Yes, I would give a pet as a gift. But NOT as a surprise.

For instance, my brother was totally wanting a Westie. He loved them and was searching everywhere. His birthday was coming up, so I told him I was taking him birthday shopping. I took him to a reputable breeder and let him pick a Westie out. It was a gift, but he knew it was coming. It is unbelievable how many animals wind up at the shelter after Xmas, or how many rabbits wind up there after Easter.