People with older children might smile about it, but for new parents or grandparents, buying the right school bag for a first-grader raises several questions. Reason enough for us to address how best to buy a school bag – from preparation to the final decision, whether in-store or online.

The Importance of the Right School Bag

The right bag will be a loyal companion for your child, not only helping transport books and notebooks to school but also protecting their back and, ideally, even bringing joy. Choosing the right school bag is therefore much more than just a matter of taste – it's primarily about health, comfort, and motivation.

Preparation is Everything

Before you start searching for the perfect school bag, it's important to make some preparations:

• Choose the timing: The ideal time to buy a school bag (Link to /when-to-buy-the-school-bag/) is about 3-6 months before school enrollment or the start of the school year. This gives you enough selection and avoids stress just before school starts.
• Set a budget: High-quality school bags or school backpacks are an investment in your child's health and satisfaction. Expect a price range of around €300 to €350 for a good bag, slightly more for school bag sets.
• Get informed: Research the most important criteria beforehand, such as ergonomics, weight, and safety features – for example, in this article: Finding the right school bag. (Link to /finding-the-right-school-bag/) Consumer reports like Stiftung Warentest and Ökotest regularly offer current test reports on school bags that can provide good guidance.
• Involve the child: Let your child participate in the selection process from the beginning. Explain what matters and ask about their preferences regarding color and design.
• Create a checklist: Note down all the important points the bag should meet. These include, among others:
  • Weight (Link to /how-heavy-should-a-school-bag-be/): Not too heavy, not too light; around 1,200 grams is good.
  • Size: Appropriate for the child's physique.
  • Ergonomic back padding (Link to /school-bag-ergonomics/).
  • Adjustable, padded shoulder straps.
  • Reflectors for better visibility.
  • Waterproof, durable material.
  • Sufficient capacity.
  • Pockets and dividers for organization.

Buying a School Bag In-Store

Brick-and-mortar retail offers several advantages, especially when buying a school bag. To make the most of these, it's best to prepare for your visit.

• Choose a day when both you and your child are well-rested and in a good mood. Avoid peak times in the store to choose calmly, and bring enough time yourself.
• Take advantage of advice from experienced professionals. They provide valuable tips and point out details you might have overlooked.
• Your child should thoroughly try on every potential bag. Ideally, typical school supplies like books, notebooks, and a water bottle should be packed inside. These or alternative weights help test capacity and weight distribution. (Link to /packing-a-school-bag-correctly/)
• Ensure the school bag:
  • Does not extend beyond the shoulders sideways.
  • Fits snugly against the back.
  • Has its top edge roughly level with the shoulders.
  • Has its bottom edge no lower than the hips.
• Test carrying comfort: Let your child walk around the store a few times with the filled bag. Observe if they can move naturally and if the bag sits stably.
• Check functions: Test all zippers, buckles, and clasps. They should be easy to operate, even for children's hands.

Buying School Bags In-Store: Advantages

• Personal advice from expert staff.
• Opportunity for direct comparison of different models.
• Immediate try-on and function test.
• No waiting time – the bag can be taken home immediately.
• Supports the local economy.

Buying School Bags In-Store: Disadvantages

• Possibly limited selection compared to online offerings.
• Prices might be higher than online, but you receive advice that prevents a bad purchase.
• Time required for shopping.
• Potential pressure to buy in the sales situation.

Buying a School Bag Online

In recent years, buying school bags online has become a popular alternative. Here too, preparation is key:

• Research: Use comparison portals and test reports to inform yourself about different models.
• Take measurements: Measure your child's back length and shoulder width. Many online shops offer size charts.
• Create a wishlist: Let your child search online for designs they like. Create a shortlist together.

The Online Purchase Process

• Read detailed product descriptions: Pay close attention to details about weight, material, ergonomics, and safety features.
• Check customer reviews: They often provide valuable insights into long-term experiences with the product.
• Compare: Use the ability to see prices and features of different models side-by-side.
• Payment method and shipping: Look for secure payment methods and check the shipping conditions.
• Check the return policy: A good online shop offers a straightforward return policy. This is especially important if the bag doesn't fit or isn't liked.

After the Online Purchase

• Try-on at home: As soon as the bag arrives, you should conduct a thorough try-on with your child. Ensure the bag is filled with typical contents.
• Quality control: Check all seams, closures, and materials for any potential defects.
• Prepare for return: If the bag doesn't fit or isn't liked, prepare the return according to the shop's instructions.

Buying School Bags and Backpacks Online: Advantages

• Wide selection of models and designs.
• Often lower prices due to direct sales.
• Convenient shopping from home.
• Easy price comparison.
• Often more detailed product information.

Buying School Bags Online: Disadvantages

• No possibility for direct try-on before purchase.
• Waiting time for delivery.
• Possible return shipping costs if not satisfied.
• No personal advice.

The Perfect School Bag is an Investment in the Future

Choosing the right school bag is an important decision that you shouldn't take lightly. It's about much more than just a container for books and notebooks. A good school bag is a loyal companion that protects your child's health, makes their school day easier, and, ideally, even boosts their motivation for learning.

Whether you decide to buy in a local store or online, it's important that you involve your child in the process. After all, they should wear the bag with pride and joy. At the same time, as a parent or grandparent, you should ensure that all important criteria regarding ergonomics, safety, and functionality are met.

Our Dream School Bag is Still to Come

If you're like us – young parents searching for a school bag – you might also not be entirely thrilled with what the market currently offers.

That's why we have developed a completely new school bag, which our family business currently has almost ready for production.

It will innovatively address some points that have remained unresolved in the school bag market and, above all, break new ground in terms of design.

If you'd like us to keep you updated on our innovative school bag, please subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from attractive early-bird discounts: Yes, keep me informed about your innovative bag!