32 Backpacks That Will Help Your Kid Rock This School Year

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Whether your little one is headed out for his first day of kindergarten or is an experienced student (with the homework to prove it!), a backpack is not only a back-to-school necessity, but also a great way to make a fantastic first impression on fellow classmates. We tracked down 32 fun, fashion-forward, and functional backpacks that will get your little student to and from the classroom in serious style.

From small bags for your burgeoning preschooler to serious backpacks for your big kid and all the stuff her busy life requires, these bags offer style (glitter, sequins, graphics, oh my!) and substance (supportive straps, lots of pockets, and plenty of room for books and after-school activity necessities). Pack them up and get ready for your star student's coolest school year yet.

01
Fjallraven Kanken Water-Resistant Backpack
shop.nordstrom.com

Fjallraven Kanken Water-Resistant Backpack

Get up on the pastel trend with this pale blue Fjallraven Kanken Water-Resistant Backpack ($80). It's ideal for kids, as it's made with water-resistant fabric that can help protect from unexpected spills.

02
Roxy Women's Sugar Baby Canvas Backpack
Amazon

Roxy Women's Sugar Baby Canvas Backpack

Your young student will never have a hard time finding their bag with the bright Roxy Women's Sugar Baby Canvas Backpack ($36).

03
Lego Brick Backpack
amazon.com

Lego Brick Backpack

For the kid who can't get enough Legos in their life, this adorable Lego Brick Backpack ($49) features six individual exterior zip pockets and adjustable straps.

04
Twelvelittle Little Companion Backpack
shop.nordstrom.com

Twelvelittle Little Companion Backpack

Take a walk on the wild side with Twelvelittle Little Companion Backpack ($49) that's the perfect amount of animal print.

05
Men's Outdoor Sport Vintage Canvas Backpack
Walmart

Men's Outdoor Sport Vintage Canvas Backpack

The Men's Outdoor Sport Vintage Canvas Backpack ($29) has a rugged look to it, with plenty of pockets for everything your young student could possibly need to store.

06
Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack
shop.nordstrom.com

Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack

Preschoolers will flip for Skip Hop's Zoo Pack Bat Backpack ($20).

08
J World Oz Campus Backpack
target.com

J World Oz Campus Backpack

The J World Oz Campus Backpack ($14, originally $17) has a cool neon doodle design on the outside, and a laptop sleeve and spacious main compartment on the inside.

09
State Metallic Kane Backpack
Nordstrom

State Metallic Kane Backpack

You kid will love the cool, contrasting metallic straps on the Stat Kane Backpack ($85). Inside, you'll find an interior zip pocket, a laptop pocket, and four pen slots. Even better, for every bag sold, State donates part the purchase price to fund charitable initiatives, including providing fully stocked backpacks to American children in need.

10
J.Crew Sequin Shake-Up Backpack
J.Crew

J.Crew Sequin Shake-Up Backpack

J.Crew's Sequin Shake-Up Backpack ($80) is see-through and super fun.

11
Sprayground Neon Shark Backpack
Nordstrom

Sprayground Neon Shark Backpack

The cool neon shark print on the Sprayground Neon Shark Backpack ($60) will have your kid standing out from the crowd. And lots of interior pockets will keep your kid's gear organized.

12
Pottery Barn Kids' Mackenzie Backpack
Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids' Mackenzie Backpack

Available in a large variety of colors and patterns, Pottery Barn Kids' Mackenzie Backpack ($29-$59, originally $40-$80) comes in four sizes for kids of all ages. Each size is made of water-resistant polyester, with adjustable padded shoulder straps and exterior side pockets for water bottles.

13
Crate & Kids Dragon Backpack
Crate and Kids

Crate & Kids Dragon Backpack

With decorative details, including floppy ears and soft horns, Crate & Kids' Dragon Backpack ($34, originally $49) will be a surefire hit with your little one. You'll love the practical details, like a top pocket with a headphone insert, a mesh side pocket that holds a water bottle, and an interior folder pocket.

14
Swissgear Laptop Backpack
Target

Swissgear Laptop Backpack

Available in black, gray, and pink, the Swissgear Laptop Backpack ($55) is made for kids ages 10 and up. Inspired by a vintage doctor's bag, the backpack has an innovative top opening that pops up for easy access to the main compartment.

