Heading back to school doesn't have to be boring!

Newsday's Valerie Kellogg teamed up with News 12 Long Island's Elizabeth Hashagen to find out what's cool about this year's backpacks and lunch boxes.

Some of this year's most popular backpacks include DIY backpacks like Space Junk DIY Coloring Backpack available at Target. Patches are also having a moment! Your kids can customize their Timbuk2 Uptown with different patches (patches start at $6 each, and the backpack is $89.99 at Balfour).

A lot of action and adventure this season, including a NASA backpack from Barnes & Noble, and many character bags from Target like "The Incredibles." 

Pack a healthy lunch in a bento box from Boon. The exterior silicone stretchy bands hold small items like utensils. And for a Bookish Lunch Box, Uncommon Goods has a roomy lunch carrying case aimed at teens.