As back to school lists grow, parents have options in buying supplies

As students return to the classroom, back to school shopping can be overwhelming, pricey and time consuming. It’s not uncommon for kids, some as young as 6 or 7, to head to school with more than 20 required items – everything from pencils, crayons and markers to highlighters, folders, Ziploc bags, six-quart containers and earphones.