A report by the National Retail Federation shows parents are spending more this year to fill their kids back packs than last year, by about $85.

The NRF's report shows spending this year will average $688 this year.

85% of shoppers say the economy will impact their spending plans. They'll shop sales and reuse items from past years.

The study found that more teens and pre-teens will spend their own allowance.

Men are spending about $100 more than are woman, mostly because they shop at department stores compared to women who tend to shop at discount stores.

If you really want to save, here's a tip from an incoming college freshman.

"Teachers always over exaggerate. They make it seem way worse. You never use everything that you get. Tone it down, you can always get more," suggests Meredith Behrens.

Total spending is expected to reach $30.3 billion.

When you factor in college aged students, that number spikes to $83.8 billion, serving as the second biggest consumer spending event for retailers behind the winter holidays.