Gift Visa cards in France and Italy

Probably not! There have been lots of reports that those cards (or cards like them) do not work in Europe at all. There are some such cards that may work, but they have very bad transaction fees. This is definitely a bad idea.

Credit cards can be used in most places these days. For occasions when they cannot be, the traveler should have an ATM card so local currency can be obtained as needed.

The traveler--and those supporting him or her if the traveler is a newbie--should read Rick's guidance on money matters here: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money

Some of the key points are these:

• Don't carry around excess cash unless it's under your clothes in a money belt, neck wallet, etc. European pickpockets are pros.
• Never conduct a financial transaction in dollars. If you're withdrawing money from an ATM, you want to deal only in the local currency. You will lose money if you accept the suggestion that you lock in the exchange rate. The same is true when paying a hotel, restaurant or store via credit card; do not allow them to charge you in dollars. That mistake is likely to cost you at least an extra 7%.
• If there's time before a trip, it is helpful to have an ATM card and a credit that do not charge foreign transaction fees. This will save money.
• If possible, travel with more than one credit card (but never with more than one in a wallet or accessible pocket or purse).

If they want to give money, it would be kinder to get Euros and give them cash.

No.

None of the common Visa or MasterCard or Amex prepaid gift cards that you see will work in Europe. Look at the card itself or the packaging, it will say (somewhere) "Only valid in the USA."

There are a couple of specialty gift cards that might work, but they're obscure (I once had a reloadable, prepaid card that worked overseas; I actually used it in Japan to get cash at Japanese post offices, mostly just to see if I could - that card ceased to exist years ago). There are some specialty card products that you can make work, but IMHO it's all such a hassle it's not worth it.

Have them give your travel companion cash or check, US dollars, have them deposit it in their own bank or credit union account (they don't have a bank or credit union account? Get one now, it just takes a few days and are free to set up). Use the ATM "debit" card associated with that financial institution to pull cash from their own account back home using ATMs in Europe.