Stuck for gift ideas for the coming date? Don't worry, with a bit of imagination and some flair you could come up with something that's really special. At the outset remember that while chocolates and flowers are still the most popular gifts, they are old hat. Now what about that - how about a smart Mexican hat for him or an airy fairy, just-right-for-summer hat for her. Its original, neutral and will enhance your date's looks.

A critical factor in deciding on a appropriate gift is to be clear about what stage of the relationship you are in. If its the first or among the first few dates, you don't really want to get too fresh. Chocolates, books, music CDs, miniature wine bottles, even some funny or attitude-ridden Tees will do just fine. But even within this predictable lot its possible to turn on your imagination. Specially-shaped chocolates or a well-chosen music collection will make a much better impact than any off-the-shelves stuff. Instead of a bouquet of roses, why not give her a bouquet of gourmet chocolate chip cookies? Check with a local bakery or cookie shop or make your own. Make the cookies and stick a popsicle stick through before baking. Then, wrap the cooled cookies with red plastic wrap and assemble in a vase.

And remember its not the price that counts, but the effort that matters. You can bet your date will be far more impressed and touched if you've spent three hours in some old streets looking for a particular piece of ethnic jewellery than if you've just walked into the nearest store and bought a gold piece worth a fortune.And your guy will be equally impressed if you get him a Charlie Parker CD as he would if you laid it on thick with a carton of hindi-pop CDs from Music World.

If on the other hand you are looking to get up close and personal, sky's the limit. An obvious idea is swimsuits and Adidas has a great new range. You could also look at wrap arounds or other swimming accessories like suntan lotion (that's actually very intimate without being obviously so) but make sure your date swims! And if you are looking to make more than a subtle message how about a teeny weenie, itsy witsy bikini. For effect, you could pull it out of your pocket. Lingerie, too offers sexy possibilities so long as you are sure of sizes. There's nothing more of putting that gifting a sheer lacy bra in size D to a woman who's well only an (A)lmost there!

For the guys, well for some reason a pair of Jockeys is considered rather intimate though after shave isn't. And if you are really looking to get your man in the right mood for a roll in the hay, try gifting him a piece of your lingerie! Its wicked alright and sure to send his pulse racing! For more intimacy with a girl, try a soft stuffed toy or a sarong. And if you have been dating for a while and have got beyond first base with sex imminent howabout a pair of handcuffs!

But if you really want to be different and know that your date has a sense of fun you could try some really crazy gifts. I once knew a guy who shaved off his locks and presented his date with the full complement. While that may be a little extreme, how about writing a poem or a short story based on your experiences that the two of you have shared. Make it real special by weaving the ditty or the tale around references only the two of you would understand. You could even record a soft number or sketch or carve a little imitation of him or her.