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Back-to-school season is almost upon us, which means you’ll need to start the process of shopping around for durable and stylish backpacks.
The process of back-to-school shopping can be a pain, especially for your wallet, but it doesn’t have to be. To help you along your shopping journey, we’ve compiled a list of backpacks retailing for under $50 that we’re sure you’ll love.
Whether you’re looking for something trendy, tech-friendly, or simply practical, this list contains a wide range of backpacks to fit every need and preference. From sporty and trendy designs to Bluey and Minecraft-themed options, we’ve scoured retailers like Target, Urban Outfitters, Amazon and Walmart to find the best of the best backpacks for all ages, making back-to-school shopping easy and fun.
Who doesn’t love Bluey? The character is lovable and loyal, making a great role model for adults and kids alike. This 10.2-inch bag retails for $16 at Target and features an all-over Bluey print set atop a salmon pink background. The bag also comes equipped with a front zipper pocket to hold whatever you need throughout your school day, from pencils and markers to calculators. The main compartment is wide enough to hold books and binders with ease. For a more comfortable fit, the straps are also adjustable.
Cat & Jack is bringing cottagecore back to school. Retailing for $14 at Target, this 16-inch backpack is fitted with two wide pockets and tons of personality. The bag features an all-over white bow print set atop a quilted denim fabric. Additional features include a laptop sleeve, a nifty water bottle holder and adjustable straps.
Why not have fun with your accessories? This All In Motion Sporty backpack from Target comes in a sunshine yellow hue that’s sure to brighten up your school day. You’ve also got a whopping two bottle holders, a laptop sleeve and large zip-up compartments along with ergonomic adjustable straps and a loop handle, making the backpack easy to carry on your back or in your hand. If the lemon-esque hue isn’t doing it for you, this bag also comes in five other colorways.
If you’re looking for a simple but effective backpack with no nonsense, you’ve come to the right place. Retailing for $24.99 on Amazon, this SUPACOOL unisex backpack comes in monochrome black with a simplistic design. The bag contains a large zip-up compartment for books, laptops and anything else you want to take with you on the go. While the majority of this backpack is pretty standard, it has a hidden USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside that sets it apart from the rest.
With the success of the Minecraft movie this year, we’re seeing tons of Minecraft-themed styles that are great for the back-to-school season. Stylish and full of personality, this one from Walmart is $36.99 and is designed to look like the dreaded Creeper, a Mob in the video game. The bag itself is pretty standard, just your one-compartment style with a zipper closure. When you buy this backpack, you’ll also be getting a Minecraft-themed lunch kit, water bottle and a charm that comes with it. That’s four pieces in total for the price of one.
Speaking of video games, this Super Mario Bros-themed backpack is a hit in our books. Retailing for $14.97 at Walmart, this backpack is equipped with motifs of your favorite plumbers, Mario and Luigi, along with their favorite dinosaur companion, Yoshi. The animated graphics give way to one main compartment, one front pocket and a padded laptop pocket to keep all your belongings. The bag also has two foam mesh pockets to hold your water bottle. Additionally, this backpack features reflective portions that’ll keep your little ones seen and safe if they’re ever out late.
Pretty in pink and affordable to boot. This JanSport backpack comes in a Misty Rose colorway and retails for $40 at Urban Outfitters. The bag has all the right details, including a large main compartment and front pocket along with an inner laptop sleeve, water bottle compartment and adjustable sleeves. The style also features a padded back panel that allows the bag to lie comfortably on your back after those long days in class.
For more product recommendations, check out this Lululemon Everywhere Backpack, top 10 back-to-school essentials, and Rihanna’s FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty ‘In Session’ sneakers to elevate your back-to-school style.