Like joyce888, I would offer to make a deal to make something for each other & give him some suggestions for things he could do for you each month. Kind of like a coupon book, maybe a back rub, wash the dishes, take your car in for service or oil change, take you out for a special meal (could be something as simple as breakfast at McD's or as extravagant as he wants to get). Or you could give him the idea to take $20 and see how many useful/helpful things he can find for you at the $$store. Gifts don't always have to be expensive to be wonderful.
Don't let his feeling of not affording it take away the pleasure & love you put into making a quilt for him. It is a gift you will both enjoy & appreciate, so you should still give it to him. The love you share is really the most important gift you give each other every day.