Holiday collectibles -- everything from limited runs of fine china and stemware (2013 Champagne flutes, anyone?) to special editions of high-end dolls -- are in stores now. But you likely won't find them on sale in November or anytime soon, says Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation.
Expect better deals: While retailers often mark down the leftovers after the New Year's confetti has been swept away, there are no guarantees that the item you want will be available, he says.
If you are interested in anything that is made and marketed for only a short time, "you need to shop early," Butler says.
What is a bargain now: Personal care and grooming products -- such as massagers, shavers, heating pads and the like -- are often 25 percent to 40 percent off during the first weeks of November, Butler says.