First dates are exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of potential. You want to make a good impression, show your personality, and, most importantly, feel comfortable and confident. While the focus should primarily be on getting to know your date, being prepared with a few thoughtful items can significantly enhance your experience and demonstrate that you’re considerate and attentive. This guide breaks down exactly what you should (and shouldn’t) bring on a first date, covering various scenarios and providing practical tips to help you navigate this crucial first encounter. Let’s dive in!
**I. The Essentials: Items You Absolutely Need**
Before we get into the ‘nice-to-haves,’ let’s cover the absolute essentials. Forgetting these items could lead to an awkward or even disastrous date.
* **1. Wallet/Phone with Payment Options:**
* **Why it’s essential:** This is non-negotiable. Whether you plan to split the bill, treat your date, or simply need money for transportation, having a way to pay is crucial.
* **What to include:** Credit cards, debit cards, cash (a mix of small and large bills is ideal), and your phone with mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
* **Pro Tip:** Before the date, check your bank balance and make sure your cards aren’t expired. It’s also wise to inform your bank if you’re traveling to a new location to avoid any transaction holds. Having a small amount of cash is useful for places that don’t accept cards, like some parking meters or smaller establishments.
* **2. Identification:**
* **Why it’s essential:** Especially important if you’re planning on going to a bar or club where they check IDs. Also helpful in case of emergencies.
* **What to include:** Driver’s license, passport (if you don’t have a driver’s license), or any government-issued photo ID.
* **Pro Tip:** Keep a digital copy of your ID on your phone as a backup, but always carry the physical ID with you. Avoid carrying sensitive documents like your Social Security card unless absolutely necessary.
* **3. Phone (Charged):**
* **Why it’s essential:** For navigation, communication, emergencies, and discreetly checking the time (if the date is dragging).
* **What to do:** Fully charge your phone before leaving. Consider bringing a portable charger or battery pack if you anticipate being out for a long time.
* **Pro Tip:** Put your phone on silent or vibrate during the date and avoid constantly checking it. Nothing says ‘uninterested’ like being glued to your screen. If you need to take a call, excuse yourself politely.
* **4. Keys (House, Car, etc.):**
* **Why it’s essential:** Obvious – you need to be able to get home (or into your car).
* **What to do:** Make sure you have the correct keys and that they are easily accessible in your bag or pocket.
* **Pro Tip:** Consider keeping a spare set of keys in a safe place, like a trusted friend’s house or your office, in case you lose yours.
**II. The Practicalities: Comfort and Convenience**
These items aren’t strictly necessary, but they can significantly contribute to your comfort and confidence throughout the date. These are the tools that help you handle small discomforts without interrupting the flow of the conversation.
* **1. Breath Mints/Gum:**
* **Why it’s important:** Fresh breath is crucial, especially if you’re eating or drinking. Avoid overpowering scents; opt for mint or a mild flavor.
* **What to choose:** Sugar-free mints or gum are ideal. Peppermint, spearmint, or wintergreen are good choices.
* **Pro Tip:** Pop a mint or gum discreetly after eating or drinking coffee. Avoid chewing gum loudly or excessively.
* **2. Tissues/Handkerchief:**
* **Why it’s important:** Useful for spills, sniffles, or any unexpected mess. Shows you’re prepared and considerate.
* **What to carry:** A small pack of tissues or a clean handkerchief in your bag or pocket.
* **Pro Tip:** Offer a tissue to your date if they need one. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.
* **3. Hand Sanitizer:**
* **Why it’s important:** Especially important in public places. Keeping your hands clean helps prevent the spread of germs.
* **What to choose:** A small, travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
* **Pro Tip:** Use hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces, like door handles or menus. This is especially thoughtful if you and your date plan on sharing appetizers.
* **4. Lip Balm:**
* **Why it’s important:** Dry, chapped lips can be distracting and uncomfortable. Lip balm keeps your lips moisturized and kissable (if the date goes well!).
* **What to choose:** A neutral-flavored lip balm with SPF protection.
* **Pro Tip:** Apply lip balm discreetly in the restroom or before the date starts. Avoid applying it excessively in front of your date.
* **5. Small Comb/Brush (If Applicable):**
* **Why it’s important:** For quick touch-ups if your hair gets messed up by the wind or weather.
* **What to choose:** A small, travel-sized comb or brush that fits easily into your bag or pocket.
* **Pro Tip:** Use it sparingly and discreetly. Avoid spending too much time grooming yourself during the date.
**III. The Thoughtful Touches: Going the Extra Mile**
These items aren’t essential for survival, but they demonstrate that you’re considerate, attentive, and willing to go the extra mile to make your date comfortable and enjoyable. These are the things that can really help you shine.
* **1. A Small, Thoughtful Gift (Optional, Use Judgement):**
* **Why it’s important:** Shows you’ve put thought and effort into the date. However, proceed with caution; a gift that’s too extravagant can be off-putting.
* **What to choose:** A single flower, a small book by their favorite author (if you know their interests), a gourmet chocolate, or a hand-written note.
* **Pro Tip:** Only bring a gift if you’ve learned something about your date’s interests beforehand. Avoid generic gifts like gift cards. Keep it small, inexpensive, and personalized. Gauge the situation carefully – if the date feels more like a friendly hang-out than a romantic connection, forgo the gift.
* **2. A Conversation Starter (Optional):**
* **Why it’s important:** Helps break the ice and keep the conversation flowing, especially if you’re feeling nervous.
* **What to choose:** A list of interesting questions, a funny anecdote, or a recent news article that relates to your date’s interests.
