If you were older but earned less than your girlfriend, would you be upset with an expensive gift?

I want to give my boyfriend a digital SLR camera for Christmas.
He works in a shop, and frequently gets upset that he didn't make more of his life. ( He is 40) He takes great photos on his phone all the time, and I know he would be a great photographer.
However, the problem is he gets upset that he can never afford to do things, We have never gone on holiday as he can't afford it. When I suggest I will pay, he gets really upset.
I am worried that buying him the camera will just upset him that he couldn't get me an expensive Christmas gift?

Nope, but I'm not him and his hardships in life will not resemble mine.

If he's really insecure about his finances and you're sure a problem may arise, maybe you should talk to him to get an idea of what he wants or talk to him to see if money will be an issue for him.

Communication is never a bad thing.

yes he would get upset

No. B/C its the thought that counts. If you love this person than it shouldn't matter how much the gift costs.

If you really believe that he would be upset with the gift, then you shouldn't get it for him. It is a thoughtful gift though, and I think it's a great idea but...
Put a twist to it, as soon as he opens it, have him take pictures of you both. Maybe that will ease the tension if there's any.

Get it for him anyways, he'll be thrilled with it in the end.

First of all, it isn't too late for your boyfriend to go back and learn something new that will help earn a better living! I went back to school at 35 and have never been sorry a day that I did! However, that not being the case right now, I would explain to him that you want him to be able to enjoy doing the things he likes and that you think he might be able to earn some money doing photography on the side! That way, he will be doing something he loves, and may be able to earn some extra money to do those things that he feels he is not able to now. He sounds a little insecure to me though. At that age he should know that it isn't a contest, as to who makes the most money, but that it is a relationship where each one helps each other in whatever way they can! I would make sure he knew that it isn't the cost of the gift that makes it special, it is the fact that he took time to consider you and what you would like, and that he bought it for you, that makes it so special to you! My wife crocheted me a throw and while it may have cost her $5 to make plus some time, I wouldn't part with it for $10,000! The fact that she cared enough to take the time to do that meant everything to me. Your boyfriend needs to see that. You may be able to help by keeping the buying of expensive items to just Christmas. That way, he won't feel that it is all one-sided. As for holiday, suggest that the two of you start saving some money...maybe the money you would spend for gifts for one year...and put it aside to go on holiday together! Then he would feel that he at least helped pay for it. The idea is to do things that bring you together, not things that drive a wedge between you!

hope that will not upset him.

Tell him to try here, they sell something very special. And the important thing is if you can help them to spread the website out, you can earn up to $20 for your purchase.