It is hard to buy things ahead of time but I always pick up cute things I find on sale in the hopes that I'll be able to use something. I had so many clothes last ge and then our buddy said they didn't really like clothes.
Oh well, I still managed to find other goodies. There are always sales posted as it gets closer and once you know your buddy, sometimes they give you ideas which makes it easier. But it is a lot of fun and I really enjoy it.