...birds creep over tin roofs, like criminals with tap shoes...
.::depends on where you are on the site::.
if you are in a game area like towns and rally you have to move your cursor over the person, and you should get a plus sign to show up, just click that plus and there pops up a menue where you can choose the option add to friends.
Or you can search for that person in forums, and choose add to friends from the little drop down list under the person.
Or you can go to My Gaia >>Friends >> Friendslist, and up on the right corner you can search for usernames, and when you find the person you are looking for, behind the persons name, theres the option, add to friends.
That "buy a gift" takes you to the cash shop, you can only get items with cash there.
You can also buy gifts in the gold stores on gaia and send them in a present or in a trade. :3
...stain the glass with windows, extortionate and cold stare...