So my daughter has an internship this summer and I was thinking of buying her a bag to tote her stuff (computer, maybe some food, water bottle, etc.) to and from work and/or a coffee shop or somewhere she might work on some remote days. I am not sure yet where she is living compared to where the office is but I assume she’ll be driving herself into the office. Her school backpack is a little casual and probably kind of beaten up so I’d like to get her something a little nicer, but also something age appropriate and still work appropriate.
I have been working remotely for about 15 years and then was a stay at home mom for about 5 years before that. SO, I am out of touch with what is happening in an actual office these days. What is typical for women to use to tote stuff too and from the office these days?
Thanks! These are cute! I suspect they are more my daughter’s style than the conservative bags I tend to lean towards. Maybe I should make a list and let her pick…
Where I work, most ladies use a tote bag that is wide enough to fit our work laptops (15" monitors). Most are fairly traditional in appearance. There are a couple who use backpacks, but it’s definitely a smaller minority.
If she’s driving (which you’ve indicated), a tote without a top closure is an option. Less so if she’ll be on public transportation or have a bit of a walk. Open tops aren’t secure.
My kid uses a Longchamps tote. She also has a nice leather tote that was given to her by a friend of ours that she uses. My kid does not have to carry a laptop to work. But she does have a sleeve for it if she needs to.
This is on sale right now at REI and if you are a member, you can get an additional 20% off starting Friday. It converts from a tote, to a crossbody to a backpack and has a lap top sleeve in it that holds up to a 13.5 laptop.
Lightweight, well engineered, straps are easy to remove and replace as you want to change the bag’s profile. Surprisingly well organized and spacious interior. Also good for travel as well (anti-theft and RFID components).
My now fully grown up kid works for a tech startup. She ditched all of her funky “nerd bags” like Timbuk2 and carries a Kate Spade tote with a zipper top. She says it is more professional.
My D used a Longchamp bag for last summer’s investment firm internship in NYC. This summer she’ll be back in NYC at an investment bank, so may need something like a soft side briefcase, she is going to ask around. It’s difficult because the banks are just all starting to go back to the office, who know what changes there will be re:work attire, shoes, bags?!!
What’s most appropriate can also be different by city, for example NYC vs LA vs Dallas vs Nashville. Is there anyone she can ask? Will she be in an office or sometimes on a building/construction site? I would hesitate to buy my D a bag without talking about it with her, and also err on the nicer side (totes) vs more casual (backpacks).
My D’s internships have always provided a backpack with their laptops so she may not need one.
My D has a nicer, conservative backpack, that she used for travel. She would never have taken that into the office because it’s “too nice” to go into the manufacturing sites.
