Think about the recipient of your gift. Try to match up the owner to a similarly minded ferret. A ferret from a breeder will cost considerably more than one from a shelter. Since they love to explore, the owner's house will need to be animal-proofed. The animal can be trained to use a litter box, but won't be 100 percent reliable.
Ferrets have a distinctly musky scent that some people find offensive.
Keep in mind that a ferret can live for 6 to 10 years. Ferrets are illegal to own as pets in California, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C., as well as a few cities in Texas and Ontario, Canada. Although ferrets are legal in New York and Minneapolis, they can be ticketed and confiscated there for even minor animal infractions. Permits are required to own ferrets in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Illinois. Inc. How things get done.