Should I attend my acquaintance/new friend's birthday tonight?

[D]

I met this guy in one of my classes this year and have hung out with him and his other friends/classmates on a few occasions. He'd always be persistent in getting me to hang out with his group after class and to sit with them in the lecture but I'm always super quiet around them I feel guilty and ashamed afterwards.

Anyways, the other day, when I asked him on Facebook about an assignment, he casually brought up it's his birthday this Thursday (tonight) and he might have a dinner in the city with the group and asked if I was free. I said I should be and got a text a few days ago to meet outside the restaurant.

I'm not sure if he originally planned to invite me - like if I had not talked to him about the assignment, would I have been invited?

Also, would it be appropriate to get him a gift card (say $30-40) for a clothing store if I go? Or are gift cards 'lame'? He's not a drinker and it's a weeknight so I doubt we'll get the chance for that.

[Sam]

go

[sunnygirl1255]

You should go! Sounds fun. And he must like you as a friend since he asks you to hang out.
A giftcard is not lame. I would spend maybe 20 to 25 dollars on a giftcard though.