For what it's worth, it's also my birthday and I was hoping to give myself a wonderful gift.

Or perhaps give a gift certificate?

Businesses don't typically receive gifts.

If the funds you receive are not a gift, you will have a violation of most lenders' guidelines on conforming or government mortgage products.

However, the borrower must still have remaining VA eligibility for a VA loan.GIFTSA gift letter, source of funds and evidence of transfer of gift funds is required.

If no healthy spouse then you can give half of the assets, and use the other half of the assets to purchase the medicaid compliant annuity to pay through the penalty period associated with the gifted assets. 

I use them right away to avoid any risks of buying gift cards. 

You need to seek a CPA for this as the wrong decision could cost you 10s of thousands in taxes.... do not gift the property.

He was paid 1/3 cash before beginning, plus the gift card for expenses.

@Jennifer ShawI’d give them a $25 Amazon gift card and call it a day.