7 great spring tote bags from independent brands

We love to go on scenic walks, picnics in parks, and last-minute trips to the pub garden to soak up the sun. When we rush out the door, all we need is a bag that looks good, but is also large enough to hold our daily essentials. We reach for one thing every time the weather gets warmer: our beloved totes.

You can never have enough totes. One day you might feel like you want to make a statement on a sunny afternoon, while the next you are feeling minimalist. Variety is the spice in life, so it’s a good thing to have a variety of things.

What if we told y’all that there are stylish options available that support British small brands? We’ve compiled 7 spring-appropriate options for you to get you ready for your next spring walk or to go to work.

Scroll down to discover the bag that will be the object of your affection…

Lucy loves this feminist tote bag

This tote will let you promote feminist values all year. The sturdy canvas monochrome bag, designed by Lucy Loves This, a female-led graphic designer brand. It is both stylish and bold.

Although the ‘F’ symbol appears simple at first, closer inspection will reveal rousing words from women like Gloria Steinem, Frida Kalo, and Beyonce. There are also illustrations of Virginia Woolf and Florence Nightingale, as well as names of other remarkable women who have made a difference in our world.

Kiss Me At The Disco Tote in Zebra Print

The classic, yet striking, print of zebra is a great choice. These sturdy, personalized tote bags are a good example. The 100% cotton tote bag is handmade at Kiss Me At The Disco’s Swansea headquarters. It can hold everything you need, including your gym kit, laptop, and even your quick trip to the shops.

The square shape makes it easy to transport your beach or picnic supplies. You can also get it in classic monochrome or on-trend pastel mint and eye-catching pink.

Stitch with Skye Tote Bag

You probably have 162 totes bags (roughly). Have you ever made your own embroidery? If you are close to finishing Netflix, Stitch With Skye has the perfect no-screen pastime.

Six delicate designs are available, including a sunflower and a fern, as well as a cat in a flower crown. The kit comes with a 100% cotton tote that has the pattern printed on it. You can embroider over the top of the tote, as well as an embroidery hoop, threads and extra practice fabric. There are also easy-to-follow instructions, including links to videos.

Flower Love Child Zodiac Tote

Flower Love Child’s Zodiac Tote Bags are the perfect accessory for Astrology fans, whether you’re someone who cannot help but utter “Thank God Taurus season’ every year” or a friend who blames everything on being Scorpio.

They are made from natural heavyweight canvas and large enough to hold every summer essential. The rectangular base allows for a shoebox to be placed inside, while modern typographical designs for each sign differ.

Lolly & Kiks Extra Large African Wax Print Cotton Tote Bag

Lolly & Kiks is here to help if your small crossbody no longer holds its own as your everyday handbag. The Drop offers 25% off the Kiks extra-large tote.

Xandra, a Nigerian-American woman handcrafts each bag in her London home with bold Ankara wax printed fabric. It has two options for straps – one for your shoulder, one for your hand – making it ideal for those days when you might need the kitchen sink.

Handmade bag with Undone Stitch

This personalised, made-to-order tote bag will make every day feel like vacation. This bag will look equally good in the park or at the supermarket as it will at the beach.

With its nautical accents – we see you, striped cotton canvas and sturdy rope handles – it’s the perfect practical-meets-stylish crossover that your weekend wardrobe has been waiting for.

You can choose from either pink or blue stripes and up to three embroidery initials. There are eight colour options available.

Rock on Ruby Personalised Gingham Tote bag

Gingham is the print that makes us most excited about spring. Gingham dresses. Gingham tablecloths. Gingham scrunchies. It’s all we want, every day. It’s only right that bags get the same treatment. Rock On Ruby, a Manchester-based lifestyle label, has created a tote that not only embodies one sun-ready trend but also two thanks to its floral lining.

It’s spacious enough for picnic essentials and you can make it your own by personalising with your initial (or if you’re gifting, that of your friend/family/colleague) in contrasting blue and gold thread. Monogramming, florals, and gingham? Sign. Us. Up. Stock update: More red gingham bags will be available at the end April.