I buy my sugar in 50# bags for $19.80 a bag...it's cheaper. I am mixing up and giving my hives 1:1 right now, but as they are just coming out of overwintering, they are still building up. So putting on 2 gallons would just be wasting it. Our temp's are just now getting to be mid-50's daytime and they are taking it better than just a couple of weeks ago when it would drop into the 40's at night. They are taking about a quart every three days now here, but in your area they could be ready to rock and roll.
Part of the decision you'll make is how often you want/are able to look after them and what kind of feeder set-up you are using. The smaller the jar, the more often you have to replenish. I have several options from quart jar feeders, 1 gallon paint cans and 3 gallon top feeders...if you make up too much and they aren't in the mood, it will get moldy so for me right now, I am making and giving them smaller quantities, when there is a lot more bee's to feed, I'll probably increase the size of my feeders, so I don't have to monkey with them too much...I also have protein patty's on them too...