A CALENDAR TO SUIT YOUR TASTES EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

One of the easiest decision you'll have to make in 1992 is selecting your calendar. It merely involves deciding whether your needs are best met by a wall-hung, desk-top, page-a-day or datebook model, and what sort of pictures you can live with for the next 12 months.

While many businesses still provide calendars, a lot of people opt for one that fits their own prescribed needs. And it's a decision some people take very seriously.

"A lot of people are rather picky," said Frank Klueppel, manager of Plaza Gifts and Office Supplies. "People get used to a certain type of calendar or book that they use, and they want the same kind every year.

"Most people need something to guide them through the year," Klueppel said. "You need a place to keep track of appointments and jot down notes so you don't forget."

Julie Hoffmeister, manager of Waldenbooks, said: "We've had people go through and look at every calendar before they find the one they like. For some people, it's no longer just go to bank to get one."

Some calendars are utilitarian black and white with plenty of spaces to mark in those appointments. Others are less practical and more entertaining; they add beauty, humor or even a little knowledge, all in an attempt to keep order in busy lives.

Just figure out whether you want to spend 365 days looking at wild animals, "Star Trek" heroes, Impressionist paintings or models in swimsuits.

Not to worry about cost: with most in the $8 to $18 range, a top-of-the-line selection will run you only a penny or two more per day than a cheap one.

"Every year I buy the same calendar," said Hoffmeister. "It's the Victorian calendar. It's a beautiful calendar with Victorian pictures."

Hoffmeister is not alone. "A lot of people buy the same calendar each year," she said. "We had a woman who really wanted to buy a `Beauty and the Beast' calendar from the television show. They just don't make those any more."

Hoffmeister said calendars are available earlier each year; 1992 calendars were available as early as last July.

She said a lot of calendars are sold in November and December. "If you want to take the chance that your calendar will still be available, they are on sale after Christmas," she said. "But people don't want to take a chance. I know I don't take a chance."

While many people have already made their selection, Klueppel said calendars sell very well through the first half of January.

"There are a lot of calendars out there," Hoffmeister said.

Museum-type art and famous photographers' works on calendars are popular. Pictures of domestic cats are also popular, and sports fans can choose from baseball, football, golf, and swimming.

In addition to pictures, calendars also offer inspirational messages by folks like Zig Zigler. You can learn a new word a day or 365 things you can do to save the Earth, or there is a joke-a-day model.

Far Side's Off the Wall, both in wall and engagement calendars, are big sellers, Hoffmeister said. Green Peace, Audubon Society and the Sierra Club have popular nature calendars.

The Baby Sitters Club, Ziggy, Bart Simpson and Little Mermaid attract young planners.

"People buy according to their needs or what they become accustomed to," Klueppel said. "Occasionally we have someone who wants something different. The calendar he had last year didn't work."

Klueppel said: "I normally use a wall calendar. It's easy to see and I can hang it up in front of my desk."

He has a second, datebook calendar he carries with him everywhere, just in case something comes up.

"If people have very many appointments or even if they don't have very many they need a calendar just so they don't forget."