You can easily drop major bucks on a new bag, but why bother? These 20 stylish options will leave plenty of cash for that scientific calculator — not to mention a round of cocktails to toast the start of the school year.
1. Pokemon 16" Pikachu Kids Backpack
With battery-powered LED lights, this is the obvious choice for the kid who's been following Pokémon around all summer.
2. Eastsport 17.5" Future Tech Backpack
This rugged bag has a protective compartment for a laptop or tablet. And if camo isn't your thing, it's also sold in a purple cheetah print.
3. Everest 17" Classic Backpack
Because sometimes you just want a basic style in a color that pops. This one comes with a laptop sleeve and a handy front compartment with dividers to corral smaller items.
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4. Wasted Youth 16 1/2 " Backpack
These embroidered knapsacks from U.K.-based Etsy seller TeeIsland are perfect for teens who fancy themselves a little bit punk.
5. Angry Birds 16" Backpack
How to make an Angry Birds fan happy: Get him or her a backpack with a glossy print of Red, Bomb and the Blue Birds.
6. Amazon Basics 16" Classic Backpack
Reviewers rave about this affordable option, available in 7 different colors, for its sleek silhouette and numerous interior pockets. As one writes, "It's pretty awesome and gets the job done."
7. Star Wars Sound and Lights 16" Backpack
Not only does it light up and make droid noises, your super-fan will be thrilled to carry to the "Rogue One" premiere in December.
8. American Tourister 16" Cars Backpack
Want to drive your Mater-mad kid wild? Order this official Disney bag for the first day of school.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 16" 3D Backpack
A molded pocket shaped like a turtle shell gives this pack extra reptilian flair.
10. Quiksilver 18" Prism Backpack
Ergonomic shoulder straps and a padded laptop sleeve are just a few of the extras in this sharp-looking bag by the surfwear retailer.
11. Descendants 16" Backpack and Lunchbox Set
The characters might be the children of villains, but there's nothing bad about the price, which also includes a matching lunchbox.
12. My Little Pony 16" Sound FX Backpack
Not only is the price as magical as the Mane Six themselves, this bag lets your little one (and the rest of her class!) hear Pinkie Pie introducing herself over and over.
13. Hello Kitty 17" Molded Backpack
This affordable option starring the popular Sanrio feline features iridescent trim and a fun food motif.
14. Emojination 16" Backpack
Your tween can wear her love of texting on her back, and the bright color means you'll always be able to spot her in a crowd.
15. Accessories22 5-Piece 16" Backpack Set
This rainbow-hued backpack comes with four matching extras: lunch bag, pencil case, water bottle and carabiner clip.
16. Emma & Chloe 17½" Mixed Media Backpack
The preppy, graphic print gives it a posh vibe; the price is anything but.
17. Shopkins Mini 10" Backpack
Its smaller size makes it perfect for the new preschooler. On the weekends, she can use it to carry about 50 of the colorful collectibles.
18. Sargent Art 15" Economy Backpack
This bright-yet-minimalist offering from art supplier Sargent is (almost) all yellow.
19. Eastport Skater Backpack
Skateboard-toting students will appreciate the handy straps to secure their wheels, but they can also be used to keep track of a lightweight jacket.
20. MLB 18" Backpack
Diehard baseball fans can show spirit with these classic-looking bags, which are available with several different team logos.