Back to School Shopping: 5 Backpacks for Under $10

I'm sure by now, you've been bombarded with Back to School sales ads and have either bought all the essentials needed for the first day of school or you're still in the process.

Although I haven't received the supply list for my soon-to-be kindergartener, it doesn't take a genius to know that a backpack is one of those essentials needed by a student.

Like clothing, shoes, hairstyle and accessories, a backpack is an extension of your child's identity.  Your child may be in love with a Toy Story 3 backpack with all sorts of tacky colors and you may be happy to call it a day with a simple red backpack from Jansport.

You may wonder if it's possible to score a decent pack for a price that won't put a strain on your budget.  Surprisingly, they exist and I've compiled a list of 5 backpacks for under $10.  They range from distinct girls and boys bags to a functional unisex bag.

Before you go backpack shopping, decide on how much you are willing to spend. What is your maximum price point? Also, think about some of the qualities you prefer in the backpack. Do you want pen holders, pockets, durable shoulder straps or do you want a rolling backpack? This will help you and your child narrow down the choices.











Currently, many big retailers like Target, Toys R Us, Old Navy and Walmart are offering great deals on backpacks.  A customer service rep at Toys R Us told me to look at the Sunday ads online or in print (I would suggest signing up for the Toys R Us newsletter) because they will continue to offer some killer Back to School deals such as their current promotion where you can get a free lunch kit (up to $9.99 value) when buy a backpack for $12.99 or more until 8/27/11 or while supplies last.

Have you purchased a backpack recently? And if so, was your child involved in buying his or her backpack? What was you criteria and how much did you spend?