Regalo vs. obsequio vs. don
The Spanish words regalo, obsequio, and don all mean gift or present in English. However, they are used in slightly different contexts and carry subtle differences in connotation.
Regalo
A1The Spanish word regalo is the most common term used to refer to a gift or present. It's often used in casual and familiar situations.
Gracias por el regalo de cumpleaños.
(Thanks for the birthday gift.)
La empresa da un regalo a cada empleado durante la Navidad.
(The company gives a gift to each employee during Christmas.)
Obsequio
B2Obsequio also means a gift, but it often carries a more formal or elegant connotation. It might be used to refer to a token of appreciation or a corporate gift.
El obsequio del conferenciante al final del evento fue realmente significativo.
(The speaker's gift at the end of the event was really meaningful.)
Como muestra de nuestra gratitud, queremos ofrecerle este pequeño obsequio.
(As a token of our gratitude, we would like to offer you this little gift.)
Don
B1Don refers to a special talent or natural endowment given to someone. While it can translate as gift, this is more commonly understood as metaphorical rather than literal.
Ella tiene un don para la música.
(She has a gift for music.)
Es un don que he recibido desde mi nacimiento.
(It's a gift that I have received since my birth.)
Summary
So while regalo, obsequio, and don can all translate as gift, remember that regalo is used in general contexts',obsequio' implies a bit more formality, and don is usually used more metaphorically to express an innate ability or talent that someone possesses.