Hi Navywife, welcome to sc! If you go here:
http://www.soulcysters.net/questions...ard-functions/ There are several threads about gifts, ribbons, and karma.
Basically, you can give "gifts" to people. They're the little picture ivons you see under people's green boxes. And you can buy "ribbons" for yourself. You have to have enough points though to get into the store. I think the min price is 500 pts. But the gifts and ribbons are under vbplaza on the top menu.
You give karma by clicking on the ribbon or small white... flake thinkgy at the bottom left of each person post. It costs you nothing and hopefully you'll get some back. giving it gives the other person points. You can check on karma you've given or received by clicking "UserCP" on the top menu.
Don't feel too lost. It took me a little while to get a grasp on everything too! You'll be doing great in no time! Post a message on the "gifts" thread in the newbie section. That's where sc members go to spread some gift giving for newbies and fellow cysters!
karma? 
