What is the difference between "por" and "para"?

They are both prepositions that can be translated as "for" in English. As a rule, you can think of "por" as anything that explains the reason or the means/way through which you do something . For example, voy por allí, lo hago por esa razón, lo hago por ti, etc. On the other hand, "para" announces the destiny or purpose of an action, for example este regalo es para ti, he hecho una bufanda para mi hermana. To compare similar sentences using por and para: Lo hago por ti- I am doing it because of you, because you asked me to do so, or because I know it will be good for you and therefore, you are the reason moving me to do it. Lo hago para ti- I am making something that will be given to you, a dress, a present, a picture...