15
Billabong Hand Over Love Backpack
Nordstrom

Billabong Hand Over Love Backpack

The Billabong Hand Over Love Backpack ($46) has a sweet heart print on a kid-sized denim bag with ample pockets and padded straps.

16
J.Crew Splatter-Print Backpack
J.Crew

J.Crew Splatter-Print Backpack

The print on the J.Crew Splatter-Print Backpack ($70) was created by dripping real paint onto fabric. How cool is that?!

17
Cat & Jack Cat Paw Print Backpack
Target

Cat & Jack Cat Paw Print Backpack

Cat & Jack's Cat Paw Print Kids' Backpack ($23) has a contrasting green color at the back with "Always Be Kind" written in a whimsical print.

18
Babymel Zip & Zoe Junior Backpack
Target

Babymel Zip & Zoe Junior Backpack

The outer space patter on this Babymel Zip & Zoe Junior Backpack ($30) features stars, planets, and astronauts. An interior organizer pocket keeps your cosmic kid organized.

19
Crate & Kids Unicorn Backpack
Crate and Kids

Crate & Kids Unicorn Backpack

How cute is the 3-D unicorn on the Crate & Kids Unicorn Backpack ($34, originally $49)?! The sweet metallic side details ensure your kid will shine all year long.

20
Parkland Bayside Backpack
Nordstrom

Parkland Bayside Backpack

Made of recycled polyester, Parkland's Bayside Backpack ($40) is superdurable and features a colorful dino print, padded straps, and convenient pockets.

21
Bari Lynn Puffy Hologram Metallic Backpack
Nordstrom

Bari Lynn Puffy Hologram Metallic Backpack

Bari Lynn's Puffy Hologram Metallic Backpack ($64) is as cool as it gets — but also super functional with a top carry handle, padded, adjustable backpack straps, and two interior zip pockets.

22
Lands' End ClassMate Backpack
Lands' End

Lands' End ClassMate Backpack

While the Lands' End ClassMate Large Backpack ($25, originally $50) comes in six patterns, we're partial to the tie-dye option. A chest strap takes pressure off kids' shoulders, sturdy mesh pockets hold water bottles, and reflective trim on the front and back helps keep kids visible.

23
Gap Kids Critter Backpack
Gap

Gap Kids Critter Backpack

Gap's Kids Critter Backpack ($30, originally $50) has glow-in-the-dark details and a matching lunch box ($18, originally $30).

24
Herschel Retreat Backpack
Herschel

Herschel Retreat Backpack

You kiddo can choose from 30 color combos and patterns with the Herschel Retreat Backpack ($70). And it's specifically made for kids ages 5 to 7 years old.

25
Baby Tula Stickers Backpack
Baby Tula

Baby Tula Stickers Backpack

Made to fit toddlers and small children, the Baby Tula Stickers Backpack ($39) has a playful design featuring unicorns, donuts, hearts, flamingos, mermaids, and more. So cute!

26
The North Face Borealis Backpack
Nordstrom

The North Face Borealis Backpack

The North Face's Borealis Backpack ($89) has plenty of pockets and an exterior bungee cord, so it's easy to latch on extra gear. The pack comes in solid black or a cool camo option.

27
Ban.do Go Go Backpack
Ban.do

Ban.do Go Go Backpack

The pretty rose print on Ban.do's Go Go Backpack ($48) disguises a main compartment that will fit a 15-inch laptop, two zippered pockets in the front, and two more pockets on the side!

29
Gap Floral Backpack
Gap

Gap Floral Backpack

Gap's Floral Backpack ($30, originally $50) has an all-over floral print, adjustable straps, a front zip pocket, and side pockets.

30
OMG Unicorn Backpack
Nordstrom

OMG Unicorn Backpack

Got a glitter- and magical creature-loving kid? They'll flip for this OMG Unicorn Backpack ($58).

31
State Mini Kane Rainbow Backpack
Nordstrom

State Mini Kane Rainbow Backpack

With a bright and cheery rainbow sewn on front, and it's small stature, the State Mini Kane Rainbow Backpack ($65) is perfect for preschoolers.

32
J.Crew Camo-Print Backpack
J.Crew

J.Crew Camo-Print Backpack

J.Crew's Camo-Print Backpack ($70) is big enough for books, gym clothes, a matching lunch box ($35), and more.