We'd love to help, but we need a little more info. There are a LOT of different aspects to this hobby. Was your boyfriend a beginner? And advanced flier?

Does he like Biplanes (Two wings - one on top and and one on bottom)

Aerobatics?

Scale?

Try this, ask him a few questions like "What planes did you like best?" were they electric or gasoline powered? (Actually, most planes are what we call "Glow" powered which burns an alcohol based fuel, but if you say that, you'll be giving yourself away, but be prepared for that answer from him)

and finally, what size was the engine?