Yeah, this is how it works, same way with most designers, this is how it was when I ordered my Marc bag from Cal.
hum....Chanel didn't require this step for phone order..., just read a post from PursePrincessAmy how LV messed up the order big time >"<. Back to topic, I would def. go w/******+Eluxury combo(4% rebates, tax free, and free s&h!!!

) to have the speedy send 2 u, then u can personally ship the goody to your friend, add a x-mas card and what not. w/X-mas shipping maddness, a bunch of TPFers suffer from horrible s&h problems. I would feel more safe to select a more reliable carrier, it also depends which part of world your friend is, DHL works wonder in Asia, but not so hot in Europe.
I just searched Elux for speedy, they have mono, damier(sry, no azur), minilin, balck MC

, and nomade, good luck!