you need to educate him

I would threaten to break up with him. No gift on chritmas, b day and v day? Seriously? Tell him this 

no artboyfriend on this planet doesn't buy gifts for their gf especially on Holliday.if you love me you wouldn't mind spending money on me. 

My boyfriend pays attention to what I need. What I checked when we were shopping and he would get close to exactly what I need. He also let me pick or we pick together or he picks himself. Except all major holidays he bought me stuff just on regular shopping days. He bought me coach sunglasses, shoes, clothes. When you shop with your bf  don't pick very cheap things. If you do you can expect he would buy cheap things for you. I of course buy gifts for my bf too. 

educate him and set your expectations. If he really isn't a mind reader pick your own gift. Start from a gift at least $50+