First Quarter (Jan/Feb/March)

    * Gas grills & air conditioners: They're obviously off-season, but it's not like "next year's model" will be remarkably better or different.

January

    * Bicycles & Sporting Goods: Not only is it prime off-season pricing, you've got the attention of salespeople who think they're talking to someone who's for real about their exercise.
    * Furniture: It's both a lull and a changeover for the showrooms, so find that dining room set and haggle.
    * Digital frames: Hey, where'd all last month's buyers go? Pick up the leftover stock on the cheap.
    * Carpeting: Most people are focused on holidays, not renovations, and it's before the big tax rebate buying season, according to Carpet SuperSite.

February

    * Tools: The kinds with batteries and cords and lots of warnings, because their makers put on a big push.
    * Chocolate (after Feb. 14): Because, well, you know.
    * Digital cameras: The newest models are out, fresh from the trade shows, so anything left over goes cheap.

March

    * Luggage: Halfway between buying seasons, stores eager to move.
    * Frozen foods: Goofy, but it's "National Frozen Food Month." And you can buy and freeze.
    * Winter coats & sports gear: Winter fun season is coming to an end. Where to find end-of-season goods? Try commenters' suggestions.
    * Boats: It's the end of boat show season; you've got the upper hand.

THE REST OF THE YEAR