Okay, so here’s this girl whom you’ve been out with on a couple of dates. Both of you are still in the process of getting to know each other. But, you have ended up thoroughly enjoying yourself. She is fun to hang out with. Now, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, you are a tad confused. Sure, you want to give her a great gift, but are not really sure what that should be. You have crossed several options as being too over-the-top but can’t quite decide what would give the ‘right’ message.

Tip: Be guided by your dominant emotion. Is she the one? Or you would rather wait a while before taking that plunge? In the meanwhile, Valentine’s Day looms nearer and you had better get a gift of some sort – fast!

Here are some suitable gifts for exactly such situations:

1. Chocolates. One can never go wrong with the favourite comfort food for most women. Ideal for someone you have only just met or are still getting to know. Besides being delicious and delectable, chocolates also send a non-committal signal. However, be classy and avoid any commonly available bar of chocolates. Reveal your good taste by giving her a tastefully decorated box of fine Belgian or French chocolates.

2. Electronic gizmos. Is she majorly into gadgets and electronic stuff? Does music drive her world? How about a sleek iPod or a set of CDs of her favourite rock band? It shows that you are clued in to her likes and dislikes and have made the effort to indulge them.

3. Flowers. But not red roses. Unless you are ready for the next level of commitment. If you have set your heart on roses, then give the red ones a miss and settle for yellow instead. Yellow roses denote friendship and exuberance. Other non-committal flowers include geraniums and orchids.

4. Do some fun things with her. Is she mad about wildlife, books, hiking, cycling, or sports? Give her something that reflects her hobby? Maybe a surprise trip to her favourite animal charity with a donation in her name. Or, an adventure cycling trip combined with an outdoor picnic for just the two of you.

5. Fashion and beauty accessories. This roughly translates into non-romantic stuff like classic handbags, elegant scarves and wraps and lush bath and beauty products. No woman can have enough of handbags. Neither can she resist luxuries goodies that promise her a pampering experience. Just discretely do your homework well beforehand to know just what does it for her – small clutches or roomy totes? Vanilla fragrances or exotic jasmine? Tricky, but well worth the effort.

Valentine’s Day is a day for sharing with the one who matters the most to you. Have fun and don’t worry too much about what will happen if you get the gifts department right!