Think thats a great present. Wouldn't worry about the Valentines present thing sure you'll be away anyway. Maybe as idea for his b'day then would be to buy a city guide/things to do in NYC just as a token to exchange for his b'day and also serves purpose of re-emphasing present or maybe book tixs on line for some show or thing thats on in NYC when your there that could give for b'day - baseball/football/concert etc.
To be honest, they're not as crucial as they were when I was five. I can get through the day without thinking about where my next one is going to come from.