Gifts for a new Girlfriend

Your new relationship is going pretty well. You've been seeing a new girl for a little while and think it could be going somewhere. Everything is progressing just fine until she drops a bombshell that all new boyfriends dread (no, not that one): that it's her birthday in a couple of weeks' time.

Panic ensues. It's hard enough buying for women, but it's nigh-on impossible to buy something appropriate for someone you've only been seeing for a short time. This isn't just about buying a gift, it's about the sentiment, the message that it conveys. Get it right and she'll remember it forever. Get it wrong and suffer the consequences.

Is a gift really necessary? In a word: yes, but it doesn't need to be excessively expensive or flamboyant. Here are a few more than acceptable ideas for the perfect present.

Flowers rarely hit the wrong note, as most women love them. If possible, find out her favourite species or at least her favourite colour. Do purchase a decent-looking bunch, not just something that's in the reduced bin. Bear in mind that certain flowers are said to represent certain feelings and others are 'more appropriate' for certain star signs, so you could do some research and make the bouquet ultra personal.

While diamonds are reportedly a girl's best friend, buying some 24 carat sparkly rocks might be a bit premature so early on in a relationship. Jewellery is always appreciated, though, so why not tone it down? Gemstone necklaces featuring her birthstone - aquamarine for March, opal for October, etc - again really personalise the gift and demonstrate that you've made an effort because you care.

If funds are limited, how about making her a CD - a modern evolution of a mix tape - downloading songs that have special meaning or that you know she simply loves? Print out a funky cover and indicate the relevance of each track. Accompany that with a birthday cake and she's sure to be putty in your hands!

Something that many men neglect / forget / ignore is a birthday card, but don't. For many women, the card is the more important than the gift as it's something she can treasure long after the flowers have died. Choose wisely and write something a little more than simply your name.

This might sound like a lot of effort to go to, but if you really like this girl, it won't seem too taxing. Plus when it's your birthday, she'll really have to up the ante!