Eco Snooper Monkey Stuffed Animal Plush Backpack NEW

Eco Snoopers are an ecology-themed, green-based line of backpacks, plush toys and arts and crafts accessories.  The backpacks are available in multiple designs including a monkey, pig, bear, monster and lion.  Each Eco Snooper has been created with a storyline intended to entreat kids with tips on recycling, how re-usable energy works and the merits of organic gardening.

Eco Snoopers have a cartoon quality, are symmetrically askew and contain a patchwork of patterns and fabrics.  The Pecoware Company has worked to ensure the Eco Snoopers line is an environmentally friendly line of products.  Inks, paper and fabrics have been reviewed and research was conducted on various types of recyclable materials.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY RATINGS

EASE OF USE Pecoware Eco Snooper backpacks aren't difficult to figure out.  They have a zippered area, a small exterior compartment and an Eco Snooper attached - which can be removed.  Also included are adjustable straps in order to vary the size of the backpack for different size users.  Our reviewers' only issue - the actual size of the bag.  While intended for kids ages four to twelve, the bag is likely only really usable for younger kids - there's not too much in the way of storage space and our kids couldn't stuff too much in.

DURABILITY Overall, the backpacks appear to be fairly well made.  Seams are tight and the zipper is good quality.  Unlike some backpacks, these are only surface washable with cold water (using a sponge with mild soap) - should the backpack become to heavily soiled, it will be difficult to clean.

VISUAL APPEAL This is where Pecoware's Eco Snooper backpacks start to score some major points with our review team.  They're simply "just cute".  Tough for our reviewers to describe - they just made them smile.  Definitely strange and even a little awkward looking, however reviewers agreed that the bright colors and patchwork mix make them interesting.  These little characters are lovable and inviting.

FUNCTIONALITY For a young child, this bag may be able to function for school purposes; otherwise, for older children, it would just be a bag for fun.  In addition to the actual use of the backpack, the story provided about the character gives another dimension to the product.  For instance, our Smile-Alot Bear (hot pink bag with a bear looking creature attached) contains a tag explaining her back story.  She comes from Canada, smiles a lot and is an expert on air pollution.  The story goes on and also includes her date of birth and sign (Libra!).  Therefore, the Eco Snooper Backpack does provide a couple little tidbits of information for children to think about; however, once the tag is cut off, our reviewers weren't sure the message would stick.  And, of course, the Eco Snooper can be removed from the backpack and be used as a separate toy should the backpack be unnecessary.

COST EFFICIENCY Our panel guessed a price of $25 - so at just under that price point, Pecoware's Eco Snooper backpacks are priced right.  Although our reviewers were right on with price, they felt they guessed this price as what they would expect - not necessarily sure it was what they'd want to pay!

ORIGINALITY The quirky Eco Snoopers are in a league of their own.  Are they too unique?  Maybe - but our panel felt they were a breathe of fresh air in the repetitive licensed characters backpack world. The corduroy style fabric for the bag is out of the ordinary, making the Eco Snooper backpack truly one of a kind.

OVERALL RATING