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.
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.
Your young student will never have a hard time finding their bag with the bright Roxy Women's Sugar Baby Canvas Backpack ($36).
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.
Take a walk on the wild side with Twelvelittle Little Companion Backpack ($49) that's the perfect amount of animal print.
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.
Preschoolers will flip for Skip Hop's Zoo Pack Bat Backpack ($20).
Anthropologie's Spaceship Backpack ($50) will take the littlest students to the moon and back.
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.
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.
J.Crew's Sequin Shake-Up Backpack ($80) is see-through and super fun.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Billabong Hand Over Love Backpack ($46) has a sweet heart print on a kid-sized denim bag with ample pockets and padded straps.
The print on the J.Crew Splatter-Print Backpack ($70) was created by dripping real paint onto fabric. How cool is that?!
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.
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.
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.
Made of recycled polyester, Parkland's Bayside Backpack ($40) is superdurable and features a colorful dino print, padded straps, and convenient pockets.
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.
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.
Gap's Kids Critter Backpack ($30, originally $50) has glow-in-the-dark details and a matching lunch box ($18, originally $30).
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.
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!
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.
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!
Kid-fave Peppa Pig makes an appearance on Hunter's Peppa Muddy Puddles Nylon Backpack ($60). The a water-resistant nylon backpack with padded straps and chunky zippers comes in three different colors of camo.
Gap's Floral Backpack ($30, originally $50) has an all-over floral print, adjustable straps, a front zip pocket, and side pockets.
Got a glitter- and magical creature-loving kid? They'll flip for this OMG Unicorn Backpack ($58).
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.
J.Crew's Camo-Print Backpack ($70) is big enough for books, gym clothes, a matching lunch box ($35), and more.