I know this is now old discussion, but I also sent my PP as a gift, but it is a good idea to wait until the person claiming also has their offer claimed, it will take me longer to get to my approved 7 swaps, but hey, I can survive a few extra minutes, I think=)
I think it is actually in the rules that you have to wait to send anything until that person has their offer claimed...I've made that mistake a couple times though, sending too soon.
Yes. That is a rule we agreed on. That way if an offer is removed, you don't have to go through the trouble of getting your Paypal back to give to the right person.