Pack to School: Backpack Faves for Kids

It's back to school season! That strange time before summer officially ends and fall begins. At the top of your back to school essentials shopping list is a backpack that is stylish, functional, and makes a statement (because all kids know that a backpack is way more than just something to carry their lunches and assignments in). But trying to see your child through a haze of oncoming kindergartners, all wearing Princess and Star Wars backpacks can be a bit of a drag. Seriously, how can so many children fall for Yoda so quickly? If you've had it with store-bought, commercial characters, give these backpacks a spin:

If they're in pre-K or Kindergarten try:

Send your kiddo into their first big school adventure well-stocked with these awesome character backpacks.

Hoo has the Coolest Pack?
This owl backpack is perfect for your kid's first foray into school (or even beforehand). It's cute, but unique enough to stand out from the crowd, just like her! Get it at Targetstarting at $19.99

photo credit: Target

Pachyderm Pack
This adorable wool backpack is perfect for holding your little one's toys around with them. You can even machine wash this pack, so it stays clean all school year long. Get it here for $49

photo credit: The Land of Nod

Monkeying Around
With its customizable nameplate and silly monkey face, this backpack from Etsy artist SimplyBellatlb is sure to inspire some monkeying around among the kinder-set. Get it on Etsy for $31.99

photo credit: SimplyBellaTLB

Crumpler
The Baby Pea is perfect for wee ones just starting on their scholastic journey, and the way these bags are built (indestructible!), they will last until that final roll call at graduation (even if the pack no longer fits the back). Simple, sleek design with few nooks and crannies for teacher's notes to get lost in. Get it here for $55

Eco-Friendly
Green doesn't have to make your kids blue, as evidenced by these ecoZoo backpacks from Inhabitots. Once your child has the dog, panda, pig or elephant strapped to their back they'll feel ready to head back to school in style, while also being eco-conscious. Double bonus! Get them here starting at $29.99


photo credit: inhabitots

Harajuku Girl?
If your little one prefers sushi over PB&J, check out this fabulous Japanese-inspired backpack by Etsy artist Utsukushiiya. With a super-stylish bird motif, this bag may just make you feel like the mom of a Gwen-Stefani inspired fashionista. Get it on Etsy for $40

photo credit: Utsukushiiya via Etsy

Beatrix NY
Lots of A-list stars and their kids have been seen sporting these whimsically-designed Little Kid Backpacks, which means that a lot of these bags have already sold out. And we can see why! They're cute, fun, and-oh-so-simple! Get it online for $42


If they're past the little kid stage, but don't want "boring", try...

While kids older than first grade may detest the thought of a "cute" backpack, they still want something that shouts "cool" when worn. These packs make a perfect transition from kiddo to big kid with not a whiff of "adorable" in sight.

3-D Backpacks
These awesome 3-D backpacks from Little Packrats are more grown up than most store bought versions and help bridge the gap from little kid to big boy or girl on campus. Get it here for $29.99


photo credit: little packrats

Mad Pax
We know these Mad Pax backpacks look goofy, but that's why the kiddos will love 'em! Not only will they look like a half child-half stegosaurs hybrid, you'll be able to pick out your little scholar from any backwards lineup. Order them online starting at $15


We Love School
We're big fans of this modern twist on an old-school design. Between the bright colors and the over-the-shoulder sling, your kiddo is gonna love sporting this bag around school. Get it at My Sweet Muffin for $38


photo credit: my sweet muffin

Fjällräven
Got a hip little one on your hands? Look no further than the classic Swedish Kånken Mini backpack. Perfect for long hikes to and from the bus stop, in hopefully not Arctic conditions. And when they reach that age where "cool" is a big deal, they can claim they had this understated-trendy bag first! Get one here for $55

MadPax
If your little ones like to stand out, then throw this zany pack on their back. They'll love the bumpy pattern and different color options. It even has a sleeve for your child's name...not that they'll need any help finding this bag out of a backpack pileup. Get it at Nordstrom for $62


photo credit: Nordstrom

Schoolbags for Kids
Their Signature Collection comes in bold colors, and are horizontally shaped, which makes it a lot easier to dig out homework assignments and snacks. For every bag you buy, a bag filled with school supplies is donated by Schoolbags for Kids to a child in need. Less fortunate kids around the world, including kiddos in Belize, India, and Thailand reap the benefits of your brand spankin' new purchase. Now that's business with a conscience! Get it here for $59

If they're rolling their eyes as you read this to them, try:

Past the "baby" packs of the past, these two options for older boys and girls will make them feel like one in a million, while still keeping their "eww… Mom!-factor" in check.

Skullcandy Downshift Backpack
The glowing orange colors and modern, sleek design keep this backpack hip enough to help any boarder keep rolling along. Get it here for $59.99

photo credit: Zappos

Back in the Saddle Again
It can be difficult to find a backpack for girls that isn't too pink, to princess or just too…cute. Enter these horse motif backpacks from Back in the Saddle. They are the perfect companion to help the princess of the past transition to the Rodeo Queen of the future. Get it here for $29.95

photo credit: Back in the Saddle

Old School
Vintage designs are in, and this backpack has plenty of style that will make your kid the envy of the playground year after year. And let's face it, not having to buy a new backpack every year sounds pretty sweet doesn't it? Get it here for $74

photo credit: smallable

Bones Glow Backpack
Your little guy will be too cool for school with this edgy backpack that not only looks cool, but it glows in the dark too. Get it at Nordstrom for $50


photo credit: Nordstrom

Mackenzie Black Geo Backpacks
These bright and colorful packs come in two different sizes and both feature water bottle holders and adjustable gear straps to hold your kiddo's lunch bag to the pack. Get it at Pottery Barn Kids from $39.50 - $45.50

photo credit: Pottery Barn Kids


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