Even in college, I was known for having the “mom bag.” Needed a tissue for spontaneous drunken tears? I had a travel pack of Kleenex. Needed a Band-Aid for blisters from new heels? I was your gal. Now that I’m an actual mom, my new girl crew, AKA my 3-year-old and 6-year-old daughters, still expect me to have everything we need at all times in my mom bag—which means I’ve already been on the hunt for the best bags for moms.
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Luckily for me, “everything we need” doesn’t include diapers anymore, but I still like to have wipes, snacks, and, yes, still tissues and bandages on hand. So when it comes to updating my bag for the new season, space for my work laptop and pockets for my mom supplies are a must. Plus, it’s helpful if the bag easily slings over my shoulder or comes with a crossbody strap so my hands can be free.
In this roundup, we scoured some of our favorite stores for handbag styles that work for mom life and more at different budget levels. Whether you’re ready to invest in a large leather tote or need something just to get through this season, we have all the options: budget ($), invest ($$), and treat yourself ($$$).
In this article
1Oversized Totes and Shoppers
2Mid-Size Totes
3Everyday Crossbody Bags
4Cute Backpacks
5Stylish Belt Bags
6Diaper Bags
Oversized Totes and Shoppers
These oversized shopper options can fit everything you need, whether you’re taking a trip to the farmer’s market or heading out on a work trip.
Amazon | Dreubea $ This under-$15 faux leather handbag is a simple yet sophisticated accessory. It has a convenient magnet closure design and can hold your everyday essentials. multiple colors available Target $ This tote is the definition of sporty and chic. It's easy to clean and has spacious pockets that will fit all your on-the-go necessities. multiple colors and styles available Nordstrom $ A reader and editor favorite for its versatility and price, this reversible tote matches with any outfit. 3 colors available Quince $$ This full-sized leather tote bag is great for your everyday needs and includes several pockets for your laptop, phone, and other necessities. 2 colors available Cuyana $$$ Another reader and editor go-to, a high-quality Cuyana bag is an investment you'll use for years to come. 4 colors available Beis $$$ Classic and functional, this tote from Beis is best-known for its versatility. Whether you're going to work, grabbing a co*cktail with the ladies, or running errands, it's a perfect bag for working-mom life. 4 colors available Calpak $$$ This laptop tote bag is practical for work, social outings, and everything-in-between. This minimal-looking tote has multiple compartments for your devices and other personal belongings. 7 colors available Madewell $$$ This oversized tote is made with high-quality leather that molds perfectly against your body while holding its shape. With a slide pocket and a magnetic closure, all your belongings will safely be stowed away. 2 colors available Cuyana $$$ Ideal for your day-to-day routine, this classic tote is designed to be taken anywhere. Made with lightweight leather and a secure zip closure, you truly can't go wrong with this bag. 7 colors and 3 sizes available Madewell $$$ A Madewell bestseller, this zip-top tote already has plenty of positive reviews, including some from fellow moms. With spacious interior pockets to keep your belongings safe and organized, this bag will 3 colors available Everlane $$$ This is an updated classic Everlane tote that's popular for a reason. Crafted with carefully sourced material, this bag is made to feel like "leather"—minus the environmental footprint. 3 colors available Madewell $$$ Add a little bit of texture into your bag collection with this woven leather tote. With a spacious interior and durable straps, you'll be reaching for this bag constantly. 2 colors available Banana Republic $$$ With an open-top design, you will have easy access to your belongings at all times. This tote is ideal for holding all your personal items. 
be your new best friend. 
Mid-Size Totes
If you’d rather not lug an oversized shopper, consider a mid-size tote that can still hold most essentials.
Amazon | Queenoris $ This on-trend woven tote bag is suitable for daily wear with its lightweight and soft material. With multiple colors to choose from, this stylish handbag can easily match with your wardrobe. 4 colors available L.L.Bean $ Looking for the perfect spring and summer tote? This heavy-duty canvas tote is durable for all of your outdoor excursions. Plus, you can customize it with a fun phrase or your name or initials. 9 colors and 4 sizes available Target $ This is the perfect medium-sized tote with a zippered top and interior pockets, and it has a shoulder strap if you want to use it as a crossbody. 5 colors/styles available J.Crew $$ For a more casual tote option, we love this personalized tote from J.Crew. Everlane $$ A new edition to Everlane, this hobo bag was made to be just the right size. It offers an over-the-shoulder look with a spacious interior design. Madewell $$ A reader and editor favorite, the Madewell Transport tote is a mom go-to. 4 colors available Mark & Graham $$$ Personalize everything from the silhouette to the monogram to the strap on this 16.5”w x 12”h classic tote bag. Madewell $$$ This woven tote bag is a fun twist on Madewell's classic medium transport tote. It is a super soft bag that offers a boho look and two functional ways to carry it. Everlane $$$ This Everlane Studio Bag is made with premium Italian leather, and is surely worth the investment. It also has practical details such as a snap closure, adjustable straps, and roomy pockets. Banana Republic $$$ This unique braided-strap tote offers an edgy yet sleek look. Upgrade your bag collection and add this one-of-a-kind purse to your accessories arsenal. 2 colors available Dagne Dover $$$ Trust us, this leather tote bag is worth the big bucks. It's chic on the outside and practical on the inside. 3 colors and 2 sizes available
Everyday Crossbody Bags
Rather than dealing with a shoulder bag while you’re carrying a kid or holding hands to cross the street, crossbody bags and purses keep everything you need secured and easy to access on the go.
