As I promised in my article A Date To Remember #2 http://www.mynerdgirl.com/newsdetail/206 here is a list of unusual and unique gift ideas for your special someone.

1. T-shirt to reflect the personality of your date. I met a guy at a concert that looked like he simply did not belong there (yuppie in a dark and scary world). I joked about how people make assumptions about others for not looking the part. When he showed up for our first date he handed me a bag that contained a black t-shirt with red hems that said, "Your tattoos are nice but you're still a loser." I thought it was adorable and funny because we both had several tattoos but didn't exactly advertise them.

2. Toys, the non-sexual kind. Choose something that might connect his or her mind to their youth. Consider what era they grew up in. Was it the 80's? Find a My Little Pony or GI Joe. These have both made a comeback and should be available. During your first conversation you probably discovered a lot about their youth or interests. Does she read comics? Does he watch cartoons? Maybe a nostalgic video game that works with the system they own. Even better, you can now purchase "joystick" games from Target with classic games like PACMAN and old Atari Games. I was given an Atari joystick game and it had all of the games I used to play. I'd say it's still one of my favorite date gifts received.

3. Crayons and coloring books or if you can find one, one of those watercolor painting books. Those are just awesome!

4. Mix "tapes" are good for any date, 1st, 3rd, 500th, any time these are a great idea.

5. Costume jewelry can be a lot of fun. Plastic Tiaras and clip on earrings are readily available at most drug stores.

6. Scrapbook. If you've managed to build up a small collection of ticket stubs, pictures, wristbands, wrappers etc... put them together in a scrapbook. A small one will suffice. You don't even need the nifty die-cuts and perfected album, just a notebook with messages and all of your shared moments tapped inside will be an inspired gift to give anyone a warm tingly feeling.

7. Gift Certificate. Be specific with this one. Gift cards can be very impersonal if executed poorly. Focus on something beyond Best Buy or Target, You can find gift certificates to vineyards, special events, clubs, specialty markets and the like. Make a grand effort to find something unique.

8. Not to sound too cliche, but write something. It doesn't have to be poetic, or even well written. Write something about how your date makes you feel, how you see your date. Be inspired by who they are and how great it is to have them in your life.

9. A book. Not just any book. Not a novel. Focus on their hobbies, interests, passions, etc. I once received an "antique" book called "The Practice of Palmistry" a book on palmistry and making a business of it. It should be fascinating to your date. Is he a gadget nut? Find books on technology with tutorials for using or making fun gizmos. Is she really into Art Deco? Find books on art deco architecture. The book you give should inspire.

10. What do they want? We all comment about an item we want and would buy if not for some obstacle. Perhaps it is slightly more costly than she is willing to spend on. Perhaps he can't find the one he wants. Your date may have commented in the past about something they want. Pay close attention to these statements. That makes your job easier. They are giving you their own personal list of key items that would send them to giggles.

Happy shopping!