I’m an adult, nearly forty, a mother of two, but I’m also a college student. So I need a bag for all of my books, notebooks, and other school supplies, but I sure don’t want to carry something gaudy or immature, meant for a child or teen. I want something more sophisticated, something that says “life-long learner” rather than “sorority girl.” And I’ve finally found a few to choose from. Here are 8 great school bags for grown-ups, like me!

1. From Uganda with Love Bag

Price: $85.99 at modcloth.com
This gorgeous green canvas messenger bag has oodles of pockets, ideal for stashing all of your school things, but it’s more than just style… it has substance too. It’s made by MEND, a Ugandan cooperative that turns former child soldiers into seamstresses, giving them the means to support their families and move on with their lives. Each bag is a little different, since they’re all hand-made, and each comes with a photo and bio of the woman who made it.