I want to buy this girl a gift to give her when we meet for the first time, but I'm not sure if it would be too much?

[Anonymous]

I've been talking with this girl for about a year and we're finally going to meet in person next month. I know she likes vintage photography, and specifically 3D photography, so I want to buy her a camera, because I know she doesn't have one. We started as friends and have become more romantic with time.

Here's the problem; the right camera, the one she actually wants, is about $250-300. I can get a comparable camera for $50, but it's not exactly the right thing; it's kind of a starter camera into the style of photography she enjoys. Brands matter enough in a situation like this that I don't really want to compromise. I have enough money that I could spend the extra money without issue.

Now... I personally don't care about spending $300, but I know that a woman could easily see a gift like that as me trying to buy her affection. Buying the cheaper camera is nice and symbolic, but the fact it isn't exactly what she wants might make the whole thing counter productive.

Is buying her a gift on our first meeting a bad idea?

Bad idea. Slow down, dude

If she gets weird about $300, she's prob not the one for you.

[Curiousexy]

I think it's a really nice gesture that you're trying to do, however, like you said, buying the cheaper one would be symbolic and cute but would not be the one she wants. At the same time I think that $300 is way too much for your 1st date. (Is it a Polaroid she wants?)

So my suggestion would be that you buy her something else that also represents her passion for vintage photography. A photography journal, or a framed vintage portrait, or even a photography book. And if the relationship goes forward you, you can consider giving her the camera she wants a bit further ahead.

You can check some. gift ideas in the link below!

[Curiousexy]

It blocked the link for the gifts, but google "93 Gifts For Photographers That Are Must-Haves For All Skill Levels"

[Asker]

Wow! This is really helpful, thank you

[Curiousexy]

Let us know how it went!!!

[CA4444]

I would absolutely love it what a great idea/gesture and why would you down play the situation, alternatively you can wait a few dates

[NathanDavis]

I was going to say yes... since you already know her well online, then a present for her when you met, that can be a nice detail...

but this is not just a detail or a small present... lol

this is 300 dollars, which could make things a bit awkward so why risk it? why not get her something smaller, a DETAIL... or why not wait till the two of you go out a few more times and get more comfortable with one another

[Asker]

That was kind of my thinking as well. I would rather not spend $300, but buying the right thing would cost $300, so it's probably better to just not buy it.

[Asker]

*I would rather not spend the money until the relationship is on more solid footing.

[NathanDavis]

yes, not every person will feel comfortable either... when you just hand them a 300 dollar item and then you just call it a "detail" lol

[Asker]

Well, for the record "detail" was your word, but you're absolutely right. That cost was where the $50 camera idea originally came from.

[KittyBox]

You haven't met her so the gift would have zero weight attached to it, and you could come off as "I'm going to buy your affection with this", i'd personally save it until you know her a little better.

[jshm2]

Don't be daft and awkward.

Meet her first and take her out. Only if she rocks do you go down the gift route.

[Jamesshinobi]

$300 is loser money. it literally what i budget a month on drugs hookers or gambling. if that a big gift she's a loser.

[Part2603]

Just bring her a box of chocolates.

[exitseven]

Maybe get flowers or something like that.