I’ve graduated from diaper bags and backpacks to becoming a tote-loving woman. I’ve learned that totes are like strollers. Without context you’d wonder why you would ever need more than one. But once you get one, you realize all the areas in your life that could benefit from a tote! Today I’m sharing the ones I own, how I use them, and a few on my wishlist.

One tip on totes: the key to organization with a big tote is to have some sort of organization happening. This can be tough when you’ve got a million things thrown into one giant bag. What I like to do is buy organization zipper bags. Think of them as packing cubes for your bag. Some of the ones I like are linked right here.

The Most Famous Tote: The Boat Tote

When I asked for the Boat And Tote for Christmas this year, my mom laughed and told me that when I was growing up our family had this tote as our library bag to schlep books. It’s been around for that long! I got the smallest version for everyday errands (and to carry my kids’ water bottles) and I love it. The canvas is oddly hard and very structured. The smallest bag holds a lot of things and I’m always surprised when everything fits. The price point on these totes is STELLAR too. Honestly, if I could go back in time I’d have used these totes as a diaper bag. They are awesome and look so cool.

Another L.L. Bean Winner: Our Pool Tote

I originally bought this tote when we traveled to Hawaii two years ago. I wanted a large bag to hold all of our towels, but also one that could get sandy and wet and it not be a big deal. This one is the best. I used it all last summer when going on weekday adventures with my kids. It was also our pool bag last year and will continue to fill that job this summer. I will say, I am loving this one too. I might have to snag it for a beach trip we’re doing in late summer this year.

My Classy Gal Tote

First and foremost, I’m SO SAD the small structured tote is not sold at Cuyana anymore. But they do still offer the larger version! I love this tote because: a) it’s leather b) will stand on it’s own c) can hold a massive amount of things d) is big but not, like, giant-big… you know? I use this leather tote when I’m going to take class at the studio, going to church, heading to a doctors office, and basically anywhere I want a more elevated look while running simple errands and schlepping things. Also worth mentioning: I would not recommend this similar option from Cuyana. It’s way too floppy and feels chaotic because there is literally no structure to the bag. One of my friends had the floppy one and gave it away because it was not helpful.

The Chic Traveling Mom Tote

I had an enlightening moment in January where I realized that the trip we’re going on this month will involve no diapers on travel day(!!!). For some reason my mind immediately went to what travel bag should I switch to since I don’t have diapers in my life anymore. I did some lengthy research and found that the coolest and most functional travel tote bag is this one from Paravel. I bought the medium cabana tote and it’s perfect! All of their travel bags and suitcases are beautiful. Obviously I needed this bag to stand on its own. I wanted it to be stylish, large (but again, not too big!), and something I could throw over my shoulder – so no small handles. I love the Naghedi totes, but there is no structure and the handles are just that: handles, not shoulder straps. I am waaaay too excited for this upcoming travel day with no diapers. Probably because it’s been years since I’ve traveled without having to nurse and/or have a backpack full of diapers. And who knows, maybe I’ll even get crazy and break my own rules and walk onto the airplane with my coffee (unlikely).

Wishlist Totes

Some other totes on my wishlist!