* **Pro Tip:** Prepare a few talking points beforehand, but don’t rely on them too heavily. Let the conversation flow naturally and be genuinely interested in what your date has to say. Avoid controversial topics like politics or religion on a first date.
* **3. A Small Notebook and Pen (Optional):**
* **Why it’s important:** Useful for jotting down notes about your date (to remember details for future conversations) or for sketching/doodling if there’s a lull in the conversation (less awkward than staring at your phone).
* **What to choose:** A small, elegant notebook and a nice pen.
* **Pro Tip:** Use it discreetly. Don’t make it obvious that you’re taking notes about your date. Only use it if you genuinely need to remember something or if you’re feeling creative.
* **4. A Travel-Sized Umbrella (Depending on Weather):**
* **Why it’s important:** Shows you’re prepared for unexpected weather changes and willing to help your date stay dry.
* **What to choose:** A compact, lightweight umbrella that fits easily into your bag.
* **Pro Tip:** Check the weather forecast before the date and bring an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain. Offer to share it with your date if it starts to rain.
* **5. Allergy Medication (If Applicable):**
* **Why it’s important:** If you suffer from allergies, being prepared can prevent discomfort and embarrassment during the date.
* **What to choose:** Your usual allergy medication (antihistamines, nasal spray, etc.).
* **Pro Tip:** Take your medication before the date if you know you’ll be exposed to allergens. Inform your date about your allergies beforehand if they’re severe.
**IV. What *Not* to Bring: Avoiding Common Mistakes**
Just as important as knowing what to bring is knowing what to leave at home. These items can send the wrong message or create unnecessary awkwardness.
* **1. Too Much Makeup/Grooming Products:**
* **Why it’s bad:** You want to look your best, but overdoing it can appear insecure or superficial. Stick to a natural, polished look.
* **What to avoid:** Excessive foundation, heavy eyeshadow, multiple layers of lipstick, overpowering cologne/perfume.
* **Pro Tip:** Focus on enhancing your natural features rather than covering them up. A light touch is always better.
* **2. Anything Too Expensive or Extravagant:**
* **Why it’s bad:** Can make you appear materialistic or try-hard. Avoid showing off your wealth or status on a first date.
* **What to avoid:** Designer handbags, expensive jewelry, flashy watches.
* **Pro Tip:** Keep it simple and understated. Focus on your personality and conversation rather than your possessions.
* **3. Anything That’s Too Personal or Intimate:**
* **Why it’s bad:** Can make your date uncomfortable and send the wrong message.
* **What to avoid:** Lingerie, suggestive gifts, personal hygiene items (unless absolutely necessary).
* **Pro Tip:** Keep the focus on getting to know each other, not on physical intimacy.
* **4. Unnecessary Gadgets or Electronics:**
* **Why it’s bad:** Distracting and shows you’re not fully present in the moment.
* **What to avoid:** Tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, headphones (unless you’re traveling to the date).
* **Pro Tip:** Keep your phone out of sight and on silent unless you need it for navigation or communication.
* **5. Negative Attitude or Baggage:**
* **Why it’s bad:** Nobody wants to hear about your ex, your problems at work, or your pessimistic outlook on life on a first date.
* **What to avoid:** Complaining, negativity, dwelling on the past.
* **Pro Tip:** Focus on positive topics, be enthusiastic, and show genuine interest in your date. Leave your baggage at the door.
**V. Adapting to Different Date Scenarios**
The ideal items to bring can vary depending on the type of date you’re going on. Here’s a breakdown for common first date scenarios:
* **Coffee Date:**
* **Essentials:** Wallet/phone with payment, ID, phone (charged).
* **Practicalities:** Breath mints/gum, tissues/handkerchief.
* **Thoughtful Touches:** Conversation starter, small notebook and pen.
* **Dinner Date:**
* **Essentials:** Wallet/phone with payment, ID, phone (charged).
* **Practicalities:** Breath mints/gum, tissues/handkerchief, hand sanitizer.
* **Thoughtful Touches:** Small, thoughtful gift (optional, use judgment), allergy medication (if applicable).
* **Drinks Date:**
* **Essentials:** Wallet/phone with payment, ID, phone (charged).
* **Practicalities:** Breath mints/gum, tissues/handkerchief, hand sanitizer.
* **Thoughtful Touches:** Conversation starter.
* **Outdoor Activity Date (Hiking, Picnic, etc.):**
* **Essentials:** Wallet/phone with payment, ID, phone (charged).
* **Practicalities:** Water, sunscreen, insect repellent, tissues/handkerchief, hand sanitizer.
* **Thoughtful Touches:** Small blanket (for picnic), first-aid kit, allergy medication (if applicable).
* **Movie Date:**
* **Essentials:** Wallet/phone with payment, ID, phone (charged).
* **Practicalities:** Breath mints/gum, tissues/handkerchief.
* **Thoughtful Touches:** (Not much needed, focus on conversation before/after the movie).
**VI. Final Thoughts: Confidence is Key**
Ultimately, the most important thing to bring on a first date is confidence. Be yourself, be genuine, and be present in the moment. While the items listed above can help you feel more prepared and comfortable, they’re just tools to enhance the experience, not replace genuine connection. Remember to smile, make eye contact, and listen attentively. Good luck, and have a great date!
By following these guidelines, you can ensure you are well-prepared and confident for your first date, setting the stage for a positive and memorable experience. Remember to adapt the list to your specific situation and the type of date you’re going on. The most important thing is to be yourself, be respectful, and enjoy the opportunity to get to know someone new.