Steal That Style: Back to School (Mini!) Backpacks

There is nothing like helping (or watching!) your little one pack their backpack for the first day of school. In goes brand-new pencils, crayons, and any other little odds and ends they feel they will need once they cross through the big double doors on their own. While stocking the pack and setting it by the front door is an exciting step as it leads them that much closer to starting school, parents first must begin their quest for the perfect backpack suitable for their toddler.

For younger kids brand new to the schoolyard, the standard sized backpacks are often much more than a toddler can handle. Fortunately, the smaller sized line of mini backpacks are becoming increasingly popular for the preschool crowd with several companies expanding their options and designs to create a nice blend of trendy and practicality. Most mini backpacks boast large, easy-to-grip zippers, spacious pockets, and simple layouts for the basic needs of a preschooler.

More often than not, parents are often left carrying the weight at the end of the day! When Hugh Jackman stepped out with Ava, the actor was happy to tote his daughter’s favorite owl backpack while she was all smiles riding her scooter down the city streets after a day at preschool. Also eager to lend a hand, model Claudia Schiffer carried daughter Clementine‘s pink backpack when the two headed home after a school day in London.

Asadorian-Mejia/Splash News Online; EaglePress/INF

Steal That Style: Back to School (Mini!) Backpacks!

Dabbawalla’s Go Fetch Backpack

Breaking Bank: The Dabbawalla’s Go Fetch Backpack ($42) is just the ticket for parents who are looking to make that first day of school extra special for their little one. With the entire design made out of neoprene (the same material used for wetsuits), the packs are extra soft with cushioned handles, reinforced seams and wide zipper openings perfect for little hands. Best of all? The entire backpack is machine washable and stain resistant!

CBB Deal: Receive free shipping on your order from Dabbawalla with code CBB09.

We are loving Dante Beatrix Little Kid Backpacks in Anastasia ($42) for a preschool princess. The entire Dante Beatrix Little Kid Backpacks are made from durable nylon with a laminated cover, but the irresistible pink pig dubbed Anastasia has caught our eye with its simple, yet feminine feel. Also included is a padded back panel complete with a name tag to avoid end-of-the-day confusion.

Four Peas’ Rocker Toddler Backpack

Not Pinching Pennies: Sometimes zoo animals and sports themes just don’t cut it; Fortunately with Four Peas’ Rocker Toddler Backpack ($25), mini punk stars in the making can head off to preschool in style! Boasting a PVC-free line of backpacks, Four Peas has pulled out all the stops with their design: check out the zipper that reaches around 3/4 of the bag and the padded shoulder and handle straps. For an additional $10, Four Peas will also personalize the backpack with a child’s name up to ten letters (add an extra $5 for names longer than ten letters).

A definite favorite among celebrities — including Violet Affleck, Estela Monteverde, and James Broderick — the Fleurville Lunch Pak ($32) fits the bill and then some! From the insulation that runs throughout the entire pack, to the easy to clean lining and small project pockets, Fleurville has certainly made the first day of school that much easier. As an added bonus, we appreciate that the backpack is PVC-free/Teflon-free.

Skip Hop Zoo Pack Monkey

Bargain Buying: Monkey see, monkey do! There is no doubt why Skip Hop Zoo Pack Monkey Backpack ($20) has quickly become a hit among celebrities and their kids. In addition to being BPA-free, PVC-free, and Phthalate-free, the smaller pocket serves as an insulated pouch perfect for a snack, while the side bottle mesh pocket is made adjustable for any size, all at a price that is hard to beat. We also love the adorable added touches — the monkey sports a banana as a zipper, the dog version a bone, the penguin has a fish, and the mouse has its own block of cheese!

For parents looking to stretch their dollar, the Safe Fit Grow With Me Backpack ($15) offers a 2-in-1 deal. For younger kids, the added harness allows parents to keep their children close, however, simply unclip the tether strap and the backpack becomes perfect for carrying books and toys.

— Anya