Do I need to activate the Iphone 4 on the network prior to unlocking it?????

I bought a Iphone4 on three UK network but never activated it as I bought it as a present. However I requested three to unlock the phone and for a charge of £15.00 they said they have sent an unlocking request and I have received a text message the following day to confirm the unlocking request is successfully processed.

My question is that do I still have to activate the iphone on three or can the person in abroad who gets this as a present activate the phone with a foreign SIM in the country. The reason I dont want to activate with three sim is that it is being given as a present and I would rather prefer to give it in a selaed box unused and brand new condition.

Hope some one has a answer to this question as apple technical support could not give a answer to this..