If there’s anything you need for the countless summer beach days, pool parties, and family gatherings to come, it’s an cute tote bag (or two or three). I’ve gathered quite the collection over the years that I love taking with me to the grocery store, TJ Maxx or Ulta. It’s also helpful for busy parents juggling all those summer activities that keep them busy well into the evening. July 3 is International Plastic Bag Free Day, so why not celebrate by treating yourself or a friend to a new tote that’s cute, versatile, and eco-friendly? Keep reading for our top 16 selections you can buy right now.
First up is this stylish and lightweight canvas tote bag from Covelin. It has a zip closure on top to keep everything inside, and there’s lots of room plus two open pockets for small items. Style it as a shoulder bag, crossbody bag or tote bag. This bag comes in all colors of the rainbow–seriously, the shade range is incredible. We’re digging the retro, vintage-looking gold color.
Calling all literature lovers! The “Shakespeare and Company” cotton tote bag is the perfect way to showcase your love of all things Romeo and Juliet–especially if you’re a teacher. The company says the bag can be machine washed, but they suggest washing it by hand and hanging it up to dry. Make sure not to wring it out!
Corduroy is back in style, and we couldn’t be happier. This bag from Cloele is large enough for magazines, tablets and all your daily essentials. It has one roomy main compartment and two inside open slot pockets. At the top there is a snap fastener and a magnetic buckle to keep all your goodies safe. It’s suitable for business and pleasure.
Ding ding ding! This “adulting” bag is the perfect gift for a recent college grad–or anyone who knows that growing up is pretty depressing sometimes. It’s styled like a dictionary definition with “Realizing that 1. Plastic sucks 2. Washing your own clothes is painful” written underneath the word. It’s machine washable, foldable and packable, so it can go anywhere you go.
As a certified bookworm, this is my favorite on the list. Kate Spade always makes the most timeless pieces, even with simple items like a tote bag. The multi-colored artwork features classic book spines with titles you know and love like Pride and Prejudice, Gulliver’s Travels and Through the Looking Glass.
Next up is a nylon tote with faux leather that’s durable and water-resistant. It comes with a fully-lined interior and light brown handles sturdy enough to take from work to the store to home. You can choose from medium or large, both of which are roomy enough for a laptop or other personal electronic.
The next selection one is for all my artsy folks. This tote bag features a lavish painting by Alphonse Maria Mucha, a Czech illustrator and graphic artist who lived in Paris during the “Art Noveau” period that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. It’s strong, soft and is sure to make an impression on anyone you meet (especially fellow art history majors).
Another corduroy bag, anyone? It has a cotton lining, gold button closure and a patch on the front with a feather, little details that set this bag apart from the crowd. It’s big enough for everyday essentials like your phone, tablet, hand wipes, lotion, keys, etc., and one reviewer said it’s also roomy enough to use as an overnight bag. We love the versatility!
Nothing says summer like a delicious strawberry print. BAGGU’s “baby” size bags comfortably fit a lunch, an extra pair of shoes or your next purchase at the farmer’s market. One reviewer even said it doubled as a backup diaper bag! It holds up to 30 pounds and folds into a 4×4 pouch. The bag is made from washable nylon ripstop and recycled materials.
Make a statement with the Urban Outfitters neon pink bag that reminds everyone around you to take their vitamins. The puffy lettering has total 90s vibes and the twin carry handles are ready for anything. This also comes in a brown color if that’s more your style.
Filt is a textile company founded in Normandy in 1860 with a focus on the knitting of nets and weaving of wick candles. Their tote bags are exactly what I picture when I think of going to the farmer’s market on a sunny day and picking out ripe apples and strawberries. Choose from trendy colors of white, olive green, bright green, orange or mint.
This travel-ready tote by Santa Barbara Design Studio was made to be shown off. It’s just the right size for all your clothes and toiletries while you’re packing for a weekend away. With sturdy handles that are reinforced with supports on the inside of the bag and a modern aesthetic, it’ll have you saying “beach please” as soon as you hit the road.
Digging around for lip gloss at the bottom of your purse is a thing of the past. The Clearworld tote is made from heavy duty transparent PVC material that makes finding items as easy as 1-2-3. The black fabric is nylon with sturdy reinforced stitching. There’s also a top zipper closure and a front pocket for easy access.
Looking for a more comfy option to take to work every day? This is your sign to check out the Bag Wizard tote that comes complete with a padded laptop compartment, pen loops, faux leather straps and wall slip pockets and three front pockets. It will hold all of your work essentials and more.
Tie dye for the win! The red/pink colors on this Adidas bag are a showstopper. This is ideal for taking to the gym and throwing in your trusty water bottle, AirPods, phone and anything else you need to take on the Stairmaster. The lining inside is easy to wipe down in case of spillage. Due to the nature of dyeing, each product will have a unique pattern.
New beach bag, anyone? This fabric is meant to be used outdoors and is water-resistant. Each ESVAN tote has a secret inside pocket, durable zipper, comfortable wide straps and the best part, not one but two cup holders on the sides. There are 32 designs to choose from, so you’re bound to find something you like.
