Our Favorite Kindergarten Backpacks for School
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Have a little one heading into kindergarten? These adorable backpacks for school are perfect for little ones — even those of you with littles heading into TK or first grade.
Remember the days when it was back to school? You’d head to your local Kmart or Big Lots, grab the coolest Jansport backpack or rolling backpack you could find, and bam, you’re ready for school in style.
These days, not only are there so many brands and designs, but there are a few different sizes to choose from as well.
Now, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. In fact, as a mom of two little ones, I really like that there are options for smaller backpacks for the little kids. Heck, I’ve even (finally!) seen some awesome adaptive backpacks out there for kiddos who aren’t able to use the traditional style.
Rest assured, parents, we’ve rounded up only the BEST backpacks for your little ones. We’ll break down sizing, designs, and more!
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. In addition, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See my full policy for more information.
Best Kindergarten & First Grade Backpacks for School
Bentgo Kids’ 2-in-1 Backpack + Insulated Lunch Bag
Why we love it: Why send your kids to school with more things to carry when you can use a backpack with a built-in lunchbox? That’s what we love about this 2-in-1 backpack by Bentgo! It functions as a traditional spacious backpack, plus room to store your child’s snack and lunch in the built-in lunchbox compartment.
Great for: Kindergarten +
17″ Backpack Sets from Walmart
Why we love it: This cute backpack set is the exact one my son picked out for Back to School this year. It came with a small circular lunch box, pencil holder, and a plastic water bottle. While those extras would be great for kindergarten, we likely won’t be using them this year. However, the backpack itself is sturdier than I expected. It also has 2 mesh pockets on the side for a drink, along with a front zip pocket for smaller supplies and materials. There were many other character options available in store.
Great for: Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Cat & Jack™ 14″ Kid’s Backpack
Why we love it: These smaller backpacks from Cat & Jack are absolutely adorable! Plus, they’re lightweight and spacious, making them a great option for the little ones to get acquainted with carrying their essentials around school.
Great for: Preschool & Tk
mibasies Lightweight Backpack
Why we love it: This lightweight backpack might look and feel light, but don’t let that fool you, this thing is sturdy! It features a breathable backing and chest strap to keep it secure when wearing. It also comes in over 21 cute colors and patterns.
Great for: Preschool & Tk
Cat & Jack™ Adaptive Kids’ Backpack
Why we love it: We are all about diversity and inclusion here, so seeing an adaptive backpack that isn’t insanely expensive is awesome! It features an organizer pocket and a laptop sleeve with an opening for tubes, top straps for wheelchairs, a tuckaway shoulder strap, and is made with soft-sided Oxford fabric.
Great for: All Elementary Grades
PAW Patrol 16″ Rolling Backpack
Why we love it: If you foresee your child struggling to carry around a traditional backpack, a rolling backpack like this is the perfect solution. With 2 smooth-rolling wheels, side mesh pockets for a water bottle, and a spacious, easy to clean design — it’s a great choice for those Paw Patrol-loving kiddos.
Great for: Kindergarten & 1st Grade
2-Piece Minecraft Boys Light Up Backpack
Why we love it: What kid doesn’t love a fun light-up backpack? This backpack also comes with a matching square lunch box, a front zip pocket, and 2 side mesh pockets to hold those drink cups.
Great for: Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Wonder Nation Kids Unisex Adaptive 17″ Backpack
Why we love it: This is another great adaptive backpack. Featuring adjustable and detachable shoulder straps, looped easy-to-grab zippers, an opening at the back for tube or cord access, and buckle straps to hook onto a wheelchair.
Great for: Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Simple Modern 17″ Backpack
Why we love it: We love Simple Modern because they make well-made products in the cutest designs, including their backpacks! This backpack features a padded tablet sleeve, built in ID Tag, lunchbag clip, spacious interior, and expandable mesh pockets on each side. Of course, it comes in various colors and designs.
Great for: Kindergarten & 1st Grade
What to Look For In a Kid’s Backpack
Now that you’ve got to see our favorite backpacks for the little one’s, heres some of the features I suggest keeping in mind when searching for a backpack:
- PRICE – if your child is heading into kindergarten or even first grade, chances are they’ll be over their backpack by the next year, so don’t spend too much if you don’t need to.
- SPACIOUSNESS – some backpacks only have room for about 1-2 books, so keep in mind you’ll want something spacious enough to tote around your child’s lunch box and even some crafts or a sweater from time to time.
- COMFORTABLE SHOULDER STRAPS – your little one is little, they don’t need to feel uncomfortable carrying their backpack around. Look for padded shoulder straps if possible.
- MATERIAL – you’ll want to look for lightweight, but durable material such as polyester or nylon.
So, which of these kids’ backpacks for school do you think your kiddo would love?
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