it all depends on what is going on with money. if i see something that would be good for someone on the list and i have the extra money for it, i'll get it then especailly if it is on sale or clearanced. if not, i'll make a note of it and check again later to see if it is on sale when i have the extra money.
i wait until closer to christmas for the kids. less time for it to be discovered, and their tastes change quicker than adults' do.