Kids

Best Backpacks for Kids — From Tots to Teens

by Kelley Crosbie and Samantha McIntyre


Best Backpacks for Kids — From Tots to Teens
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Best Backpacks for School

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A backpack can tell a lot about a kid, whether she’s showing off her favorite cartoon character as she heads off to grade school or expressing her personal style as she enters freshman year. So it’s no surprise that backpacks come in every shape, size and color, making it tricky for parents and kids to choose just one. From character-covered and cute to simple and sophisticated, we’ve rounded up the best backpacks for kids that are stylish, sturdy and safe for growing backs. No matter which style you choose, remember to keep in mind the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on backpack safety when shopping.

 

1. Best for Toddler Boys:Wildkin Wild Animals Pack 'n Snack Backpack

 

2. Best for Toddler Girls:Skip Hop Zoo Narwhal Backpack

 

3. Best for Girls:L.O.L. Surprise! Let Me Out Kids' Backpack

 

4. Best for Boys: Fortnite Kids Multiplier Backpack

 

5. Best for Teen Boys: JanSport TDN7 Big Student Backpack

 

6. Best for Teen Girls: Vaschy Water-resistant Travel Bookbag

 

7. Best Rolling Backpack: J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

 

8. Best Clear Backpack: Trail Maker Clear Backpack With Reinforced Strap

 

9. Best Personalized Backpack: Mackenzie Aqua Disney Princess Backpack

 

10. Best Mini Backpack: Hotstyle Bestie Mini Backpack

 

Wildkin Wild Animals Pack 'n Snack Backpack

1 of 10 Image Credits: Walmart

Best for Toddler Boys

Wildkin Wild Animals Pack 'n Snack Backpack

Price:$18.00
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If your toddler or preschooler is constantly telling you, “I want to carry it myself,” they will delight in doing just that with the Wildkin Wild Animals Pack 'n Snack Backpack. Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand to preschool or heading on the next adventurous trip to the zoo, this 12-inch backpack is large enough to store a few snacks and drink but small enough for petite shoulders and backs. The front of the Wildkin Snack Backpack even features an easy-to-clean, insulated pocket as well as reflective material for increased visibility.

Skip Hop Zoo Narwhal Backpack

2 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom

Best Backpack for Toddler Girls

Skip Hop Zoo Narwhal Backpack

Price:$20.00
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When only a magical backpack will do for your little lady and this hot-selling Skip Hop Zoo Narwhal Backpack is just the trick. This adorable design made for kids ages 3 and up features front zip pocket, roomy main compartment and mesh side pocket for juice or water bottles. Padded, adjustable straps make it easier for your little one to carry comfortably.

L.O.L. Surprise! Let Me Out Kids' Backpack

3 of 10 Image Credits: Target

Best Backpack for Girls

L.O.L. Surprise! Let Me Out Kids' Backpack

Price:$20.00
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Perfect for your favorite L.O.L. Surprise! fan, this trendy backpack is designed for mini fashionistas who love the collectible dolls. The sparkly style features fun graphics of L.O.L. Surprise dolls and comes with a spacious zippered main compartment, adjustable shoulder straps and small front pocket which is perfect for keys and a cell phone. It also comes with a laptop sleeve. Designed for girls ages 3 to 9 years old.

Fortnite Kids Multiplier Backpack

4 of 10 Image Credits: Target

Best Backpack for Boys

Fortnite Kids Multiplier Backpack

Price:$30.00
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Fortnite fanatics are sure to flip for this cool camo print Fortnite Kids Multiplier Backpack. The 18-inch carryall style features a zippered front pocket, large main compartment and interior laptop pouch with adjustable straps for comfort. Designed with durable fabrics made for long-lasting use. Recommended for kids ages 10 and up.

JanSport TDN7 Big Student Backpack

5 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Backpack for Teen Boys

JanSport TDN7 Big Student Backpack

Price:$48.00See Reviews
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Tried and true, this classic JanSport TDN7 Big Student Backpack is made to carry everything your studious student needs to have handy. Built to last, this rugged style is made to hold everything from lunch to laptops. A JanSport quality guarantee gives parents ease of mind that if any part of the bag breaks, the company will repair or replace it. No need to worry about your kiddo carrying on while sporting this style! Available in over 20 color variations.

Vaschy Water-resistant Travel Bookbag

6 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Backpack for Teen Girls

Vaschy Water-resistant Travel Bookbag

Price:$30.00See Reviews
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Pretty and practical, this vintage style Vaschy Water-resistant Travel Bookbag is the best bet for back to school necessities. The durable design features a large zippered main compartment with double-zipper closure, zippered front pocket and a handy top loop. Available in 14 fun colors.

J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

7 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Rolling Backpack

J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

Price:$75.00See Reviews
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Your kid is on a roll thanks to this cool J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack. Designed for wheeling around, this convenient backpack style is also easy to carry with comfortable, padded cushion shoulder straps. The stylish bag features a large middle section with a front zippered pocket and two side mesh pockets. Great for the kid on the go!

Trail Maker Clear Backpack With Reinforced Strap

8 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Clear Backpack

Trail Maker Clear Backpack With Reinforced Strap

Price:$13.00See Reviews
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It's pretty clear why this Trail Maker backpack would be a good choice for a durable bag designed to last throughout the school year. Easy to clean and made to carry a heavy load with reinforced padded straps for comfort. This style comes in several colors and features two zippered compartments for storing school supplies.

Mackenzie Aqua Disney Princess Backpack

9 of 10 Image Credits: Pottery Barn

Best Personalized Backpack

Mackenzie Aqua Disney Princess Backpack

Price:$40.00
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When it comes to the best personalized backpack, the name of the game is a stylish customized bag that reflects your child's style like this adorable Mackenzie Aqua Disney Princess Backpack from Pottery Barn. Available in several sizes, including a rolling backpack, this bag is designed to hold all of your kid's must-haves and can be monogrammed with your little one's name or initials.

hotstyle Bestie Mini Backpack

10 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Mini Backpack

hotstyle Bestie Mini Backpack

Price:$25.00See Reviews
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A great alternative to a bulky bag, this hotstyle Bestie Mini Backpack is perfect for storing small personal items. Available in 10 bold colors, this style can also be converted into a shoulder bag.