As another school year approaches, you're probably facing the familiar challenge of finding gear that can keep up with your kid's busy lifestyle. From bus rides and field trips to sports practice and sleepovers, we've curated a collection of stylish and functional backpacks and lunch boxes for all ages. Read on for 8 of our favorite selections for the 2025-2026 school year.
Pre-K
Wildkin 15 inch Original Eco Backpacks, $40
This small pack is available in a variety of cheery colors and prints to bring smiles to the weariest of toddlers. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled materials and has an antimicrobial lining to prevent odor (what!?).
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box Set, $55
The Rover Bento Box is designed for the way little kids eat—a little of this, a little of that. We love it because it's durable (one reviewer said theirs has lasted 10 years!), easy to open for little hands, and easy to clean.
Elementary School
Pottery Barn Mackenzie Backpack, $30-$70
Grade-schoolers will love this bag's trendy designs and personalization options. Available in four sizes with smart pockets and adjustable straps, it keeps everything organized while giving kids the confidence boost they need for a successful school year.
Baggu Lunch Box, $34
This lunch box might be no-fuss, but it still packs a punch (er, lunch?). Insulated, made from recycled materials, and compact enough to fit in a backpack, it checks all the boxes.
Middle School
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack®, 37L, $50
Described as "practically indestructible," the classic L.L.Bean bag has a separate space for a laptop, two water bottle pockets, and a reinforced bottom (for when they inevitably toss it down in the mudroom at the end of the day—not that we condone that.)
L.L.Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box, $30
Constructed to accommodate big-kid appetites, this lunch box is simple, functional, and fits inside the aforementioned backpack.
High School
State Reed Backpack, $150
State comes through yet again with this cool (without trying too hard) backpack. The sleek and sustainable design fits a 17 inch laptop, and every bag sold gives back to families in need.
YETI Daytrip 3L Lunch Box, $65
High-school days can be long, and YETI's lunch box is up to the challenge. It promises to keep food insulated for hours, so your teen has a fresh snack, even post-practice.
More back-to-school inspiration from the Local Moms Network:
6 Water Bottles That Make Hydration Easy (For Moms and Kids!)
Car Convos with Kids: 5 Ways To Make The Most of Your Carpool Time
