After a slim year in 2009, retailers are predicting a rise in back-to-school sales in 2010.

For each student, the average American family will pay more than $606 in new clothes, supplies and electronics, according to the National Retail Federation. That's compared to $549 last year.

Below are 10 must-have items to spend that money on. Some are expensive, some aren't. Experts said shop around -- in stores and online -- to get the best prices.

"Many of today's shoppers are smarter than any other generation before them, especially when it comes to finding the best price," said Phil Rist, executive vice president of BIGresearch, the firm that did the survey for the federation.

'Jeggings'

You may have heard of staycations (vacations at home), now there are "jeggings," or leggings styled to look like tight denim. It's a fashion fueled by Hollywood -- Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, Hilary Duff and Reese Witherspoon have all been spotted wearing them.

Jeggings can be found at almost any store, including Macy's, JCPenney and American Eagle Outfitters.

iPad

It's not a laptop, and it's not a smart phone, it's something in between. That's how Apple wants consumers to think of its new tablet computer.

But many educators are also seeing it as a tool for the classroom. With its iBooks application that's able to read popular e-book and PDF files and touch-screen versions of Apple's office programs, the device could revolutionize the way students learn.

Trapper Keeper

The multi-colored binders secured by Velcro ruled the halls in the 1980s. Now, Mead's Trapper Keeper is back.

Redesigned, Trappers are teaching a new generation the value of staying organized.

Messenger Bag

Carry your books in style in a messenger bag this fall. You'll be in good company: The over-the-shoulder bag was used by Pony Express riders, postal workers and ancient messengers.

For students, the bag's easy access can come in handy when fishing out books for that next class.

Laptop

One of the most versatile education tools you can get is a laptop computer. Best Buy said it teamed up with four computer makers -- Asus, Dell, HP and Sony -- to design its Next Class line of laptops meant for students. The store said it used student feedback to come up with the features the computers offer, which include longer battery life, a backlit keyboard, a year of antivirus protection and Microsoft Office preinstalled.

Flash Drive

This could be the utility knife for students -- the USB flash drive. The drives can be almost any shape or size, some are even shaped like watermelons, sushi and watches.

With gigabytes of storage available, students can share notes, transfer files from computer to computer, create bootable disks, store music files and back up their computers.

Calculator

Maybe you have a budding mathematician or rocket scientist going back to school. For them, a calculator will come in handy.

Today's calculators offer more features and functions than older four-function ones. Some store data and can get software updates. Graphic calculators can display calculation results in three dimensions.

Cowboy Boots

It's time to commune with your inner cowboy and put your feet in some leather -- cowboy boots continue to be popular. Stars like Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson have been spotted wearing them.

A staple of western films, they were first worn on the frontier in the 19th century. Now, you can now get boots made in an almost infinite range of designs and colors.

Digital Voice Recorders

While not a replacement for note-taking, one tool that can be invaluable in the classroom is the digital voice recorder.

With onboard memory, you can record lectures and work on your own speeches. Those files can also be downloaded to your computer and shared with other students or as a podcast online.

Military Apparel

The fascination with military-themed fashion continues. Our final item is not one, but many: any clothing inspired by trooper couture.

Fashionising.com said to watch for clothes inspired by 20th-century uniforms, not the clothes inspired by the Georgian and Victorian eras last year.

However, the site does recommend avoiding camouflage prints.