Instinctively, the crisp shift in the air come September has many of us yearning for fresh notebooks and hand-sharpened pencils. Ah, if only life was still that simple. What no one tells you when you’re a kid is that once you become an adult, the transition from summer to September is much less dramatic or exciting. “Adulting” means adulting all year round, and that idea of a new beginning is not necessarily guaranteed post-Labor Day.
This tends to shift after becoming a parent, when one gets the chance to relive some of the most fun parts of childhood, including accessorizing for back-to-school. Unlike the limited assortment of Jansport backpacks and Caboodle cases from this Millennial’s past, the world of internet shopping has opened the floodgates of school-ready options that encourage individualism…but also disorientation.
Lucky for you, Dear Reader and child of Dear Reader, it’s my job to shop and, like a trusty study buddy, I’m more than happy to share my extensive notes. I was always great at research when it came to a school project, so I cast a particularly wide net in my school-friendly accessories search, keeping multi-use and longevity in mind. From brands families may already know and love, like Away, to discoverable, small-batch handmade kids lines, like Sun & Lace, this ultimate school-bag shopping list has all needs and tastes covered. In fact, the aim of this roundup is to include bags that pull double-duty: appealing to a picky kid for wearing all school-year-long, and cool enough for a picky mom to use for short travel or extra organization. After all, one of the biggest lessons any child should learn from a fashion-savvy parent is that sharing is indeed caring.
Away Kids Backpack
Away Travel
Away’s kid’s line is just as stylish and functional as its grown-up counterpart. The nostalgic colorblocking on this bag is reminiscent of the joy of Legos—without the horrible feeling of stepping on one.
Sticky Lemon Envelope Backpack
Sticky Lemon
European style never misses, especially when it comes to kid’s brands. Sticky Lemon’s backpacks have a cult following for their Wes Anderson-esque aesthetics and effortless style. The cabana striped version is particularly fabulous, especially the signature envelope pouch on the front, offering both function and style.
Fjallraven Kanken Mini
Fjallraven
Fjallraven, one of the most iconic backpack brands of modern times, was founded as a kid’s line in the 1970s to alleviate the back problems of Swedish school children. Today these bags, emblazoned with the recognizable fox logo, have a very friendly, utilitarian feel to them, especially the mustard yellow “ochre” version with the playful “confetti” polka dot trim.
Fluf Square Lunchbox
Fluf
It’s not always easy to find organic cotton kid-friendly accessories (as opposed to, say, T-shirts), so the idea of throwing this lunchbox in the wash and knowing it will hold up well is thrilling. Not to mention that reducing the shedding of microplastics where food is stored also feels very practical.
Ikea Starttid Backpack
IKEA
Ikea holds the key to anyone with a deal-seeking heart, and this surprisingly cool backpack offering comes at such a great price. The playful checkerboard print in a pop of purple will literally look great with everything mom, dad, or kid wears.
Land’s End Canvas Pouch
Lands End
This playful nod to the classic Lands End tote, especially in poppy colors, like bright lavender, is a fun but not too juvenile take on a pencil case. Washable and durable canvas is a must for rogue pen caps.
Out of the Woods Paper Bag Lunch Cooler
Out of the Woods
For the pickiest of kids and minimalist chic adults, Out of the Woods’s cooler is the modern answer to paper bag lunches. The washable (er, wipe-down-able) paper is insulated, adding a bit more longevity to lunches than the brown ones of yore.
Stella McCartney Stay Earthy Tote Bag
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney Stay Earthy Graphic Knitted Tote Bag
From long-standing sustainability champion Stella McCartney’s quirky kids line comes a knitted tote with a sweet message. Picture this: Swapping out your kid’s weekday lunch for your own farmer’s market haul on the weekend. Sold!
Misfits Market + Everybody.World Mini Tote
Misfits Market + Everybody.World
Misfits Market hive unite! The online grocer’s mini-tote collab with Everybody.World is merch that the whole family can get behind. Bonus points for transparency: The company offers a breakdown of recycled vs non materials and sustainably sourced virgin cotton.
Sun & Lace Leather Purse
Sun & Lace
Sun & Lace’s tiny kids purse is great for small “essentials” (rocks, plastic animals, etc.) they can’t part with even at school. The cool nautical print makes it appealing as a key or card holder for mom as well. Everything from the female- and Black-owned Wisconsin-based line is handmade in small quantities locally. Huzzah!
State Rodgers Lunch Box
State
State, the new It backpack on the playground, has become an elementary school staple for its functional designs and philanthropic efforts. Try their lunch box for “al-desk-o” midday meals, especially in the metallic gold. The contrasting silver metallic lining feels super cool and space age-y.
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