Birthday Gift Ideas for New Dates

It's happened to every one of us: you start dating someone right around his or her birthday! It's too soon for extravagance but you don't want to look like a cheapskate - where's the happy medium?

Before you exhaust yourself in the interminable search for something that's beyond your means because you're afraid to disappoint, check out this handy list of ideas. Designed to keep you in favor and out of the dog house, we'll bet that there's something in here that will get your own creative juices flowing!

Live Music - Go Local

If your date is a fan of the live music scene, why not plan a casual dinner out followed by an evening filled with tunes? To find live music in your area, try a web search for "(your city) live music." You may even luck out and find a destination that offers both dinner and music! Your local pop culture newspaper will also have live music listings and perhaps even an online calendar on their related website.

Get Some Culture

Maybe your newest better half is a culture buff. Why not check out the local museums or zoo and see what's brewing after dark? These destinations oftentimes have special films or events after regular exhibit hours that allow you a behind-the-scenes look and glimpse of culture you wouldn't otherwise see. Check the websites for your local museums and cultural destinations and see what's on the calendar.

Get Outside

Are you avid fans of the outdoors? Why not plan a day trip for you and your newest half to a cool destination? Look for local historical hot spots. Maybe climb a Colorado Fourteener. Take a Nordic ski trip. Drive to see some waterfalls or hidden arches in the desert. There's something within hours of your locale - get in the car and go!

For the Bookworms

Every town has a few independent book stores. They usually have calendars featuring upcoming events as well. Why not head to an author's talk or book signing on a subject sure to get your other half all-a-flutter? You can walk the stacks, walk away with a new tome and share something intellectual.

Get Your Geek On

Are you both avowed "geeks?" Why not check out the local trivia and pub quiz circuit in your locale? May cities have Geeks Who Drink events and other pubs and taverns host similar trivia nights. It's a great way for your competitive spirit to come out to play.

Take a Lesson

Maybe you can't paint and she can. Or vice versa. Try an afternoon outing like going to a ceramics painting studio or taking a class at the local rec center or even your nearby REI. Try something new, share some laughs and broaden your horizons. Who knows - you might find something you enjoy doing together (or agree to never do again!).

Build a Scavenger Hunt

Lead your new love on a three or four stop tour to a cool destination. Put together a list of clues and offer to act as the chauffeur. Then, it's in your other half's hands to tell you where to go to collect the next clue and guide you to the ultimate destination! Combine any of the ideas above and build your very own adventure. It's simple, won't break the bank and bound to pique your other half's curiosity!