I try my hardest not to join in with commercial crap. He's nice to me (mainly) all year round. He buys me little presents on a regular basis. I don't think we need a designated day to tell each other how we feel.
In that case, I think you need to be careful not to scare him off! He might just consider you as a good mate he's known for ages and that he's taking out for dinner. Some men are like that i.e. they just enjoy the company of women.
If I were you, I'd buy him something fairly innocent like a CD or a book, but wait for him to give you a present first.
How about sewing him a tartan scarf with your new machine. Only half yard of tartan wool cut in half lengthways & joined in centre, to make a long scarf.
Tinks , I agree with many of the other posts, a small token gift yes - but unless you see him as real Valentine type, then nothing more, will only confuse the issue. Have a lovely evening and relax and enjoy.
PS - A home made steak and kidney pie is what my guy is getting lol
Something humerous a little joke book... a silly keyring... but send the card anonymously in fact send two (get a friend to write it and post it) if he doesn't tell you about both be cautious
Someone did it to me once sending me a bunch of red roses and a single rose different florists... I just put all thirteen in a vase with both cards and thanked him for the chocolates...
Although you're clearly more than just friends 3 peoper dates is not a lot to be giving elaborately thought out pressies on. I think Mark is right, men scare easily and although I wouldn't feel awkward if it were me recieving a gift like that, I would be slightly disconcerted at the concept, so...on that basis I'd take a bottle of wine or champagne for later or something similar that could be construed any way you wish it to be.
I wouldnt buy a present if its only the 3rd date - if he is def a boyfriend then get a card, thats more than enough. If you get him a present and he hasnt bought you one then he will feel awful.