What to Bring on a First Date

Forget being lavish on the first date, or the second or the third. If you want to show up with a gift, then bring something small, subtle and nice. Ideas for good first date gifts are: one beautiful flower (go to the florist and pick one out – and have them wrap it in nice paper). Other nice small gifts could be a bottle of wine, if she’s a wine drinker, or some specialty dog or cat treats if she has pets. You can be creative but just don’t go overboard. It’s a first date, and you two don’t know each other that well yet.

Unless you’re sure she’ll want to pay her share of everything, make sure you’ve got enough money to cover any expenses. As your dating relationship continues, she’ll (hopefully) offer to split costs.

You don’t have to be a cover model for GQ. You do have to make your best effort at wearing something that’s appropriate for the date, and being very clean and well groomed. You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy new clothes, but just make sure you look well put together. Look like yourself, but your best self.

If you feel like wearing some cologne, just a tiny bit is enough. Don’t take a bath in your cologne. Some people are sensitive to perfumes and colognes and you don’t want to send her into a sneezing, eye-watering fit.

A sincere interest in getting to know her better. You’re going to win lots of points by making sure you don’t do all the talking and that you’re asking her about herself, her interests and her goals, and then listening intently and learning about her.

Bring your best manners. Open doors for her and treat her and everyone you run into such as the valet, the waiter, the person at the ticket booth or other drivers with respect.