Brenna Egan, L.A. Editor
"I am of the belief that when something speaks to you as a gift for a particular person in say, July, you should nab it then. I've been collecting odds and ends for my mom throughout the year, because she has so many quirks, passions, and things I associate with her personality. It was a little overwhelming to open up the 'present closet' last week to sift through everything, but totally worth avoiding last-minute panic! As for those annoying tough-to-buy-for friends and fam, I dig deep into my memory bank of something we've experienced together or a conversation we've had, and get creative (this usually means hitting eBay or Etsy). Or, you could always 'give the gift of time' as one of my dear friends does, pick up tickets to a concert or museum, and make more memories together! Bottom line: I refuse to give a meaningless anything."

Photographed by Hailly Howard