Valentine gift ideas for a new male friend?

I met a guy a month ago and we have spent time together and talk daily via phone and/or e-mail. My question is do you have any Valentine gift ideas for a guy you've known for such a short time or should I not buy him a gift at all? Any ideas, let me rephrase that, almost any ideas are welcomed!


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Sisterhood, Scholarship, & Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom"

[the411]

Ooh, now that's a tough one! On the one hand, it may be perfectly innocent in his eyes and a good gesture on your part, but on the other hand, he may get a little "nervous" (as men often do). He may think you expect something in return or want more out of the acquaintanceship. How close have you two gotten, emotionally speaking, in the short time you've known each other? Is there a mutual romantic interest, or is the relationship evidently platonic on either side?

To be "safe", I suggest a humorous (anti-mushy) Valentine's card. That way, you still celebrate the occasion without causing any tension or discomfort. If he's a 'Net surfer, those e-greetings are always nice (and FREE).

If you still feel compelled to get a gift, I'd do something cheap ($20 or less) and simple, yet thoughtful and un-romantic, like one of the following:
1. a CD (or gift certificate for a CD/CDs)
2. a video tape or DVD disc of a movie you know he loves
3. a baseball cap of his favorite sports team
4. decorative, scented candles that are masculine in design
5. small picture frames (for photos of his friends and/or family)
6. a book of particular interest to young, black men (assuming he's black, that is)
7. something you've noticed that he needs (like new gloves or a wallet) Note: Be sure you don't get too "mothery" or "wifey" by getting something you think he needs just because you don't like what he already has. Make sure you know he'll appreciate it (maybe he's commented on needing gloves or a wallet or something else, but just hasn't made time to get it)
8. something he could use to enhance/complete a project or to use for an event or special occasion. If he's into drawing, get some art supplies. If he's going to a big event, like a wedding, and has a camera, buy a few rolls of some good quality film. If he's into burning CD's, buy some blank discs. You get the picture...

Well, this is all that I can think of without knowing much about him, you, or your relationship. I hope it helps! Good Luck!

And, might I add: Send up a prayer for single, lonely folks like me who will be spending Valentine's Day (yet again) ALONE, with only an oversized bag of Doritos, a 4-pack of Jack Daniels Country Cocktails (Lynchburg Lemonade), and an Angie Stone CD to enjoy!

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

[Monique]

How about some candy? Such as a sucker with a ribbon on it, or a teddy bear? But a cd is also a good idea.

[12dn94dst]

Originally posted by the411:
And, might I add: Send up a prayer for single, lonely folks like me who will be spending Valentine's Day (yet again) ALONE, with only an oversized bag of Doritos, a 4-pack of Jack Daniels Country Cocktails (Lynchburg Lemonade), and an Angie Stone CD to enjoy!

AMEN and OOO-OOP!! to that Soror!!

[Professor]

Excellent Ideas - especially the cd, wallet, gloves - something useable that does not suggest any major feelings.

Originally posted by the411:
Ooh, now that's a tough one! On the one hand, it may be perfectly innocent in his eyes and a good gesture on your part, but on the other hand, he may get a little "nervous" (as men often do). He may think you expect something in return or want more out of the acquaintanceship. How close have you two gotten, emotionally speaking, in the short time you've known each other? Is there a mutual romantic interest, or is the relationship evidently platonic on either side?

To be "safe", I suggest a humorous (anti-mushy) Valentine's card. That way, you still celebrate the occasion without causing any tension or discomfort. If he's a 'Net surfer, those e-greetings are always nice (and FREE).

If you still feel compelled to get a gift, I'd do something cheap ($20 or less) and simple, yet thoughtful and un-romantic, like one of the following:
1. a CD (or gift certificate for a CD/CDs)
2. a video tape or DVD disc of a movie you know he loves
3. a baseball cap of his favorite sports team
4. decorative, scented candles that are masculine in design
5. small picture frames (for photos of his friends and/or family)
6. a book of particular interest to young, black men (assuming he's black, that is)
7. something you've noticed that he needs (like new gloves or a wallet) Note: Be sure you don't get too "mothery" or "wifey" by getting something you think he needs just because you don't like what he already has. Make sure you know he'll appreciate it (maybe he's commented on needing gloves or a wallet or something else, but just hasn't made time to get it)
8. something he could use to enhance/complete a project or to use for an event or special occasion. If he's into drawing, get some art supplies. If he's going to a big event, like a wedding, and has a camera, buy a few rolls of some good quality film. If he's into burning CD's, buy some blank discs. You get the picture...

Well, this is all that I can think of without knowing much about him, you, or your relationship. I hope it helps! Good Luck!

And, might I add: Send up a prayer for single, lonely folks like me who will be spending Valentine's Day (yet again) ALONE, with only an oversized bag of Doritos, a 4-pack of Jack Daniels Country Cocktails (Lynchburg Lemonade), and an Angie Stone CD to enjoy!

