Staples has backpacks marked down about 25% across kids' character sets and laptop-friendly styles from brands like Jessica Simpson, Bioworld, and Vera Bradley. A Vera Bradley laptop backpack drops to $41.99 from $55.99, while several kids' multi-piece sets from Accessory Innovations and Bioworld fall between $22 and $30. Spend over $35 for free shipping or choose free in-store pickup.  Shop Now at Staples

Lands' End has kids' backpacks and lunch boxes at 50% off, including ClassMate backpacks in sizes from small to extra-large starting around $45. Insulated lunch boxes are discounted too, with options like the Kids Insulated Soft Sided Lunch Box down to $24.95. The sale spans backpacks, lunch boxes, and add-ons like pencil pouches and duffle bags, making it easy to outfit a full back-to-school kit in one stop. Shipping is free on orders of $99 or more.  Shop Now at Lands' End

At Nike, use promo code "DAYONE" to get this Nike Kids' Brasilia JDI Mini 11L Backpack for $16. It's the best price we could find by $12. Shipping is free on orders of $50 or more for Nike members. (It's free to join.) Deal ends August 15. Buy Now at Nike

Dick's Sporting Goods offers the Nike Kids' Boxy Backpack from $21.22 to $30.  Other merchants charge $50.  ScoreCard members get free shipping with orders of $49 or more. (Not a member? It's free to join.) Pickup may also be available. Buy Now at Dick's Sporting Goods

Built for kids who need a durable daily hauler for books and gear, and the camo print skips the generic solid colors most backpacks default to; it's $6 off the list price at Walmart. Buy Now at Walmart

Built for daily school use, this suits kids who need a durable, lightweight bag for carrying books and supplies without added bulk, and it's currently $5.90 off the list price at Walmart. Buy Now at Walmart

Built for kids hauling books and supplies daily, this one suits parents stocking up before the school year starts, and it's currently $27 (57%) off the $47 list price at Walmart. Buy Now at Walmart

This small backpack suits younger kids who need something lightweight for school or weekend outings rather than a full-sized pack, and it's currently $4.80 off the $24 list price. Buy Now at Amazon

Sized for smaller frames, this backpack suits younger kids who need something lightweight for school supplies without the bulk of a full-size pack. Buy Now at Target

Rolling backpacks take the strain off kids' shoulders on longer school hauls, and this one comes with a matching lunch bag so you're not buying lunch gear separately. Buy Now at Target

Rolling instead of shoulder straps makes a real difference for students hauling heavy textbooks or frequent travelers navigating airports, and the 18-inch size keeps it manageable for smaller frames or younger kids. Buy Now at Target

Update: The price has changed to $22.99 since this was originally published.

Built for kids who need multiple compartments to keep books, folders, and lunch separated without digging through one big pocket, and at $22.98 it's essentially the same as the $22.99 list price, so buy it whenever it's convenient rather than waiting for a discount. Buy Now at Amazon

Fans of the character get a wearable option that doubles as a compact daily bag, sized right for kids who don't want to lug around a full-size backpack. Buy Now at Target