We’ve already shared our favorite backpacks for preschool and kindergarten, so next up in our 2019 Back to School Shopping Guide, we’re moving onto cool backpack for grade school! There are so many…honestly we had to stop ourselves from picking even more.
We’re so pleased that our 2019 Back to School Guide is brought to you by our sponsor Stuck On You, makers of custom labels for kids plus personalized gear of all kinds.
For more than two decades, they’ve helped ensure that all the fun goodies you send your kids to school with, actually make it home — and parents need all the help we can get with that!
Cool Mom Picks readers save $5 on all Stuck on You purchases (except value packs)
Use promo code CMP19 through 8/31/19.
Cool backpacks for grade school: 2019
First graders may not like the same designs as sixth graders, which is why we packed this guide with so many backpack styles. From favorite character and superheroes, to those that reflect hobbies, styles, or favorite animals, we love these cool backpacks for grade school.
Whether you still have a little time before school starts or you’re already stocking up for school lunches, we suggest you get shopping now; these backpacks feature some of the coolest colors, styles and themes this year. We’d hate you to lose out on one your kid absolutely loves!
Pro tip: Be sure to check the sizes; we didn’t include toddler sizes or teen sizes, but you want to make sure that a backpack is big enough to hold whatever your kids are toting to and from school — and not so big that it’s weighing them down.
Please note that all prices are accurate at time of posting. CMP is an rstyle affiliate.
There has been no compensation in exchange for placement — just the stuff our editors love.
Bayside Bold Backpack ($39, Parkland Mfg)
It’s not only cool and practical and affordable, but each of these backpacks from Parkland is upcycled — this one repurposed 8 entire water bottles.
Metallic State Kane Backpack ($85+, State Bags, also at very top)
For every State Bag sold, an equal amount will support US schoolchild in need. So yes, we’re big fans. The 6 fab metallic styles this year will sell out fast. Just sayin’.
Mad Pax Spiketus Rex full pack backpack ($67.99, Amazon)
The coolest kids of every age are sporting these in every color and pattern.
Captain Marvel Backpack ($59.99, Spencer’s Gifts)
Most powerful of all the MCU characters? Yes please!
Glow in the dark solar system backpack ($37 on sale, Pottery Barn Kids)
Space is all the rage, but glow-in-the-dark makes this one a top pick for us.
Girl Boss Backpack ($69.99, Society 6 with frequent sales offers)
Love this design from artist Céleste Wallaert
Herschel heritage MLB 15″ laptop bags featuring your favorite team ($69, Herschel Supply Co)
There are several MLB styles, but we love the minimalism of the simple logo and team colors.
Loungefly Disney Villains 17″ backpack ($26.74, Amazon)
Heroes are cool and all, but sometimes the villains have more fun.
Corgi backpack ($32.90, Amazon)
Corgis may be the new sloths. You heard it here first.
Herschel Supply faux denim 16” backpack ($65, Nordstrom)
Such an awesome look for kids of any gender, any age.
Vans Realm patchy backpack ($35 Journey’s)
If you can’t tell, skateboard culture is huge this year. This Van’s unisex backpack is a colorful nod to the 80s.
State Kane Backpack black moto backpack ($90 at State Bags)
Yeah it’s a splurge, but this black moto motif on black canvas is so hot.
—————–
About our Sponsor
No parent wants to invest in back to school clothing and gear only to have it disappear the first week of school. That’s where Stuck On You comes in. While they’re best known for their adorable custom name labels and clothing for kids in tons of colors, shapes and themes, visit their site for so much more.
The new Stuck On You Mini-Me labels can be customized to look like your own kid.
Personalized gear at Stuck On You includes bento boxes and lunch bags totally customized with names, designs and colors. Personalized water bottles to help you go more eco-friendly. Allergy labels to help keep kids safe when they’re out of your hands. Custom book bags and backpacks. Even journals and planners with more sophisticated designs for teens or hey — for you.
Basically it’s a one-stop shop for so much of the stuff we all need each school year. And with a sweet discount for our readers, too.
Special Offer:
Cool Mom Picks readers save $5 on all Stuck on You purchases (except value packs)
Use promo code CMP19 through 8/31/19.
—————–
OMG flower crown unicorn backpack ($58, Nordstrom)
OMG is the brand name, not our editorial commentary — but your kid may just say the same thing when they see this fabulous unicorn backpack. Also one of our favorite birthday gifts for 7 year olds, but even our tweens are digging this one.
Kipling Star Wars Stormtrooper Backpack ($57, Kipling)
This nearly 14″ bag from of our favorite collections of last year is now half off. The Dark Side comes to those who wait.
Herschel x Independent skateboard camo backpack ($69.99, Herschel Supply Co)
Herschel has a ton of cool collabs for back to school this year, and this is a favorite.
Nike Air Heritage Backpack $35 Nordstrom
Stylish but not extra, it’s a great backpack your sporty kid who loves the simplicity of a retro look.
Mint Pusheen 12″ Backpack ($44.90, Hot Topic, plus 20% off for limited time)
Pusheen is turning 19, but doesn’t look a day over…well, kitten.
Blended Designs backpacks 1954 Collection ($29.95+, Blended Designs)
Named for the year that Brown v. Board of Education was decided, these dozen or so styles of backpacks are all beautifully illustrated with kids in whole range of brown and black skin tones.
Harry Potter Gryffindor backpack ($55 on sale, Pottery Barn Teen)
Whether your grade schooler is just discovering the world of Hogwarts or is a longtime fan, find their house here.
Fortnite llama backpack ($35, Journey’s)
We like to think of it as a good reminder that you can’t play, until you finish all the homework that’s hiding inside that bag.
Sprayground black rubber shark backpack ($75, Nordstrom)
Who says every week can’t be Shark Week?
Related: So many cool shark shoes for kids. Because, shark shoes!
Wee Gallery illustrated dog coated canvas backpack ($40, SoYoung)
Our youngest grade schoolers will love this backpack from one of our favorite illustrators, for one of our favorite backpack companies.
Herschel x Santa Cruz heritage youth backpack ($59.99, Herschel Supply Co)
Yep, more Herschel skateboard styles. We can’t get enough!
Parkland Nebula Galaxy Backpack ($39, Parkland Mfg)
There are 30 different fabrics if you want an alternative to the lightning bolt pattern at very top, and we’re digging this groovy space them.
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack ($80, Nordstrom)
The classic, deceptively rugged Swedish book bag is always in style and lasts for years. A solid colors means kids can bling it up flair, pins, keychains galore so it feels like a new bag every year.
Thanks to Stuck on You for their support of our Back to School Shopping Guide
Special Offer:
Cool Mom Picks readers save $5 on all Stuck on You purchases (except value packs)
Use promo code CMP19 through this link, through 8/31/19.
