a more expensive backpack.)
They do the same thing for their lunch boxes, and I have heard for all their products.
And I totally agree- online school supplies are the way to go! Our middle school doesn't do this, and I missed the convenience!
Can't go wrong with Beans. I have young boys and put them their stuff regularly.
Funny my Yankee sensibilities surfaced here- how I admired the monogrammed bubbles and Jon-Jon's you put your guys in. I had one or two real cute ones for mine – rest all pretty basic prep wash and wear. Now think of price per use on that school gear vs customized 12 m seersucker shorty. :) though the clothes made for sweet photos
Boys will have good memories of lasting bags. I did!
I know, honey always says I'll pinch a penny but throw down a dollar :-)