Hi guys! I'm new here.

I want to give a friend a game. I'd like to buy it now and use the option "Send as Gift" but make sure to send it by Christmas. Is there any way to do that beyond buying it in Christmas day?

When you buy it, gift it to your own email.
Then just send him the code when you're ready.

I believe you just select "this is a gift" and put in your own email address. Then just give the key (or the link you are emailed, but the redemption key will show up on your account page under 'gifts' and you can just PM/email them that code when you want to. :)

Excellent.

Thanks!