Which is better: spending a small amount on a gift for a financially comfortable mother or sister with the aim of maintaining kinship ties and bringing joy, or spending it on a poor, needy woman, and which of the two yields a greater reward?

The general principle is that charity given to a relative is superior because it combines both charity and the upholding of kinship ties. However, if a non-relative is in greater need, then giving charity to that stranger takes precedence in order to meet their need. Therefore, your charity to the needy woman carries a greater reward than giving money to your relatives who are not in need.