I start mine, in June, because I'm always forgetting. :D
Also, then you have time to come across things that just make you think of the person.
Thankfully, one of my friends is terribly easy to find something for. Her parents don't like tea, so she only ever gets it at my house. *is getting her a months supply of tea* XD
Well, being poor as I am, I made most of my gifts (which I had time to do while I had Swine Flu!) and then I bought the rest.
Technically I'm not finished, but I've got everyone except my brother. He's the hardest person to buy for so I always wait until the last minute. He always gives me the best gifts because he knows me so well, I always want to give him something as special so it takes forever.