AMANDA CARTER, Post Intern
Posted: Sunday, July 27, 2008 8:43 am

Backpacks are essential items when preparing children for school. Every child needs help carrying heavy books, as well as with organization for papers and work.

Styles change from year to year, and a variety of different backpacks are in style for fall.

One of the popular styles is the messenger bag. This bag is an over the shoulder tote that hangs on your hip. It breaks away from the traditional two-strap backpack, but still leaves lots of room for books.

Also in style is the urban backpack. This has an overall smaller main compartment, but has several small compartments inside its thin frame. Some have a diagonal zipper on the front.

For kids who may have back problems or an easily bothered back, parents should look for backpacks with wheels. These bags are similar to suitcases, but smaller. They roll and have a long shaft attached, providing back relief.

Easy to find square tote bags also compliment the fashion for fall and come in all different colors and prints. Some totes and bags have slots for personalized pictures, while others have prints of popular Disney shows.

If these styles are not appealing, it is always acceptable for children to carry the traditional backpack, which allows for space and of course, two-straps. Just like tote bags, backpacks also have numerous prints and colors including popular Disney and Nickelodeon characters, such as Hannah Montana, Dora the Explorer and High School Musical.

According to kidshealth.org, when wearing a backpack, children should use both straps; also, parents should look for multiple compartments inside to ensure even weight distribution.
A frugal shopper will find these stylish backpacks and bags at local stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, T J Maxx and more.

Wal-Mart, 2000 Old Fort Parkway or 2900 S Rutherford Blvd, has backpacks priced $4-28.

Target, 1851 Old Fort Parkway, has bags as low as $9.88. Most bags are priced $10 - 20, or if desired, a supply of $30 backpacks is available.

Located at 1980 Old Fort Parkway, TJ Maxx has backpacks for a discounted price. These include Jan sports for $7.99 and Eastpaks for $5.99.