Sorry, another dumb question from a newbie.   Do people tend to bring gifts?  If so, what's an appropriate amount/item?  Interested to hear from providers as well as hobbyists.

Yes, many guys do bring gifts but you are not required at all to do so and the lady will not be expecting one. Check out the ladies website as many will have a "pamper me" section that will list some of their fav things. Their favorite perfume, lingerie, candle, champagne/wine (make sure they drink), chocolates are usually all good choices.

Most ladies will tell you flowers just get thrown away quickly. I like giving gift cards to their fav stores and then they can get what they want.

I think people are more likely to bring gifts for providers that they know or consider to be one of their favorites.  Bluepillman makes a good point to check out her website.  Most of the sites I've taken a look at have a section like that for pampering/spoiling.  

If you want to bring a gift but still aren't sure what to get, you might get a hint while exchanging emails/messages.  I've been exchanging messages occasionally with a provider that I hope to see.  I complimented her in one of the photos she posted, saying I absolutely loved what she was wearing.  She replied saying that she loves lingerie with bows.  So I just thought it would be nice if I found something like that to present to her at her first meeting.  Makes things a bit more special I think

Don't give a gal (or anyone for that matter) a gift to make them happy.  Do it if it makes you happy.

The receiver will know the difference, and it can make for quite a difference.

Gifts should certainly never be thought of as payback for extra time or services.  That should be handled by extra donation if appropriate.  (That whole issue should be the subject of its own thread.)

All that said, I give gifts frequently, and I'm very glad that I do.

I like to give jewelry.  It's easy to transport, and lasts a lifetime or more.  You have to know if you have the gift of knowing what someone will like.  I seem to have that, fortunately.

I often will bring a scented candle or 2 that I like.  Some matches...  Let her do the honors, just keep them away from flamibles.  One lady had a fabulous GFE room...  candles all around but closer to the lace than I was comfortable with.  
(I recall a post some time ago...  provider & client forced to EXIT with what they were wearing (which wasn't much) when a candle caught something flamible on fire.)

...visiting from out of town, a gift card for a comfort item that can be delivered to her (think Pizza Hut or some such place) or that is almost guaranteed to be local (Starbucks, etc) is always appreciated.

If she is local, then anything from Bath and Bodyworks is always appreciated.  These ladies are quite paricular about that appearance/presentations, and it is a nice way to show that you apprecaite their effort.

I also like Amazon download cards, if she has a Kindle she can grab a book, or perhaps some music.

How much?  $25 for the first date.  $50 if/when she becomes an ATF.

My .02.

going to her incall, any gift should be small enough so you or the lady are not noticed when entering or leaving.  For example, a dozen balloons is not a good idea.  A candle or two, gift card, even a bottle of wine (maybe carried in a backpack), would be appropriate.  Check the lady's wedsite for any ideas she might have that are within your price range.

the best kind of gift is a surprise.something they'd like or need.

generic stuff like flowers, wine, chocolate might not be appreciated.

I've gotten several gifts over the years that range from flowers, wine, candy, to a damn Mercedes lol. I can tell you the sweetest gifts are those that make the provider think of you. I am not one for lingerie or flowers, because those are things you give to a GF, but they are appreciated the same. I just am not going to wear lingerie that a client bought me ever again, for anyone but him, so it's a pointless expense. Same with flowers...they die!

Gift cards are actually the best thing. If you know she travels a lot, a Shell Gas card or airline miles is just pure gold, as you know she will use that. I've gotten 2000 dollars in Marriot Gift cards that paid for 2 solid tours, in the past and cannot tell you how great it was to not be out of pocket, worrying about making that money up.

Great ideas!  Thanks.  I wouldn't even have thought about such gifts, but your ideas are both practical and sure to be appreciated.  Could even go for a sort of "welcoming" gift bag including a few such goodies.  Stuff to make her stay in your city more comfortable for her.  Nice!

Some have scoffed when I've mentioned this before, but I like to give food to traveling providers, on the assumption that it's troublesome for them to go out and get some themselves.

I like to give fresh fruit, preferably organic, or from a local farm when it's in season. I've been meaning to bring hot meals from my favorite restaurants, but so far I've been too short on time.

The reactions I've gotten have ranged from praise to curiosity. It's probably not as desirable as jewelry, but it seems much more practical than flowers.

If a provider really goes above and beyond, I try give her a nice tip, rather than an expensive gift.

That is actually a very practical and great idea! I need my milk when I travel and I mean like 2 gallons for less than a week lol. It is very hard to get these things when you fly and don't rent a car. I had one friend get me a mini blender, fruit, and milk for my protein shakes, and I still travel with that blender.