What are the main differences between a gift (hediya) and a sadaqa (charity), and can gifts, especially monthly financial amounts given to needy relatives, or money given to parents which they then use for sadaqa, be considered an ongoing charity (sadaqa jariya) for which the original giver is rewarded?

A gift and a sadaqah (charity) both involve giving money to others without compensation. However, a gift is intended to show affection to a specific person, whereas a sadaqah is given to seek reward and draw closer to Allah. Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) is that whose reward continues after death, such as an endowment (waqf). What is given to a poor female relative due to her need is a sadaqah, and giving sadaqah to relatives is better. What is given to parents out of love is a gift, and its reward is great because it is an act of honoring one's parents. If a parent donates money that was gifted to them as sadaqah, the reward is for the parent, but it is hoped that the giver (of the gift) will share in the reward, as she was the cause of it.