Per the choice benefits T&Cs:
For selections made for 2013 Choice Benefits, companion status is good through February 28, 2014; for selections made for 2014 Choice Benefits, companion status is good through February 28, 2015; for selections made for 2015 Choice Benefits, companion status is good through January 31, 2016.
Sounds like doesn't matter when you gift the status, but which year's choice benefit you gift.