They have plenty to ask for from their parents, and besides, you cannot afford what they really want. That is why I am here to offer a little advice before the Valentine's Day disaster happens to you this year. First of all, there is the universal criteria that all gifts must meet in order to be considered for purchase. They must be something that he doesn't have, something he cannot get for himself, or something he is too lazy to get himself. Something he doesn't have may be obvious, but something he cannot get himself is a little more difficult.
Temporary gifts are always a plus.
These are the things that even if he doesn't like them, they won't last that long anyway. Any type of food or beverage qualifies here as well as taking him to dinner or a movie. This is where the boxers would fall short because they never go away. Every time you go over to his place, you are going to look for those silk boxers to make sure he hasn't torched them. This puts him in an uncomfortable situation.