(The Kane, two ways. All photos courtesy of STATE Bags)
Mark our words: there's a brand-new player on the playground, and its name is
STATE Bags. This cool cat (based in Brooklyn, where else?) is a real game changer for the school-age set. Because not only are the
colorful canvas backpacks instant stealth status symbols, they also serve a much more altruistic purpose.

The company operates on a one-to-one model of giving, which means that for each backpack purchased, STATE donates one to a child in need. Additionally, the company collaborates on motivational "Bag Drop" events at housing projects and other at-risk neighborhoods, hoping to inspire kids to stay in school and to be agents of community change. Now that's one back-to-school purchase we can truly feel good about.