January 2009 Notable Toys — Bags & Backpacks

PakNaks are decorative accessories that transform plain backpacks, bags and other stuff into personalized, ever-changing, colorful works of art. With more than 40 designs that are interchangeable, weather resistant and quickly and easily adhere (no ironing, sewing or pinning!), PakNak makes changing style easy, especially since they stick on with super-strong, custom, self-adhesive Velcro. PakNaks make terrific birthday party giveaways, tooth fairy leave-behinds, incentives, gifts, luggage identifiers and more. The newest designs are made from recycled plastic and are phthalate free. Launch date: January 8, 2007.

Kidzsack is an eco-friendly, creative backsack for kids. The fabric is 10-oz. canvas, made from 100-percent recycled cotton and soda bottles. The front of the sack is screenprinted and eight washable, non-toxic markers are included. Kids color, parents wash, and kids recolor — a great reusable activity kit. "It isn't a one-time craft that sits on a shelf collecting dust. As a parent of four, I'm very interested in long-lasting crafts that encourage creativity," Owner Tina Hill of Kidzsack told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: October 15, 2007.

The plush, animal-shaped backpack is available in three varieties: 16" Panda, 15" Black Bear and 16" Red Panda. Launch date: March 2009.

These backpacks take the image of either a dog, frog, or pig on its design. With playfulness in mind, these colorful backpacks are water resistant and simplistic.

This light blue elephant functions as both a toy and a backpack, with eco-friendly features that include non-toxic dyes, recycled plastic parts, sustainable wood accents, and canvas and rope made from organically grown cotton. Measuring 14" x 10" x 5", the bag also has inside pockets and padded shoulder straps.

This travel-friendly playmat is made to fit airplane tray tables and also functions as a child's backpack, with adjustable straps, for easy portability. It offers a clean space for eating and playing, features accessible side pockets, and can hold more than 20 small toys, games and even snacks.