What School bag in KS2?

[yellowhouse]

My DD1 starts KS2 in September and we need to buy her a proper bag as in their school book bags are only for KS1. I don't know where to start? Which sort of brands would you recommend or even shops?

She said most of her KS2 friends have shoulder bags rather than rucksacks and I looked on Amazon and saw some GOLA ones that seemed to fit the bill. Any other tips please?

What bags do you see coming home from the school? Have a look at them, then take her shopping and give her a few choices?

We were always advised by our PE teacher not to buy shoulder bags as, with the number of books you end up carrying around as you get older, it could damage the spine to have so much weight constantly on one shoulder (much heavier than a handbag and more frequently carried). I always had sports rucksacks - Quiksilver used to do some very nice ones. I'd recommend wandering around the shops so she can get a feel for them and choose a nice one. The good thing about a rucksack (instead of the more fashionable shoulder bag) is I think they are usually cheaper or more readily available - I actually saw some gorgeous ones in TKMaxx yesterday in bright colours with lovely patterns on. Doesn't have to be a 'boring' sports bag!