Holiday Gifts for Singles That Don't Scream 'Stalker'

TORONTO, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone in the dating game faces the "early relationship gift-giving dilemma" at least once. Lurking in the midst of a fleet of plastic reindeer is a potential new-relationship-killing minefield: the wrong gift. Categorized with recommendations according to the length of a relationship, Lavalife offers a little holiday stress relief with a new gift guide for singles -- a must-read for any dater approaching the season with even a little trepidation.

"Singles struggle with finding a gift that sends the right message," says Lori Miller, Lavalife Singles and Dating Expert. "Depending on the length and intimacy of a relationship, you want the gift you give to make the right impression without overstating or overspending."

Miller says the key to successful gifting is balancing on that thin line between distant and smothering, cool and weird, cheap and extravagant. What gift says, "I was thinking of you, but not obsessing over you?" If you're faced with buying a gift for someone new, read on for Lavalife's ideas for the best holiday gifts.

When You've Had 1-3 Dates

This early in the relationship, expectations are low, and giving an overly personal gift can really rock the boat. With someone you've just met, give something you might give a party hostess, like a fantastic-yet-reasonably- priced wine selection or some sort of holiday specialty gourmet sweet treat. You want to give a gift that says you're considerate, and also benign enough that the recipient won't feel bad if they haven't thought to reciprocate.

When You've Had 4-15 Dates

Here, you need something a bit more personal than food, but not too much. For women, try specialty t-shirts with empowering words or funny slogans. For a guy or girl who is really into technology, there are a myriad of MP3 player accessories, new video games or inexpensive yet creative gadgets designed to heighten the gaming experience. They even make disposable digital cameras and camcorders, which make a fun, inexpensive gift and are perfect to pair with a romantic outdoor date, such as ice skating or skiing.

After 3-6 Months

Okay, this is where you need to get a bit more personal without getting too personal. Not an easy feat. Think about their interests and everyday lives. For someone always on the go, try a new messenger or laptop bag. A new digital camera is a gift everyone enjoys. Try a case of his/her favorite wine -- or for the manly man, a premium bottle of aged scotch.

After 6 Months to 1 Year

This is where the gift giving steps up a notch -- it's tough to find a gift that is serious enough without being too serious. Again we turn to hot gadgets with portable DVD players for movie-lovers, photo printers for shutterbugs, or a digital video recording device so he won't miss his Monday night game. Try putting together multiple items to create the ultimate gift, like a margarita machine, a bottle of tequila and a bartending book.

Want to give your girlfriend a gift that will score you points but keep you out of the engagement zone? Most women love jewelry, and bracelets have no ulterior messages. Spend between $250 and $400.

About Lavalife

Lavalife is ranked the #1 dating site in Canada* and is ranked among the top 10 worldwide dating sites.** A leading provider of products and services designed for singles, Lavalife connects, engages and entertains through a variety of web, voice and mobile offerings. Founded in 1987, Lavalife Corp. markets its products and services across the United States, Canada and Australia and allows its members anytime, anywhere access to like-minded individuals. Lavalife's open-minded approach to dating allows singles to choose how they want to "click" by offering three unique communities: dating, relationships and intimate encounters. Lavalife has attracted millions of unique members who exchange 1.3 million messages every day. For more information, visit http://www.lavalife.com/corp or http://www.lavalife.com/mediaroom.

* Source: Combination of comScore Media Metrix and Lavalife. Lavalife estimates that it ranks #1 in Canada when publicly quoted statistics are adjusted to reflect traffic assigned to other web sites.

** Source: Combination of comScore Media Metrix and Lavalife. Lavalife estimates that it ranks in the top 10 worldwide when publicly quoted statistics are adjusted to reflect traffic assigned to other web sites.