Romantic Keepsakes or Creepy DNA Samples? A Girl’s Guide to Not Crossing the Line

Image Credit, Cocoandwifi

Alright, so you’ve survived the first date and now you’re onto the second one, and you’re thinking, “What’s a unique, memorable gift that says ‘I’m the quirky girl of your dreams,’ but doesn’t scream ‘I’ll be saving your hair for my collection’?” Let’s just clear something up right now: when he said he liked the texture of your hair, he didn’t mean he wanted to keep a ziplock of it in his glove box. And when he complimented your skin, that was just flattery, not a suggestion to send him a “sample” for his lab work. I mean, sure, you want to leave a lasting impression, but ideally not the kind that’ll send him Googling “how to politely escape a gift involving someone else’s DNA.”

If you’re going for memorable yet not deranged, let’s brainstorm some alternatives that don’t involve personal body parts. How about a “souvenir jar” from your first date? Take a cute little jar and fill it with bits and pieces from the evening. Got a napkin from the coffee shop where you met? Pop it in (hopefully unused). Did he say something hilarious? Write it down and toss it in as well. That way, he’ll see that you’re sentimental and creative without wondering if the jar will next include a toenail clipping or a vial of blood.

Or here’s another idea: surprise him with a stack of quirky, homemade coupons. Print out things like “Redeem for one awkward silence” or “One unsolicited opinion about your favorite show.” Make him laugh, and he’ll also be reassured that your next gift isn’t going to be a locket with a little chunk of you inside. Plus, he’ll be delighted to cash in that “Get Out of Talking About Your Ex Free” coupon when the time inevitably comes.

For a laugh and maybe even a dose of self-deprecating charm, make him a laminated “Emergency Contact” card, where you list yourself as the person to call “In Case of Excessive Cringe on a Date.” It’s funny, relatable, and gives off a comforting “don’t worry, I’m just as awkward as you” vibe. It’s a nice way to show off your humor without giving him the impression you’ll be presenting him with an actual body part as a keepsake.

Or, if you want to be bold but in a way that doesn’t result in future restraining orders, gift him a handwritten list of the “Top 10 Reasons to Keep Dating Me.” Include all the good, the bad, and the weird: that you own four cats and so he’ll never have to worry about you getting too attached, that you can recite every line from The Office, and that you always have an extra Netflix password on hand. He’ll either find it hilarious and refreshingly honest, or he’ll be somewhat terrified—but in a way that’s kind of adorable.

If, after all of this, he still wants a piece of you—well, maybe then you can revisit the “literal gift” idea. Until then, keep it fun, keep it light, and remember that the way to his heart is probably through laughter, not a hair sample in a decorative jar.