Why do we need a whole roundup about unisex kids’ backpacks?
Well, two years ago I walked my daughter into preschool and looked around slowly at the hordes of children. In the sea of 3 and 4 year-olds holding hands with adults, it was almost impossible to find a single girl who DIDN’T have pink or purple on her backpack.
I was kind of shocked. But also not.
While many adults think every girl is born loving those colors, it’s much more likely a product of intentional marketing rooted in gender stereotypes and the desire to make more money. (Instead of siblings passing items down, families now buy multiple of the same product.)
Plus, it felt (creepily) like we were branding our daughters. As in… can they even be girls without displaying a pink or purple label? Here’s hoping.
So today we have 18 awesome unisex kids backpacks for creative children who want something fun and unique!
18 Awesome Unisex Kids Backpacks
Before we dive in, let’s get one thing clear first. Even though this article is named “Unisex Kids’ Backpacks,” certainly any child can use any backpack.
(And while we embraced the term “gender-neutral” in earlier pieces, it doesn’t resonate with everyone. But we want to make sure people looking for this article can find it! That’s how we landed on “unisex backpack,” despite the belief that boys can enjoy pink backpacks with rainbows, and so on.)
But the options offered to children, especially in the big box retailers, are still typically color-coded pink (and purple) or blue (and black). It gets quite boring. Why lock our children into outdated gender stereotypes at a young age?
Many parents (and many kids!) would prefer to express their own individuality, rather than adhere to outdated stereotypes that assume that all girls love princesses and all boys love dinosaurs. (Of course, if your child DOES seem to conform to traditional gender norms right now, it’s A-OK.)
This roundup moves beyond those heavily color-coded designs and prints to offer new styles that any child will love, with a focus on small independent shops.
(This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may get a small commission if you buy one of these cool backpacks. It doesn’t change the price for you but helps us keep things running – thanks for your support of Think or Blue! More info here.)
Creative Print Backpacks
1. Ocean Tie Dye Backpack. Tie dye is big right now, and this one comes with a matching lunch bag.
2. Seersucker Pom Pom Backpack. Having a 3D backpack is a pretty cool way to stand out. I might actually consider using this one for myself!
3. Tribal Backpack. This colorful tribal backpack by Native Inka on Etsy works for older kids and teens, too. Remember, if you enjoy tribal prints, wear and buy them very thoughtfully, and be sure to buy from actual Native and Indigenous artists and makers.
Backpacks for Adventure Lovers
4. Bat Girl Backpack. MentaliTees has so much fun stuff, but this little Batgirl is both adorable and fierce. She will help your kiddo feel ready to whiz into school and spring into action!
5. Starry Night backpack is perfect for kids who love everything about space – astronauts, the moon, and the stars. I’m constantly impressed by my 5 year-old’s ability to spot the moon, even before the sun has set. This Etsy shop offers a few different space-themed backpacks to choose from.
6. World Map Mini-Backpack: Is your preschooler fascinated by maps, countries, or travel? Inspire your little adventure-seeker with this global map backpack.
Food-inspired Backpacks for Kids
7. Avocado backpack. “I’ll pay extra for the avocado.” Yes, please! Guacamole lovers, you’ve found your perfect backpack match.
8. Sloth on a pizza. Why is this sloth riding on a pizza with burritos and tacos flying by? I have no idea, but that’s because I’m a boring adult. This sloth backpack is sure to please your wacky, quirky kid.
9. Sushi backpack. Rounding out the food category is a sushi backpack for kids with slightly more sophisticated taste buds.
Backpacks with Animals and Nature:
10. Willy the Walrus. So sweet. This backpack will work on preschoolers as young as 2 or 3. The cordouroy inside and knit look on the outside give it a very expensive look, without the hefty price tag. This Etsy shop carries penguin and shark backpacks, too!
11. Tiger backpack: Kido Chicago, an awesome black-owned shop, carries dinosaur, zebra, and tiger backpacks that are decidedly non-stereotyped. Any animal-loving kid will rock this backpack in style.
12. Harajuku style backpack. By the Japan Street Fashion shop, this backpack has a little clear pouch to store your stuffed animals, for the world to see. This will be a winner for kids who enjoy extra accessories, like keychains and buckles.
Feminist and social justice-inspired backpacks:
13. Recycled backpack: It seems children and teens today are more environmentally conscious than most adults. Help your young tree-hugger live out their beliefs with this recycled backpack from PB Teen.
14. Feminist backpack: Even though I love parenting children to think beyond the binary, there’s something unquestionably fun and cool about this backpack. This print also comes in a T-shirt dress. Uh-oh! Watch out, people.
15. Autism Awareness Backpack: Also from the MentaliTees shop, this backpack is extra cool because you have the option to customize it with a print of your own child’s face. As the proud auntie of a teen with autism, I believe it’s critical that we teach our children about neurodiversity from a young age.
Learning-themed backpacks for kids:
16. Letter backpack. Even though this is billed as a Teacher’s backpack, older kids may love it, too. Chic, academic, and colorful at the same time.
17. Yellow School-Bus Backpack. You can always find your kid in a crowd with this one! With several pockets and inside personalization, this school bus backpack is a great way to get your little one excited about their first day.
18. Books Backpack. For book lovers of any age, you can choose from ages 4-7, 8-12, or 13+. Plus, the colorful book covers make me want to go curl up with my favorite novel on the couch with a cup of tea.
Hope you love these unisex kids backpacks! Which one is your favorite? Tell us below, and be sure to pin this for easier shopping later.
Related:
20 Ways for Teachers to Reduce Gender Bias in the Classroom
Why I Didn’t Choose My Daughter’s Back-to-School Outfit
2021 Shorts Guide: Longer Shorts for Girls
“No More Boys and Girls”: Series Review About Gender Stereotypes in Schools
Download our free guide, 7 Ways to Parent without Stereotypes here:
Great roundup. I wish the article didn’t focus just on branding the girls though! Looking at the boys at my daughters school, is just as depressing when it comes to backpacks, none of them have anything pink, purple or sparkly, no cute animals in sight,, they are all dark blue or black, with dinosaurs, footballs or tigers/lions etc on them. To mee, it’s important not to teach kids that girls wearing/liking pink and purple is a problem while boys wearing/liking black and blue is somehow better.
You are absolutely right! I’ve focused on that fact in other articles but not as much in this one. But truly the drab olive, Navy and black for boys is just as sad. It’s as if they don’t enjoy a bright rainbow of colors, too! It’s mind boggling that retailers and designers have the idea that boys only want dark clothes.
These were some great finds. Etsy is amazing. I like the moons and the sloth. Very cool.
Yes, Etsy is such a great place to find unique stuff!
I like your recommended list. My favorite would be the alphabet backpack! My kid is hyperlexic, no amount of letters satiate him!
These are all great picks for kids. My fave would have to be the Autism backpack
Thanks Anitra, I think that’s one so cool too!