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
The 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
'Obsequio' 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
'Don' 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.