Normally, when you buy new GPU, they provide connector covers with the packing. If you are lucky to have those covers available, put them on the connector parts. If not then still there won't be any issue. Put the GPU in its covering bag (from original packing) if you have it available with you. I'm a kind of person who always keep the original packing along with its every parts/docs etc.
Otherwise, leave the GPU in the PC. When your friend comes to pick it up, remove from the PC and hand it over to your friend.