No chocolate. Why? Because it's probably milk chocolate and a lot of people don't eat dairy products for ethical or health reasons. Chocolates also generally have refined sugar which should be avoided. Bring me avocados....

Flowers are great if you are meeting her at her house so she can put them in water, not so much if she has to carry them around and watch them wilt all evening before finally getting thrown in the trash once she gets home. I'd be more impressed with a rose bush in a pot...ready to be planted. But, then, I have a big yard. LOL Daffodil bulbs to plant would be cool too -- Or a succulent in a pot...or herb....something that lasts!

A copy of a book you recommend is also a great idea....especially if you love to read. The other's person reaction to getting a book will tell you a lot about them.

Some of us will "squee" with delight! A book! Can I skip the date to read??!!! LOL

Other people will wrinkle their nose up in disgust or bafflement.....a book? what do I do with that?
You want to avoid those people.

Best possible? Bring me a rock....a polished Tiger's Eye or Snowflake Obsidian.....something that means something to you -- for example a piece of Amethyst geode because you are born in February would be awesome...and tell me the lore about the rock....the history.....why you like it....where it can be found in the world....etc.

Damn. I should probably date a geologist.

BTW, I usually cook on the first date...eating at home and having a real conversation is preferable to going out. And, yes, I usually give a book. If I have gotten to the "date" level of friendship, they are getting a book.

A resounding no! I think you shouldn't act overly chivalrous on the first date. Women say they like it and that it's "sweet", but they secretly hate it (trust me on this), and later use your sweet behavior as a weapon against you ("but you weren't always like that" ). A reasonable combination of courtesy and genuineness should work out fine for you. Just be yourself and don't be afraid to show the masculine side of you.

Should? There is no such thing. It just doesn't matter. If she's into you she'll love it and if she's not it's a waste. Follow your gut. I sent 50 roses to a woman AFTER our first date because it felt like the right thing to do. She might however be allergic to flowers, hate flowers, own a flower shop etc. so you might want to do some research first if you don't want to make a wrong decision.

I would say that's your call but it would be better than a set of wiper blades

Lunch and a ball game, the beers would be my flowers! Anyway a ball game would be fun, you can actually talk with one another in a relaxed atmosphere, low key and laid back

Chocolate is probably the best thing as long as she's not allergic or a fun heart necklace.

I don't want to receive anything on a first date . If we don't know ea other enough , giving me anything will make me uncomftable and what's the point ?
Also for me , a coffee time is a real date . A show , a movie , a game will never do for me . Not as first date at least , maybe two months later . I want to hear u talk , not the actors / athletes / whatever .

If the need to bring something on a real first date is strong than flowers would do.
But I feel on a very first date it's too much pressure.
I have been known to ask, when my date wants to pay for EVERYthing and not take my half of the cost, "Will you be expecting sex at the end of this date?".
I am up front and not afraid to set my boundaries.

A lovely thought....a nice (not too large!) bunch from the supermarket will set you back around $8, and you will have the pleasure of seeing her delight. Sending flowers will set you back $50 or more, and seems excessive in many ways.....

LOL "not coffee. A real date" Real date? heh

I am a guy (older) and may be completely off on this one but feel that a bouquet of flowers tug at the heartstrings of a female between 15 and early to mid twenties. On the other hand a walk with a female friend where a guy picks a single flower and offers it to a female friend has a far more significant emotional impact. Would love to hear feedback from Agnostic females.

I’ve only had that happen once in my life. It was so surprising and amazing! I loved it....doesn’t have to be an expensive bouquet. He brought pretty wildflowers. Still makes me smile even though we didn’t work out

I vote "no", if for no other reason than one of you then have to carry them around. If you want to give flowers, send them the next day.

This seems to me a bit old fashioned however, given the age of your date this may be appropriate. I do think that if you get on well and decide to continue to date each other that you could do this on the 3rd or 4th date to show that you are really into them.

Someone brought me a bunch of ripe wheat once...it was beautiful and I was impressed!

It's a lovely gesture. If the impulse is genuine, do it.
Just keep it simple, and make sure she can put them in a vase before
you head out. No one wants to tote around flowers for the duration.

why not i think any thoughtful gesture should be viewed for what it is flowers chocs beer wine beer whisky beer rum really anything

Well, I wouldn't be displeased, but you do risk that the lady is allergic to flowers. Then there is the issue of where to put the flowers if you do something else after dinner.

I had my first date in a really long time a few weeks ago. He brought me flowers, which was sweet, but awkward because I had to carry them around since we met at the restaurant. I echo no if you aren't meeting at one's house before the date.

Bring babies. If she's a proper heathen, she'll know just how to cook them.

not if she has cats or allergies. find out if she even LIKES flowers! likewise a bottle of wine -- she may not drink (or she might love it). try to find out what she likes before you decide.

g

I never messed with flowers on a first date and have done alright.

I personally feel it's a little over-the-top. Also, they are a little inconvenient to deal with during the date. I would save that sort of thing for after it has progressed to the next stage and you have become an item. But that's just me.

Sure! It's a lovely gesture. Yes it's old fashioned and rarely done these days. That makes you unique. Allergies? I suffer through the allergies

Not on a first date. A first date is all about getting to know one another, not movies, or even dinner in my oppinion. Save the flowers and all the other stuff for after you are dating.