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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
dreamcatchmee · 18/07/2023 20:42

As above, buy in the sale if you're able to. They are nice bags to be fair! Not sure about holding heavy things, but the mini backpack has been great throughout nursery

SpringMum30 · 18/07/2023 20:43

We got ours in the sale and lasted for 2 years. Will be upgrading this year!

BusySittingDown · 18/07/2023 20:46

PinkFrogss · 18/07/2023 20:37

Perhaps I’m projecting. I’m just getting vivid flashbacks to buying DD a new bag before secondary and within weeks having it labelled as “far too babyish” Hmm

Yeah, I probably wouldn't bother if they were year 6 as it is verging on uncool. I would get one if they were in year 3 or 4 though. DD took hers on her year 6 trip though and as soon as we arrived her friend said she liked her bag, and no one else said anything.

SweetSakura · 18/07/2023 21:02

I've been really pleased how long Smiggle bags have lasted.

Agree that it depends on age though, by year 6 my son was wanting something else and having transporter a lot of year 6 girls around over the last few weeks they have clearly all replaced their Smiggle bags too

reelcat · 18/07/2023 21:09

Depends on age. The do get 'babyish' very quickly. My daughter went for a 'hype' bag which has lasted really well and was £25 and is apparently still cool 2 years later

Original poster
redariel · 18/07/2023 21:23

Thank you for all the replies!

Wow I can't believe how many of you say they're good/ last.

She's just going into year 2 so I'll get one. Can't wait for the sale unfortunately as she needs one for September start (hers are a real state even when washed).

Unless there's a sale in August which I doubt?!

Thanks everyone Flowers

OP posts:
LittleMonks11 · 18/07/2023 21:32

Ahhh perfect age for a Smiggle. She'll love it.

notfullofthejoys · 19/07/2023 07:21

Personally I think they are very overpriced yay!

Pottedpalm · 19/07/2023 07:32

Lots on Ebay

FussyPud · 19/07/2023 07:37

I found that the bag part was ok, but the hardware wasn’t. Zips and poppers were early casualties.

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.

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

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?
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

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.

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!

Always4Brenner · 19/07/2023 20:48

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

LittleBearPad · 19/07/2023 21:08

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

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:
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.

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.

BeverlyBrook · 21/07/2023 05:53

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

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.

Glassfullofdreams · 21/07/2023 06:04

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

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.