Back-to-school season can be a mixed bag of excitement, anticipation, and anxiety, with both kids and parents bracing themselves for the long school year ahead. While families may not have much say about class placements or the inevitable PTA politics, kids have the opportunity to express themselves through the tried-and-true backpack. This piece of gear will serve as their right hand for the next 10 months, carrying their books, school supplies, homework, projects, and collected treasures to and from school each weekday. Not every year needs to start off with a brand new pack, but shopping for one is a fun way to kick off the season.
Choosing a backpack can mean a lot to kids. It's an opportunity to really showcase their personality and passions. It's their chance to show off a beloved cartoon character, a favorite color, or something else that shows others what they're all about. It can also make for a great conversation starter at a new school if, say, your kiddo strides in with a Minecraft backpack and it attracts the attention of fellow fans. And sometimes we need all of the help we can get when trying to break the ice among a new peer group.
Backpacks can also be a great way to document how your child is growing and changing. That Frozen backpack they had to have in preschool has fallen by the wayside in favor of a more "mature" print or color blocking that's their way of saying they aren't a little kid anymore. We're pretty sure every mom mourns those cutesy character backpacks come high school.
Check out this roundup of backpacks, from the character-driven to the stylish, that will make a blossoming student stoked for their first day back.
Animal Packers Chicklet
If the little chick is headed to preschool for the first time, this cheery option from Animal Packers is just the backpack to send them off in style. It's the perfect size for a little guy's stuff while making them feel like a big kid.
Animal Packers Chicklet Backpack ($34, Animal Packers)
Cat & Jack Gold Polka Dot Backpack
Parents haven fallen in love with Target's stylish and affordable Cat & Jack line of kids' clothes, and the store's backpacks don't disappoint, either. This beauty is cute without being childish.
Cat & Jack Kids Gold Polka Dot Backpack ($20, Target)
Minecraft Creeper Backpack
Kids may have to leave their Minecraft skills at home while they're in class, but this Creeper backpack will show their love for the game, no matter where they go.
Minecraft Creeper Backpack ($30, Target)
JanSport Superbreak Backpack
JanSport has been a solid name in quality backpacks for years, so you really can't go wrong with one of the company's iconic styles. Sturdy and built to last, JanSport has loads of colors to choose from, including this minty green.
JanSport Superbreak Backpack ($26, Amazon)
Champion Advocate Backpack
Perfect for the sporty and stylish who don't mind showing off a brand name, this Champion backpack fits the bill. It's as ideal for carrying to class as it is for an after-school sports practice.
Champion Advocate Backpack ($60, Six:02)
Timberland Ferndale Backpack
The preppy color combo of this Timberland backpack makes a style statement. Its construction will get your student from the first day to finals.
Timberland Ferndale 22-Liter Color Block Water ($75, Timberland)
Harry Potter Hogwarts School Backpack
If only we could all attend Hogwarts! The muggle in your life may not be headed to class with a wand, but that doesn't mean they can't show their allegiance for the wizarding world with this stylish bag.
Harry Potter 18" Hogwarts School Kids' Backpack ($30, Target)
Loungefly x Star Wars Storm Trooper Backpack
Loungefly ups the ante on the Star Wars theme with this incredibly cool Storm Trooper backpack. School won't seem like a galaxy far, far away when your kid is stylin' with this bad boy.
Loungefly x Star Wars Multicolor Storm Trooper Backpack ($40, Nordstrom)
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
Fashionistas will adore this geometric-print backpack. Herschel Supply Co. knows a thing or two about stylish gear, and this one doesn't disappoint.
Herschel Supply Co. Extra Large Heritage Backpack ($60, Nordstrom)
Unicornicopia Tula Backpack
Tula first came to our attention with its incredible line of baby carriers, and the company's toddler backpacks share the same sturdy design with stylish whimsy. This one's for the unicorn lover.
Unicornicopa Tula Kids Backpack ($79, Baby Tula)
L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack
Another iconic brand in the world of backpacks, L.L. Bean continues to produce well-constructed bags that can hold a ton of stuff for your go-getter's daily activities. There are plenty of prints and colors to choose from, too.
L.L. Bean Book Pack ($50, L.L. Bean)
Trailmaker Multi-Color Backpack
When your kid isn't so little anymore and craves a more mature style, this Trailmaker option is perfect for feeling studious and mature. There are a variety of colors to choose from, but we're partial to the royal blue with bold red accents.
Trailmaker Multi-Color Backpack ($10.95, Amazon)
Crewcuts by J. Crew Sequin Heart Backpack
For the girly girl who likes to make a sparkly splash, this Crewcuts by J. Crew backpack is the one! The sequins have a fabulous flair and, let's face it, one can never go wrong with pink.
Crewcuts by J.Crew Sequin Heart Backpack ($45, Nordstrom)
Skip Hop Zoo Little Kids Backpack in Bailey Bat
It really doesn't get much cuter than Skip Hop's line of little kid zoo backpacks. Bailey Bat is especially playful as he "hangs" upside down.
Skip Hop Zoo Little Kids Backpack in Bailey Bat ($20, Skip Hop)
Zipit Wildlings Backpack
Your wild thing may get his or her energy out on the playground, but this Zipit Wildling will keep that kiddo's treasures contained at school all day long. How could anyone not love that face?
ZIPIT Wildlings Backpack ($21, Walmart)
Waterproof Cactus Pattern Print Backpack
There's something to be said for a cactus-print backpack that is also waterproof! Get to school in style without having to worry that rain or inclement weather will make homework and other contents soggy.
Waterproof Cactus Pattern Print Backpack ($75, Gearrora)
Shopkins 5-Piece Backpack Set With Lunchbag
When one wants to accessorize in all of their Shopkins glory, this backpack with accessories certainly does the trick. As bright and cheery as the characters themselves, lunch can also be toted along in its own themed bag.
Shopkins 5-Piece Backpack Set with Lunchbag ($15, Walmart)
Eastsport New Future Tech Backpack
For a minimalist approach to back-to-school style, this sleek gray backpack from Eastsport does the trick. And it has a sweet padded electronics storage pocket.
Eastsport New Future Tech Backpack ($15, Walmart)
Wildkin Kids Backpack
The colorful print makes lugging books to and from school a little more cheerful. Roomy enough for the day's necessities with a place for a hydrating water bottle on the side, it's stylish and practical.
Wildkin Kids 17 Inch Backpack ($44, eBags)
Mackenzie Gold Glitter Backpack
Go for the gold this school year with Pottery Barn Kids glittery backpack. It can even be personalized with your child's name for a chic finish.
Mackenzie Gold Glitter Backpack ($45, Pottery Barn Kids)
