Picking out a backpack and lunchbox is one of the most exciting parts of getting ready for a new school year — but with so many sizes, styles, and materials to choose from, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Whether you're shopping for your toddler's very first backpack or upgrading your little scholar's school gear, here's everything you need to know before you buy, plus some of our favorite picks from Poppy Kids Co's backpack and lunchbox collection.
What Size Backpack Does a Toddler Need?
Toddlers and little kids don't need a full-size backpack — in fact, an oversized bag can be uncomfortable and hard to manage. Look for a backpack that's proportioned for smaller bodies, with adjustable straps that sit snugly without slipping off little shoulders. A roomy main compartment is still important for fitting a lunchbox, a small blanket, or a change of clothes, but the overall bag should feel lightweight, even when packed. Poppy Kids Co's backpacks for toddlers are designed with this balance in mind — spacious enough for daily essentials, but sized for little ones from preschool through early elementary school.
Are Wipeable Backpacks Worth It?
If you've ever pulled a marker-stained or juice-splattered backpack out of a backpack, you already know the answer. Wipeable backpacks are made with a coated, easy-to-clean fabric that resists stains and wipes clean with a damp cloth, instead of requiring a full trip through the wash. This is especially helpful for toddlers and preschoolers, who tend to be harder on their belongings than older kids. A wipeable design also helps backpacks look newer for longer, which matters if you're hoping one backpack lasts the whole school year (or gets handed down). Poppy Kids Co's floral and gingham backpacks are made with exactly this kind of wipeable, easy-to-clean fabric, so daily wear and tear doesn't mean a shabby-looking bag by October.
Should a Backpack and Lunchbox Match?
Matching sets aren't just about looks (though they're undeniably cute). There are a few practical perks too:
- Easy to spot at pickup — a coordinated backpack and lunchbox are easier for both kids and parents to spot in a cubby or lost-and-found pile.
- One less decision in the morning — buying a set means you're not scrambling to find a lunchbox that "goes" with the backpack.
- A cohesive first-day-of-school photo — small thing, but parents know it matters.
Poppy Kids Co's backpacks each come with a matching lunchbox in the same print, so coordinating is as simple as picking one design you love.
Floral vs. Gingham: Which Print Is Right for Your Child?
Both prints are back-to-school favorites, but they tend to appeal to slightly different tastes:
- Floral backpacks lean feminine and colorful, often featuring vibrant blooms that stand out in a sea of solid-colored bags. They're a popular pick for girls who love a bright, cheerful look.
- Gingham backpacks offer a classic, checkered pattern that feels a little more timeless and versatile, making them an easy choice for both girls and boys who want something less "loud" but still charming.
If you can't decide, consider letting your child pick — a backpack they're excited about is one they'll actually want to carry.
Do Backpacks and Lunchboxes Need to Be Girls' or Boys' Specific?
Not necessarily, but many parents do prefer shopping backpacks by gender to make picking prints and colors simpler. Poppy Kids Co offers backpacks for girls and backpacks for boys in a range of prints, so you can shop by preference without sacrificing the wipeable, practical design details that make a backpack functional for daily use.
What Should Go Inside a Toddler's Backpack?
For toddlers and preschoolers, less is more. A well-packed backpack for a little one might include:
- A lunchbox with snacks or a packed lunch
- A small water bottle
- An extra set of clothes (accidents happen!)
- A favorite small comfort item or family photo for nap time
Because Poppy Kids Co backpacks are lightweight and roomy without being oversized, they're built to comfortably hold these everyday essentials without weighing a toddler down.
Finding the Right Backpack and Lunchbox Set
At the end of the day, the best backpack and lunchbox combination is one that's practical for daily use, sized appropriately for your child, and, ideally, something they're excited to carry every single day. Poppy Kids Co's backpacks and lunchboxes check all three boxes, with wipeable, matching floral and gingham sets designed specifically for toddlers and little kids.
Looking to complete the back-to-school look? Explore more Poppy Kids Co favorites, including our bamboo pajamas, 2-piece PJ sets, bamboo biker short sets, and t-shirt bubbles for cozy, coordinated style from morning drop-off to bedtime.