I think the assumption that these gifts are being traded for sexual favors is wrong. From what I've seen it is very rare. Most of the guys that give gifts ask for nothing in return except maybe that the girl like him a little more. Because that is what the gifts are really about, they want female attention.
I really don't find it creepy. It is more sad. Most likely they are guys who are really socially inept attempting to get the girl to like him.
I've seen it plenty of times myself on my female characters. If i use a smiley or say the wrong thing I will get a guy whispering me about something random. I've even had people offer to help me out of no where. They always decline when i tell them i'm a dude.
Then there's my wife. She is always being passed loot and invited to random raids and parties. And yes given pets. She never asks for any of these things.