Part of getting kids excited about back to school season is letting them pick a new backpack in the style that channels their personalities. Or that allows them to show up they way they want. To lend a hand with this delicate task, we’ve rounded up 8 of the coolest and trendiest backpacks that your kids are likely to love for the 2023 school year, including bags for preschoolers to high-schoolers.
The 8 trendiest backpacks best to love for the 2023 school year
School’s back in session. We know… we’re as shocked as you are. As we kiss summer vacation goodbye, it’s time to stock up on supplies, sign up for activities, and pick out those back-to-school outfits as you prepare your children for the upcoming year.
While new clothes and new school supplies are top of mind, we can’t forget about new backpacks. Carrier of books, craft supplies, iPhones, athletic wear, and more, you need sturdy and strong (to survive the wear and tear) AND stylish bookbags for your children so they can confidently walk the halls this year.
Best back-to-school backpacks for preschoolers to high-schoolers
Preschool / Elementary School
1. Junior Original Book Pack
Always a classic, LL Bean’s Junior Original Backpack is the perfect backpack for pint-sized kiddos. Small but mighty, it’s ideal for young kids just beginning to learn responsibility for their own supplies. The bookbag comes in five fun colors, has multiple compartments, and has a water bottle holder on the side.
BUY NOW – $34.95.
2. The Mackenzie Backpack,
Ombre and glitter, what more can a kid ask for? Pottery Barn’s Mackenzie backpack comes in four sizes – small, large, extra large, and rolling, and in a bunch of child-friendly colors like rainbow ombre sparkle glitter or lavender heart tie-dye. They can be personalized with names or initials for an extra touch, are made from water-resistant polyester material, and have padded, adjustable shoulder straps, making this the perfect backpack for any young child.
BUY NOW – $43.00 – 67.00.
3. Kid’s Hook & Loop Sport Backpack
For a more minimalistic look, try Becco Bags’ Kid’s Hook & Loop Sport Backpack. The backpack is multi-colored yet simple, with features like adjustable straps, interior zippers, and a side slip pocket. The best part? The interchangeable patches can be added with the hook-and-loop design system.
BUY NOW – $82.00. (Patches sold separately)
4. Twise Side-kick School, Travel Rolling Backpack
Roll into preschool or elementary school with the Twise Side-Kick travel rolling backpack. Perfect for young children or toddlers, the Twise backpacks are cute and colorful, with unique animal faces on each backpack. Your child can choose between unicorns, dogs, dinos, and more, so they can focus on style while you focus on function.
BUY NOW – $57.99.
Middle School / Highschool
5. JanSport Cross Town Plus 17″ Backpack
If your child is looking for a patterned option while still displaying a level of maturity, the Jansport Cross Town Plus Backpack is just what you need. Coming in both solids and mature floral patterns, the bag had a main compartment, side water pocket, laptop sleeve, and utility pocket with organizer.
BUY NOW – $41.99.
6. Herschel Heritage Backpack
Hershel has been a household name for bookbags, so the list wouldn’t be complete without including the Herschel Heritage Backpack. The standard bag is classic yet modern, roomy and boasts the signature striped liner that you’ll find on most Hershel bags.
BUY NOW – $48.99.
7. Embark Top-load 17″ Backpack
You may get lost in the halls, or you may get lost in the Embark’s Top-load 17″ Backpack. With multiple zippered compartments and dedicated laptop space, this bag can hold supplies for school, extracurriculars, and basic teenage necessities like phones and wallets. Choose between black, olive green, pink, light blue, gray, or teal, and hit the halls with the whole world on your shoulders (or back) in this spacious, sleek bag.
BUY NOW – $23.99.
8. Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
Fjallraven’s Kanken Backpack is the classic “cool” bag your kid will want to rock this upcoming school year. If the 40+ colors aren’t an enticing enough reason to purchase, the high-quality and classic design should be enough to get you to board the Fjallraven train. Use it for school, sports, weekend trips, and more. This durable bag is Fjallraven’s most popular product and worth every penny and rolls simple, practical, sleek, and convenient into one must-have bag.
BUY NOW – $90.00.
The 8 trendiest backpacks best to love for the 2023 school year
Don’t break your back trying to find the perfect backpack! This versatile list of backpacks has options for everyone. From functional, trendy, classic, and unique, your kid will show up to school in style with all their supplies protected. Which back-to-school bookbag does your kid like best?