Back to school shopping can be a big expense, one study averaged that parents spend just under $200 per child — but here's how you can stack savings this weekend to save more than 70 percent on school supplies.
For families like the Stratton family, back to school puts a dent in their budget.
Marissa Stratton has four children, three of them school age. Last year she estimates she spent $400 just on back to school needs.
We found Stratton price comparing other stores while she shopped for supplies at Target.
Like most parents, she prefers to make one stop. But is it possible to get everything at one store and still save big?
Katie Kiefer is the founder of the website True Couponing. The super saver combed sales and crunched the numbers so you don't have to.
Her spreadsheet lists the prices of the top 50 back to school supplies at Walmart, Target, Staples and Office Depot.
Last year the office stores won the price battle but this year most items on supply lists are cheaper at Target with Walmart coming in a close second.
From 50 cent erasers, pencil sharpeners and glue sticks to 97 cent Crayola markers, Walmart and Target got serious this year about earning your back to school dollars.
Smart money says to stock up for the year this weekend.
Between the discounts and tax holiday, you could save 70 to 80 percent between Friday and Sunday.
The tax break includes any back to school item or piece of clothing under 60 dollars.