[jazbri]

Another suggestion may be to think about what are some of his immediate goals. Last Valentine's, my friend was heavily interviewing and into a serious fitness routine. I truly did not want to give him something heavy with 'serious relationship-type undertones'. Because he is in the IT industry, I purchased him a magazine that was very industry related (helped him with job interviews). I also purchased another magazine that was centered on Men's Health. I felt that those were good ideas due to what was going on in his life at that time. I wrapped them in cute ribbons and fed him a home-cooked meal (any single bachelor will enjoy that).

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"Unless you know the road you've come down, you cannot know where you are going"
~Temme proverb, Sierre Leone~

[This message has been edited by jazbri (edited February 07, 2001).]

Originally posted by the411:

And, might I add: Send up a prayer for single, lonely folks like me who will be spending Valentine's Day (yet again) ALONE, with only an oversized bag of Doritos, a 4-pack of Jack Daniels Country Cocktails (Lynchburg Lemonade), and an Angie Stone CD to enjoy!

I will girl, because this is the second Valentine's Day ever that I had someone to spend it with.

[the411]

Bless you, c&c!

------------------
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

[HopefulProspective]

I suggest something very simple, and like the 411 said, I also suggest a friendly card. I am a sucker for comedic cards over the mushy cards anyway. Candy is very simple. The large sucker with a bow would be perfect. Good luck with whatever you choose, and HAVE FUN!!

[QUEEN]

Well, I think I can help you with this one. If your just good friends you should keep it simple,If you want more you should be just a little DEEP. For example: find out what he is interrested in doing and start gift giving early. If you want a just for laughs, then do something that the both of you can laugh about on Valentines Day.Start suprizing him everyday until the day. Nothing big just something that will make him laugh and blush at the same time. It is always good to let a friend know that YES you are thinking of him.
You could even do funny e-mails everyday try www.123greetings.com.

The way to a mans heart may be through his stomach.
But
The way to a mans memory is through laughter and good conversation.

DST QUEEN
"A QUEEN TIL DEATH"
GOD BLESS TO ALL

[This message has been edited by QUEEN (edited February 12, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by QUEEN (edited February 12, 2001).]

[Lovealious]

Fabulous ideas, great way to K.I.S.S... I'm in a simular situaution I'm pretty sure the guy is feeling me -he's said it on more than one occassion - I just don't know if I feel secure with giving him a gift. Although a $20 gift wouldn't hurt. If I don't get anything in return.. that'll just let me know that this relationship isn't going to work.

Originally posted by the411:
Ooh, now that's a tough one! On the one hand, it may be perfectly innocent in his eyes and a good gesture on your part, but on the other hand, he may get a little "nervous" (as men often do). He may think you expect something in return or want more out of the acquaintanceship. How close have you two gotten, emotionally speaking, in the short time you've known each other? Is there a mutual romantic interest, or is the relationship evidently platonic on either side?

To be "safe", I suggest a humorous (anti-mushy) Valentine's card. That way, you still celebrate the occasion without causing any tension or discomfort. If he's a 'Net surfer, those e-greetings are always nice (and FREE).

If you still feel compelled to get a gift, I'd do something cheap ($20 or less) and simple, yet thoughtful and un-romantic, like one of the following:
1. a CD (or gift certificate for a CD/CDs)
2. a video tape or DVD disc of a movie you know he loves
3. a baseball cap of his favorite sports team
4. decorative, scented candles that are masculine in design
5. small picture frames (for photos of his friends and/or family)
6. a book of particular interest to young, black men (assuming he's black, that is)
7. something you've noticed that he needs (like new gloves or a wallet) Note: Be sure you don't get too "mothery" or "wifey" by getting something you think he needs just because you don't like what he already has. Make sure you know he'll appreciate it (maybe he's commented on needing gloves or a wallet or something else, but just hasn't made time to get it)
8. something he could use to enhance/complete a project or to use for an event or special occasion. If he's into drawing, get some art supplies. If he's going to a big event, like a wedding, and has a camera, buy a few rolls of some good quality film. If he's into burning CD's, buy some blank discs. You get the picture...

Well, this is all that I can think of without knowing much about him, you, or your relationship. I hope it helps! Good Luck!

And, might I add: Send up a prayer for single, lonely folks like me who will be spending Valentine's Day (yet again) ALONE, with only an oversized bag of Doritos, a 4-pack of Jack Daniels Country Cocktails (Lynchburg Lemonade), and an Angie Stone CD to enjoy!

[the411]

c&c, how did it go?


------------------
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

Originally posted by the411:
c&c, how did it go?

Thanks for asking Soror! Things went well as could be. After reading my post again, I realized I failed to mention that we live 80 miles or so away from each other. We talked about it before hand and said he wasn't a big Valentine's Day kind of guy. Anyway, I sent him an e-greeting. He suggested we take a trip this weekend. So, things are still looking up! I don't have a need to rejoin the V-Day protests, right now.