Atlanta Parent picked the best backpacks and lunchboxes so your child can be a trend-setter this school year.

Backpacks

This bright backpack is perfect for the kid who loves neon. The Target Yoobi Standard Backpack in Coral/Pink Color Block also has side pockets for water bottles on each side. Available at Target for $24.99.

The soft feel of Dabbawalla backpacks and bags makes them a hit with kids. They come in whimsical, machine-washable designs such as Apple of My Eye and Airplane or Shark among others. $42-60.

Have an aspiring artist on your hands? Your child will love the opportunity to design his own backpack with the Egg Nogg backpack. $25.

Blast off to another world with a backpack covered in space patches. The Target Space Junk 18” Space Patches Backpack is available at Target for $29.99.

The Skip Hop Little Zoo Little Kid Backpack collection includes most animals your child is familiar with. Choose from bright animal patterns including a pig, monkey, giraffe, penguin, frog and more. $20.

A durable pick, JanSport Backpacks have has patterns and solids for a range of ages. The simplicity and variety of colors are a look that won’t go out of style, and the geometric and bright patterns allow for individuality. $48-65.

The “Packie” is the perfect solution to project holder and backpack all in one. Urban Infant’s Packie Daycare/Preschool Backpack allows rolled artwork or other projects to be placed into the holder on the side. $34.

We love the classic look of Lands’ End Backpacks – the ClassMate Medium Backpacks in Caribbean Aqua or Knockout Pink Neon and the Kids Photo Real Backpack in Moon Print or Stone Arch patterns. $39-49.

Lunch Boxes and Bags

The Marcus & Marcus Insulated Lunch Backpack is perfect for toddlers or younger elementary students who need to bring a snack or lunch to school; these colorful animal shapes are insulated and can be worn as a backpack. Available at marcusnmarcus.com for $29.99.

The Thermos Lunch Bag Star Wars R2-D2 reminds us of the metal tins of the past, with favorite movie and TV characters as design inspiration. The classic R2-D2 design is back in a soft, padded lunch bag. Available at target.com for $9.99.

This is one of our favorite designs we have seen this year – the Lunch Box Buddy by Nalgene has an adjustable ice pack that doubles as a food organizer. The box can also be thrown into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. $24.99.

The FlatBox LunchBox converts into a placemat for an easy way to each lunch. The placemat then zips neatly back into a bag for carrying. The entire thing can be thrown intp the washing machine. $24.99.

Matching Sets

LEGO fans rejoice – LEGO Brick Eco Backpacks and Lunchboxes resemble LEGO bricks and come in fun bright colors. $25 (lunchbox) and $50 (backpack).

The raw linen used on the SoYoung Raw Linen Backpacks and Lunchboxes goes with just about anything and the trendy printed animals are a far cry from polka dots and stripes. Don’t be scared of linen on a backpack, the entire thing is machine washable. $25-45.

Stephen Joseph Backpacks and Lunchboxes are fun for younger kids – in a size fit just for them. The pouches on the front of the backpacks are the perfect fit for pencils, markers or crayons. $25 (backpack) and $17 (lunchbox).

The Target Fashion Kitty Cats 16” Backpack and 9.5” Lunchbox has cat ears on the top and is covered with cartoon cats – perfect for the cat lover. Available at Target for $15.99 (backpack) and $7.99 (lunch tote).

– Teresa Farkas

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