I know it’s the third week of January already. You’d probably think this is a tip way too late because chances are, you have already bought these items. But then again, there’s always that other chance that you still haven’t…or aren’t really planning on buying one. So before you head out to the mall and begin your start-of-the-year shopping, here are a few ideas on what’s great to buy and not this January.

Fitness Equipment and Travel/ Outdoor Gear. Since one of the most popular New Year’s resolution is to lose weight (that you gained over the holidays. haha!) and stay fit, this is the best time to shop for fitness equipment. Chances are gyms and fitness shops offer the best deals during this month to ride in on that famous goal. However, try to hold on to your old travelling gear until March or August, as well as to your hiking apparel and other outdoor equipment which don’t go on big sales until May or June.

Beddings, Linen, and Furniture. November offers the best deals on furniture. But some manufacturers release new styles and retailers will begin clearing out old and bulky inventory in January and February. Sears, Amazon and Home Depot are just some of the stores offering great deals on furniture this month. When it comes to beddings and linen, such stores as Walmart, SmartBargains and Overstock offer a “White Sale” on these items.

Winter Apparel. While after-Christmas sales offer big discounts on winter clothing, January offers even bigger discounts, sometimes up to 80% off on certain items. North Face, Express, Aeropostale, Levi’s, and Banana Republic, just to name a few, offer coupons and other amazing sales during this time.

Electronics. If you’re planning on buying the iPad2, try waiting out until late February when Apple is supposedly to announce the new iPad3.  Shopping on a laptop at this time isn’t such a good idea since the best deals were probably gone last month during the Christmas season. However, dual core “desktop replacements” are seen to be on a rising trend, with prices cut down to a super low of $300-350. Toshiba, Dell and HP are seen as the best choices in brands. A unit with a Sandy Bridge Pentium processor or AMD A Series APU is seen as the best money saver. When it comes to HDTVs, particular brands like Sony, Samsung and Panasonic offer irresistible deals. Expect 3% off on certain 55″ 3D TVs.

Vacation and Hotel Packages. If you’re planning on going on a vacation this month, you’re in luck. Airfare and hotel prices are on great deals in January, even offering the lowest rates ever. Whether you’re going to Cancun, Buenos Aires, or even Egypt, Europe and Australia, you’re most likely to have the best vacation ever with the amazing discounts you will get.

Christmas Items. So Christmas just finished. So what? In fact, now is the best time to start stocking up on holiday items again since stores will slash off prices on these goods to make way for new ones.

Made up your mind now on what to splurge on this month? Go out and take advantage of these ridiculous sales before the month ends. Enjoy!