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The coolest, cutest, most practical bags that are perfect for little ones.

If you're a first-time parent, you may not know yet that little kids (as young as 1) love bags. They're practically hoarders at that age—saving toys, trinkets, snacks, even art they create at daycare. Does your toddler have things to lug to and from school? Does he or she like to lug things to and from various rooms in your home? Do you need an activity bag for weekend trips? If so, you'll need to procure a toddler backpack.

Before you jump into all the options we're about to showcase, don't forget to think about your backpack use case. Will this be for school? If so, you'll need a big enough bag that is actually for you to carry but can house your angel's things for school (a notebook, folders for art projects, sheets and blankets for nap time, diapers, lunch, snacks, and more). If this bag is really just for your child to use as part of play or to engage their imagination at home, a little one will do—but perhaps consider getting one featuring their favorite color, character, or hobby. For instance, is she into mermaids? Does she like princesses? Don't forget to think about your child's personality and interests before making a choice.

While the obvious accolades in finding the right bag are practicality and durability, you can't forget these three important factors when shopping for your toddler's must-use accessory:

✔️ Size: Make sure the bag is small and lightweight enough for your toddler to carry. You should also consider adjustable straps so the bag grows with your toddler—and in some cases, you can adjust to be able to carry it yourself in case your toddler gets tired.

✔️ Compartments: What will your toddler put in this bag? If your toddler will be using this for daycare, for instance, you'll want a bag that can accommodate snacks, a water bottle, and arts and crafts that they'll be taking home.

✔️ Design: Let's face it, just because they're toddlers, it doesn't mean they don't have preferences. Does your child like Bluey or Minnie Mouse? Does your tot love the color pink or blue? These are factors you should consider because you'll want your little one to actually use the bag. If it's in a design they don't love, will the bag go unused?

The best feature in this backpack (if you can consider it a feature) is its cuteness level. Designed to resemble toddlers’ favorite animals, there’s so much to love about its whimsical details. Made of a durable polyester (which kind of feels like a combo of plastic and canvas), this animal toddler backpack comes with side pockets perfect for a sippy cup or slim water bottle. Its front pouch—secured with a zipper—can hold items like snacks, small toys, and crayons. While its main compartment is big enough for small notebooks, this backpack is not ideal for elementary school where kindergarteners and above have to carry larger notebooks, folders, and lunch bags. A name tag on the inside can be written on with a permanent marker.

Options: Choose from different animals like llama, dinosaur, narwhal, fox, unicorn, dog, koala, and more.

Customer Review: “My granddaughter looks adorable with her llama backpack heading to preschool. It is the right size for a three- or four-year-old yet has plenty of space for the items she carries back and forth to school, around town, and she even wore it with her travel snacks and games on a plane ride.” –GS Crouch

If you’re done with the diaper bag, but still need a large backpack to carry all of your toddler’s belongings to and from daycare, this Pottery Barn classic carryall is perfect. Not only does it have several pockets—3 exterior and 2 interior with additional dividers—it can also be personalized with your child’s name for an additional fee. Its adjustable shoulder straps can accommodate adults (in fact, it’s preferred for this backpack size).

Options: If the large is too big, you can also get this backpack in mini and small sizes. Choose from several designs (like Toy Story, Disney princesses, mermaids, unicorns, or dinosaurs, just to name a few).

Age Range: Truly meant for parents to carry, the suggested height for the person lugging this bag is 48 inches.

Customer Review: I personally have bought this backpack for both my girls (one is now 6 and in kindergarten, while the other is 2 and is in daycare). My 6-year-old has been able to carry it on her own when it’s not too heavy for her and several of her friends have the same backpack. My 2-year-old can’t quite carry it, but that’s okay since we walk her straight to the door of her daycare and then the teachers take it from there.

Who doesn’t love Cat & Jack, right? Everything that comes out of this brand is innovative, and this toddler backpack is no exception. We love the cool design and so will your shark fanatic. It comes with one main compartment for your toddler to put all of his or her belongings, like small books, clothes and toys. A small compartment featuring a dangling fish, enclosed with a zipper, can fit things like Pokemon cards or a toy phone. Its side pockets are ideal for juice boxes, food pouches, or a slim water bottle.

Options: If your kid is more of a dino fan, Cat & Jack also makes a dinosaur toddler backpack in a similar size.

Age Range: 2 years and up, though we think a 5-year-old may find the bag to be too small.

Customer Review: “Backpack is a good fit for my 21 month old son. Love the fun details with the shark teeth and fish. Wished the straps are cushioned and the side pockets could fit a water bottle.” –LisaP

With toddlers, we can’t help but make everything a learning experience—even the use of a backpack. This Elmo pick satisfies just that with details like its ABCs and 123s. This toddler bag is adorned with bright colors and distinctive patterns making it both functional and educational.

