Backpack Makeover: Duct Tape Edition

Two years ago when Jules was in pre-school and Mia was in first grade we were strolling through Target looking for back packs and lunch kits.  I suggested that they not choose a character backpack b/c we were not getting a new back back until theirs fell apart.  And, there was good chance that they might not be super excited to carry around a Winnie the Poo back back in 3rd grade.

They totally listened to me and chose Disney Princesses and Hannah Montana.

Here is where Levi would interject and say that I should have stood my ground.  I am the adult and they are the children.  I agree with him in that that is what a normal completely composed mother should do.  I am not normal and almost never composed when at Target with my children.  I think the automatic door sensor gives your children special powers over you upon entrance to the store and removes all logic and reason from your brain making you do things you shouldn't. 

Like buy matching Hannah Montana and Disney Princess backpacks, lunch kits, AND thermoses.  And besides, who can resist those precious faces?  Obviously, not this girl.

Fast forward two years to last summer.  Same scenario.  Strolling through Target looking for backpacks and lunch kits.  I kept thinking of how their backpacks were just fine regardless of how "SO out" Hannah Montana was.  What is a mother to do?  I didn't feel good about the impending purchase.  To buy something that we already have just because we want something bigger and better is not our style.  I also felt really stupid that I gave a 4 year old and a 6 year old a choice two years ago that would affect their lives two to three years later.  That concept is a bit much especially at Target in a sea of beautiful backpacks of all shapes, sizes, and characters.

I was avoiding "the isle" and took a detour down the hardware isle to give myself time to think.  I was distracted by all the neat-o fun duct tape they have available now and I had a eureka! moment.  Let's cover our totally out how embarrassing it would be to show up in the third grade with a Hannah Montana backpack with some fun duct tape!  I proposed the idea and they were on board instantly.

I let them each choose one pattern and one color and I already had silver.  It was on sale so I spent less than $15 on the duct tape.  The next morning they didn't even get dressed, brush their hair or teeth...I don't even know if they ate breakfast.  We sat down and I started tearing and they started covering.  I tried to not give my two cents and let them be as creative as they wanted to be.  If I had it to do over we would have modpodged the tape on b/c believe it or not, duct tape isn't as sticky as you might think. 

They did an awesome job and their friends "totally love them".  It's possible they are known as the duct tape girls but that will be our little secret.

Lucky for them, Mia's strap broke and Jules' zipper broke so we will be purchasing new backpacks this summer but I WILL be standing firm on no characters this time.  I think three years out of a Target backpack is pretty darn good.