Cheap Kids Back Packs

Cheap kids back packs are in demand year round, but especially during back-to-school days. With the rising costs of school book rental, lunches, and the list of supplies growing each year, many parents try to cut corners wherever and whenever they can. Here are a few ideas for finding a back pack your child will enjoy carrying but that won't break the bank.

Inexpensive back packs can be found at many department stores.

Recycled Back Packs

One of the least expensive ways to provide your child with a back pack is to re-use last year's model. There are many different ways you can do this:

• Trading. Children in the same family can trade back packs that are in good condition. This means that the back pack may not be new but may be new to that particular child. This is easier if you stick to simple designs and stay away from anything trendy or age specific, such as some of the younger children's show characters.

• Re-use. Spend a little more on a back pack that you know will last for several years and that your child loves. Let him re-use the bag several years in a row. Accessories, such as small clips or pins can be added to update the look each year.

• Buy second hand. Second hand resell stores are springing up all over the country and have steadily gained in popularity in recent years. In addition to chains such as Once Upon a Child and Play it Again Sports, there are many privately owned resell stores where you can purchase gently used items at a fraction of the cost. Thrift stores can also be a good source, although the styles are sometimes a bit dated. However, if you are a careful shopper, you may be able to find items that are more modern but still inexpensive.

• Inform family and friends that you are trying to stick to a budget with school supplies and that you'll happily take any school related items they may be clearing away as unwanted clutter. Even old encyclopedias can be a rich resource for your children and you may just score a free back pack or two!

Rebates and Sales

Probably the easiest way to attain cheap kids back packs is by becoming a frugal and careful shopper. Watch the Sunday circulars (the glossy advertisements that come in the Sunday paper in most areas) to find out which retailers are placing their back packs on sale. If your child has a back pack from last year that he can use for the first few weeks of school, many retailers discount leftover merchandise by 25%, 50% and even 75% or more after the season for those items has passed. Sites like MyBargainBuddy.com list online clearance sales and groups such as Freelance By U offer inside information on how to save money and where to turn for sales information.

Some stores offer rebates on items, such as back packs. After sending in a dated cash register tape, UPC bar code and sometimes other items, you will receive a check within so many weeks giving you back a portion or your entire purchase price. Menards recently had nice, dual colored back packs for only .99 each after rebate. Each household could purchase two. The only way to catch these deals is to watch the circulars, visit the stores you know offer rebates on a regular basis, or join a deal watcher forum such as Refund Cents.

Best Sources for Cheap Kids Back Packs

Here are a few online sources you may want to try if you need a cheap kids back pack quickly and don't have time to wait for a sale or shop the second hand stores:

• Kelty Grommet: Although these items are a bit higher than you could purchase a back pack for at your local Wal-Mart, the quality is excellent and the colors are simple and able to be used again year after year without looking dated.

• Goodwill Online: Goodwill now offers some specialty items online or locate a store near you.

• Ebay: In addition to gently used, inexpensive back packs, you can find many specialty items. Although this article advises staying away from trendy items, sometimes you have a child who is crazy about lions or frogs and you want an item to reflect and encourage that individuality. Remember to watch shipping charges.

• Amazon: Offers a wide price range of back packs, from expensive back packs that may last several years to very inexpensive bags for those on a tight budget.

• Dollar Days: Wholesale closeouts and discounted prices. For larger orders, go in with a group of other parents to save even more.

Remember, the best way to save money is to stay away from cutesy, trendy back packs. You'll want to be able to re-use any items that are in good condition, but if the book bag is too trendy, it will be obvious it is dated. Try to buy high quality at the lowest price, so that the back pack will wear well. If you find an excellent bargain at a clearance sale, don't be afraid to overbuy and put aside several backpacks for another year. Happy back pack hunting!

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