Don't have any suggestions. I usally just buy the ones at Walmart or Odd Lots. But, I was just talking today with my friend as to why stores don't carry lights all year around. People use them to decorate outside and grapevine trees and for weddings. I was looking for some this spring and the stores thought I was crazy for asking for them. Hope you get some suggestions.
Cheri

Cheri, they're always available online.
So far, I've only found the 20,000 hour ones in bulk lots of 12 or 24 strings
(for 150-200 dollars) and not the length and spacing I want (too short)
Those must be the ones they use in public parks and such, it's a pain to wrap
or weave them into trees if you have to do it often.
I've been using the cheap ones too, for years, I'm ready for the long-life ones,
but don't need that many.

Here is a link that might be useful: Best so far, and out of stock!

Linnea, have you looked into rope lights? I imagine they last longer as they're protected from water.

http://www.1000bulbs.com/category.php?category=7

Dianne, I have, I just don't like the "Riviera" look in trees.
I like the 6-8" spaced random twinkle of the ordinary mini lights,
it's enough to see the paths without flooding everything with light.
I suppose I'll end up with the same old junk, maybe I can put them on a timer,
it's the same gfi outlet as the pond pump, so they end up being on all night,
which I don't really want anyway.
I wonder if there's a timer that could hook up right at the plug?

I used to have a timer for my coffee pot that plugged into the plug. We got it at Radio Shack. You can get just about anything at Radio Shack.

Have you considered using a remote control for the lights? then you can turn them on and off from inside the house.

A remote control would be awesome, never considered the possibility
being elecrically/electronically retarded.

I assume this can be mounted so the pump stays on and just the one outlet
for the lights turns off? Have to consult with DD's boyfriend. Thanx Dianne!

Finally ordered some, cheap,
bit of a compromise, they said 8,000 hrs. but I think they're lying.
Not as long as I wanted but they string together, they're not importing
as much as they used to because of the low dollar value.

I got two timers too
from the same place, that should help.

I have some solar spots and globes which are kind of interesting,
but for informal foot traffic lighting and a friendly twinkle in the trees,
mini lights are hard to beat.

the remote plug is made by x10 and really simple to install. One plug is remote one is non remote. I use the non remote for my pond and the remote for my lights love it.