You have to have a new school bag for the new school year, it is apparently the rules

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

Or at least so my DH thinks. Got to have a new bag for the new year.

I think that with everything else we need to buy, DS's rucksack bought last year and still like new, is absolutely fine.

So. new bag or old bag?

[allaboutme]

Does DS want a new bag?
I always remember new bag for each new year at school myself
If DS wants one and you can afford it without a struggle I'd get one

[Hulababy]

It's a hard one that.

I do remember when I was at school that every new academic year did equal new school bag, nw pencil case and new pens, etc. It was always the case and it was something we actually looked forward to going to get.

However with DD she doesn't have a new bag every year. In infants she had a brown leather satchel as per school uniform list, and this year we have just bought her a new black hard backed bag, again as per school rules for juniors equivalent. So the no new bag thing is a bit enforced on us regardless. But she does get new pencil case, etc.

[CybilLiberty]

Well my dd thinks a Cath Kidston Oilcloth messenger bag for £50 is the ONLY type of bag to have

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

We can probably afford it. Not the point though. There's enough other stuff to buy.

[GirlsAreLoud]

Yes, I remember this rule, but not til secondary school. How old is DS?

[differentDM]

I always had a new bag each year- mainly because the one from the year before had straps loose, zips broken, seams ripped.If it's good condition and usable, get him a new pencil case or something smaller if he wants it.

[MrsBadger]

agree - consult DS

he may love the old one

[Stayingsunnygirl]

Well, ds3 has just had his first day of senior school, and I cruelly didn't buy him a new backpack, so he had to use the one he's used for the last year at least - and he seems to have survived.

[dizzydixies]

am stepping out of this for the moment as DD1 is only starting P2 tomorrow and no doubt in a few years she'll be demanding new bags/pencils etc all over the place

which should be fun as surely by then DD2 and DD3 will all need one too [meep]

am convinced she won't be flailed or burned at the steak for it though

[junglist1]

old bag

[Stayingsunnygirl]

You talkin' to me??!!

[snorkle]

never heard of this rule - what a load of tosh. Teaches kids to be wasteful - use a bag until it needs replacing & save the planet.

[junglist1]

[TheChilliMooseTalksNonsense]

New bag of course. New year = new bag, new pencil case, new shoes etc etc. We are talking about for the teachers, aren't we?

[vinblanc]

lol, my DD is about to enter Year 8 with the same backpack she had in Reception.

I even co-opted this backpack from her for our summer holidays.

[castille]

no way unless old one is source of social shame

[gscrym]

I bought DS a new bag but I bought it in June at the local rummage shop. They had a load of Vango day sacks for £1.99. He got a new pencil case, new trousers and shoes but his jumpers and polo shirts still fit from last year. He's also using last years lunch bag. I should get away with it because he's only primary 3.

[Aimsmum]

Message withdrawn

[Ninks]

One has to buy new school bags in July / August because that's the only bloody time they sell them.

And while we're at it, DD is 9 and is going to a new (state) school in September. I duly bought a P.E sized-bag but the plimsolls, outdoor shoes, socks, shorts, tee, sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms don't fit in it obviously. Do I get another small "winter" bag or an overall bigger one?

I'm leaning towards another small one as I've seen how easily ridiculously large bags are knocked off pegs in the Juniors.

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

DS won't give two hoots at being seen with old bag.

I think if DH wants DS to have a new bag, he can pay for it.

[vixma]

Unless you know this is fact, maybe get her to earn it....chores ect. Going back to school is so expensive, not looking forward to restocking my sons stuff.....darn you PE (football boots, trainers, rugby top, and the rest). May as well get the morgage on the house sorted!

[gscrym]

I had a stroke of luck in the charity shop. Found a school fleece for £1. Unfortunately DS is a bit small for it but it'll keep.

[sunnydelight]

My kids have to have the standard school issue bag with the logo on, so appaantly the coolest thing is to have your bag for so long the logo has rubbed off Suits me.

[AnyFucker]

don't forget the new lunch box too

[OhYouBadBadDailyMail]

dd is in juniors and is at the moment rabidly eco friendly so she doesnt want a new bag or even a new pencil case. I have got her a new pencil sharpener (and new shoes, new trainers and several items of clothing as she seems to have grown about half a foot over the summer [sigh] )