You've known each other through online interaction for awhile. You've gone out on a date or two. But you aren't in a relationship. Should you buy him a Christmas present this year or should you forego the gift because it can make you look more serious about the relationship than he is?



Everyone likes to get a little something for the holidays so if you're interested in buying him something this year, you should feel comfortable doing so. Obviously, you don't want to get him a big screen television or a three-week trip to Europe. You don't know each other well enough yet and frankly, you should be spending that kind of money on yourself, not on him. But get him something small to celebrate the fact that you're happy that he entered your life this year.



Here are some Christmas gift ideas for the man you've only been dating for a little while:



- Flowers. Most men don't receive flowers as a gift and consider it sweet when a woman thinks to send them some. Don't go over-the-top with balloons and Teddy bears. Just send a simple bouquet to his office with a note that you hope his holiday is happy.



- Gadgets. If you know him well enough to know what kind of gadgets he might like, you can get something inexpensive that says you've been paying attention to what he likes. A new alarm clock for the business traveler, an inexpensive kitchen tool for the budding chef ... anything useful that says you know something about him.



- Basket of goodies. Go to the craft store and buy an inexpensive basket. Then go to the convenience store and fill it up with some snacks and small gifts that you think he'll like. It shows that you're putting effort into the gift and yet doesn't require a lot of money.



- A memory gift. If you're hoping to move this relationship to the next level and you're willing to take a chance on Christmas, give him a gift that is personal to the two of you. A picture frame with his profile pic and yours side-by-side or with the ticket stub from your first movie date shows that you're taking this thing seriously and gives him something to hang on to if he feels the same way.



Remember to keep the gift-buying low-key and inexpensive. Show a little bit of personal attention in the gift but don't go overboard. He may not be in the same place as you and holidays can be too a time which is too emotionally charged to be pressing the issue. And remember that it's okay if you're not quite there yet either. If you're giving him a gift, it should be because you generally want to express appreciation for his being in your life.



Question for the Guys: What gift do you most want a girl in your life to give you this year?