school supplies
A young woman with long, brown hair against a white background.

What to look for when buying a school bag

A child's very first school bag is something truly special. However, a model of high quality is not inexpensive, which can be a strain on the parents’ budget. Alternatively, it is worth looking for used models or special offers, but they should be checked carefully. It is advisable not to buy a school bag too early, as a child's body size may still change. A lightweight school bag with good carrying comfort that adapts to the child’s needs will reliably accompany them through all their elementary school years. That’s why it’s advisable to try out different models, as not every school bag fits every child equally well. Models with good features offer many practical details: spacious compartments for school supplies and lunch, including a large main compartment, side pockets, and a front pocket. A sensible division with a separate compartment for books also helps keep things organized. A closure that is easy to open and an address label are also recommended in case the child forgets the school bag on the bus.Reflective surfaces also increase visibility in traffic and significantly contribute to the child’s safety. Reflective stickers for attaching and reflective tags for the school bag are also available online. In addition, a material that is resistant to water makes everyday use and cleaning much easier. A basic design with interchangeable motifs or charms featuring favorite heroes is especially exciting for children, so that the school bag stays joyful for a long time. This way, your child starts this new chapter with a school bag that fits them well.
A happy boy with glasses and a school bag on his first day of school.
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Choosing school supplies together
Get your child involved when choosing a school bag, pencil case, and other items needed for the start of school. Children enjoy picking out colors and characters they like. At the same time, they learn to take part in decisions and feel included. But it is not just about appearance. What really matters is that all school supplies are practical and comfortable to use. Things can easily get left behind or lost in the busy school day. It is best to label all items such as the school bag, gym bag, pencil case, lunch box, and water bottle with your child's name and class. This way, lost items are usually returned to the right bag more quickly.
A young man in a white shirt against a yellow background.

What makes a good school bag?

A good school bag stands out not just because of its appearance. In addition to design, safety, comfort, and practical compartment organization are essential. Fasteners that are easy to open, stable standing ability, and small extras such as inner pockets for keys, phones, or other small items, an address label, reflective elements, and side pockets make everyday school life much easier.
Asian girl with a green school bag.
Light weight
A good school bag weighs only about 1 kilogram and does not put any extra burden on the child.
Sufficient storage space
A large main compartment allows children to store all their school materials such as books, exercise books, and a pencil case.
Practical side pockets
Spacious side pockets provide space for a water bottle, lunchbox, or other small items.
Comfortable back padding
A back panel with good padding prevents books and other items from pressing uncomfortably against the child's back.
Soft shoulder straps
Padded shoulder straps that are soft and wide distribute the weight evenly and provide a secure fit.
Water resistant material
A water resistant outer material protects books and notebooks in any weather and makes cleaning easier.
Practical compartment layout
A divided main compartment and additional small pockets inside help keep school supplies neatly stored.
Easy opening
A school bag that is easy to open and close makes everyday school life easier for children.
Good visibility in road traffic
Reflective surfaces ensure that children are more visible in the dark and therefore safer on the road.
Ergonomic fit
A school bag that adjusts well to the child's body provides a comfortable carrying experience.
Interchangeable motifs
A neutral design with interchangeable small charms or motifs ensures that the school bag brings lasting joy to the child.
A young woman with black hair in front of a yellow background.

School supplies at a glance

Starting school requires more than just a school bag. A pencil case, a pencil pouch, a gym bag, a water bottle, a lunch box, and any additional accessories are important companions for everyday school life.
A little girl sorts colored pencils into a pencil case.

All about the pencil case

A pencil case is an essential part of every schoolchild's equipment. Pencil cases with two or three compartments are especially practical because they keep things organized and tidy. They provide space for all important writing materials such as colored pencils, pencils, an eraser, and ruler. Many models already come with these supplies included. However, it is worth taking a closer look at the quality of the colored and regular pencils. It is best to test the pencils together on a sheet of paper to see how well they draw. Triangular and slightly thicker pencils are especially comfortable to hold, and their leads are less likely to break. Labeling all materials is also a good idea, as children often leave things behind or mix them up. Personalized name stickers are available online, suitable not only for colored pencils but also for a water bottle, a lunchbox, and other school supplies. A ruler about 15 centimeters long is also an important addition to the pencil case. Transparent models are especially useful because they make drawing easier. Durable materials ensure the pencil case lasts a long time. Also, look for zippers that are easy to open and close. With a pencil case where everything has its place, children are well prepared for the school day.
Little boy with zipper pouch at home.

