It goes without saying that the sooner you get started buying gifts, the quicker you'll be done. That's not always practical in terms of finances, but if you buy some in October and some in November, you won't have to battle with other shoppers in December or pay over the odds for those must-buy gifts that have sold out already.
Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and figure out which presents you can (or should) get early — this is particularly pertinent for children who want a toy that's sure to sell out.