While a backpack is the most common option for kids to use in early school years, it’s not the only bag to consider. My eldest Fancy Girl is going into 1st grade and is getting a new bag. She probably chose 5-6 options for a backpack style, but when I showed her the Lands’ End ClassMate Messenger Bag, it was like the light bulb went off in her head. She forgot about the cheetah and zebra print and, just like that, became a tween. I shouldn’t be surprised in this choice since whenever she got off the bus this year, she was always carrying her backpack instead of wearing it. And most recently, she’s been wearing her purses cross-body style instead of on her shoulder. She’s just not into the backpack at the moment. In honor of other FGs who want to try something a little more grown-up, I picked some of my favorite messenger bag styles and options from around the web. Product info below.

1. Solid ClassMate® Messenger Bag, $34, Lands’ End
2. Girls Canvas Messenger Bag, $15, Old Navy
3. Mystic Apparel Mya Messenger Bag with Pencil Case, $9.99, Academy
4. Wildkin Lady Bug Kickstart Messenger Bag, $26.99, eBags
5. Wildkin Majestic Kickstart Messenger Bag, $29.99, Kohl’s
Nylon Messenger Bag in Budding Lilac, $22.72, Gap
6. Print ClassMate® Messenger Bag, $34, Lands’ End