I love my small L.L. Bean tote bag which I had monogrammed (for free with Bean Visa card!) for my little grandson. I'm stuffing it with shirts and books for him. He'll use it to pick up toys, etc.
I'm a speech therapist and I travel among several schools. I've used my Extra Large Zip Top Boat and Tote for years and it still looks great. It holds all my therapy materials that I have to take from place to place. I'd be lost without it! The zipper is extra sturdy, which is a plus. I like the zip top because, if the bag falls over in the car or in the floor, I don't have to worry about all of my stuff falling out! I do wish it were more easily washable, but you can't have everything! The canvas is very heavy and durable. I don't think it will ever wear out. Get it monogrammed if you can--it makes it even more attractive.
We love the tote bags, but ordering them was a nightmare!!! What LLbean fails to tell you is that they measure width DIAGONALLY! For all of you mathematicians out there, you know that you measure the width of an item at a 90 degee angle from height. The exception to this rule are items with a screen (tvs, monitors, etc. are measeured diagonally). Please beware when you are trying to choose the correct size!
I bought this for my grand daughter last year to use for her baby's toys. She can't stop raving about it. I'm buying her another this year for herself as well as several more for my other children and grands. She says they're perfect gifts for everyone from youth on up.
