it depends on how much was in the card... and judging from your question, it wasn't enough. There should be a formula for working it out: what would be a reasonable amount for him to spend on a present vs effort put in. So if he hunts out that vintage, bargain priced handbag from ebay, it's fair he can get away with spending a fiver. I think effort should be on a +5 to -5 scale, with -5 being money in a card (or recycling something you already have)
it would work out something like this:
R/E=A,
where R=reasonable amount you think he should spend on a present for you
E = effort
A= Actual spend.
For example, if you think 10 pounds is about right (for argument's sake, my maths ain't that strong) and he gets up early, leaving you to sleep in, feeds dcs (all 4 of them), makes you breakfast and makes you a cake with dcs help, and they all end up happy and in chocolatey heaven, that's a +5
10/5=2 (which just about covers the ingredients, if you already have the eggs in the fridge!)
However, if he stops at the garage (or one of those flower sellers at the side of the road) and buys flowers, it works out slightly different... (i'm giving him a -4 for effort, because its marginally better than cash in a card. maybe):
10/-4=40.
did I forget any factors?
So do the maths....