Is she saving for something specific?
I don’t find it odd if she wants something very expensive, but would never ask you to pay for something so expensive, but I think she should tell what she wants the money for if that’s the case.
I don’t like to get gifts that I don’t want. It feels like a waste of money for the person giving me the gift. I very much appreciate gifts that are given to me, and I’m sentimental about gifts also, but I like practical gifts.
If she wants/needs money then I think go ahead and gift her the money you would have spent if that’s what she wants. You’ve been together long enough that it’s not a big deal is it? I guess you keep your money separate, which you should since you’re not married.
I’ve never given or receive money to or from a boyfriend for a gift, but I have told boyfriends or my husband what I want. My parents always give me money as a gift.