If the lady has a website, it often will list the kinds of gifts she prefers. I tend to shy away from flowers since they are impossible to conceal and kind of announce to anyone looking that romance is the air (cue the "Love Boat" theme. Then go barf.) Absent any clear guidance, I tend to fall back on candles. And that seems to work OK. Of course, depending on the time of day and what I've learned about the lady, wine is the gift of choice.
gift cards (Barnes & Noble, Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond, The Cracker Barrell, The Academy, Starbucks, Home Depot, and yes - even HEB or the movies at The Palladium) in the envelope to help weight it down from blowing off the table, sink or countertop.....
Candles to light the mood is nice but have a lighter or matches or the gift is useless...lol Flowers die and you always are put in a awkward position find a vase or cup and water>>>Gift cards are nice too! One time I got this nice plate that he brought from China now what a gift that was!