Valentine’s Day is a weird day for people who have just started to date one another. Do you get each other a gift or not? If so, what kind of gift, and how much is too much—or too little? It really can be confusing, and like so much in life, it really does vary and depend upon your unique situation. That said, here are a few ideas that might help you out this Valentine’s Day.

Go simple. A helium balloon attached to an antenna is always cute but not over the top, as is a simple box of candy—though if you buy a box of chocolates, you may want to skip anything that doesn’t label the flavors, since it’s bound to be disgusting.

Do something personal but, again, simple. Show your date how much you pay attention and know him or her so far with something that you just know he or she will love. Maybe it’s a tiny figurine of a favorite animal or model car that he or she mentioned in passing, or the delivery of a favorite dessert on his or her lunch break. If it’s way too early in the relationship for jewelry, definitely go for a sweet card—or for writing your own—that explains your feelings instead. (Note: this might be the best present ten years down the road, too, if it comes to that!)

Flowers. Just make sure that you know if he or she has any allergies first! And a live plant is always a good choice for people who don’t like cut flowers but enjoy plants on the whole.

Books. Book lovers can never have enough, and if you know he or she mentioned wanting one and you can get it for under ten bucks, go for it.

As far as things to make sure you stay away from for this first Valentine’s together, be sure to avoid…

Pets. There’s no way that getting your new friend a pet is going to go over well, even if he or she is a professed animal lover! It’s not even a good idea if you’ve been together for a while unless he or she goes with you to select the animal to ensure compatibility.

Lingerie. Yeah, wait until your next Valentine’s for this one for sure. And remember that not everybody likes to get this in the first place…

Travel tickets, jewelry, or any other sign of long-term commitment. If it’s too early in your relationship, don’t scare him or her off by rushing things. Of course, there are always whirlwind romances, and if that’s mutual, fine; just be sure it’s mutual before you book the chapel.