I know, I know. It feels way too early to think about September when the summer break is only just starting. But beating the mad back-to-school rush now will save a massive headache later. And, let's face it, a fun new backpack or lunch bag is the perfect way to get the kids genuinely excited about going back to school come end of August, right?

Just in time for the holidays, Kipling - famous for its fun bags and iconic monkey mascot - has dropped its brand-new Back-to-School collection. The range is packed with bright bags, pencil cases, and accessories for all ages, with prices starting from just £5.

Arguably the most important buy on the list, a solid school bag makes carrying daily essentials a breeze. For the older kids who need room for books, PE kits, and even a laptop, Kipling’s larger rucksacks fit the bill perfectly - complete with padded laptop compartments and plenty of pockets to stop chaos from taking over.

The rucksacks feature removable, adjustable shoulder straps for comfort and a water-repellent finish. They're spacious too, with a zipped main compartment and an interior pocket.

Minions fans are in luck with a dedicated collection, featuring backpacks at £117 for the large size and £107 for the smaller one. Anyone after a simpler style can opt for the medium drawstring bag instead - it costs £29 and comes in 20 different shades, from soft pink to bright red, reports the Mirror.

Bags aren't the only items available, either. Kipling's pencil cases (from £24) are offered in 25 bright colours and fun prints, each adorned with the brand's distinctive logo.

For those looking to add a personal touch to their school equipment, there are a bunch of accessories available. Collectable zipper pullers begin at £5 and showcase designs ranging from sharks to starfish.

And naturally, no Kipling range would be truly complete without the brand's renowned monkey keychains, with prices beginning at £24 for one of these little companions.

Beyond Kipling, M&S has also unveiled a broad selection of school bags this year, with prices starting from an affordable £10. The range boasts a variety of popular characters and franchises, including Minecraft and Bluey, alongside Paddington Bear and Disney's Frozen.

Alternatively, Ryman stocks some stylish pencil cases as well. That includes this Legami Pencil Case (£12.99), which features an interior mesh compartment, a pen holder pocket, a zip closure, and an adorable panda design.

While Kipling's Back-to-School collection is so fresh, customer reviews haven't appeared yet, but the brand itself has earned plenty of positive feedback on Trustpilot.

One customer commented: "Great quality and unique design, I am very happy with my new backpack."

They continued: "It looks stylish too. I had never had any bags from Kipling before, but I was quite impressed with the quality. It's not expensive, so it's absolutely great for the price. Also, I am surprised how much I enjoy a fluffy monkey keyring, it's a really fun detail."

Another remarked: " I love the colour of my bag, and it is super light. It has so many pockets, which is nice for everyday use. It has adjustable straps and two zip pockets at the front."

However, some shoppers have encountered issues with delivery, with one user noting: "Excellent suitcases but poor service. Ordered two matching suitcases, but only one arrived, which was disappointing."

On a more positive note, this delighted Kipling shopper commented: "Ordered a bag from Kipling and the number of zipped pockets on this bag is great.

"I've never bought a bag this expensive, and its quality is amazing, and I love the Monkey key ring and the zip tab design, and I'm so happy with it. Thank you."