From bold hues to fun prints, we’ve rounded up the best backpacks that bring the perfect blend of fashion and function to the school day, all year round
We’re nearing back to school territory, and if you haven’t begun to think about stocking up on school uniforms and accessories, now is the perfect time. And to save you from any panic buying this year, we’ve compiled a list of our top school backpacks that don’t compromise on style or functionality.
With the cost of living still hitting hard, it can be difficult to purchase new items all the time, so we’ve rounded up some wallet-friendly buys from the likes of Primark and M&S, plus a few pricier finds from LEGO and Monsoon to cater to all tastes and budgets.
From well-loved TV characters to classic children’s toys and more grown-up styles, check out our top school backpack buys to shop before September rolls around.
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You can’t go wrong with Primark’s back to school essentials—they’re cheap, functional, and fun. And if you’ve got any Paw Patrol fans, this £10 cartoon backpack perfectly fits the bill. It features handy zip-fastening compartments, adjustable shoulder straps, and a mesh side pocket to store school essentials such as water bottles.
SHOP THE BAG: Paw Patrol bag, Primark, £10 here
If you’ve got a budding fashionista, you’ll want to pick a backpack that reflects their sense of style, as well as being functional to carry around all day. And this stylish quilted one from Monsoon ticks all the right boxes.
SHOP THE BAG: Navy quilted bag, Monsoon, £28 here
Calling all car and lorry enthusiasts. With its cute road design and even a matching lunchbag, its the perfect purchase for younger kids this year. The bag comes with a roomy inside mesh pocket and a side pocket that’s the perfect size to hold a water bottle. As well as a write-on name tag inside, so there’s no risk of this getting lost or switched with someone else.
SHOP THE BAG: Cars backpack, Character, currently £4.95
Perfect for older kids who may want to avoid cartoon or character-based bags, this pink Adidas backpack is the ideal combination of cool and practical. The backpack also has a handy clip-on compartment on the outside that is great for doubling up as a pencil case.
SHOP THE BAG: Pink adidas backpack, Schuh, £30 here
If you have any LEGO-loving children, this fun backpack is perfect. Shaped like a LEGO brick, it’s spacious enough to fit everything from pencil cases to books and water bottles. It also features 2 LEGO stud-styled pockets, a mesh pouch, reflective elements, and a slip pocket for a laptop in the main compartment. Plus, if your child isn’t a fan of the yellow, it’s available in other sizes, including red and green.
SHOP THE BAG: Yellow backpack, Lego, £44.99 here
Featuring an adorable London-themed Paddington print, this pale blue backpack is made for the unpredictable UK weather. With its water-repellent Stormwear™ finish, this bag will ensure your children’s essentials are safe and dry, even during a spontaneous British downpour.
SHOP THE BAG: Paddington small backpack, M&S, £16 here
Inject some colour and personality into your little one’s back to school wardrobe with this vibrantly printed backpack from Next. Featuring a playful comic book design, plus a handy compartment at the front and extendable straps, this is the kind of bag to last term after term without having to splash out a fortune.
SHOP THE BAG: Boom, stomp, zap backpack. Next, £20 here
Hailing from North Face, this fun block-coloured backpack features handy compartments both inside and out, two water bottle pockets, and a top handle that’s easy to grab and carry all day. Plus, the 360-degree reflective detailing ensures maximum safety and visibility in darker conditions on the way to and back from school.
SHOP THE BAG: Multi colour backpack, North Face, £35 here