The kids are starting a new school this year, and getting a brand new school bag has been one of the small but necessary things I’ve been able to promise them.

I loved choosing my new school bag when I was a kid. I still remember how happy I was about the purple Fraggle Rock bag I had in fourth grade, and the canvas army store knapsack I drew all over in sixth grade. Did you have one of those? We drew checkerboard patterns on the straps.

Here’s our round-up of fun back-to-school bags that your kids might fancy too:

1. Mini Rodini Panda Backpack
Mini Rodini’s Panda backpack is made from recycled materials so it’s super cute as well as sustainable. Available from Yellow Dandy.

2. Kanken by Fjallraven
You’ve probably seen the Classic Kånken on the backs of stylish kids or hanging off a rainbow Eames hang-it-all on an impossibly gorgeous pic on Pinterest. The good news about these Swedish backpacks is that they’re hardy too, and made especially for the backs of small children. Available from Kanken – Fjallraven Australia.

3. Totoro Backpack
The kids can bring their Studio Ghibli crush to school with this cuddly plush Totoro bag. Available from Ikonic Pop.

4. Paper Wings Fawns Backpack
Their books and belongings will be carried in style with this spacious, doe-eyed backpack by Australian kids’ label Paperwings. Available in the last week of January from Lush Arena.

5. Sunshine Heap Backpack
Made from natural cotton canvas and leather, this knapsack is so pretty you may want to keep it for yourself. Available from Modernaked.

Where do you like to shop for back-to-school bags? Let me know in the comments, or email bron@babyspace.net.au

Bron x