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Original poster

Smiggle bags worth it?

60 replies

redariel · 18/07/2023 20:10

So dc is now of an age where she's noticing brands and several friends had smiggle back packs (for school) this year for birthdays.

I mentioned we can get a new one for September term start as we do every year. This current one in its last week of use is ripped in a couple of places as it's 2 years old, the one she had last September only lasted until Easter.

DC is not spoilt or stuck up (hence explaining current grotty bag) but £40+ seems a lot for a bag, but if it lasts well??

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
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kierenthecommunity · 24/07/2023 12:20

Just looked at John Lewis after seeing a PP on here and this looks fab and a bargain too

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-kids-pencil-print-backpack-blue/p6332499?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

kierenthecommunity · 24/07/2023 12:11

They are bound to have a back to school event at some point.

Ours got relegated to swimming lesson use as the design was considered ‘babyish’ after a couple of years. But other than one of the tags coming off a zip it looks in good nick after several years.

The bottles are nothing special though

BringOnSummerHolidays · 24/07/2023 12:02

If she's in Year 2, it'll last her a while. Once they are a bit older, children in my DC school wants Hype. Then that also gets childish once in secondary. That's why some PP mentioned Eastpac. Secondary kids prefer plain bags.

BringOnSummerHolidays · 24/07/2023 12:00

DCs had them and they are good quality and lasts a couple of years.

Original poster
redariel · 24/07/2023 10:53

Thanks so much everyone

OP posts:
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 21/07/2023 18:50

They have ALOT of sales. I got DS. A matching set of bag, pencil case etc a few years ago and it’s lasted brilliantly. Just footballs on it so not something they’ll go off in a minute.

verabarbleen · 21/07/2023 18:39

Oh to add the bag and lunch bag we're great but the bottle wasn't very long lasting . At the time he was just two and I just switched back to nuby

verabarbleen · 21/07/2023 18:35

I got my little one a toddler one 2 years ago when he started nursery he is now starting school in September and it's in perfect
Condition (even used it as a baby bag when we are out and about as it has 2 drinks holders either side) found one for my little girl in a charity shop for £2.50 and she will use that when she starts preschool in September it's definitely worth it. I wouldn't pay full price though j. Check Vinted!

wirehearts · 21/07/2023 09:32

My DS has used his for a full year and it’s still in perfect condition which is miraculous!

They regularly have good discounts; I recently bought a bag bundle deal for my DD with 30% off.

SunThroughTheCloudsAt6am · 21/07/2023 06:50

I got one for my eldest because he never remembers to zip his bag up they have a bit more structure and a big top opening that still keeps everything inside.

It lasted 3 years of him (he's not easy on bags), with one repair to the top handle (his bag was very heavy, I don't think most UK kids would have a bag that heavy at primary)

DS2 has an Eastpak which is in much better shape after years of use though, but it wouldn't have worked for DS1 because he would have lost everything (the zips come halfway down each side), so it depends what you're looking for in a bag

MigGirl · 21/07/2023 06:08

They are not the best, DS has a plain John Lewis rucksack that has lasted way longer then any Smiggle bag DD has had.

Basically they are fine IF you get them in the sales. I would never pay full price for one as I think the extra money is just marketing. If you bought any hiking backpack for similar as a full price smuggle bag it would last way longer. So just don't get drawn in by the brand.

When my DC's where into them I always bought in the sales. They are definitely not cool by the time they reach high school. But perfect for your child's age.

Glassfullofdreams · 21/07/2023 06:04

My DC has had one now for 18 months and it's still in perfect condition.

ChimChimeny · 21/07/2023 06:00

There always seems to be a sale of some kind in our local smiggle shop, so. If you have one nearby if recommend going in.

BeverlyBrook · 21/07/2023 05:53

Smiggle bags really last. And are quite cute. But obviously overpriced.

Rollercoaster1920 · 20/07/2023 21:54

The quality is ok. Bottle pocket elastic went after about 6 months and the material started flaking inside after a year. Zips and straps have been strong and no issues though.

Hopper123 · 20/07/2023 21:46

Smiggle items are great but i never buy anything full price. They often have massive sales with big reductions (40-70% off) so wait for one of those. I often get emails from them with the latest offers and you can get bundles with backpacks, pencil cases, lunch boxes etc included for about 25 quid. In the last sale I bought loads of stuff for Christmas. If you buy in the shop you also get a stamp reward card which eventually gets you a tenner off too. In my experience the sales are normally in store as well as online.

Original poster
redariel · 20/07/2023 21:39

Thanks for the extra replies.

I might get a used one for September then and wait for a sale before getting a new one and saving it for Christmas.

Thank you for saying the bottles leak- I was considering paying well over the odds for one as a gift but I think I'll stick to Asda ones now!

OP posts:
LittleBearPad · 19/07/2023 21:08

DDs lasted 3 or 4 years. They are well made.

Always4Brenner · 19/07/2023 20:48

I loved their plain neon range. I’d use that myself.

WorriedMillie · 19/07/2023 20:48

DD had one from Y2-Y4 and it lasted well. They were def an object of desire
I agree tho, the bottles leak like crazy!

Mumof2teens79 · 19/07/2023 20:46

I found them to be better value than cheap bags that last a fraction of the time. They are well made, and have lots of features, but ideally go to a store and see for yourself.

FionaChapman · 19/07/2023 20:42

We got one in the sale a few years ago and it’s lasted really well. If I had to guess I’d say it’s about3 years old and it’s only just starting to look worn out. I’d say they are worth the money

Hufflemuff · 19/07/2023 20:41

Brand new on Vinted... take a look.
If you want used then they are about £5 but some are hardly worn.

I've changed to new bags on birthdays now my son's older. I find £30 on a new bag each September wasteful on my budget.

Smiggle bags worth it?
reelcat · 19/07/2023 20:33

Sounds like she is a good age for a smuiggle from your update. I think they do have bulk deals and discounts in the summer

BlairWaldorfOG · 19/07/2023 07:41

So overrated, the material flakes on my daughter's in under a term. Hype bag she has is much sturdier, going in to next school year with the same one and it's immaculate.