Addition to the pencil case

A zipper pouch offers extra space for additional school supplies such as a sharpener, glue stick or highlighter. Unlike a pencil case, it doesn’t have compartments for organizing the contents. Durable pouches are made of strong materials and have a zipper closure. Many brands offer designs that match the pencil case and school bag. What belongs in a zipper pouch? For example, a small pair of scissors with an ergonomic grip that fits well in children's hands and provides a safe hold while cutting. A glue stick with about 20 g is well suited for craft projects, as it dries out more slowly than larger versions. Thicker colored pencils with a triangular shape are also recommended, as they are easier to hold and less likely to break. Some models include a space for writing the child’s name. This is especially helpful for school supplies, as children often lose things or mix them up with those of their classmates. A double sharpener with a lid and shavings container is also practical for sharpening thick and thin pencils right at the desk. The lid helps keep the inside of the zipper pouch clean. This makes the zipper pouch a useful addition to the main pencil case, providing space for extra items needed during the school day.
Girl with a pink school bag and lunchbox.

The right lunchbox

A good lunchbox is part of every schoolchild’s basic equipment. It protects sandwiches and other snacks from being squashed and helps keep the school bag clean. If the school doesn’t provide lunch, a larger lunchbox offers enough space for two meals. Lunch containers with two or three compartments keep sandwiches, fruit or vegetables reliably separated. Many children don’t like it when different foods mix. At the same time, the food looks more appealing, because we eat with our eyes too. Some lunchboxes have fixed compartments, while others include dividers or small containers that can be added as needed. Soft foods like yogurt are best kept in a separate cup with a leakproof lid. A fastener that is easy to open also helps the child stay independent during the school day. It’s worth taking a closer look at the materials as well. A good lunchbox is lightweight, free from harmful substances like BPA, and easy to clean. Plastic is widely used, but stainless steel is a durable and long lasting alternative. Whether with or without a design, what matters most is that a look inside the lunchbox whets the child’s appetite.
Boy and girl with a water bottle and a lunchbox at breakfast.

Why a drinking bottle belongs

For children, regular drinking is just as important as healthy eating and physical activity. A drinking bottle accompanies them through the school day, not only during breaks but also after sports. It helps ensure that children drink enough to stay focused and participate actively in class. A capacity of 400 to 600 milliliters is usually enough for primary school children. Bottles of this size are a good choice for the morning and are significantly lighter than larger models. For children who stay at school until the afternoon, a larger model is usually the better choice. Many school bags have an outer side pocket for the drinking bottle, so that books and notebooks stay dry even if something leaks. Drinking bottles of high quality are often made of stainless steel or sturdy plastic and contain no harmful substances such as BPA. They are durable and serve as a sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful disposable packaging. Some models also come with a fabric sleeve that protects the material. Glass is another option but is less suitable for everyday school use, especially because of the weight and the risk of breakage. In addition to quality, everyday usability is also important. Good drinking bottles don’t leak and are easy for children to open and close on their own. For hygiene, thorough cleaning after each use is important. Many models are suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher and are easy to maintain. With the right drinking bottle, children start each day with enough to drink for the school day.
Little girl with a sports bag on her way to gym.

Gym bag or sports bag

A gym bag or a small sports bag is part of the basic equipment for school children. Both options are lightweight and offer enough space for sportswear and shoes. Many school backpacks already include a gym bag, which is usually made of lightweight material. Some versions also have a small inner pocket for items like keys or a mobile phone. A gym bag is easy to use, as the child simply pulls the cords to close the opening. The cords also serve as shoulder straps, allowing the drawstring bag to be worn like a backpack. However, when the gym bag is full, the narrow cords often dig into the shoulders. In contrast, a small sports bag offers more carrying comfort and storage space. It is not only suitable for sports lessons, but also for swimwear, project days without a school backpack, library visits or overnight trips. A sports bag is less suitable for school outings because it doesn’t have shoulder straps like a backpack. A sturdy base and a zipper keep the contents safely stored. In addition, the material is water repellent and protects the contents when it rains. Wide carrying handles and a shoulder strap allow it to be carried by hand or over the shoulder. The adjustable shoulder strap adapts to the child’s height, is securely attached with carabiners, and can be removed if needed. Some models also have practical side compartments that keep sports shoes or wet swimwear separate from the rest of the clothes. An address label is also useful in case the bag is misplaced or lost. The small tag helps children recognize their own bag when others have the same model. A volume of around 16 liters is perfectly adequate for children, since larger sports bags are more for teenagers or adults. The sports bag is a practical choice for many situations in the school routine and in everyday life.
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