The 6 best wagons for kids of all ages
By Eric ListonSep 04, 2023
With the right children’s wagon, family outings will be a breeze. Read on to find the best wagons for kids of all ages including babies, toddlers and bigger kids.
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7 cool backpacks for kids to kickstart the new school year
Not just any school bag will do. Browse through these cool backpacks for kids to make sure your child goes back to school in style.
It’s that time of the year again: back to school. And so begins the frantic shopping for clothes, supplies, shoes and everything else your kids need to start the school year right.
It’s also time for the age-old battle between kids and parents over looking cool versus. what’s practical. The good news is, we’ve found a way to let both sides win — at least when it comes to backpacks.
Our editors put together a list of cool backpacks for kids that are sure to make your children smile. Whether you’re looking for a waterproof backpack or a preschool backpack, we’ve got the best options. There are even some snazzy picks for your older kids, too.
Keep reading to find some of the best kids’ backpacks to fit both your budget and your child’s style.
Read more: Get the best cameras for your kids
Check out these cool kids’ backpacks
For dinosaur lovers
Specifications
Capacity: 0.63 liters
Dimensions: 12.5 H x11 W x 4 D in.
Material: Denim
Pros & Cons
Removable plushie
Wheeled backpack
Soft and easy to handle
Not easily washed
On the small side
This dino backpack is the best for the littlest of your pack. It’s a rolling backpack with a telescopic handle, so they can pull it behind them if it gets too heavy. The straps are also adjustable to ensure a snug fit. Plus, the plush dinosaur is removable so your youngster has a friend to cuddle with during naptime.
It’s on the small side, making it best as a toddler backpack. However, it can't be washed. With its plastic handles, you can’t put it in the washing machine, so you’ll need to spot-clean it with a cloth.
For Star Wars fans
Specifications
Capacity: 5 liters
Dimensions: 16 H x 12 W x 5 D in.
Material: Polyester
Pros & Cons
Insulated lunchbox
Easy to clean
Lunchbox is small in size
Your kids will walk into elementary school with everything they need with this backpack set. One of the trendiest backpacks on our list (though you could argue that Star Wars never goes out of style), it comes with a matching lunchbox and pencil case. Really, it’s the best backpack for kindergarten goers.
The lunchbox is on the smaller side, but it’s perfect for snacks. There are also two mesh pockets that will fit small water bottles and the shoulder straps adjust to fit your toddler’s body. You can also spot or wipe clean this kindergarten backpack after any spills on the bus or in the cafeteria.
For the princesses
Specifications
Capacity: 6.9 liters
Dimensions: 9.4 H x 10.2 W x 4.3 D in.
Materials: Polyurethane
Pros & Cons
Water-resistant
Adjustable straps
Good size for kids
Higher price point
No side compartments
This backpack is definitely for the Disney princess in your family. Covered in all our favorite princesses throughout the years, it’s one of the prettiest backpacks for kids on our list. It has a top zip closure and top carry handles with adjustable straps to make packing easier. It’s also water-resistant if anything is spilled on it and the interior and exterior can be wiped clean.
There’s one exterior zip pocket and one interior wall pocket, leaving plenty of room for their homework and extra storage. It’s a bit small, but the size makes it one of the best backpacks for 4th graders and younger kids.
For unicorn believers
Specifications
Capacity: 14.84 liters
Dimensions: 12.5 H x 10 W x 4 D in.
Materials: Polyester
Pros & Cons
Reflective material for visibility
Lunchbox attaches to backpack
Padded adjustable straps
Not machine washable
No interior compartment
This unicorn backpack is perfect for the little dreamers. It’s got bright colors and is just the right size as a great preschool backpack. It also comes with a matching lunchbox that easily attaches to the backpack so it won’t get lost. Plus, they’re both water-resistant and can be spot-cleaned.
This kids' backpack is big enough to fit a folder and sweater and it has contoured and padded straps that are adjustable for added comfort. It also has side pouches for water bottles and a front flap pocket that fits small supplies.
Cool prints for boys & girls
Specifications
Capacity: N/A
Dimensions: 16.5 H x 11 W x 7.5 D in.
