2010 sale calendar, Part 1

Shoppers who buy at the last minute often pay more. They don't do so because they want to -- they're just too busy to find out when the sales are. Leave that to Dollars & Sense. We've compiled a list of the best sales between now and June so you can plan purchases more carefully. We'll run another calendar for July-December at the end of June. A few of the good sales are history -- Humane Society book sale, Kiwi Beach and Cole River accessories among them, but others will take their place. If you know of a good sale left off the list, send me an e-mail.

JANUARY Jan. 26-Feb. 12: Twin Cities Consumers' Checkbook free look (651-646-2057, www.checkbook.org/Stribdeal). The magazine that rates local service providers such as auto mechanics, heating/air conditioning contractors, electricians, plumbers and doctors offers a free look at all of its articles and ratings. The nonprofit also offers a special: a two-year, four-issue subscription for $25, regularly $34, that includes the print magazine and online access.

26-Feb. 6: Eversharp knife sharpening sale (344 NE. Taft St., Mpls., 612-379-1300, www.eversharpknives.com). Regular knives sharpened for $1, $2 for serrated and $3 for scissors. The new Shun Classic and Ken Onion reconditioned knives are 40 percent off. A Wüsthof 7-inch Santoku is $60 (reconditioned).

28-30: Über Outlet men's sale (6021 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-869-0930, www.myuberbaby.com). From a local, high-end men's clothier: Sport coats $100-$125 (reg. $800 to $1,400), sweaters $30 (reg. $365), long-sleeve shirts $20 (reg. $195), pants $30 (reg. $215) and ties $15 (reg. $125).

29-30: Bloomingdale's home sale (Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-2747). Waterford bedding will be closed out at 70 percent off and Dr. Weil kitchen small electrics closed out at discounts of 50 to 60 percent. The pre-sale is already in progress.

29-31: Designer Marketplace liquidation sale (Mpls., 612-381-8508, Woodbury, 651-731-8508, www.designermarketplacemn.com). An additional 25 percent off storewide and interest-free financing until 2011.

31: Rocco Altobelli Salon Spa fund drive and discounts (St. Paul, Edina, Burnsville, Minnetonka, Rosedale, Woodbury, 651-730-7077, www.roccoaltobelli.com). Appointments can be made starting Jan. 28 for Jan. 31 appointments. On the 31st, get discounts on services between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. with a donation of three nonperishable food items per service. Cash or checks accepted for a haircut ($20 plus food), accent color ($20 plus food for 10-12 foils), brow wax ($10 plus food) and lip wax ($7 plus food). All proceeds go to Second Heartland.

1-March 15: Jackie's moving sale (2189 Commerce Blvd., Mound, 952-472-6440). Jackie Peters, who ran the excellent Market Street Floral sales, is moving her furniture and accessories store to Excelsior. Everything is discounted 20 to 70 percent. Example: French country 6-foot round dining table and six chairs for $3,100, reg. $7,740.

10-14: Aldi Valentine's Day rose specials (20 Twin Cities locations at www.shopaldismart.com). One dozen long-stemmed red roses for $17. Other sales: 10-inch hanging baskets (impatiens, begonias, snapdragons) for $6 starting April 29. More flower specials near Mother's Day (May 9).

12-14: Operation Glass Slipper formal sale (Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St., St. Paul, 651-994-7989, www.operationglassslipper.org). The organization that provides free prom gowns and accessories to Twin Cities high-school girls in need sells its rejected dresses for $5 to $20, bridal gowns $20 to $50 and flower girl dresses for $20. Most are new but deemed too short, too old or too sophisticated for prom. Try them for cocktail parties, mother-of-the-bride or girls' dress-up. Jewelry, shoes and accessories are also sold. Cash only.

13: Arc's Value Village Thrift stores storewide 50 percent off sale (Brooklyn Center, New Hope, Richfield, St. Paul, 651-788-8300, www.arcsvaluevillage.com). Other 50 percent storewide sale dates: May 31, July 24 and Sept. 6.

