I believe that he does this in order to make you feel less special. As in, if you felt special, cherished, etc., he thinks you'd realize your own self worth and leave him for someone who would treat you how you deserve to be treated. So I guess he thinks the only way for him to keep you around is to not let you realize how amazing you are.

I think your decision to take the gift back was BRILLIANT and said so much to him without saying anything. You're in control now. You did yourself a major service right there.

Keep in mind the following: You're special. You're beautiful. You're smart, funny, and not afraid to be the person you were born to be. Major respect and props to you for standing up for yourself.