Yes, calendars make great gifts -- especially for co-workers or people you don't know all that well. But unless you really have to have them (for gifts or yourself), you can save a bundle if you wait.
Expect better deals: Pick up calendars in February, and "you can save up to 75 percent," says Hillary Mendelsohn, author of "thepurplebook" online shopping series and founder of ThePurpleBook.com. "So it's really worth it not to buy them."
The trade-off is that you won't have the selection you would have had before Jan. 1.
What is on sale: Baking supplies are on sale.
From flour to spices to baking powder, the cheapest time of the entire year to buy is in December, says Teri Gault, co-author of "Shop Smart, Save More" and CEO of TheGroceryGame.com.
"You'll save half or more," she says. "And if you use a coupon, it can be 60 (percent off), 70 percent off or free."