I am still in slight shock from the answers on my instagram post that posed the question: when do you go back to school? I had no idea all the different educational cycles circulating around our country– it’s intense. No wonder back-to-school ads start popping up while I’m still teaching during the middle of June. It all makes sense now!
Speaking of questions– the number one question I get asked every summer is: what is your go-to teacher bag? I always struggle to answer this question because I am a rotator and get a new one every year. I switch back and forth from my lifetime Kate Spade bags and trendy finds from Target or Old Navy. The bags I purchase from Target and Old Navy are just as functional (if not more) than my Kate Spade bags. If there was a competition for trendy, affordable, and functional teacher bags, Target takes the gold.
The 2019-2020 school year is upon us so I thought I would search and review four different styles of teacher worthy bags from Target. I’m honestly keeping 3/4… I’m obsessed and will be using them all next school year!
For each bag, I tested out how they accommodated 10 items that have 100% chance of leaving my house with me each morning.
Work computer, lesson planner, notebook, water bottle, external hard-drive, wallet, Advil, and pens. Not pictured: cellphone + keys. No matter what day it is, these 10 items are always in my teacher bag. By my way home on Tuesday though… let’s be real… there’s an extra file folder, random stuff I took away from a kid, more pens that don’t belong, and a million other random things…
the canvas boxy tote
Brand: A new day – click here for bag!
Price: $34.99
Patterns: 3 different ones!
Pockets: 3! One zip, two open.
Space assessment: A ton more room! I could probably fit 2 more sets of my 100% list!
Perfect for: a teacher whose items in their teacher bag changes throughout the week or have a lot of grading/stuff to carry back and forth.
Zipper Commuter Backpack
Brand: A new day – link here!
Price: $39.99
Patterns: 5 different colors! Olive, black, blush, maroon, and burnt orange.
Pockets: 7! There’s even a specific place for your 13″ laptop.
Space assessment: 25% more room! You could definitely fit another notebook, ipad, pencil pouch, small make-up bag, and some teacher tools in it. The pocket in the front is super spacious.
Perfect for: a teacher whose teacher bag stays pretty consistent or who walks around a lot/takes the bus!
Weekender Canvas Boxy Tote
Brand: A new day – weekender bag here!
Price: $36.99
Patterns: 2 different colors – but similar style here!
Pockets: 4 pockets.
Space assessment: I could probably fit in this bag. Okay, not exactly… but it’s HUGE! 19 inches in width!
Perfect for: a teacher who needs A LOT of space for data/grading/teacher tools/life/anything. This bag is really large, but honestly… that’s what some of us need.
Zip Top Tote
Brand: A new day – white tote here!
Price: $32.99
Patterns: 6 colors in total! Navy, black, white, yellow, olive, and blush!
Pockets: 4 pockets!
Space assessment: I could not fit anything else in this bag… in fact, I should probably take my water bottle out.
Perfect for: a teacher who needs minimal space during the school year. If you only take your bare minimum and basics with you each day– this bag is perfect!
* even though it’s small, I’m going to keep it 🙂 Might be a good strategy for keeping all my IEP data at home…*
I’ve started some back-to-school clothes shopping (pictures on my clothes rack) here’s what I’ve purchased thus far! + my favorite teacher mug!
Happy shopping!
with kindness | ashley
