The end of the year is near, and it’s time to reflect on the memories you’ve created over the past 12 months. It has been a rough time, but you’ve survived. You’ve persevered and made the best of the situation. It’s time to celebrate with gifts for yourself and your loved ones. With Christmas just around the corner, have you thought of what to gifts to give?
For memorable gift ideas that loved ones will treasure, jewelry is always a safe bet. Choose from the wide range of stunning jewellery from Aurora Italia. Jeweler Tomei is offering 30% off on normal-priced items (Terms & Conditions apply). You could also customise your gift and create a Pandora Garden Bouquet with daisies that reflect your loved one’s personality. Go local with your gifts and help businesses by using your RHB Credit Card/-i at any of the merchants listed on RHB’s #JomSapot platform.
Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, but we can give all year round – you don’t need a reason or occasion! We’ve seen how simple acts of kindness have helped our fellow Malaysians during one of the most challenging times. In true Malaysia Boleh spirit, RHB’s #JomSapot platform has helped thousands of Malaysians pledge their support to their chosen local businesses. Let’s extend this even further and make it a New Year’s resolution to keep giving.
Giving goes beyond just items. It can include small acts of kindness, such as lending a helping hand to a friend in need or volunteering at a charity. As Oscar Wilde once said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intentions”. It doesn’t take much at all. A smile and a “Good morning” for a passing stranger is enough to make their day, and yours.
Why do we give? The act of giving is a gift in itself, bringing physical, emotional and mental benefits to both the giver and receiver. For thousands of years, people have been giving gifts to each other to mark special occasions, build friendships, or simply to show love, and here’s why:
It makes you happy. Your brain releases “feel-good” chemicals such as endorphins, which give you a sense of joy, and oxytocin, which helps promote a feeling of tranquility and well-being. The more you give, the happier you’ll be.
It’s great for your health. The act of giving reduces your blood pressure and stress levels. In the long term, this could mean a longer, healthier life.
It promotes social connections. Giving gifts helps strengthen existing relationships and build new ones, especially if the item holds a special meaning or helps someone. Your generosity will then be extended to others, or returned to you. This builds stronger ties within your community.
Children tend to be very giving, so it’s a great idea to involve them in your gift-giving activities. This year, you could involve them in picking out gifts for loved ones. For some families, instead of getting gifts, the kids get to pick one charity to donate to. You could also ask your children who they feel needs the most “cheering up” and who they think would love a gift, and instead of getting a gift for themselves, they could give to this person instead. You’ll be surprised at how thoughtful and perceptive their answers can be! All these moments create cherished memories for both you and your child, and help teach invaluable life lessons that the kids will carry into adulthood.
A heartwarming story is of a young boy who saw that his play mate’s shoes were worn out and a little small. In his Christmas wish list, that was the only item he wanted - a pair of shoes for his friend so she wouldn’t hurt her feet. Another child told her mother that her best friend had never eaten pizza, so the mother and daughter arranged a slumber party with her daughter’s friend and siblings, which of course included a big pizza dinner.
A gift idea that would bring the family closer is that of a continued family legacy. It’s a great gift that shows your loved ones that they are always in your thoughts, and helps with your wealth planning as well. The “dividends” in this case would be the assurance that your loved ones’ needs are taken care of, in addition to the actual returns!
A life insurance solution that preserves your wealth for the next generation is a great gift idea. RHB Treasure 100 provides a Lifetime Guaranteed Cash Payment for both you and the next generation.
Time spent with loved ones is precious, so why not spend this holiday season creating memories that will last a lifetime? The good news is, you don’t have to go very far. For an unforgettable experience, First Traxx is Malaysia’s first indoor ski and snowboard training facility, located in Petaling Jaya. Ski down a revolving slope and enjoy your “winter” escape, all without even leaving the country! All the equipment you’ll need is provided – just bring along a pair of long socks.
If you want to treat your loved ones to a laid-back island escape, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, offers a pocket of luxurious tranquility, nestled in a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the edge of the Andaman Sea. Swim in the sea, bask in the sun, and indulge your family.
There is so much joy in giving and creating memories together. From all of us at RHB, we wish you light, love, and laughter. Have a blessed festive season and stay safe!