Meeting that someone special just weeks before Christmas can be a real blessing for the holidays. But figuring out what to buy that person without scaring them off is anything but a blessing. For example, giving a boyfriend a pocketwatch that belonged to grandpa might not be such a good idea.

David Onestak, director of the Counseling Center and the counseling center employees have come up with some gift-giving tips for the new couple.

First of all, some tips on what to buy the guys. Onestak suggested getting the guy a new CD of his favorite music artist. Or the girls could go for a more personal gesture of burning him a CD filled with all his favorite tracks.

If movies are his passion then try putting together a basket of microwave popcorn and gift certificates to movie rental places, Onestak said.

For the sports fan, Onestak suggests buying him a hat with his favorite team’s logo on it or any general NFL gear. A magazine subscription to Sports Illustrated or Maxim would also be great, Onestak said.

To increase his awareness of personal hygiene, a gift of men’s bath or shower gel is something Onestak would suggest. Or if his stress level is at an all time high due to finals steadily approaching, a gift certificate for a body or scalp massage would be great.

Onestak also suggested getting a set of comfortable flannel pajamas for him, but he said to make sure and stay away from sexual based patterns.

Onestak and the rest of the counseling center also gave a few items to definitely stay away from. They said to never get a new boyfriend, or any boyfriend for that matter, anything that is alive. If its something they have to take care of, then its probably not a good idea. In other words, no plants, fish or other pets. Onestak said that any type of jewelry is also a pretty bad idea.

Now for the girls. Onestak said one good idea for a girl would be a nice, tasteful picture frame. However, he advised the guys to not include a picture of themselves in the frame. Leave it empty, he said.

One sure gift idea she would most definitely like would be a candle, but not one from Wal-Mart. A nice candle, like a Yankee Candle, is the only option if a candle is the desired gift, Onestak said.

Since Christmas is the reason for the giving, Onestak suggested a Christmas tree ornament or a seasonal stuffed animal. Other ideas included a gift certificate for a set of acrylic nails, manicure, or body massage.

Onestak also said at thoughtful gift idea that would require some creativity on the guy’s side would be to create a basket full of teas or coffees.

Onestak also mentioned a few items that the guys should stay away from. For example, no general gift certificates to clothing stores. Keep them to specific gift certificates, such as for nails or massages, only. General gift certificates are not very personal, Onestak said.

Also, Onestak suggests no jewelry, lingerie or perfume. And above all, no gift wrapping by the guys. Find someone else to do it , Onestak said.

What to buy the who has only been the boyfriend/girlfriend for a couple of weeks is a very tricky thing. But follow these tips and Christmas day is sure to be a special one. And if all else fails, there is always dinner and a movie.