These Top 8 Highly-Rated Amazon Back-to-School Backpacks Are All Under $30
One of the most important purchases for any student is a great backpack that’ll wear comfortably and fit all their school essentials. With every age in mind, whether they’re heading to preschool or college, they’ll love toting around these highly-rated bookbags on Amazon for under $30!
Hip Tip: Please note, prices are subject to change.
1. Score this water-resistant backpack for your elementary student.
BLUEFAIRY waterproof backpack | $25.99
Here’s why we love it:
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
- Perfect for Elementary & Middle school ages
- Durable zippers & sturdy construction
- Very roomy for all their essentials
- Side mesh pockets
- Matching lunchbox available (sold separately)
- Comes in 9 different colors & patterns for boys and girls
“The material of these bookbags is so great, and I think will definitely hold up for a long time! I also love the water-resistant fabric, it’s so slick and beautiful! They are plenty big enough for my 8 and 10-year-old who will be in 3rd and 5th grade this year.”
– Kasey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Keep snacks insulated with this cute backpack.
Skip Hop unisex zoo backpacks | $19.99
Here’s why we love it:
- Comes in many different zoo animals
- Perfect for preschool and kindergarten ages
- Heavy-duty zippers and sturdy quality
- Side mesh pocket for water bottle
- Insulated front pocket for snacks
- Interior name tag
- Matching lunch boxes available (sold separately)
- Roomy enough for blankets, notebook, and small stuffed animals
“These backpacks are super cute. I bought one for my son and daughter, and they’re the perfect size for them. Each one holds a lot of stuff perfect for their needs. Other people see them and always said what cute backpacks they both have, too!”
– Kathy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Send your unicorn lover off to school with this hot pink bag.
JOJOOKIDS unicorn backpack | $30.98
Here’s why we love it:
- Beautiful & fun design for unicorn lovers
- Great for Elementary aged kids
- Two exterior mesh pockets for easy access
- Multiple zipper compartments
- 2 Large for notebooks
- 1 Small for pencils, lotion, etc.
- Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
- Matching pencil case and lunch box available (sold separately)
- 1-year warranty
“I can’t say enough good things about this backpack! If you have a little unicorn-lover in your house, this is the perfect school accessory! My daughter just adores her backpack so much I decided to order the matching pencil case to go with it. My daughter wants to wear it everywhere! It’s very durable with lots of pockets and so easy to clean. I think it’s perfect for any child ages 4-12…it will grow with them and hold up very well.”
– Stephanie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Carry this trendy clear backpack that’s as sturdy as it is roomy.
LYTek large heavy-duty clear backpack | $24.99
Here’s why we love it:
- Chic and trendy see-through design
- Made of durable PVC materials
- Roomy interior for notebooks, binders, and even a laptop
- Military-grade nylon bottom
- Fun backpack for all ages
- Numerous exterior pockets
- 1 Mesh pocket
- 1 Front and side pocket
“I purchased this clear backpack for my granddaughter who’s in Junior High. She absolutely loves it so much and it’s very sturdy! She’s been using it every day for 4 months, and it’s held up its shape and looks great.”
– Beth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Safely tote laptops and keep your tech charged with this USB jack.
ASPENSPORT laptop backpack | $28.99
Here’s why we love it:
- Neutral colors for big kids
- Roomy for lots of books and a laptop
- Perfect for high school and college-age kids
- Water-repellent
- Tons of organization on exterior and interior
- Side pockets
- Padded laptop compartment
- Keyring holder
- USB jack
- Padded foam shoulder straps
- Breathable backing for extra comfort
“This is the most comfortable backpack I’ve owned! I had it on in the pouring rain and snow, and nothing inside was remotely wet, so I’d say it’s 100% waterproof! I pack everything I need in it for school and still have room to put my lunch and other random items in it, so it’s definitely very roomy. Plus, for that price, you just can’t go wrong!”
– Freddie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Scoop up a traditional water-resistant bag to protect what’s inside.
Hotstyle 936Plus backpack | $28.99
Here’s why we love it:
- Tons of interior pockets for organization
- Laptop compartment
- Interior pockets for water bottles
- Smaller compartments for small items
- Classic design
- Water-resistant material
- Quick access zipper pocket on back
- 6 Colors and patterns to choose from
“I bought one of these for my middle schooler and another one for my high schooler. Their backpacks normally don’t last long, but this is the best backpack I’ve ever bought! The bottom of it is thick leather, and the rest of it is an awesome quality that whisks dirt and water off. Several pockets inside and out. I will totally be buying this again if we ever need another backpack.”
– Jordan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Score a free lunchbox with these PUMA bookbags.
Puma boys’ backpacks & lunch boxes | $24
Here’s why we love it:
- Select styles include a lunch box
- Popular athletic name brand
- Side mesh pockets
- Roomy interior for books and folders
- Multiple fun colors and designs
- Additional colors available
- Adjustable straps
“My 7-year-old son has used this backpack every day since September 2018, and it has no signs of wear yet, even though he’s been very rough with it. All of the pockets are still intact, and I love that it has water bottle pockets on the sides plus a ton of smaller pockets inside for organization. We’ll definitely be getting at least another school year out of it!”
– Julie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Keep your preschooler safer in the dark with this reflective bag.
Yodo little kid shark school bag | $21.99
Here’s why we love it:
- Adorable designs for smaller kids
- Dinosaur, owl, or shark
- Reflective material for extra safety in the dark
- Large compartment for folders, tablets, and blankets
- Chest buckle to keep bookbag in place
- 2 Side mesh pockets
- Name tag on the back
- Padded shoulder straps
- 180 Day warranty
“I seriously cannot even say enough about this adorable backpack! It is too cute!! The size is absolutely perfect for my 3-year-old. It’s big enough to fit a standard size folder, a lunch box, and a hooded sweatshirt. Plus, it’s a wonderful quality! I can tell it is going to last a very long time! My favorite thing about it is the size because it is perfect for a preschooler. I’m not sure who loves it more, me or my son! LOL! Don’t let the cheap price of this backpack fool you, it’s high quality and doesn’t look cheap in any way shape or form! This book bag is just too cool for school!”
– Christina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love the Walgreens backpacks! Regular price $5 (on sale for $3 this week) and they held up all year for my kindergartener and 2nd grader.
Yes! Thanks for the reminder! Such a great deal to grab this week! https://hip2save.com/2019/07/20/walgreens-deals-7-21-7-27/
Happy to hear how well they hold up!
The clear backpacks are great for sporting events & theme parks …. helps those bag checks move along! Would be a huge timesaver for Disney! I wish i uad one when we went in March, especially since I have 2 littles…I packed a lot of stuff to weed through!
You’re right, Amy! Those sure would be great for trips!
Our district requires mesh and the Nike ones we’ve bought for years have been redesigned and the girls aren’t impressed. suggestions where to look? It’s crazy to me that it’s required and yet so difficult to find in store
Dick’s Sporting goods has some here. Hope this helps, Heidi!
2 of my kiddos can only have draw string type bags /backpacks. Any good lasting ones out there?
I do find some listed over here with good reviews. Hope that helps!
I was able to find a gently used Jansport Big Student backpack on Mercari for cheap! If anyone is interested in $10 credit, leave a comment with your email & I will send you a link 😊