Proposing to a man?

My boyfriend and I have been together for over four years now. We have been through so much together and have stuck by each others’ side. We have had multiple talks about our future, moved in together in February and have mutually agreed to wanting to spend the rest of our lives together.

I told him not to propose without a ring because, I guess, I am just into that one particular tradition. To be honest, I only want to spend my life with him and could care less about a ring, but he is not as inventive and creative as I am. Also, we are struggling financially at the moment and he is terrible with saving money so an engagement ring is it of the question. I suppose I was hoping he would come up with an alternative gesture, but for some reason I am anxious.. and I have decided to propose myself. I know it is unconventional, but I’m a strong and independent woman who wants to show my emotionally available man how much he means to me. I don’t know how he would feel with me stealing his thunder in this, but I am positive it won’t be a deal breaker. He is the most supportive and understanding person I have ever met.

My questions are, have you or someone you knew proposed to their boyfriend? I was thinking of using an engraved watch to propose, but what are some other ideas besides a ring?