This is excellent advice. I understand that you really like giving your boyfriend these kinds of gifts because you want to show you care. However, when we give gifts, we have to think about what the recipient likes. Your boyfriend just doesn’t like surprises or expensive gifts. Luckily, he does tell you what he wants so next time you can do something to show him that you listen and care— get him the gift card/cash he asks for! I can relate to this situation because I’m like your boyfriend. I HATE it every year when my family gives me an elaborate, expensive gift that I explicitly said I don’t want. It’s a constant fight because I want to return it because I hate it and it PAINS me to see money wasted. It makes me so upset!!! I can’t understsnd why my family won’t listen and get me a nice card that says they care (and I wouldn’t turn down a gift card!) But, every year, without fail, I get the same kind of elboatate gift my SISTER likes. It makes me feel like my family doesn’t listen to me or accept me for who I am! It would mean so much to me if they listened and gave me what I asked for instead. Sometimes the best way to show someone you care is to LiSTEN to them and do what THEY like. I know you probably want a nice night in a hotel, but maybe you can ask for that for your birthday, when it’s your special day. On his birthday, do what he wants.