Heading off to school, kindergarten or Daycare can be an exciting time or something you and they are just not quite ready for.  It kind of feels like you are heading off into the unknown. 

Usually once the initial shock is past, it will be fine for both of you.  We've enjoyed watching our little niece Isabella make the progression into 3 day Daycare this year.  Of course she's the leader of the class, and it was not a hard transition.  But if you had been on the outside looking in you would have thought it would have been tougher for her.  She was a little shy with folks other than family and had been blessed to have her Mommy at home so she was used to having constant attention of a loving parent.

To us she is like a different child now, much more sure of herself, not shy a bit and a definite leader in her little class.  This year she heads off to Kindergarten and we're sure she will become the class president!

But on the subject of choosing a "cute"  Daycare backpack we did want to share what we've heard from Moms and the kids too!  So first off it should be cute! Even the young kids are establishing their persona and once they get to school they need a sense of "hey I'm cool, you better like me".   It will also serve as their little Anchor, something familiar from home and Mom.  You are kidding yourself if you think kids don't notice what the other kids have....you will see traces of peer pressure at this young stage too.  So you may as well start them at the head of the class with a cute backpack that is serviceable.  Because rest assured you will want then to have a bag that everyone else wants, right?

So what do you look for??  It should be age appropriate.  Can they actually wear it and handle it?  Iin the eyes of loving parents and grandparents they are SO BIG, but they still don't need the big backpacks used in grade school.  It will just frustrate them and the teacher.  Ask the teacher if they will be bringing home folders, etc.  If so you know it will need to be at least 10"W and 12"H.  For the ilttle ones it is usually required to have at least a shirt or top to change into in case of accidents, you may be asked to send a snack or a drink, but usually for Daycare and preschool it is mainly something to carry papers back and forth and small items.  So no big books, no overnight gear.

It should be washable!  We have backpacks like the Quilted Backpacks from Stephen Joseph which are perfectly sized, can be thrown in the wash and used for at least a couple years.  These are hightly reccomneded and a great value.  So start with these.   If you ever have questions feel free to call us to check sizes.  We are always glad to help at Anything Joe's Personalized Gifts for Kids