Fall's best buys

It's a question of supply and demand -- and the odds are in the buyer's favour. Here are some of fall's top deals according to author Mark Di Vincenzo on Forbes.com:

Fruits and vegetables. Last chance to stock up before prices go up! Luckily, there's still lots of fresh fare available, and many great ways to serve it or preserve it. Many foods like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, spinach and Asian vegetables are still in season through the end of October. Many varieties continue well into November -- like apples, pears, garlic, squash, onions, parsnips and potatoes. Lucky British Columbians can find seasonal produce on the shelves well into the winter too. (Check with your local growers' association for more information.)

And don't forget the wine! The growing season is almost over for grapes, but Canada's wine growing regions are gearing up for fall festivals to launch their new vintages.

Cookware. Getting ready for holiday feasts? Sales on pots and pans are common ahead of the busy entertaining season. Not only are retailers offering up the items that people are looking for, they're trying to entice people who are already in the store to start their holiday shopping too.

Alternatively, you can wait for spring when retailers offer promotions for wedding and graduation season.

Toys. No, it's not too early to start Christmas shopping. Fall is when new toys hit the stores, and not long afterward the competition starts to heat up. Watch for stores to launch sales to keep in line with their competitors. (Also, if you're looking to get the hottest toys this year, it's a good idea to shop early!)