Instagram’s “gift” feature is typically found in Stories where close friends can send you small animated reactions (like floating hearts or confetti) while watching your story—these appear as small icons while viewing.
It works as part of Instagram’s Close Friends list feature, not through DMs. When someone on your close friends list watches your story, they can tap the heart icon to send a gift reaction.
If you’re seeing something different in messages, it may be a regional test or a third-party integration—Instagram has been rolling out various gifting options in select markets only.
Can you share a screenshot? That would help identify exactly which feature you’re encountering.