What does a gift become when the recipient cannot refuse it without consequences?

A gift assumes the possibility of refusal. Take that away, when saying no would offend someone with power over you, or create a debt, or damage a relationship you depend on, and the transaction becomes something else with a gift’s manners. It looks generous and functions as an obligation.

Before giving anything significant to someone who is dependent on you, ask whether they could comfortably decline. If not, give something smaller or nothing. And if you have received something you could not refuse, it is worth naming to yourself that it was not really a gift, so you do not carry the debt as gratitude.