Backpack and bag designs are better than ever this fall.  Make sure your child has a good, sturdy carrier for his work.

Spiketus Rex  
$15 - $60; madpax.com
Kids of all ages can sport this cool backpack from Mad Pax. This shocking school bag not only allows your child to carry books in comfort, but helps you spot him in the crowd come pick up time. Available in multiple sizes — Full Pack ($60), Half Pack ($46), The Nibbler ($28) and the Mighty Bite ($15) — in a variety of colors, too.

Vintage British Leather Satchel
$125; amazon.com
Just like the bag Hermione Granger carried, this hand-crafted-from-chestnut-brown-hide “bag of the moment” comes with a five-year guarantee to assure you of its sturdiness. The list price is $205.  Hurry now to amazon while it’s in stock!

Safari Sunset
$92; verabradley.com
Older girls are carrying Vera bags to school in lieu of backpacks. These gorgeous, sturdy bags can hold a lot of items and withstand the weight; best of all girls love carrying them — maybe this will help her remember everything?!  The juicy jewel tone fabric’s called Safari Sunset.

Baby Anchovy
$60; crumpler.com
Tiny backs can only bear so much. This mini backpack from Crumpler is just right for those little shoulders. Cushy, comfortable straps make carrying items easy for preschoolers. Available in a variety of colors.

Label It!

Name Bubbles
$21.88 for 84 labels; namebubbles.com
Name Bubbles are waterproof name labels that will last through the rough-and-tumble use of your child’s life.  Mom will like their stylish functionality.  All kinds of labels and sets are available, too!

Zippies
$4.98; zippiesfun.com
These multi-purpose ID tags are fun for young school children. Jot your child’s name and emergency contact number on the back and clip on to his backpack. Available in 10 different animal characters (get all 10 for $29.95).

Products reviewed by Kiera Ashford, Susan Day and Chad Young