Gift for a guy on a first date

[YouDefinitelyShouldNotDoThat]

Hey all, I am going on a first date next week and I know that he is bringing a gift for me (something we've talked about in our chats already). He's such a lovely guy, and I'd really like to surprise him with a gift too, but I'm absolutely clueless about what to get him!
I know it might seem a bit much for a first date, but he's someone I think I'll end up being friends with whether there's chemistry or not, so I'm happy to do this.
Any ideas? He's really into his music....

This would have creeped me out too before I met a guy who likes to give gifts! We've been on 5 dates and so far he has got me some nice wine glasses, a cool kitchen gadget, and some pictures that he made. It's a bit much, but I believe he means well so I'm just enjoying the generosity / attention for now.

I plan to bake him a cake as a thank you. 😎

My advice is try to work out if he's genuine or just lovebombing you, and don't feel like you have to reciprocate straight away. Good luck!

I should add the gifts started on the second date, not first. 😅

If you really feel you must - bunch of flowers. Cheap, easy and men don't get flowers as often as women so it's a thoughtful gesture.

But honestly, I wouldn't. Don't hang all your hopes on a first date!

Also, if it doesn't work out, he can't use 'I need to give you your flowers back' an excuse to make you see him again.

But, again - I recommend No Gift 😁

No gift. It's creepy.

You and this man are total strangers and no matter how much you've been talking, you don't actually know him. Best to keep things simple so there's no problem walking away if you don't like each other.

NNNNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

no.

I don't think the gift per se is the issue here Op - it's just that you have literally no idea if you will really click at all.

I remember doing online dating - and you can 'think' you click - and then the moment you meet there is zero chemistry. and then the gift feels totally cringe.

I worry you are putting far too. much onto a date with a total stranger - your expectations should be seriously low.

There's an apt line about this in the Beatles song She's A Woman:
'My love dont give me presents
I know that she's no peasant'

I've just got the ick.

Last First Date I had I brought a book which I had picked up on holiday (for a cost of zero pounds and zero pence).

Similarly, his first gift to me was a book.

But, that would be it- minimal or low cost and with a relevant link to chat.

I agree. I remember going on a date where we’d got on well on the phone and he turned up with flowers. I took one lo at him and knew there was no chemistry at all and spent next hour desperately trying to escape.

Lovebombing was my first thought, especially as he's told you in advance, rather than it just being a little surprise gift. He's now got you all anxious, worrying and whirling to keep up with his gift, hasn't he? Red flags are fluttering...

No, bad idea

I’m going against the grain - I had a similar fist date and turned up with a little patisserie as a gift. Nothing odd about it as it tied in with our conversations etc.

A man that needs to bring a gift on a first date... hmmm I'd be very suspicious that he's catfished you with old photos or something. And if he has imagine how you'll feel handing him a thoughtfully chosen gift (before trying to escape!).

Plus if he's genuine and you click he will enjoy giving you the gift, expecting nothing but your company in return

Fingers crossed!

If you know from chatting he loves a Snickers or a Kitkat (or other low priced similar treat) then that's a sweet touch but nothing random

Oh god no. Don't.

I remember a guy from a dating site once bought my sister a bottle of Angel perfume on their first and only date about 15 years ago as she told him it was her favourite.

She found it a bit cringe but she kept the perfume. I actually thought it was quite sweet and was a lil' bit jealous to be honest! 😂

Ok, ok, there's a definite consensus here 🫠🫠
For context the gift he's got me is something he got for free from a company he represents (he works in sales). So whilst it sounds too much, it's not like he's being over the top and has spent money on me. It's a nice gesture- more like "hey, I have one of these, would you like it?"
Didn't mean to drip feed!

But ok, I won't buy one back. Mumsnet has spoken 🤣🤣

What he's giving you isn't special, it's not exactly a gift. He's offered you something he got for free but doesn't particularly want. Absolutely no need to make any kind of reciprocal gesture, unless you've got some trade freebie you don't want, that could be quite a funny thing to do.

Nooo
Buy him a drink
His gift is your company

So he's giving you something he didn't want nor paid for and you want to buy him a gift?

How very weird

Honestly don't. I had a first date when he gave me chocs and flowers and it was honestly cringe.

Thanks! I was actually wondering about something edible as I know he likes cake... May consider this.

You may be right actually. It's perhaps more about my need to feel I'm reciprocating, whereas there's actually no need....