I thought I’d start out my first review with an item specific to one of my favorite pokemon – Jigglypuff!
This backpack’s main pocket is about 16 inches tall
I feel like Jigglypuff has surprisingly little merchandise for such a popular pokemon. Most of the jigglypuff themed items I own are super rare and are from the earlier 2000s, including this backpack. I’ve never seen a backpack like this one, so I’d start looking if you want one for yourself!
The backpack features a lovely applique of a Jigglypuff with some other embellishments. The art is from one of her earliest incarnations, and although it’s not my favorite, it has definitely grown on me. The ‘jigglypuff’ text is actually embroidered on, as well as the pink circle around the 39.
Here’s the main applique!
The backpack itself is pretty sturdy! I use it for school, and I stuff it with a lot. There are only two pockets, and it is a bit of a squeeze for the amount of stuff I have, but if you don’t fill it to the brim, you’ll be fine. It’s held up pretty well, though I have had a couple issues with it. The appliques, mainly the pink stripe along the front, have chipped of a bit, though it doesn’t really affect the look of the bag. Secondly, after a few months of heavy use, the top seam started to rip between the middle of the two straps. I think that can be attributed to me almost exclusively using the handle to pick it up from the floor, but I was able to quickly fix it with a couple runs through my sewing machine. The seam is fine now, but I’d watch out for that if you want to make sure it doesn’t rip at all. I tried industrial glue a couple times, but it didn’t work either time, so if you’re not handy with a sewing machine, make sure to be extra careful!
You can see the wear of the pink stripe here!
The backpack itself is made from a material that feels like a Jansport backpack, but the bottom is a much sturdier, smoother material that I can’t place. The seams feature a lining with that same, smooth material. The thread they used to make it is this bright yellow color that actually contrasts really nicely with the black fabric, and the seams have held up super well!
The bag is from 2000, so if you’re really after it, you’ll have to look hard for one that’s in good shape. I found this backpack a while ago on ebay, and truth be told, I haven’t found another one anywhere. I got mine for about $15, but I’d be surprised if you found another one for anything less than $20. The seller I bought mine from had kept it in really nice shape and never used it, so again, it may be hard to come by. Right now I don’t think any official pokemon site sells them, so again, keep your eyes peeled! With jigglypuff’s increasing popularity over the years, especially with her inclusion in Super Smash Bros, I’d be really surprised if the Pokemon Center doesn’t come out with another Jigglypuff backpack, with more updated art, in the next few months.
Overall, though, I love this backpack and I really think it’s worth it if you can find it!
