Dating relationships are tough enough, but finding the perfect holiday gift for your latest flame can be even tougher. Sending the wrong gift can also send the wrong message. And if you've only been dating for a short time, you may even not yet know all of your sweetie's interests and passions and the gift that will please them most.



And if you've only been dating a short time, should you give a gift at all? If sparks are mutually flying, go ahead and be as romantic as you feel. On the other hand, you may want to tread lightly if you're not sure where you stand. Sometimes an overly romantic gift can create awkwardness when it's not reciprocated. It's hard to go wrong with cologne. Something that shows a special effort can also be a nice gesture. For example, homemade cookies in a decorative tin or you can play DJ and burn a custom mix CD.

Still don't know where to start? Here are some ideas --

For Her

* A funky & casual watch with changeable bands

* Bubble bath and soaps in a matching scent

* An assortment of gourmet chocolates

* Luxurious cashmere blanket

For Him

* A trio of gourmet coffees and a mug in his favorite color

* Cigars

* Leather day planner or case for his iPod

* Tickets to his favorite sporting event (but you get to come along)

For Both of You

* Champagne in a bucket engraved with your love poem

* Candlelit dinner out on the town

* Sign up for dance lessons, and enjoy an entire month of cha, cha, cha

* An engraved ice cream scoop, assortment of toppings and a quart of your favorite flavor

If you're still puzzled on what to give, how about a gift certificate? Although deciding from which store to buy the certificate can be equally puzzling, GiftCertificates.com has an innovative solution. Imagine giving a gift certificate where your sweetie can choose their favorite store!

GiftCertificates.com offers a SuperCertificate® that lets the person receiving your gift pick from over 200 top stores, restaurants, spas, jewelers and more. It's the gift that's always appreciated because it also gives the gift of choice.

Let her go wild! She might love to be pampered with an indulgent soak in the tub with a gift certificate from Spa Finder, a stack of romance novels from B. Dalton or even the the perfect diamond from Blue Nile.com. And for him? He'll get just what he wants like a scarf to keep him warm on winter days from Barneys New York, a sporty new watch from Fossil.com or a soft sweater from Land's End. Your honey will have fun choosing from these and thousands more gifts ... all the while remembering you gave this wonderful gift experience.

Sending the right gift not only expresses your affection, but can also set the stage to answer the eternal dating question, "Where is this relationship going?" Pick the right moment to give your gift (a champagne toast under the mistletoe) and make it even more memorable - a holiday filled with romance and laughter.