"...is this considered a gift to the beneficiary?"
Yes.
"Can I give a gift outside of the 529 to the parent who is the owner of the 529."
Yes.
Be aware of the generation-skipping transfer tax. This TurboTax help article explains:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/what-is-the-generation-skipping-tax/L5mfqiA5z
**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.
