If you plan to get engaged over the holidays, you could   get a better deal on that diamond after Black Friday. Expect better deals:   If you're looking at jewelry, you want to wait until the end of November and   the beginning of December. What is a bargain now: During the first three weeks   of November, look for deals on costume and bridge jewelry of up to 50 percent   off. For those who seek a ring of a very different stripe: Tires are often a   bargain in November. With winter weather imminent in many parts of the country,   look for discounts of about 15 percent.

Holiday collectibles -- everything from limited runs   of fine china and stemware. 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. 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. If you are interested in anything that is made   and marketed for only a short time, "you need to shop early." 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.

It can pay off to procrastinate when it comes to buying   calendars and planners. If you're buying 2013 calendars and planners   in November 2012, you're likely going to be paying list price. Expect   better deals: After New Year's. If you wait until January, you're already going   to find better prices. Look for deals of up to 40 percent off. What is   a bargain now: Mark November's calendar if you or someone in your family likes   toys: Nov. 10 is Neighborhood Toy Store Day.

In the market for a new TV? You might want to wait until   December -- or at least the last week in November -- to snag a better price,   Expect better deals: After the holiday shopping season begins. You can get some   fantastic buys -- between 20 (percent) to 25 percent. But, as with most things   tech, If you're getting the latest and greatest of everything, you're not going   to get the biggest discount. What is a bargain now: If you don't want to wait   for a holiday sale on a TV, you might find great deals on last year's models.   Or, if you're getting ready for holiday guests, it's good time to get a deal   on new furniture. Many retailers offer markdowns of 20 percent to 30 percent   off in November.