Walls and Ceilings - How to drywall to match old plaster depth

Our house was built in 59. The walls were made with horizontal strips of drywall? over which is some type of plaster. It totals about 1" thick. I have remove it all from our kitchen and will add new drywall. The question is how to get the required thickness to match the window and door moldings. I've read about shims, but they are either 3/8" or 5/8" thick. If I use 3/8" shims then I need 5/8" sheetrock, seems awfully thick and expensive. Or can I use the 5/8" shims with 3/8" drywall. Just wondered which option would be better, or is there any other way? Thanks

I am not completly sure as to what you have but couldn't you make your shims out of 1/2 plywood?