This is a tough one and is a question that many have struggled with. Questions that have gone through many a would-be suitor’s minds are:

• Should I bring a gift to a first date?
• What gift should I bring?

While it may seem like overkill, and not necessary in this day-and-age, bringing a gift to a first date shows the person that you really are looking forward to spending time with them and have taken the time to pick out something especially for them.

So, if you’ve decided that you want to buy that special someone a gift on your first date, what should you buy?

You can’t go wrong with flowers

A good first date gift is flowers because they don’t say anything too personal – like you’re already planning how many children you’ll have! – but show that you’ve been thinking about your date. For example, St Joseph’s Lillies are a great flower to take as they are incredibly beautiful and will blow your date away!

Be classy but don’t miss the boat

When you do buy your first date a gift, be classy but don’t let your gift say something that you don’t mean. For example, don’t rock up with a huge diamond ring as that will just get the other person screaming for the hills!

On the subject of jewellery, try to avoid it at all costs on the first date. If you make it to date 5, by all means drop in a subtle piece of jewellery. Jewellery is an incredibly personal thing. Some people adore their jewels while others hate them. Some like big flashy jewels while others prefer understated pieces.

Do your homework

If you have known each other for a while and have been moving in the same friendship circles, consider asking your date’s best friend about what they like. This is less creepy than Facebook stalking but will still make sure that you get the perfect gift and avoid embarrassing situations – like if they’re trying to lose weight and you rock up with a box of chocolates…

Chocolates usually work!

If your date is not on a diet, a good first date gift is a box of chocolates. And the more refined the chocolate is, the better. Great ideas are chocolates that have a high percentage of cocoa or truffles. Avoid bog-ordinary supermarket chocolates like the plague.

Beyers Chocolate has it right when they say that chocolate is the perfect gift because there are so many types of chocolate so you’ll definitely be able to find one that your date will love.

So, when choosing the perfect gift for your first date, try and see if the other person would actually want to receive a gift from you. If the answer is ‘yes’ then, by all means, buy one – it’ll impress them. But if they wouldn’t, steer clear of getting a gift – rather wait until you have gotten to know the person better.