Welcome to Gaia. There are plenty of forums to post in, places to share stories, art, roleplaying, and fun games like zOMG! to play.
There are daily grants you can get as well that are shown on the banner of the site like daily chance and daily treat, so you can do those. Here is a free item grant list you can use to get items as well:
Free item grants
I'll send you a little gift too.