European eBay sites often have different policies about payment methods than the US site. It's always good to ask questions before you bid. eBay is in the midst of severing it's relationship with PayPal as well, so things may be changing even more rapidly on other eBay sites.
I would refuse to pay via the "gift" option on any goods. That's simply against PayPal policy. I do it here in Bikeforums with other members all the time, but I wouldn't for eBay merchandise.
-Gregory