It's the one thing every kid gets for back to school, a new backpack.  Suzy says don't get roped into the character backpacks that fall apart around the holidays, spend a little more and make it last the whole school year.


The Flower Pop JanSport Superbreak backpack has one large compartment and is perfect for hauling all the essentials. An exterior pocket holds favorite items like the iPod and cell phone. Features padded shoulder straps and a front pocket with an organizer panel.  Also available in Classic Camo and Prep School Plaid. $29.99 www.containerstore.com




The brand they can't get enough of offers backpacks of all sizes and costs from $39.99 up to $74.99.  Shown here, the Under Armour Splinter backpack is a mid-size pack with a sporty design and features a hide-away water bottle pocket and  zippered media pocket that includes an audio port. The anatomically shaped shoulder straps include a handy cell phone pocket.  $44.99 www.sportsauthority.com *Free Shipping on select backpacks this week




These darling packs from Hanna Anderssen are as sturdy as they are cute. Built to organize and carry everything kids need in heavy duty 600 denier polyester with outside pockets and more pockets inside the front zip section. Stain and water resistant in adorable prints such as Leopard, Blossoming Pink, Peacock Print and Thousand Flowers $28 www.hannaanderssen.com




For your little superhero, Pottery Barn Kits offers Batman™ & Superman™ backpacks for the preschool set.  It features lots of pockets and padded straps and give them super powers to get through those first tear-filled days of school. $34.00 www.potterybarnkids.com




Take a load off and get them rolling back to school. It's built tough and available at a great price. In-line skate wheels roll smoothly and corner well. Made for younger students, with a retractable T-handle that extends 31", floor to handle, for easy steering. Features 3M® Scotchlite® reflective material that's highly visible to motorists at night. $49 www.llbean.com