As the leaves start to turn and school buses line the streets, one fact rings true through the crisp fall air—school is in session! What better way to send your child off to school each day than with a stylish and sleek yet sturdy backpack? These bags will take kids from the classroom to the playground to after-school activities all year long.
For The Stylish Scholar
With the JanSport brand being practically synonymous with backpack reliability, you can’t go wrong with the Right Pack Expressions. The subtle yet trendy print lets your budding hipster express his or her arty aesthetics, while the durability and sleek extras—like a laptop sleeve and padded straps—make this pack he perfect balance of form and function.
$59.99, jansport.com
For The City Slicker
Who says a well-equipped school day needs to start on your back? Check out the Wildkin Kickstart messenger bag for a modern twist on the classic school carryall. Complete with a durable exterior and easy Velcro closures, this snazzy sack is perfect for holding homework, textbooks, snacks, and more.
$29.99, toysrus.com
For The Peaceful Princess
Ensure a peaceful year in the classroom by equipping your young style star with a handy Peace Backpack from The Children’s Place. The soft shoulder straps and plethora of pockets make toting school supplies a snap and the punchy exterior is sure to delight.
$18.95, childrensplace.com
For The Very First Year
Hard to believe your little one is in preschool this year? Make sure that your growing student is suited up with the perfect pack. Beatrix New York’s whimsical Juju backpack not only provides a ready-made ladybug friend to keep your kiddo company, but is also crafted from sturdy nylon and sleek, laminated canvas.
$52, beatrixny.com
For The Bird Lover
Ease any test day jitters with an adorable penguin buddy and a new backpack. Red Wagon Press Works’ Penguin preschool backpack is handcrafted from rich houndstooth gray suiting wool and features a fun outside pocket—disguised as a tummy panel—for essentials, like pens, pencils, and secret snacks.
$38, etsy.com/shop/redwagonpressworks
For The Idol-In-Training
To take your young rock star from the classroom to the stage, be sure to set her up with a backpack that shines as brightly as she does. Gap’s sequin print backpack is perfect for holding everyday essentials—with a little room for special extras as well.
$34.95, gap.com
For The Junior Physicist
Combine the classic, all-American appeal of L.L.Bean with other-worldly graphics on this super-cool Deluxe Book Pack in the Black Matrix print. Reliable L.L.Bean durability makes this pack a safe mainstay for physics textbooks and science homework.
$39.95, llbean.com
For Playdates & Preschoolers
Even if your toddler isn’t quite stepping into the academic world yet, it never hurts to get the ball rolling with a peppy backpack for playing school. Mini Boden’s girls rucksack pairs a sweet polka dot pattern with a bag that’s just the right size for the first days of preschool or an afternoon at the playground.
$40, bodenusa.com
For The Star Scholar
Today the school bus, tomorrow a rocket ship! Encourage your future astronaut to reach for the stars this fall with this futuristic pack from Land’s End. The Kids’ Spaceman ClassMate medium backpack features plenty of pockets and storage space with a bold, celestial print to keep kids starry-eyed.
$39, landsend.com
For The Mod Squad
This fall, channel a retro look with modern panache. LeSportSac’s basic backpack in their Kitschy print blends decidedly hip design with a pattern that gives a nod to the swinging ‘70s. Plus, LeSportSac’s legendary marriage of practical and chic is sure to last for years to come.
$88, lesportsac.com
Comparisons between middle school hallways and the wild jungle are nothing new, but kids today can take heart with this funky new backpack from alternative style staple Volcom. The Copy Kat Rucksack comes in a unique shape and sturdy printed canvas. Plus, a whimsical giraffe pattern keeps a carefree vibe going all day long.
$55, volcom.com
For The Cat Crazy Kid
How better to ease the grind of long school days than with cool gear from Hello Kitty? With the Hello Kitty Backpack, Mustache, the world’s most beloved feline proves that a cheeky dose of hipster fun can turn the hallway into a runway.
$45, sanrio.com
For Animal Enthusiasts
Ever feel like your urban student yearns for the schoolyard to transform into a leafy jungle? Aid the imagination with animal-inspired Zoo Packs from Skip Hop! These sweet backpacks are sure to hold everything to take your tot from morning announcements to after-school playdates.
$20, skiphop.com
