Gift guide
When we put together our picks for the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten each year, we think about how exciting it is for little ones to pick what may be their very first school gear ever. They geek out over all their school supplies of course, but there's something extra special about that backpack -- the one piece of gear that really epitomizes "I'm a big kid now."
For those kids who are headed to preschool or kindergarten for the first time this year, their first backpack is really special. So next up in our back-to-school shopping guide, we've worked hard to put together more than a dozen of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten -- all small in size, but big on the wow factor.
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($19.89, Target)
A 12" backpack is a wonderful size for toddlers and preschoolers, and this rocket backpack, brand new from Skip*Hop is a wonderful design for boys and girls. If your babies grew up on their gear, you know how exciting it is to know they're doing more for older kids.
Barbie Dreamhouse Mini Backpack
($54.90, Hot Topic)
Even if our little ones are too young to have seen Greta Gerwig's movie, of course we're recommending a Barbie backpack for preschool and kindergarten. Love this backpack that looks like a dream house, even to us. (Maybe it's because there's probably no laundry inside that needs washing.)
Our sponsor Mabel's Labels is our go-to for the best labels that really stay on -- giving you a better shot that the backpacks and gear you send off to school, will actually make it home again! Right now you can get 15% off all labels with code SCHOOL15 plus free shipping, and that includes their Ultimate Back to School Label Combo that comes with 70 stick-on Tag Mates for clothing, 8 pairs of shoe labels, and 40 small rectangular labels for lunch boxes, backpacks, water bottles...you name it. They also have combo packs for preschool, middle school, school uniforms and more, and they can all be personalized with your kids' favorite colors, designs and fonts.
Save15% off all labels with code SCHOOL15 at our sponsor Mabel's Labels, and get free shipping,
($67.49 for a limited time in select colors, Zappos)
It's on the pricey side but hear us out -- if you want a backpack that the kids won't get tired of, the Kanken from Fjallraven is a terrific investment and currently on sale up to 33% off in multiple sizes. Kids will be able to wear it for years, especially if you get a darker color. (Tip: Their "mini" backpack is wonderful and costs a little less, but you can't fit much more than a lunch bag in there.)
($39-44 on soyoung)
Soyoung is one of our favorite back-to-school brands for making sturdy, incredibly well-made, beautifully designed coated canvas bags and backpacks, I love the astronaut print but you'll find so many more designs in their preschool backpacks and grade school backpack sizes for ages 6+. (PS you can find a selection of SoYoung lunchboxes right on Amazon -- we've named them one our 5 most durable lunchbox brands of all time.)
($24.99 on sale, Kohl's)
Is there a kid around these days who isn't totally on Team Squishmallows? Exactly. For a fantastic sale price at Kohl's, this 5-piece Squishmallows backpack set includes the 16" backpack with padded straps, a lunch kit, pencil case, rubber keychain and... matching scrunchie. Why not.
($86 and up, State Bags)
We spent so much time clicking through the dozens of cool backpack styles for kids at State that it was hard to choose just one to show here. For parents who will spend for style and durability, these are well-designed and built to last. The mismatched straps are so fun and we love that it's made from 90% recycled materials (45% for the metallics or puffer styles). They make one for kids 2-4, but if your kid can handle the 4+ size, you'll get more use out of it.
($42-46, Maisonette, some styles 50% off right now!)
Dabbawalla backpacks are among our favorites for preschool and kindergarten -- they're one of our top-rated brands for durability and value. The size is perfect, and the neoprene can take a beating and then clean up beautifully in the wash. They have lots of fun styles beyond what's here -- and some of the "outlet" backpacks are only $23 each!
($27.99 with 20% off for a limited time, The Disney Store)
The new Spiderman backpack in the Disney Store back-to-school collection is also one of the hottest backpacks for little kids because c'mon, Spiderman! We wonder who will play him (or her) by the time our kindergarteners are old enough to be buying tickets to the 6th gen reboot, ha.
($51.90, Hot Topic)
If your kids are more into Ghibli characters than Marvel or DC, we kind of want this cute Totoro backpack for ourselves too. It's 16" tall and actually has a laptop pocket, so this kindergarten backpack can become a useful grade school backpack if they take good care of it.
($49.90, Quince -- 50% off!)
We think we've found the perfect bag that blends classic styling, modern colors and practical design--all at a great price. Quince's new small backpacks (just under 15" tall) come in four cool colors, are made of water-resistant recycled poly, and you can even grab a lunch bag to match.
($43 on sale, Pottery Barn Kids for a limited time)
Another pick for durability plus coolness, the small backpacks from PBK are perfect for kids who need to bring a small lunch, water bottle, or maybe a change of shorts. As long as they can find it each morning. (Get it? Camouflage!)
($19.99, Target)
This cheerful daisy backpack at Target is deceptively sturdy, and at 17" tall, perfect for younger kids who need to carry sleep mats or a change of clothes and gear for after school activities. Plus, that price!
Related: 12 free sight word printables to help with kindergarten reading
Disney Encanto x CAMP Canvas Backpack
($45, CAMP)
If you've ever spent some time in one of CAMP's fun little stores, you know how great their products are -- and how much our kids love them. This Disney Encanto collab makes their durable canvas backpack even more fun. Plus you can customize with an embroidered name and your choice of patches.
Related: Shop our entire back-to-school guide
($19.59 on sale, Amazon - 35% off)
We have loved the "big kid" Skip Hop koala preschool backpack for years, which can actually fit the notebooks and worksheets a kindergartener may need to carry. It's adorable, classic, and the sale price is amazing.
Related: 7 great books to help your child transition to kindergarten
($42, Kids Footlocker)
Should you shopping for an athletic-minded kid who needs a larger backpack, this 17" Nike Heritage Kids' Backpack blends durability and sporty styling. It's not only a backpack that a taller kindergartener can continue growing into, but they may not outgrow it as fast as a character backpack or one supporting a specific team.
($20.99 and up on sale, Amazon)
In 14 fun mix-and-match color combos -- and another 11 color combos in the "girls" section (though of course, no color belongs to any gender) these 12" and 15" backpacks offer versatile style at a very nice price, especially if you're holding off on the licensed characters. Does it look like a knock-off of the much pricier State bags? Shhh...
