Yes, it would be improper to assume that.  Unless she specifically states she will accept gift certificates as a form of payment, you should pay her by cash, or whatever her preferred payment method is.  Assumptions are never good form.

If you're just dying to pay by gift certificate (and why would you be?  do you have a gift cert laying around that you need to get rid of?), you should discuss it with her first, tactfully, of course, so you don't freak her out.  Otherwise, save the gift certificate for a gift above and beyond her expected payment.

Yes, those gifts are seperate from the donation/rate.

~On my site, I state I am willing to accept gift certificates which are equal in value to my suggested gift donation plus $50... I encourage new friends to tell me if that is a preference (*I have my preference of gift certificates listed on my site*)

In regards to the question of why someone would prefer giving a gift certificate instead of cash.... (*not specifically to Victoria's Secret but one of my other Gift Certificates*) might be easier to explain as a purchase than a cash withdrawal... just my .02 cents   ~T

Before I read the contents of these posts it flashed through my mind that maybe I could buy gift certificates to give to my friends and family.  Great stocking stuffers!  I imagine Christmas morning... "Oh thanks dad 2 hours PSE with Kathy Willets - you shouldn't have!"  "Honey, what's a night at Swingmart with Ciara and how do I wear this 'strap on'?"   "Hey Granddad got some Greek with BeBedoll!"