8/13/2025

Make Back-to-School Season Stress-Free With These Backpacks Under $50 from Target, Walmart & More

Gear up for back-to-school season with these backpack picks from big retailers.

By 

Lilian Gonzalez, Amina Ayoud

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Target Back to School

Target Back to School Courtesy of Target

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Back-to-school season is almost upon us, which means you’ll need to start the process of shopping around for durable and stylish backpacks.

The process of back-to-school shopping can be a pain, especially for your wallet, but it doesn’t have to be. To help you along your shopping journey, we’ve compiled a list of backpacks retailing for under $50 that we’re sure you’ll love.

Whether you’re looking for something trendy, tech-friendly, or simply practical, this list contains a wide range of backpacks to fit every need and preference. From sporty and trendy designs to Bluey and Minecraft-themed options, we’ve scoured retailers like Target, Urban Outfitters, Amazon and Walmart to find the best of the best backpacks for all ages, making back-to-school shopping easy and fun.

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How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

Adicolor Classic Backpack in Better Scarlet

$25 $35 29% off

Buy Now at adidas

A red backpack with the Adidas logo on it.

This backpack from Adidas is a statement-maker for sure. Retailing for $25, this bag is made of 100% bright red polyester and comes with two compartments, one spacious main compartment and one smaller front pocket. Contrasting Adidas iconography can be seen fixed to the front pocket. Two side pockets fixed to the sides are able to hold everything from water bottles to sunglasses and so much more. White striping can also be seen throughout, a signature of Adidas branding.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

Kids’ Bluey Mini 10.2″ Backpack – Blue

$16

Buy Now at target

A Bluey-themed backpack.

Who doesn’t love Bluey? The character is lovable and loyal, making a great role model for adults and kids alike. This 10.2-inch bag retails for $16 at Target and features an all-over Bluey print set atop a salmon pink background. The bag also comes equipped with a front zipper pocket to hold whatever you need throughout your school day, from pencils and markers to calculators. The main compartment is wide enough to hold books and binders with ease. For a more comfortable fit, the straps are also adjustable.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

Girls’ 16″ Two Pocket Backpack

Buy Now at target $14

A blue quilted denim backpack with a bow print.

Cat & Jack is bringing cottagecore back to school. Retailing for $14 at Target, this 16-inch backpack is fitted with two wide pockets and tons of personality. The bag features an all-over white bow print set atop a quilted denim fabric. Additional features include a laptop sleeve, a nifty water bottle holder and adjustable straps.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

21L Sporty Backpack – All In Motion™

Buy Now at target $24.50

A sporty bright yellow backpack.

Why not have fun with your accessories? This All In Motion Sporty backpack from Target comes in a sunshine yellow hue that’s sure to brighten up your school day. You’ve also got a whopping two bottle holders, a laptop sleeve and large zip-up compartments along with ergonomic adjustable straps and a loop handle, making the backpack easy to carry on your back or in your hand. If the lemon-esque hue isn’t doing it for you, this bag also comes in five other colorways.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

SUPACOOL Casual Laptop Backpack for Men and Women

$24.99

Buy Now On Amazon

A simple black backpack.

If you’re looking for a simple but effective backpack with no nonsense, you’ve come to the right place. Retailing for $24.99 on Amazon, this SUPACOOL unisex backpack comes in monochrome black with a simplistic design. The bag contains a large zip-up compartment for books, laptops and anything else you want to take with you on the go. While the majority of this backpack is pretty standard, it has a hidden USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside that sets it apart from the rest.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

Kids Minecraft Backpack 4-Piece Combo School Supplies

$36.99

Buy Now at walmart

A green Minecraft-themed backpack.

With the success of the Minecraft movie this year, we’re seeing tons of Minecraft-themed styles that are great for the back-to-school season. Stylish and full of personality, this one from Walmart is $36.99 and is designed to look like the dreaded Creeper, a Mob in the video game. The bag itself is pretty standard, just your one-compartment style with a zipper closure. When you buy this backpack, you’ll also be getting a Minecraft-themed lunch kit, water bottle and a charm that comes with it. That’s four pieces in total for the price of one.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

Nintendo Boys’ “Game Time” Mario, Yoshi, and Luigi 17″ Graphic Backpack

$14.97

Buy Now at walmart

A Super Mario Bros-themed backpack.

Speaking of video games, this Super Mario Bros-themed backpack is a hit in our books. Retailing for $14.97 at Walmart, this backpack is equipped with motifs of your favorite plumbers, Mario and Luigi, along with their favorite dinosaur companion, Yoshi. The animated graphics give way to one main compartment, one front pocket and a padded laptop pocket to keep all your belongings. The bag also has two foam mesh pockets to hold your water bottle. Additionally, this backpack features reflective portions that’ll keep your little ones seen and safe if they’re ever out late.

How To Shop The Best Back-to-School Backpacks For Under $50

JanSport SuperBreak Plus Laptop Backpack in Misty Rose

$40

Buy Now at urban Outfitters

A pink backpack with a black strap.

Pretty in pink and affordable to boot. This JanSport backpack comes in a Misty Rose colorway and retails for $40 at Urban Outfitters. The bag has all the right details, including a large main compartment and front pocket along with an inner laptop sleeve, water bottle compartment and adjustable sleeves. The style also features a padded back panel that allows the bag to lie comfortably on your back after those long days in class.

For more product recommendations, check out this Lululemon Everywhere Backpack, top 10 back-to-school essentials, and Rihanna’s FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty ‘In Session’ sneakers to elevate your back-to-school style.

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