This story is from September 20, 2011

All for a not-so-expensive first date

Going on a first date but don’t want to break the bank? Don’t worry. There are various other things you can gift/do for him/her.
All for a not-so-expensive first date
Going on a first date but don’t want to break the bank? Don’t worry. There are various other things you can gift/do for him/her.
1. Sorry flowers. It's time for a 'flora' spa
It's all about gift coupons these days. Whether it's a shopping voucher for a mall, bookstore or anything, give her/him the freedom to buy what he/she wants. Spa is one of the best ways of making your special someone feel good.
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Express your love and show him/her how much you would love to pamper, through a nice spa gift voucher.
P.S. It's better to go with a coupon than buy something that he/she hates and end up ruining your first impression
2. A sporty affair
If you and your date are both athletic, then either go on an adventure trip to somewhere near or go for some nice sports.
P.S. Make sure she genuinely 'likes' sports and ain't scared of heights or speed, though the latter could actually be in your favour!
3. Wine
The sheen of some red wine will do all the talking. Gift him/her classy wines and celebrate your first date. Raise a toast to your love and easily demonstarte how classy and elegant you are. And yes, how much you love him/her.

P.S. Don't buy cheap wine to save money or she might hate the 'high' that she gets next day
4. Jewelry
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. If you can afford it, then go ahead and make a sparkling first date impression. If you can't then head straight to the malls. You are sure to find an array of interesting cocktail rings, pendants, bracelets and much more. If you have a love for hearts, choose a double heart shaped pendant and say " I love you" gracefully.
P.S. Don't propose her to marry you on your first date even if you have succeeded in breaking your piggy bank and buying a diamond ring.
5. Perfume
Why just make your first date romantic? Make it aromatic by gifting him/her a sensual perfume to match your mood.
P.S. Stay away from sweet, fruity or vanilla for your man, or a cologne for your girl
6. Chocolates
A box of Swiss chocolates can say much more than what you can, on your first date. So while you whisper those sweet nothings on her/his ear, let her feel pampered with a box of chocolates.
P.S. Make sure your girl's not diet conscious. Is he is, refer to other points for ideas
7. Books
A classic of her choice or a gritty graphic novel of his choice can make the best first impression. Make sure you gauge your partner's taste in advance to give him/her the book she/he would keep forever. If your partner's a book lover, you won't have to do anything else.
P.S. Even if your partner doesn't like reading, a romantic novel can do half your job
8. Cds and DVDs
Either get together a collection of the most romantic songs or a buy a nice music CD. As you propose to her, ask her for a dance and let the music play, creating the perfect mood. If she/he likes watching movies, then buy a nice collection of romantic flicks for the perfect first date.
P.S. You might have to dance on your first date and she might not prefer 'rock' for your first dance. And he might not like SRK sprucing up your first date
9. Handmade crafts
Unique and personalised. If this is how you want your date to be, then unleash your creative side. Show how much you care, and make something nice to surprise him/her. Even if you can't write poems or make portraits, your cute li'l drawing or poem or craft willl surely impress your girl. Trust us on that.
P.S. Too sweet a gesture to go wrong. And if you are a girl preparing something for your guy, a scrap book could do good too. But be careful with it, as it could look too cheesy
10. Flowers
Come what may, flowers can never go wrong. Get a nice bouquet done of your favourite flowers and make her feel special. It's always better to go for a bouquet with hand picked flowers and not the ready-made ones. After all tulips, lilies, iris, orchid, carnations, daisies and finally rose, have been rated romantic by pros! Finally, spring it up with a vanda or a Birds of Paradise. Exotic and special, how else do you want your first date to be?
P.S. You can never go wrong with flowers. Just beware of those thorns and bees!
author
About the Author
Misha Paul

Misha Paul is a copy editor-cum-correspondent at Pune Times. Misha covers fashion and lifestyle, has a lively personality and a passion for reading, and loves to explore fresh leads for fascinating stories.

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