Notes on seduction - Ogden Nash
"Candys dandy, Liqueurs quicker"

Flowers aren't a good idea for a first date..better to find out if she's allergic, what her favorites are, and it's better to be far enough along in your dating that you can deliver the flowers to her door so she can put them in water before you leave on the date.

The ball game is a great summer idea..except that in my case, I love any kind of informal ball game; community, church potluck game, local women's league, even Little League, etc. since the professionals spend so much time grabbing their crotches and spitting tobacco juice it makes me feel nauseous.

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

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.

If you look like this you should be ok...

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.

Not important for me on a first date; maybe down the line if we'd gotten to know each other more and were seeing each other more regularly. I'm way more impressed by how someone treats me and how we both interact, anyway. Another concern with receiving flowers is if we met in a public place and I had to drag them around with me. Kind of awkward balancing them on your lap in a theater or at a ballgame.

I've never done that sort of thing on a first date.
Meeting for coffee, or at a bar having a drink or two.
Both of them are more social.
It's important to me to get to know the person I'm with a bit before I'll have a second date.
I live on the beach, so my second date or so would be to have a walk one the beach, and watch the sunset.
Then maybe dinner.

I've never done it on a first date. I wait until I get to know the woman a bit more. Even then I don't like doing it where either of us will have to carry it throughout the date. I also had an ex who didn't want me to buy her flowers because her ex only bought her flowers when he did something wrong and was "apologizing".

No. There are ton of things you can do so she knows you're interested/prepared, but giving her something that she'll have to carry around for the duration is not going to resonate with most women. Instead look your best, show up on time, have some ideas on things to discuss and additional things to do if it's going well, maybe a walk or an event nearby.

I mean I think, I'm single what the fuck do I know.

What a nice thought. It’s never happened to me and I have no idea what to do with them. Oh, yeah, I think I have a vase somewhere. Thank you. And me being me I would immediately try to think of a way to repay that thoughtfulness.

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.....

Simply depends on the couple's likes or dislikes.

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.

Something more discrete on a first date. A fine chocolate, or ONE small flower that she/he can put in a purse/bag. But I would go better with a fine chocolate, or even some small food that you know is not common for people to buy.
Let the flowers for when you already have something ion going.

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

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.

Great question! I think it depends on the person you're going out with. On the hand, I know a lot of girls who just don't like flowers, so you would spend your in vain. On the other hand, I have female friends who absolutely adore flowers, and bringing a bouquet would significantly improve your chances of impressing them. Therefore, you should do your research before going out on a date. If you decide to buy flowers, make sure you purchase a worthy bouquet. My girlfriend is obsessed with roses, and I prefer to order them from the Mississauga flower delivery service. They never disappoint! Cheers.

Yes!