I tend to do the same, if I see something, I'll buy it then and put it aside until the holiday/event/occasion arrives.  I noticed that starting in September, some catalog's were advertising holiday gifts.  I DEFINITELY avoid black Thursday at all costs.  Other than some of the perks (free item with purchase of ________ ), I have never thought that you saved much than had you purchased the same item 2 weeks later.... But my Christmas shopping has always been done by Thanksgiving too because I often have problems with the Post Office. 

Last year a friend in NJ sent me something and it took 3 weeks!!! She was starting to worry!

If it's a particular diamond, I would think you buy it when you see it as sometimes it's a difficult item to find at the same price. But I'll flag this as a yoohoo for David because there is custom versus ones made and bunch of other factors.

 

Now I wish I had bought all my gifts earlier this year!!!  I am starting to feel the pressure!!!

I'm sooo behind this year, usually I'm done by Thanksgiving-not this year:)

At least the staff gifts are done---THANKS TO DBL   Just need to decide what to do for their holiday party!

I usually buy early in the season to get extra markdowns. (NEVER on black friday tho) But this year I was really late and ended up saving more money than last year!