Whether you’re going back to school or starting a new job, these bags will help you do it in style.
In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story. This month, it's all about nature-inspired backpacks and accessories from MUNI.
Every back-to-school shopping checklist has one thing in common: the cool new backpack, something that’s a perfect blend of practicality and personality. After all, everyone wants to make a great impression on their first day, and the right backpack can help set the tone. Our search for the same led us to Etsy seller Monika Vasiliauskienė and MUNI, her original line of handcrafted backpacks, tote bags, wallets, and other fun accessories for kids and adults alike. From a whimsical crab-shaped knapsack for a preschooler to stylish printed carry-alls for the college crowd, Monika’s line expertly blends playful charm with everyday functionality.
Born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania, Monika seemed destined for a creative path from the start. “Both of my parents are artists, so I grew up surrounded by creativity,” she says. Though she first stepped into a corporate career, her artistic instincts proved too strong to ignore. “I took a leap, left my job, and started making handbags—launching them on Etsy with no big expectations,” adds Monika. “To my surprise, they quickly gained popularity, and that’s how my creative journey truly began.” Twelve years and more than 3,800 sales later, Monika’s just getting started.
SHOP: Crab backpack from MUNI, $58
SHOP: Mountain backpack from MUNI, $88
Why MUNI should be on your radar
With an aesthetic rooted in Nordic-European style, MUNI offers clean, minimal, and quietly expressive designs that help make the everyday routine a bit more magical. Inspired by nature, the overall color palette leans towards soft, muted tones but you’ll often find bold pops of color in bags designed for kids. Every item is entirely handmade in Lithuania, with a focus on combining expert craftsmanship with original designs. “When creating my pieces, I aim to balance practicality with artistic character—something minimal, yet full of personality,” Monika shares. “Each illustration is personally drawn by me and then printed on fabric, turning every bag into a wearable piece of art.” The carefully chosen materials, like denim, thick canvas, leather and waterproof fabrics, not only hold their shape but also age well over time. More recently, Monika has been incorporating fabrics made from recycled materials, which aligns with her goal to create designs that are both long-lasting and thoughtful.
SHOP: Squirrel toddler backpack from MUNI, from $58
SHOP: Makeup clutch from MUNI, $30
The best MUNI pieces for memorable gifting
“All of the children’s backpacks make especially great gifts—they’re often chosen for birthdays or the start of a new school year,” says Monika. “I’ve noticed that grandparents, aunts, and close family friends especially love gifting MUNI backpacks to kids.” The dinosaurs and unicorns have proven popular for good reason. “Kids are drawn to these magical creatures—unicorns spark their imagination and dinosaurs ignite their curiosity,” explains Monika. “They feel both familiar and full of wonder.”
For a friend, sister, or colleague, consider going with the pink or black bow backpack. It’s effortlessly chic with an unexpected, feminine touch—just as suitable for the office as it is for weekend picnics. Monika adds, “I actually created it spontaneously, never expecting it to become so popular, but it really resonated with women.” Go a step further to make the gift even more memorable with a touch of personalization. “I often receive requests to add a sweet message or include a name tag, which makes the gift feel even more thoughtful.”
SHOP: Dinosaur backpack from MUNI, from $58
SHOP: Unicorn coin pouch from MUNI, $22
SHOP: Pink laptop bag from MUNI, $88
In her own words
“Every now and then I receive orders from adults who buy children’s backpacks for themselves—because the design features their favorite animal. It always puts a smile on my face and reminds me that there’s a little child in all of us—one who still loves fun, color, and animals. Those moments are such a lovely reminder of the emotional connection people can have with design.”
SHOP: Teddy bear backpack from MUNI, from $53
from MUNI
SHOP: Yellow striped backpack from MUNI, $56
Portraits and workspace photos by Content Studija. Product photography courtesy of MUNI.
