Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts: For A New Relationship

A romantic connection is the most fragile in the onset. So what to do about the  that commercialization has turned into a dating monolith? 

Well, bringing a gift to your lady is compulsory whether you're on the second date or the 72nd anniversary.

So for the panicky gentlemen out there—and because I really do enjoy spending time in malls—I'm making the shopping easy for you. I walked circles around the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, poking my head into any of the stores that I or any of my friends would like a gift from. I looked out for gifts appropriate for any budget, and relationship. Today's installation of this series is if you're an adult whose been dating a nice lady for up to two months.

If you're younger than 20, or still looking to score a first date, scroll yourself down.

For Someone You've Been Dating Less Than 2 Months

Flowers and candy. It's really as simple as that. You lucky bastard, you hit Valentine's Day at the perfect time. A nice combination of flowers and candy are perfectly appropriate for this stage of dating.

—As far as candy goes, we already told you that  has a respectable range of little chocolate goodies. So easy.

—For flowers, you may have to add a couple miles to that odometer, and head to Bayside Village, or Douglaston. Patch has listings of several flower shops in the heart of Bayside. There's ,  and 

If you have any other local favorites, please add them in the comments section.

As far as which bouquet to pick, Douglaston Patch had a great piece last year, . I suggest you when choosing your colors. Women do tend to read into these things, so you should know what it is you're telling them.

Check back with Patch for even more last minute gift ideas.

The best thing for an office crush or classmate is to slip something sweet onto their desk, while they're away from it if possible.

Unfortunately in Bay Terrace. That is a pity, but it doesn't have to kill your game.

— has a perfectly respectable range of little chocolate goodies. My favorite for these purposes would be a small package of Ferrero Rocher hazelnut treats. I like it because it's great chocolate that's elegantly wrapped. Best of all, it doesn't come in a box that's heart-shaped, or overly romantic. So if you're still feeling things out, and want an easy out if you're not getting much of a response, you can play it off as a friendly gesture.

If you're feeling bold, you can leave a card with it. If you're not, leave a post it note with your name on it. When she comes over to your desk to thank you, gage the reaction, and maybe ask her out to sample cupcakes.*

—Also, it isn't in Bay Terrace, and that strays from my model here, but cupcakes from will serve the same purpose as chocolate. Any sit-in bakery, and especially this one with all its decor, will make a fabulous last minute spot for a first date. Be warned: drinks as a first date might be perceived by the lady as a bit sleazy.

*How To Turn The Sweets Into A Date

—If she doesn't come over to your desk to thank you, that doesn't show such great character. You might be doing yourself a favor in dropping her.

—Alternatively, if she calls your extension to thank you, it might mean that she's grateful, but not that interested. It's always a person-by-person judgement call, but do ask yourself: why would she miss out on the perfect opportunity to flirt herself into a V-Day date?

—If she stops by your desk to thank you for the chocolate, say something like;

"I'm glad you liked it. I was actually thinking of bringing in cupcakes from [insert name of sit-down bakery near the office/school]. I was eyeing their stuff this morning, and it looked nuts. Do you want to grab one with me after work?"

—If she stops by your desk, and you aren't there, but she leaves a note, that's good too. Notes are inherently romantic. If she sits really closeby, swing by the desk and use the aforementioned line. If she's on another floor or something, call her extension or text her cell if you've got the number.

Bay Terrace is loaded for you.

—You can get costume jewelry at . A few bangle bracelets in a nice bag make a great gift from one middle school crush to another.

Perfumes and hand lotions line the walls of . Grab a few items (they have mix and match deals) like 1-2 scented lotions, and 1-2 body sprays. Maybe throw in a tube of lip gloss if your budget allows, and you've got yourself a little gift bag that most high school girls will really dig. 

-There's also , which does a terrific job of packaging lotions and perfumes. Young women really relish a cute package. Think about how much people enjoy the boxes that Apple products come in; same concept. Victoria's Secret might really be the ticket for those college girls, because it's a bit more sophisticated. 

By the way, post-college reader, all of the above gifts work well as "stocking stuffers," so to speak, for a mature relationship. All these things slip nicely into a larger bag with gifts appropriate for your age range. Check back with Patch for more suggestions for age 20+ Valentine's Day couples.