Age Range: While the suggested age for this backpack is 3 to 9, we think the maximum age will be a 5-year-old based on its details.

Customer Review: “I like that this toddler bag has different closures on it. It is also roomy, a little bit bigger than the average toddler bag, it’s perfect size for my 2 year old. Would purchase again.” –Coolguysmom

A toddler backpack featuring our favorite animated character, Bluey (and her fun family)? Sign us up. If your toddler is a “Bluey” fan, he or she will love this backpack, which also comes with a matching lunchbox and water bottle. A squish ball is also provided with this polyester bag as a sort of keychain dangling from a zipper handle. Its adjustable, paddle straps will keep kids shoulders comfortable, and two side mesh pockets provide extra storage.

Dimensions: Backpack is 16 x 12 x 5 inches; lunchbox is 9.5 x 9.75 x 3.5 inches

Customer Review: “As a mom this is our new diaper bag and I’ve gotten so many compliments on it. Haha!” –M. Garcia

Just because the backpack is for a toddler, it doesn’t necessarily need to look like it’s made for a toddler. This custom mini backpack is made-to-order and handcrafted featuring a fabulous leatherette patch that you can engrave your child’s names or initials into. Its adjustable straps mean both a child and adult can wear this backpack, which is made out of oxford fabric.

Options: Choose from 7 different patch colors: dark brown, tan, black, blue, gray, red, and pink.

Age Range: While age ranges weren’t indicated in the Etsy listing, reviewers cited kids as young as 1 using the backpack. Adults have indicated they use it as well.

Customer Review: “This backpack is perfect! My 8 month old was excited to put this on his back! I was a bit skeptical of the quality of the backpack because the description and photos don’t really go into detail on it. But I was pleasantly surprised!” –Christina Wolden

Not all toddler backpacks are equal. What sets this one apart is its insulated front zippered compartment, which is perfect for holding snacks that need to remain at the right temperature (think: yogurts, food pouches, and sandwiches). And if that’s not enough to wow you, we love its playful design, padded adjustable straps, and side mesh water bottle holders. A reflective tape also makes it easy to spot your kid in the street when its dark.

Options: Choose from 9 different designs like vehicles, sports, construction, space, and more.

Customer Review: “Good size for a toddler! Would not use the front part as a lunchbox because it doesn't seem to be well insulated but this was not a concern of mine. I would purchase again!.” –KimW

Beloved Swedish bag maker Fjallraven offers streamlined, practical carryalls. Simple in design, this mini backpack (intended for adults, but also perfect for littles) is both lightweight yet durable. In fact, this bag’s original design comes from the 1970s, when these backpacks were created for Swedish school children. This bag is made of water-resistant Vinylon F fabric—consider it for outdoor adventures with your toddler or for everyday use. Compartments are secured with zippers, and its handles snap together to make it easy to carry when not on your toddler’s back.

Options: Choose from several solid colors and color combinations.

Age Range: While age requirements are not provided (since this bag is technically for adults), since it’s light, we presume a 2-year-old or above can handle it just fine.

Customer Review: “Perfect backpack for our preschooler daughter! Well-made, sturdy, great size for her, unique colors!!! We all love it!” –fabdf

If you’re looking for something really small until your toddler gets to preschool, this lightweight option is a good choice—and budget-friendly, too. We find the animal face on it quite adorable, though don’t expect this bag to fit too many items to-and-from daycare or for travel. It really is made for kids to put a very small toy or a snack or two inside. It also comes with a long detachable leash if you want to use that on your toddler, but it’s easy to remove.

Options: Choose from dark blue, light blue, pink, or red.

Small enough to be a “mini” backpack for a grownup, but big enough to be a standard backpack for a toddler is this JanSport Half Pint Backpack. This bag has that classic JanSport design that you may be familiar with from back-in-the-day: durable polyester fabric with zipper enclosures in the main compartment and smaller front pocket. Its adjustable straps can work for an adult or child, and a handle on top makes it easy to hang on any hook.

Options: Choose from various colors and patterns, like garden tea party, leopard dots, rainbow sparkle, and ombre falls.

Age Range: While an age range was not specified since this bag is made for adults, reviewers have cited that they’ve used this bag for a child as young as 2.

Customer Review: “We bought the colorful leopard print. We love this backpack for my 3-year-old when she goes to church Wednesday nights & is sent home with her papers from the night. The papers have to be folded to fit, but I feel it's the best option for her little body. She loves her backpack & sticking her treasurers in there. The one thing I needed to adjust was that there's essentially 2 straps on each side (as it's doubled up) when adjusted to be so small, so sometimes we have the hassle of her not getting her arm through both straps.” –Heather