Question about a possible Xmas Gift

[BePrepared]

My sister in law is graduating from college, and will be starting in grad school soon. I'm trying to figure out what to get her for Xmas, and I was considering getting her a more professional type bag that she can use to carry her stuff in grad school.

This is what i'm looking at

all she currently has is a backpack, which isn't really professional enough for a psychology grad school student, so i think it's appropriate

what do you folks think?

 

[Foilist]

I think that's a great gift. I was given a leather shoulder bag like that as a gift when I went to grad school too (yikes - nearly 20 years ago now), and I thought it was great. Make sure it has enough room for a laptop or maybe even a couple of books. A quality one will last well beyond grad school and will become like an old friend.

 

[fast14riot]

Excellent idea. Personally, I rely on quality bags daily on my bike, there are some features that make an everyday use bag a good one or a pain. Laptop pocket, don't worry about it, there are so many sizes of laptops out there that finding a bag with a pocket that fits properly is slim to none. Buy a laptop sleeve instead. Same goes for cell phone pockets, who really carries their phone somewhere other than their hand or pants pocket? Small pockets, too many is a pain, divide up your stuff too much and you can't find it. I think about 5 is just right, but less can be good too. Sturdy, reinforced bottom. Good shoulder pad may or may not be needed dependin on amount of time the bag is shouldered. Adjustable strap is a must! I know it sounds rediculous that a bag wouldn't have one, but I have seen it before. Secure closure, no magnets. You don't feel or hear a magnetic closure being opened by a pick-pocket when standing in line at the movies.

These are just some thoughts you might want to consider, maybe also get a nice pen and some note books to go along with it. Rhodia note books are my favorite, forget about Moleskine.


-Xander

 

[TwinStick]

Good choice IMHO.

 

[gnystrom]

I would purchase it if I was sure there was the ability to return it. Purses and bags for women can be a difficult gift due to different tastes. Let her know it is OK to return if she wants something different. Anything from Amazon is easy to exchange.

 

[crazyengineer]

Great idea, if it hasn't been said yet, you might check an see what saddleback leather has, they have great quality

Excellent idea. Personally, I rely on quality bags daily on my bike, there are some features that make an everyday use bag a good one or a pain. Laptop pocket, don't worry about it, there are so many sizes of laptops out there that finding a bag with a pocket that fits properly is slim to none. Buy a laptop sleeve instead. Same goes for cell phone pockets, who really carries their phone somewhere other than their hand or pants pocket? Small pockets, too many is a pain, divide up your stuff too much and you can't find it. I think about 5 is just right, but less can be good too. Sturdy, reinforced bottom. Good shoulder pad may or may not be needed dependin on amount of time the bag is shouldered. Adjustable strap is a must! I know it sounds rediculous that a bag wouldn't have one, but I have seen it before. Secure closure, no magnets. You don't feel or hear a magnetic closure being opened by a pick-pocket when standing in line at the movies.

These are just some thoughts you might want to consider, maybe also get a nice pen and some note books to go along with it. Rhodia note books are my favorite, forget about Moleskine.


-Xander

The pen is an awesome idea, as is the notebook. I like my moleskine notebooks, but the rohdia notebooks do have better paper quality.

I love my fountain pens, but if they won't be taken care of, go the ball point or rollerball route, cross makes some nice pens

 

[texas gun person]

If it were a guy i would say go for the bag, but women folk are tricky.

Hell, i had a social psych course instructed by a grad student... she wore a Hello Kitty backpack.

 

[Piso Mojado]

I've learned from experience not to buy handbags or jewelry for women. But Coach is universally popular, so take her to a Coach outlet store and let her pick a bag. Make sure your credit card is fully loaded.

Coach leather messenter bag

Coach leather book bag

Coach leather SAK

 

[Thalestin]

Shoulder bags are tough because although they look great, they are terribly uncomfortable if you carry a lot. If she takes a laptop, books and a lunch, you have to have a pretty large bag that will weigh a lot. Likely it would be uncomfortable and actually can cause a lot of shoulder and back problems. Secondly, there might be internal pressure to use it because it was a gift and this adds to the likelihood of causing injury. Personally, I injured my shoulder using a shoulder bag. Backpacks may not be super professional looking but comfort is king and super important for longer treks or commutes. Like others, I'd suggest a nice pen or notebook