MADISON, Wis (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Shopping for back to school items can take its toll on parents — especially when they learn it costs hundreds if not more than a thousand on average to outfit their kids in all the essentials.  

Madison College Marketing Expert Kristen Uttech says you might be surprised to by the growing back to school list this year:

"Due to budget cuts and the variety of challenges they are facing," she said. "We didn’t used to see back to school wipes on our list, and we do now so that can lead to an increased expense as well," Uttech added. 

She says if you have an elementary school student, ask your school if they offer a supply box program that will allow your child to have everything delivered on. day 1, without the shopping headaches.  If you do want to shop in store, most major retailers offer free car-side pickup.  Some other trick for finding cheaper prices for essential items, check out your local dollar stores or look for Amazon’s generic brand.