Using a "New Every 2" phone as gift

My mother recently destoryed her own cellphone (think phone + bathtub +
water). It was not insured, and she still has over a year to go on her own
contract before she can qualify for another discounted phone.

As fate would have it, though, I am eligible for NE2 as of a couple of
weeks ago. I was not going to upgrade because I'm happy with the phone I
have. So I am getting a phone through NE2 in order to give it to her
(extending my contract isn't an issue because where I live, Verizon
Wireless is really the only choice if you want your phone to work out here
in "the sticks").

So this leads to my actual question. I've ordered a phone on Verizon's
website (a Mint Chocolate for anyone cares). It should be here by
Wednesday. When it arrives, can I just send her the phone (she lives in
another state) so she can activate it herself on her own account online, or
do I need to activate it (and then deactivate it and reactivate my phone (a
V3c for anyone else who cares)) on my own account first and then send it to
her?

David