Last-minute back-to-school shopping can leave a dent in your wallet, but there are cost effective ways to mark off a teacher's list on a tight budget.

Thrift shops can offer big savings. At Tag Sale Warehouse in Norwalk, lightly used or even brand-new items are marked down.

"We realized there was a need for the community to be able to shop in a place that has lower prices," says Al Aqulia, of Tag Sale Warehouse.

And it's not just a treasure trove for students and families -- teachers can save too.

"As a teacher I would come here and buy here much less expensive then even going to a Staples," says former middle school teacher Susan Zuckerman. "They don't necessarily have everything but you save half, if not more."

Top finance blog Money Crashers has other ideas to save: consider a supply swap with neighbors, or split bulk deals with other classroom parents.

Tag Sale Warehouse in Norwalk opens at 11 a.m. daily, but is closed on Tuesdays.