Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and what better way to kick things off than with a personalized, photo-worthy gift bag? Whether it’s their very first day of kindergarten or they're stepping into a new grade, a customized back-to-school backpack can make your child feel confident, celebrated, and excited for the year ahead.
Here’s a back-to-school backpack checklist to help you create a backpack full of school essentials and fun extras they’ll love opening on day one.
Table of contents
📹WATCH: Back to School Backpack Checklist (The perfect gift for your kid) The Kids Backpack (and Matching Lunch Box?) Check out our new backpack and lunchbox styles The School Supplies The Water Bottle Check out our personalized water bottles The First Day of School Outfit Check out our personalized first day of school tees Personalized Labels For Friends First Day Nerves Essentials Pack It All Up
📹WATCH: Back to School Backpack Checklist (The perfect gift for your kid)
The Kids Backpack (and Matching Lunch Box?)
The heart of your back-to-school gift bag is, of course, the backpack! Caden Lane’s backpacks come in tons of adorable prints your kid will love — and better yet, you can monogram them with their name for an extra-special touch. Don’t forget the matching lunch box, complete with an insulated interior, exterior pocket, and a spot for an ice pack.
💡Pro Tip: Try one of our colorable lunch boxes — they’re fun, functional, and let your child get creative right before lunchtime!
Check out our new backpack and lunchbox styles
The School Supplies
A fresh start calls for fresh supplies. Add in:
Crayola markers
Colored pencils
Glittery glue sticks
Scissors
Pens
Pencils
Notebooks
These small but colorful details make back-to-school shopping feel like a celebration.
Featured: Mead Notebooks
Featured: Crayola Markers
Featured: Pen Gear Colored Pencils
Featured: Elmer's Color 'N Glitz Glue Sticks
Featured: Fiskars 5-inch Kids Scissors
The Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is a must. Choose one of our personalized water bottles from the Back to School Collection to match your child’s style.
Top it off with a reusable silicone name label to keep it from getting lost!
Check out our personalized water bottles
The First Day of School Outfit
Make picture day extra special with our customizable First Day of School tees. With fun, trendy designs for every personality, these shirts double as memory-makers and outfit highlights.
Check out our personalized first day of school tees
Personalized Labels
Name stickers = lifesavers. Durable and waterproof, these labels stick to clothes, lunchboxes, bottles, and more. They’re a must-have for every school year to keep track of all the things.
Featured: Inchbug Sticker Labels
For Friends
Make your child’s first day a little more magical with small surprise gifts:
Little BFF keychains to share with a friend
Labubu keychain
These add a sweet, thoughtful touch to their bag.
Featured: Claire's Best Friends Keychains
Featured: Popmart Labubu Green Grape
First Day Nerves Essentials
Calm those butterflies with a few comforting extras:
Soft stress ball (pink, of course!)
Mini hand sanitizer
Cute erasers
A notepad
These simple items offer comfort and joy throughout the day.
Featured: Art101 Notepad and Stickers
Pack It All Up
Layer your items starting with bulkier ones like the lunch box and water bottle, followed by notebooks and supplies. Tuck smaller pieces into pockets and pouches for a neat, camera-ready reveal!
And that’s it — your ultimate back to school backpack checklist! This thoughtful bag is more than just a school starter kit; it's a confidence boost, a memory-maker, and a celebration in itself.
Shop our full Back to School Collection for backpacks, tees, lunch gear, and everything else you need to create the perfect first-day surprise. Here’s to a fresh start full of fun, friendship, and flair!
AUTHOR
Katy Mimari
Katy Mimari is the mom boss behind Caden Lane—your go-to for stylish baby must-haves. CEO, designer, and founder, she’s been shaking up the baby world since 2005 with trend-forward gear that makes parenting easier (and cuter!).
