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.

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.

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.

Not if she is a hay fever sufferer

Simply depends on the couple's likes or dislikes.

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.....

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.

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

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.

In my mind, I would love getting flowers on a first date, after the date had happened, and only if in picking the flowers they showed that they paid attention to my story about my favorite flower - the Zinnia. I'm picky, but I've also never had a woman try to buy me flowers, so your mileage may vary.

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".

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.

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 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.

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

It’s a very sweet gesture but at the same time it would be hard for me too to carry them around the entire time. Instead you can send them to her workplace with a hand-written note (seriously, skip the ready written fake notes) and it’ll mean a lot.

Guys have no idea how small but thoughtful things mean a lot to us.

Yes!

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.