From the steals to the latest trends…from “super cute” to “last forever”…we’ve got the backpack for every kid.
Editor’s Note: We’ve updated our top backpacks list with this year’s styles and trends. Our favorites from each brands are listed at the bottom.
If there’s one thing that’s worth a little more investment for quality, it’s a backpack (nothing worse than a strap breaking while your child is carrying that heavy load).
Quality backpacks are studier and wash well, and those things are a necessity considering how much they’re used. But…quality comes at many different price points, from the highly recommended Lands End to the trendy Kipling. Those and lots in between will last more than one year and pay themselves back with time.
Note: There’s different trends in different places!
If your child is in a school where there are no backpack trends, take your pick from lots of great options below. If there is a trend, it’s worthwhile to look for the backpack your child will feel good about carrying.
Note: Check the backpack sizes!
Once your child is in first grade, you need to make sure the bag fits a folder and looseleaf well (this is also relevant in primary or Pre-1A/Kindergarten). The interior needs to measure 14 inches tall for the folder to fit well inside. For second grade and above, it’s best to choose a backpack that’s at least 15 inches tall. Keep in mind that some bags won’t wash well and light colored bags won’t last as long as dark colors.
Super Steals for $10 and Under
Be wary—bags at this price point usually tear. We’ve heard stories of people who were busy sewing straps all year. For kids that carry only one or two things (usually preschool), it may make sense, but for school age children, don’t count on them to last. They are great as a temporary option or to buy some time if you’re waiting for a specific one to arrive.
Five Below – home of the $5 backpack
Five Below might have the ultimate backpack deal, but you may need a few to get you through the year. For the entire Five Below selection, click here.
Urban Outfitters has some great and different options for teens and high schoolers.
H&M has some sweet choices. Especially for toddlers.
Children’s Place really stepped up their game with backpacks this season. There is a great sale going on now. Backpacks are priced in the $12-$28 range.
They have a nice and affordable collection. We especially like the JUSTICE and EASTSPORT brands.
MAISONETTE
Fashionable – in all price ranges. They have the biggest selection of STATE bags in great colors and prints as well as the full collection of LIGHT + NINE bags. Both of these are long lasting qualit brands that will last a few years.
Kipling
Ah, yes, kipling… the backpacks that never go out of style and always make you smile (it’s the monkey that does it). Note that Kipling small backpacks do not fit a folder comfortably. The medium backpacks will work for a wide age range of elementary-aged children and the 17-inch holds a laptop.
Herschel Backpacks have become a new classic.
$23-$39 with discount plus personalization
Lands End backpacks are a fav. They’re known for making backpacks that are indestructible with a lifetime guarantee. The monograms, personalization options, and embroidery is super cute too, and it’s really fun to make one your own. There’s usually a coupon available (currently 40% off), so use it! If you like the personalization options, but none of the styles click for you, try Pottery Barn Kids. They’ll also personalize cute backpacks at a similar price point.
ADIDAS
The bag of choice for boys.
The most common question people have is “what backpack is for high school?” Lululemon bags are geared for adults – so all their options would definitely work.
Below you will find some additional Amazon and Target finds.
Curious to know what bags are bestsellers this year? See Amazon’s best seller list here.
For the little ones, Walgreens has backpacks for $3!! Lasted all year!
I bought the Amazon Basics last year for my 6th grade daughter. It’s in perfect condition!!!
What about Jansport? That’s our fave!
Can’t really get it online but I got stunning “leather” backpacks from Primark for $12-$15. Got a pink mini for my 2 year old and a pink full sized for my kindergarten girl!! Got them monogrammed and they look like a million bucks!!!
For Toddlers I love the Skip Hop ones. They’re adorable and usually lasted for 2 years
Lesportsac makes beautiful ones priced like Kipling they last for years
My daughter chose a backpack from 5 below before the school year. But per your warning on this post that it maybe “5 below quality” I got two – paid shipping once- and put the second one away. (The two bags plus shipping were still more cost effective than other options) Today, in Mid February, the zipper broke on the first bag. Thanks to you we had an identical spare and swapped it out right away. Thanks so much!!
We used the roots like, all our lives. Inside the luchbox, there are plastic lunch containers. (Just need to be brought to the dish mikva)
They are really great schoolbags. Lasted all of elementary – don’t use them roughly though- a zipper once broke off…
sierra.com has kipling seoul backpacks for 49.99
I’m legit ASTONISHED that I didn’t see L.L. Bean listed here!! They literally last for DECADES, and they stand behind their products! They’re the OG of quality. My childhood backpack is 30+ years old and still looks like new- even after being washed for pesach each year. A nice plus is that they’re more on the affordable side- and are still amaaazing quality.
I hope you add to your list, BCP 🙂
Just a shout out for LL Bean backpacks if you’re looking for something super sturdy- I believe they have a lifetime guarantee, can be customized and are virtually indestructible in all kinds of fun patterns and colors.
Don’t forget about Ross! That’s where my kids get their backpacks and they can choose the character they like best. Our backpacks from last year held up fine all year and at around $10-15 a pop, we just got new ones for the upcoming school year. Ross also has name brands like adidas for older kids.
I should mention the ones we get come with a matching lunch box and I’ve seen the exact same ones at target for 2-3x the price.
I used my Kipling straight thru HS, gave it to my niece who use it for 4 years, and now took it back to use for my 1st grade son. Still looks brand new. Nothing like it!
This is my new favorite backpack from Amazon – the Falanko Laptop Backpack
It’s huge. It’s a flat bottom, wide top bag that is as good for school as it is for travel.
https://amzn.to/47vbwKx
Great post! Thank you! We have also liked the backpacks from Pottery Barn Kids. They also come with lunch bags that clip on to the outside of the backpack and can be monogrammed with name or initials too.
I bought this one for my son. I suppose it is the best choice I’ve ever made.
I’m shocked you didn’t include LL Bean backpacks! They last forever, really. I saw you did include Land’s End. That brand is really just knock-off off LL Bean. Please put LL Bean into your rotation. They are the original camping gear store, and these days they do so much more!
Links to Aliexpress backpacks are expired. Can you update them
The links don’t seem to be working. You can view school backpacks on AliExpress here
Love the Herschel! How often do you recommend washing if I want it too last for 2 years?
Love the Maissonette ones!
Any ideas of what to gift to an amazing counselor (14 yr old girl)?
Also any cute ideas for photographer pictures for my girl going into first grade? Shirt or props?
Thanks!
Are the 17 inch Kiplings too big for a boy in Pre-1A?