13: Mode designer shoe event (7781 Main St., Maple Grove, 763-391-6102, www.shopmodestore.com). More than 500 pairs of women's shoes by Cole Haan, Stuart Weisman, Marc Jacobs, Robert Clergerie, Donald Pliner and Poetic License. Each pair is $40.

25-27: Patina clearance sale (2057 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-695-9955). A move from the Minneapolis gift shop outlet, the clearance sale remains in the Highland Park store basement with discounts of 50 to 75 percent on miscellaneous merchandise.

26-27: GH2 women's boutique 90 percent off sale (318 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-378-0509). Fall/winter items priced $5 to $200 after the discount.

MARCH 5-7: Totally Kids furniture and toys storewide sale (7876 Portland Av. S., Bloomington, 952-881-2425, www.shoptotallykids.com). Storewide 25 percent discount on kids' bunk beds, theme beds, college lofts, dressers, tables and toys.

13-14: Warners' Stellian extreme warehouse sale (550 Atwater Circle, St. Paul, 651-222-0011, www.warnersstellian.com). Many appliances, including overstocks and scratch-and-dents, offered below cost. It's also a rare chance to get high-end models from Viking or Jenn Air on sale. Manufacturer warranties still apply, but all sales are final.

18-20: Just Between Friends kids consignment sale (Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy., Eagan, 763-226-5526). Large sale of kids' clothes and toys. Admission is $2 on the first day only. Most items are half-off on the last day. For more sales go to www.jbfsale.com.

APRIL 9-11; 15-18: Gage & Gage gift wrapping/accessories sale (660 Industrial Circle, Shakopee, 952-233-2081, www.gagewarehousesale.com). Bows 25 cents or less, gift boxes 20 cents to $2, gift bags 10 cents to $2, ribbon, tissue, wrapping paper, napkins and paper plates.

10-11: From Yours to Mine kids' consignment sale (Ames Hockey Arena, 19900 Ipava Av., Lakeville, 952-564-7566). Large sale of kids' clothes and toys. Admission is $1 on the first day only. Most items are half-off the last day. For a complete list of spring kids' consignment sales around the Twin Cities, go to www.twincitieskidssales.com.

13: Twin Cities Originals discount gift certificate sale (www.tcoriginals.com). Save 30 percent on $25 and $50 gift certificates to indie restaurants such as Biella, Great Waters Brewing Co., Ike's, Luci Ancora, Murray's and San Pedro Cafe. The online sale starts at 10 a.m. and many certificates sell out within an hour.

15-17: North Aire Market warehouse sale (1157 Valley Park Dr. S., Shakopee, 952-496-2887). Maggie and Mary's dry gourmet soups ($4 on sale), cheeseball mixes ($3) and smoothie mixes ($3) sell for about 40 percent less than at grocery stores.

20-24: Stroke of the Heart warehouse sale (3792 Williston Rd., Minnetonka, 952-945-9495). Locally designed greeting cards with simple watercolor designs priced as low as 10 cents each. Also, note pads or magnets $1.50 and boxed note cards $4.

MAY 8: Bridal Accents Couture sample sale (4401 W. County Rd. 42, Savage, 952-846-4496, ext. 2, www.bridalaccentscouture.com). Nearly all of its sample gowns are discounted 30 to 90 percent. More than 100 gowns for brides, bridesmaids, and prom will be on sale plus shoes, veils and jewelry.

26-June 6: Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale for women and kids (Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-2121). Save 33 percent and more during the spring clearance. Other sales: The men's Half-Yearly sale is June 18-29.

27-31: Half-Price Books 20 percent off everything sale (Apple Valley, 952-431-0749, Coon Rapids, Crystal, Maplewood, Roseville, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, www.halfpricebooks.com). Twenty percent off storewide.

JUNE 5: Papo d'Anjo warehouse sale (2325 Endicott St., Suite 11, St. Paul, 651-294-3900, www.papodanjo.com). Spring and summer high-end European children's wear for boys and girls from 6 months to 12 years.

11-13: Cooks of Crocus Hill tent sale (877 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-228-1333, www.cooksofcrocushill.com). Overstocks, scratch-and-dents, display and cooking school items discounted 50 percent or more, including cookware, food, gadgets, towels, dishes and cookbooks.