Kelsey Richards, Brandon Lavender

Sitting on a bench near the USS Constellation enjoying a warm noontime sun, Kelsey Richards and Brandon Lavender are two sides of the same coin.

She started shopping Friday at 5:30 a.m. at Target in Middle River and is done.

He's done, "absolutely nothing. December 24, that's when I'll start. It gives me more time to think."

Richards, 16, of Reisterstown, had four people on her list and spent more than $300. "No, no budget. I just got people what they wanted."

Lavender, 19, of Rosedale, figures "gift cards, that's the way to go."

--Candy Thomson

November 23, 2012