What ever method you use to baste, all that handling can leave yech on the fabric, and all the starch, and spray baste, would still make me wash a quilt before gifting. I love the way a quilt blooms and looks so much more cuddly after the first wash, and let's me know if I need to fix anything before gifting. If the giftee objects to my washing it first, they have just made sure it is the only one they get.
I have had way too many quilts used by young children, who have had "accidents" on the quilt. If I had not washed them first, poor little muffin would find themselves glued to the bed. Not on my watch!