Thinking of Nick and gifts, I immediately remembered the final scene in "Dance by the Light of the Moon". He certainly shows his affection and regard for Natalie with the rose and perfume. On the other hand, it's a remarkably trite gift—even worse, really, than Schanke's recommendation of flowers in "Only the Lonely", since perfume (in particular) is something that a man would only give to a woman he openly admits he loves, and Nick expressly denies this, albeit to Schanke.

On the other hand, the fact that he does choose a trite, conventional gift—and one so inappropriate (given that he's her patient!)—suggests that he is really bad at gifts. As you say, that's not his language of love. He just thinks that it's what is expected of him, as man to woman.

Still, I got the impression Natalie did appreciate the thought behind the gift.