
Could it be time already? Yes, even though school is still a few weeks away, if you want the full choice of colors and styles, it’s time to think about backpacks. We like the L.L. Bean and Land’s End selections this year. Here’s what’s right about them: They’re big enough (wish the kids didn’t have to carry so much around, but since they do); tough and well-made and come in a great selection of colors. Land’s End is offering a light-up backpack that might appeal to parents with kids who have to walk home at dusk. For “big kids” who aren’t too big yet, we like the new monogrammed Critter Packs being offered by Bean. They come with pandas, owls, sharks and other animal monograms on backpacks available in rolling or regular models with lunch boxes to match. Both companies also offer large backpacks for teens with “music pockets” to shelter MP3s and iPods. For younger kids who want a cartoon character on their (far less expensive) backpack see Target online.












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