Materials: Nylon EVA Polyester
Pros & Cons
Attached lunchbox
BPA-free, easy-to-clean materials
Bentgo container not included
If you’re on the hunt for cool backpacks, not only does this one come in 10 different prints, but it’s a backpack-lunchbox combo. Your child will never have to eat a cold lunch with the insulated bottom compartment, which fits Bentgo lunch containers. It’s made from durable, yet easy-to-clean fabric so you also won’t need to worry about rips or tears.
It’s got a padded back and adjustable shoulder straps as well as a supportive chest strap. There’s also an exterior mesh pocket for drinks and two large compartments inside. It also has added interior sleeves for school supplies, making it the best kindergarten backpack.
A durable unisex backpack
Specifications
Capacity: Not specified by retailer
Dimensions: 17 H x 11.5 W x 5.5 D in.
Materials: Polyester
Pros & Cons
Attachable matching lunchbox
Heavy duty for textbooks
Laptop sleeve
May be too big for smaller kids
Can be bulky with lunchbox attached
This two-piece set is the best backpack for middle school kids with its classic design and color options. It’s bigger and made of heavy-duty material, meaning it can hold more folders and textbooks. It also has a jersey-lined laptop sleeve on the interior and mesh side pockets for water bottles. It’s light and spacious with adjustable straps.
The matching lunchbox can attach to the bag if your child is the type to forget things easily, also making this one of the better backpacks for 5th graders and older elementary students. This kids’ backpack can be spot-cleaned and the back is padded for your kids’ comfort.
A complete set
Specifications
Capacity: 18.4 liters
Dimensions: 17 H x 12 W x 5.5 D in.
Materials: Polyester
Pros & Cons
Comes with a supply kit
Water-resistant
Affordable
No interior compartments
Reports of easy tearing
Your kiddo is sure to love this cool jungle print children's backpack, while you’ll love the fact that it comes with a matching supply kit. The kit is good for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school kids. With its size, we think this is the best backpack for a 1st grader. There are no interior compartments or pockets, but supplies easily fit in the see-through exterior pocket.
Like other backpacks for elementary schoolers, it’s water-resistant in case of spills and comes with adjustable straps. It does need to be hand-washed, but you can easily wipe the backpack clean with a cloth. Additionally, it has a great price point.
How to choose the best bags for school
While your kids may think the only thing you need to consider when buying the best kids' backpack is how cool they look, there are a few other things to think about. Here is a list of helpful things to look out for while you’re out school shopping.
Straps: Kids are constantly growing, so it’s good to get adjustable straps. That way no matter how much they grow, they can still feel comfortable. Padded straps are an added bonus for those carrying heavy books.
Weight: You definitely don’t want a backpack that will pull your kid over. Look for lightweight backpacks that are easier for small bodies to carry around.
Fabric: You’ll want materials that are durable and will last you through the school year. Also, water-resistant fabric is best for easy cleaning.
Design Features: You might not think this important, but your kid will thank you for all the extra pockets. The older the kid, the more interior compartments you’ll want. Backpacks without interior dividers make the best backpacks for kindergartners.
Size: Find a backpack that not only fits your child’s size, but can also handle all the supplies they’ll be carrying around. Smaller bags are great for preschool and kindergarten, while bigger bags are good for middle schoolers.
Which kids backpacks get our vote?
Our list has picks from different backpack brands and you’re sure to find one that your kid will love from among our options. However, if we had to choose our favorites, we’d go with:
Star Wars: The Mandalorian Kids' 5-Piece 16-Inch Backpack Set: We’re not sure if it’s the Star Wars theme or amount of goodies, but we really love this set. It’s a great price for a five-piece set with a backpack, lunchbox and pencil case, and it looks great.
Reebok Children’s Arden Unisex Laptop Backpack: While a little bit more expensive, we like the capacity of this backpack set and the fact that it comes with a laptop sleeve. The sleek look and neutral colors are great for boys and girls too.
Don’t take our word for it. Shop from the best backpacks for kids from our list and see if you agree.
Prices updated on 09/04/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Emma Kalka
A former music writer, Emma Kalka works to help customers find little ways they can save at their favorite brands. Emma previously worked at The Korea Herald and Groove Korea. Today, she lives in Florida and writes murder mysteries in her free time.
Specialized topics
Bathroom
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