When is too early to start Christmas shopping?

Never.

If you can get a good deal on gifts in the New Year sales then go for it – generic gifts (eg. toiletry sets) especially, then leave main gifts or personalised gifts until later in the year when you’ve a better idea who you’re buying for and what they want.

If you’re talking decorations then all the more reason to buy early to get reduced decorations right after Christmas, things like wrapping can be cheaper to buy online or via catalogue earlier in the year.

If you’re talking food then as long as it has a good shelf life then go at it…buying tangerines for your Christmas stockings in January will not go well.