Rule to determine this varietal: turn down the volume and observe actions. Do they match?
The Virtual Gifter has the appearance of generosity - he takes "it's the thought that counts" to heart, i.e. he only ever gets as far as the thought and expects full credit. "I was going to buy you flowers" is, at first blush, a heart-warming admission. In isolated cases this is acceptable. But if repeated often, in varying contexts, without any kind of follow-through: Virtual Gifter.
Note to men reading this: This is not to imply that women require material displays of your affection - quite the contrary. Most women I know would be delighted to receive an "I love you" post-it, or even a quick, sweet phone call. Beware of trying to garner too many "feel-good points" with the power of suggestion - we will notice.
Follow through or keep it to yourself.