You figured right. A handful of friends to get started really helps. And doing it when potd is fake art or counter helps more, I guess.
Any gift is ok? Because I hate clubs demanding/forcing tradable items as gifts to droppers. Encouraging is ok, but forcing is a NO NO.
If you need help designing a club wall, hmu. I did my club's wall + the club wall of Church of Soggy. Free of charge.