The average parent will spend $606.40 on back-to-school supplies for their children, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.

Total spending on school-aged children in grades kindergarten through 12 is expected to reach $21.35 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s Back-to-School/College survey.

The back-to-school season trails only Christmas in spending.

Andrea Deckard, a Monroe mother of three and founder of AD Media, which operates the money-saving blog MommySnacks.net, consults with retailers on shopping trends and social media.

Her first suggestion for back-to-school shopping is to comb the house for items you already have. Last week, she went through her home and found a pencil box, clipboard and some binders.

“It seems like a no-brainer, but some people don’t think to do this,” she said.

Although it’s tempting to get all the back-to-school shopping completed at once, Deckard encourages patience.

Just get the essentials at first, like pens, pencils, paper, binders and a book bag. Soon after school starts, you can pick up more of those at sales.

Many retailers also offer price matching. If you find something at one store for less, bring the ad to the store you wish to shop at to get the same price.

Deckard does a lot of comparison shopping and offers examples of price differences from store to store on MommySnacks.net.

Clothing is something to definitely wait to purchase, Deckard said. Out of tradition, she buys each of her children a new first-day-of-school outfit, but waits as long as Black Friday to purchase the majority of the clothes for the new school year.

Right now is the time she buys clearance clothing for next spring and summer. But she buys one bigger size than the kids wear now.

The pull of discount stores

Some people have already started their shopping, with 21.6 percent of the retail federation’s survey respondents saying they pick up school supplies a full two months before the school year.

Almost half — or 47.6 percent — will begin shopping three weeks to one month before school starts. Retailers respond to that with deals like a six-pack of highlighters for 25 cents at Staples, backpacks starting at $8 at Walmart, and Meijer offering 34 items for 99 cents, including Crayola crayons and protractors.

The survey also found that 71.2 percent of shoppers said they will go to discount stores.

Family Dollar stores have seen increased traffic at back-to-school time over the past few years, said Joshua Braverman, company public relations manager.

This year, the stores are offering a Five for $5 special, where shoppers can mix and match five supplies.

Offerings also include a lot of Disney products and “really good quality” backpacks for $8, he said. The store also sells clothing like white shirts needed for school uniforms.

Brand names line the shelves at Dollar General stores, as well, said Tawn Earnest, company spokesperson.

The amount of Crayola, Scripto, Sharpie, Mead and even Hanes underwear products have been increased in time for back to school. The store has also increased its stock of lunch boxes and snacks, she said.

Target, the nation’s second largest retailer, aims for savings and style, said spokeswoman Janna Fischer. The big trend this year is personalization and mixing and matching, she said.

“Students are looking for bright colors and great patterns to create a look that is all their own,” she said. “The hot colors splashed on everything from organizational accessories to desks are turquoise, lime green and purple. Bright, bold floral, dotted and striped patterns can be seen up and down Target aisles.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2216 or kmargolis@DaytonDailyNews.com.