What is the difference between a gift and a present?

Question:
May Allah reward you. Honorable Shaykh, this questioner says: Is there a difference between a gift (hadiyyah) and a donation (hibah)?

Answer:
A gift is not a donation. A gift means a present, whereas a gift is intended to win affection and friendship between the two parties exchanging gifts. It may also be intended to seek reward and increase, like the one who gives a gift. If the gift is given to someone of higher status, it is intended as an exchange for reward and is called a gift of reward. If the gift is given to someone of lower status, it is charity. If the gift is given to someone of equal status, it is a gift.