Advice on suitable bag / case for teacher

Ant

I'm not a teacher but my girlfriend is a member of this honourable (yet often maligned) profession. She teaches art (and art history) and has to carry a lot of paper work to and from school. She currently uses strong reusable shopping bags but they're not ideal for keeping her paperwork organised.

I'm no expert on bags but I thought it'd be great to get her a good quality professional-looking bag as a gift. I'm currently unemployed so I'd prefer not to expensive designer labels but I don't mind spending money for a good quality product. The bag should ideally have a large capacity and preferably have some sort of compartments for keeping contents organised.

Google hasn't been particularly helpful so I'd be grateful for any general pointers / advice some of you might have. I live in Dublin so if anyone can recommend specific shops or specific products, that would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ant

I'm still doing some research and I was thinking something like this bag might be suitable.

Postgrad10

I'd advise you to go to a big tk maxx . Massive selection of all types of bags , designer and otherwise at reasonable prices .

vamos!

It's a lovely thought. I actually find shopping bags to be the best for carting around materials as they are the perfect size for A4 copies and folders.You can also fold them into your locker when not in use and don't mind if they get lost or damaged. I would spend your money on a massage or manicure as a treat!

whiteandlight

I got a reisenthel bag last year, a black and white version similar to this
http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/totesBags?productId=10022649

And it is brilliant for teaching. It fits a4 size books and copies flat and opens out fully at the top so they can just be dropped in. I've carried tons of weight in it with no issues and it has pockets around the inside which you can use or not depending on how much is in it. I love it!

implausible

Ant wrote: »

I'm still doing some research and I was thinking something like this bag might be suitable.

Ooh, that is beautiful! Want, want, want

I have always bought schoolbags in mens' departments - bigger and more rugged than the girlie ones. I have a hankering for a cambridge satchel - they're fab! Kipling bags are a decent size and excellent quality, but a bit girlie for my tastes.

Ant

Thanks all for your feed-back. I feel a lot better equipped for making an informed purchase.

Postgrad10 wrote: »

I'd advise you to go to a big tk maxx . Massive selection of all types of bags , designer and otherwise at reasonable prices .

I haven't been to TK Maxx in ages and I'd actually forgot about them. Thanks.

vamos! wrote: »

It's a lovely thought. I actually find shopping bags to be the best for carting around materials as they are the perfect size for A4 copies and folders.You can also fold them into your locker when not in use and don't mind if they get lost or damaged. I would spend your money on a massage or manicure as a treat!

Good points. I doubt we'll be able to do away with the shopping bags altogether as I'm sure there'll be days when one bag isn't enough. I was thinking that I'd get a bag with a shoulder strap so that she has a free hand for carrying her other bags, umbrella, car key, etc. Her art-room in a separate building about a 5 minutes walk from the main building and rain can be an issue.

Musicmental85 wrote: »

I got a reisenthel bag last year, a black and white version similar to this
http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/totesBags?productId=10022649

And it is brilliant for teaching. It fits a4 size books and copies flat and opens out fully at the top so they can just be dropped in. I've carried tons of weight in it with no issues and it has pockets around the inside which you can use or not depending on how much is in it. I love it!

They look very practical, alright (I found better pics at this link). Though after seeing the Cambridge bags posted by implausible, I'm getting sucked in by the classic look of leather. The practical side of my brain tells me that looks aren't everything but it doesn't always win when it comes to decision making.

implausible wrote: »

I have always bought schoolbags in mens' departments - bigger and more rugged than the girlie ones. I have a hankering for a cambridge satchel - they're fab! Kipling bags are a decent size and excellent quality, but a bit girlie for my tastes.

Thanks for the links. I like the Cambridge satchels a lot. The bags look stylish as well as durable. They almost have too good a selection of style, size and colour. However, delivery takes up to a month though I see some of their stock is carried by two Dublin retailers.

2rkehij30qtza5

Get her a Knomo bag. Pretty expensive but very classy.

Fizzical

Be careful - bags can be very heavy, especially leather. Add contents and she might go back to the plastic carry bag... :eek:

jsmscork

Ant wrote: »

I'm still doing some research and I was thinking something like this bag might be suitable.

At that price???? People might start thinking we're highly paid!!

ArticHare

Hi,

I'm looking for the exact same kind of thing at the moment, but I've left it too late to order online. Does anyone know where I can find a large satchel bag in Dublin? Similar in style to the cambridge ones.

Thanks!