There’s nothing quite like the feel of early fall – crisp mornings, sparkling sunsets, and all kinds of soft layers to embrace that easy autumn chill. Somewhere in-between the apple-picking, costume parties, and bonfires, though, you’ll feel the holidays fast approaching. It may seem way too soon to start thinking about stocking stuffers and grab bags, but trust us, it’s not.

If there’s one thing worse than showing up a month or two early to the holiday party, it’s showing up late… without a gift. We’ve all been there – the week, day, or night before the big gift exchange – bustling through an over-crowded mall, analyzing expensive overnight shipping options, wishing we’d taken care of this earlier.

Aside from avoiding the unrivaled stress of last-minute holiday shopping, here are a few of the best reasons to consider making your list a little sooner, rather than later. Like, now.

1) Give more thoughtful gifts.

When you’re not rushing to cross something off your list, you have time to consider what people REALLY want, and find a gift you know they’ll love.

Hint: Consider their MOOD for a gift that gives them all the right feels, or wrap up their favorite fit and give them something they’ll wear all year long.

2) Reclaim your holiday time.

Not only will you have fewer lines and less traffic to deal with if you start shopping now, you won’t have to fight the holiday crowds in December. That means you’ll actually get to ENJOY the holidays when they get here, with plenty of time for getting all kinds of festive.

Hint: You can already find some of the season’s best styles to give (and get!) so start stocking up for everyone on your list now. Look for cozy-soft sherpa, throwback colorblocking, and athletic or slightly oversized silhouettes.

3) You might even find a something for yourself.

Once your gifts are wrapped, you can start thinking about what YOU really want. Start putting together your Favorites list now on ae.com, and share it with your friends and fam.

Hint: Everyone needs a great flannel to beat the chill, especially when they’re this amazingly soft. They make a perfect gift for your bestie, your bae, your brother, yourself…