Facebook Introduces "Gifts" Platform (FB)

Facebook Introduces "Gifts" Platform

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Thursday saw the addition of a new Facebook (Nasdaq: FB ) functionality: "gifts." Users will now be able to send real gifts to their friends' doorsteps. Ranging from gift cards to chocolates to teddy bears, Facebook will keep track of special occasions and dates and ask if you'd like to send a gift to your friend. Your friend can preview the gift and must enter his or her address information, you pay (with a credit or debit card), and the gift shows up a few days later.

Some people hope the new initiative will help better monetize the site, which has had trouble figuring out how to convert its massive user base into a lucrative business.

The Gifts feature will be rolled out gradually, beginning in U.S. markets, the company said. One concern people have voiced about Facebook Gifts is about privacy. Some worry about giving Facebook even more information about its users, such as their credit card information.

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