Cute Purses and Bags for Teens

Updated March 25, 2021
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. See our review process here.
Teenage girl with handbag

No matter what you're wearing, you can always use a purse to add visual interest and color to your wardrobe choice. Purses need to be functional as well as stylish, though, to accommodate your busy life between going to school, holding down a part-time job, hanging out with your friends, and going on dates.

Shopping Tips for Cute Junior Purses for Teens

If you plan to shop online for purses, sometimes it's easier to find what you're looking for if you know which brands cater to teens. While not all the brands mentioned here are teen-specific, they do offer cute, stylish bags at a wide range of prices, perfect for young buyers.

  • Make sure you consider function as well as fashion when shopping.
  • You'll need to consider purses that will work as well at school and football games as they will on a trip to the mall.
  • Make sure you look for purses with pockets, protective sleeves for high-tech gadgets, and clips for key chains or school IDs.

Danielle Nicole Crossbody Bags for Teens

Danielle Nicole offers fashion-forward designer handbags at affordable prices. Bags can be purchased from department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom as well as online at the Danielle Nicole website.

HP Gryffindor Diecut Crossbody Bag Danielle Nicole

Minnie Mouse Crossbody

The Minnie Mouse Crossbody features a polyurethane and textured tweed shell featuring a Minnie Mouse heart design. Inside, you'll find a large compartment and one interior slip pocket. Other features include silver hardware and an adjustable strap. Price around $68.

Deadpool Pop Diecut Crossbody Bag

The Deadpool Pop Diecut crossbody bag offers a cool pop art die-cut front decal. The top of the purse features a zipper closure with a pocket located in the top just inside the front wall. Price is around $68.

Frozen 2 Hexagon Crossbody Bag for Teens

The Frozen 2 hexagon crossbody bag features a one-of-a-kind Frozen handbag. Design is in the shape of a hexagon and the purse is made of texture metallic fabric. The bag features embroidery with a zipper pull pompom. The crossbody strap is a chain design. Price is around $68.

Gryffindor Shoulder Bag

This trendy bag is a must for all Potterheads. With the house colors, no one will ever wonder where your Potter-affiliation lies. For teens who align better with Ravenclaw, there is a design option for that house too! The price is around $68 before shipping costs for both styles.

Michael Kors Cute Purses for School

For girls who prefer designer bags but have a smaller budget, there's Michael Kors. You can find deals on the Michael Kors site, but don't forget to check other retailers, like Macy's, before making a final decision.

MICHAEL KORS, Faux Leather Belt Bag

Slater Medium Studded Pebbled Leather Sling Pack

This classy yet edgy purse is a pebbled leather bag with gold stud insets. The purse contains several areas of storage as well as a few different wear options, including over-the-shoulder and sling wear. While Michael Kors handbags tend to run higher in price compared to many other teen options, this bag is currently retailing for $128.

Hanover Medium Perforated Belt Bag

Traditional purses don't fit everyone's style, so belt purses are an excellent choice for those who feel uncomfortable with a standard purse, but still, need a way to cart their personal items around. The Hanover Belt Bag is small, sleek, and makes a great outfit accessory. Retailing at only $69, the Hanover is a perfect option for teens on the go.

Erin Templeton

Erin Templeton makes great handbag options good for teens with a decent budget to spend. The designs range from small crossbodies, like the Prep School Crossbody, to larger bags like Grocery Bag Recycled Leather purse. The handbags aren't particularly trendy, and instead have a durable, minimalist style, meaning these bags can be treasured and used for years to come.

Pre-Owned Erin Templeton Women's One Size Fits All Crossbody Bag

TGIF

The TGIF is made from 100% leather that can be a combination of new and recycled leather. With a zipper top, it's available in several colors with cool names like toothpaste and Kermit. Price is around $185.

The Assistant

The Assistant is an adorable purse is shaped like a camera bag. The top zipper closes the top half-circle shape. You can wear it as a should bag, crossbody bag, or on your back in a makeshift backpack. It's available in caramel, black, and a port wine color and retails for $325.

Hammitt Los Angeles

For the teen who has the money to invest in designer purses, look no further than Hammitt Los Angeles. Hammitt offers a number of leather bags with metal details - perfect for the off-beat teen who is looking for an edgier purse.

Hammitt VIP Small Indo Crossbody Clutch Women's Handbag Teal Blue

Tony MED

The Tony MED purse is a high-style choice worn as a crossbody design. It's available in several standard colors as well as a few limited-edition options. It features gunmetal hardware, an adjustable strap, and a red suede interior. The prices on this style range anywhere from $175 for the clear bag option to $375 for leather styles.

