6) Does the giver of the gift have to be a parent? Who are eligible parties who can give the gift?

In general, anyone could make a gift. That said, there has to be a justifiable reason for the gift. Parents, other close family members, current or previous employers are natural persons to make a gift. The due diligence of the source of funds of gift shifts to the donor. In other words, while the recipient is not subject to the source of funds scrutiny requirement, the donor is.