Save money on school supplies

CHICAGO -- Parents are stocking up on school supplies as their children prepare to return to the classroom.

But Sarah Blue, a local mother, said this year has been her most difficult year when it comes to back to school shopping.

It's a long and specific back to school supply list for Blue's two daughters.

"I think they call them the flair pens. They needed two colors, but they were only coming in these five-packs with all the various colors. So I ended up having to buy three of the five-packs and spent $18 just trying to get four pens," Blue said.

Instead of buying online, Consumer Reports found parents can save 41 percent on school supplies if they buy at a store like Staples or Office Depot.

Donna Bozzo, a family lifestyle expert, recommends taking advantage of price comparison.

"If you see a better price in a store flyer, you can bring it in. They'll match the price. You can even take a picture on your phone," Bozzo said.

Your phone can also save you money.

"I recommend taking advantage of price comparison apps. Amazon Price Checker is a good one. What you can do is while you're in the store, scan the item. You can see where you can save money. You can decide if this is the best place to buy or not," Bozzo said.

Start shopping at home.

"Smart moms tell me they keep those supplies warehoused all year long. When people aren't using folders, they stick them in the cupboard. They make their kids shop in the little warehouse at their home first, so they can get those highlighters that still work and notebooks they can still use before you go out to the store," Bozzo said.

Through all the stress, Bozzo reminds parents to make it fun. Blue plans to decorate her daughters' lockers.

"The kids lately... I mean, we never did this when I was a kid. But decorating their lockers, there's all these really cool things you can do. You can buy these chandeliers and disco balls and rugs and it's kind of a big deal at school," Blue said.

Lucy and Maggie won't know what theirs look like until the first day of school.

"I want to know what it is so bad, because I always thought decorating my locker was my favorite part. But now that I know I can't do it, I'm like nervous to see if I like it or not. If I don't like it, I'll feel bad to tell my mom. But I want to know so bad," Lucy said.

Stores are your best bet for school supplies. But if parents have high school students who need textbooks, the best place to save can be online. Amazon and eBay are two great places to start.