VIP Mini

This bag might be small, but don't be fooled by its size. The VIP Mini has all that a teen might need to stay organized and stylish. It can be used as a belt attachment or as a short crossbody purse. It has just enough room for a school ID, house keys, and a cell phone. This purse comes in a black leather or a greyish suede and retails for $175.

Nash Mini

Minis are popular among teens who are still trying to discover their personal style. They may not be ready for large, oversized bags, and designs like wristlets allow them to carry their items around while trying out a new, fun accessory. The Nash Mini wristlet comes in several colors and retails for $95.

Crystalyn Kae

Crystalyn Kae handbags come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, and all of them are made from a blend of fabric and recycled leather. Bright colors and fun, patchy designs are available alongside classic styles like hobos, offering great looks for any teen. The larger handbags and totes can also be functional and cute for teens during the school year.

Hobo Bag

Vegan Handbags

The Vegan Bags are perfect for the girl who enjoys the look of leather but doesn't want the real thing. Vegan styles are available in tote and hobo, each in several colors. They're water-resistant, machine-washable, and cost from $75 to $429.

Charleston Hobo Bag

The Charleston Hobo Bags are just under $300.00 and come in a wide variety of colors. They're perfect for teens because they're small enough not to be too cumbersome to manage alongside a backpack and large enough to carry the essentials.

Kate Spade

Another designer name with cute purses teens will love, Kate Spade offers a range of styles. These purses tend to come in the latest color combinations and always look polished and pretty. Prices range from around $198 to $428.00 range, but you can score a heck of a deal with sale items that retail for far less.

A view of a Kate Spade bag on display during the Kate Spade New York Popup Installation VIP Opening Party for NYFW 2021 - Getty Editorial Use

Runaround Collection

The Runaround Collection makes for a perfect starter purse for young women getting into the handbag game. These crossbodies are sleek, well-sized, and come in a wide variety of colors, so there is bound to be one that suits every young style. A medium crossbody will set you back a little less than $200 and a larger crossbody runs just under $300.

Romy Mini Satchel

The Romy is dainty and stylish and perfect for teens interested in donning a purse. It comes in black and features the classic spade-shaped clasp. It can be carted around using the small top handle or teens can use the crossbody attachment for a hands-free option. This purse costs $298, and while pricey, it might make for a good birthday or graduation gift.

Cute Cheap Purses for Teens

In addition to the aforementioned brands, you'll probably have great success finding cute purses at stores designed for teenagers or have large teen departments. Try shopping at department stores and discount retailers, including Macy's or Nordstrom. Those stores have a nice mix of styles and price points. Try the following retailers for cheap options:

  • Roxy: Look for a surfer-girl vibe with these beach-inspired bags. There are totes, shoulder bags, fanny packs, crossbody bags, and more, priced between about $20 to $50.
  • Aeropostale: You'll find affordable, casual options here, in the form of bucket bags, backpacks, totes, and other styles. Expect to spend around $20 to $40 for most designs.
  • Forever 21: Here, you'll find more trendy, budget-friendly options. Find totes, clutches, satchels, and several other designs starting around $12 to $25 for a crossbody, crossbody satchel, tote, and backpack designs.
  • Kohl's: You can find designer styles at mid-range pricing at Kohl's, such as Simply Vera Wang, Relic, and LC Lauren Conrad. Prices run from about $10 to $350.
  • Target: You can find cute cheap novelty purse styles and designs ranging from $20 to $50.
  • ebags: ebags is an online-only seller that has many designer and designer-inspired bags at discounted pricing. Prices range from as low as $12 to as much as $900.

Designer Bag Warning

Clearly, there are plenty of cute purses available for teens, but some gals are especially fond of high-end designer handbags. There's nothing wrong with that, particularly since they're so prominent on television programs and in magazines are marketed to teenagers. The price tags, of course, are typically astronomical. So what's a girl to do?

Resist the temptation to score so-called "cheap" designer bags on eBay - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Visit stores that specialize in marked-down designer goods, such as Filene's Basement. You may not find the Versace or Marc Jacobs bag you've been daydreaming about, but the selections at these stores are upscale enough to satisfy a designer appetite.

Find Your Perfect Purse

No matter what your preferences are, there are tons of purses out there for you. Do you prefer classics in colors that go with just about everything, or do you like to switch it up and use a different purse each day to accessorize your outfit? Does your purse need to last a few years, or will you be fine replacing it after a few months? Decide what's important to you in a bag, then go out shopping for the best price. What you're looking for may not be the same as what's on your friend's checklist.

Cute Purses and Bags for Teens