.GIFT Domain Extension

Why choose a .GIFT domain?

Here is one of the sharpest false friends between two neighbouring languages: in German, “Gift” means poison. Same spelling, exactly the opposite sense. Both words come from the same Germanic root — what is given — and German drifted towards the dose administered while English kept the present. The word also carries a quieter second sense in English: a gift as a talent. Having a gift for something means receiving it rather than learning it.

The false friend

In German, the identical word means poison. Worth knowing if you sell into German-speaking markets: the effect is not neutral.

A gift as a talent

The second English sense: an aptitude received rather than learned. Useful for teaching, coaching, an arts programme.

The shop

Craft, stationery, hampers, occasion pieces. Gift wrapping included or not: the question comes up on every order.

The gift card

Value, expiry, usable online and in store or only one of the two. Put the terms in writing: this is where disputes start.

The season

November and December often carry most of the year. Publish your shipping cut-offs early, not in December.

What it actually changes

• The German false friend is real. Same spelling, opposite sense: worth checking if you export.
• The word holds two senses in English. The present and the talent: the second is often overlooked and widely available.
• No registration restrictions. No gift shop to demonstrate to the registrar.
• Four letters, no spelling trap. Dictated without spelling it out, in French as well.