Quince $ If you're looking for a sleek yet affordable crossbody bag, look no further. Crafted from vegan leather, this round-shaped bag is great for lovers of all things vintage-inspired. Target $ This classic crossbody bag can effortlessly match with any 'fit while offering a simplistic look. 6 colors/patterns colors available Everlane $$ We love trendy yet sustainable fashion items, and this cactus leather bag is carefully crafted with organically-sourced materials. 4 colors available Madewell $$ Elevate any look with this adorable mini leather crossbody. With multiple pockets on the inside, you won't have to sacrifice storage space with this purse. 4 colors available Madewell $$$ This bag is big enough to fit diapers and wipes if needed, but also small enough for every day if you don't have to tote around as much stuff for the kiddos. 2 colors available J.Crew $$$ Enhance your wardrobe with this high-quality, leather crossbody. It will be a guaranteed staple piece for all of your outfits. 3 colors available Madewell $$$ One of Madewell's newest additions, it's no surprise this convertible crossbody is a bestseller. It's a super functional shoulder bag that can be styled multiple ways. 4 colors available 
Cute Backpacks
There’s a reason backpacks are a go-to for moms—they can fit tons of essentials and keep both of your hands free.
Target $ With tons of interior pockets and a sleeve to fit on a suitcase handle, this backpack is as practical as it is cute. 3 colors available Béis $$ This iconic Béis backpack is an editor favorite. With different functioning compartments, you can pack all your personal items with ease. 2 colors available Lululemon $$ Add this water-repellent backpack to your cart if you're always on the move. With easy-access pockets, you can fit all your day-to-day essentials. 3 colors available Nordstrom $$ Functional Scandinavian design has kept the Kånken a favorite for decades. With interior and exterior pockets, this is a cute and functional option for moms. 10+ colors available Portland Leather $$$ Use this high-quality leather bag as backpack, shoulder bag, or convenient tote. 8 colors available Dagne Dover $$$ If you love the outdoors, this water-resistant backpack is just for you. With a luggage-handle sleeve included, it's great for all your traveling needs. 7 colors and 3 sizes available
Stylish Belt Bags
Belt bags were made for moms. Whether you wear them slung over a shoulder or around your waist, there is no beating their convenience.
Lululemon $ So many of our editors own this super convenient belt bag from Lululemon. Beloved for its pockets and the surprising amount of stuff it can store, this is a belt bag favorite. Plus, it comes in so many fun colors, from neutrals to brights. 10+ colors/patterns available Calpak $ Add this fanny pack to your collection of reliable fashion items. Made with lightweight material, you'll barely be able to tell you're wearing it. 10+ colors available Everlane $ This belt bag will be your new go-to option. With two exterior pockets and a spacious main compartment, you'd be surprised at how much you can fit in there! 3 colors available Kibou $$ Kibou thought of everything when it comes to this belt bag. It comes with a built-in (and detachable) changing pad and even has a waterproof pocket for wipes. 8 colors available Monos $$ Made with ultra-microfibre vegan leather, this water-resistant sling bag is made for everyone. There's also a hidden, full-length pocket to keep your personal items even more safe. 9 colors and 2 materials available Banana Republic $$ This luxe leather accessory is a sleek way to travel with your belongings. With a detachable pouch feature, you can easily transform this belt bag into a wallet. 3 colors available Dagne Dover $$ Be hands-free with this convenient fanny pack. Made from recycled lining, this belt bag is both cute and practical. 7 colors available MZ Wallace $$$ More of a splurge, this MZ Wallace belt bag can fit your essentials while keeping you looking stylish—whether you're with baby or not. 5 colors/patterns available
Diaper Bags
For diaper bags that combine chic style and functionality, look no further than some of these editor and reader favorites!
Amazon | Land $ Practical, cute, and widely popular, you'll likely see Land brand diaper bags at any large gathering of moms and kids. 6 colors available Target $$ Used as a tote or backpack, this diaper bag makes it easy to access everything that's packed inside. Plenty of pockets, including two insulated ones for bottles, make this a favorite. 3 colors available Dagne Dover $$$ Offered in different sizes and colors, we are obsessed with this Indi Diaper Backpack. It can be easily clipped to your stroller and has ample space for your family's needs. Read one writer's full review of this bag here! Nordstrom $$$ This chic reader-favorite diaper bag has all the essentials, including plenty of pockets and a washable changing pad. Use it beyond the diaper years for family outings, too! 4 colors available
Is the Dagne Dover Diaper Bag Worth It? An Honest Review
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