Over the next several weeks, millions of people all over the world will be giving gifts to loved ones, co-workers and colleagues. The choosing of which gift to give is a universal struggle, for certain. But this year, you can rise above the masses by giving a gift that is guaranteed to be appreciated. A gift that has real value.

This year, consider giving financial gifts rather than a sweater or tickets to a show. A financial gift is always appreciated, especially with stagnant economies all over the globe. Whether you are giving a Christmas gift or stuffing a red envelope for New Year’s, there are plenty of worthy options. Here are a few favorites:

Start an education portfolio One of the most rapidly inflating costs in the world is that of education. With every year that passes, the price of a valid college or university tuition grows higher and higher. The need to plan for an education has never been more vital. That said, imagine the value of a gift towards a child’s education.

There are an unlimited number of investments that can serve as an education fund vehicle. You’re looking for a long-term, compounding solution such as a bond or certificate of deposit (CD). For example, on December 1st, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced plans to issue up to $2 billion in savings bonds in 2017. You’re also looking for something that is a safe investment. The Singapore government offers bonds at virtually no risk that are backed by the full strength and credit of the Singapore federal government. Ideally, find something that doesn’t pay interest, like a zero coupon bond – which pays no interest but grows the value of the bond until maturity.

Give the gift of equities The gift of an investment in a quality Singapore stock is a very kind gesture that is always well-received. And, even though the economy in Singapore is still a bit sluggish, there are excellent opportunities for investing. The market offers many viable options for both growth and value stocks.

A gift of an equity stock is a great way to help a friend, relative, or employee learn about investing. It will likely become a project that they love and become heavily involved in. So, not only would you be giving them a stock to hold, but you will likely be giving them a much needed education that just might impact the way that they live and the choices that they make moving forward. It’s a gift that keeps on giving well into the future.

Give the gift of money Everybody wants more money. Children and adults alike love cold, hard cash. We all love to open a Christmas card or red envelope that we think might have some money inside. The gift of cash is a gift replete with options for your recipient. For some, it might mean a new pair of shoes, jeans or a handbag. For others, it could mean a much needed vacation. Best of all, some might use it to pay a bill that is looming hard over them. Imagine the pressure they might be under and what a relief the gift of cash could be for them. In some cases, you may actually be able to pay the bill directly. Either way, the gift of cash is always a winner. As they say, “cash is king.”

Give the gift of gold Gold is still in a word, well, gold! With the constant instability in the global markets, many investors continue to turn to gold. And with good reason, as Forbes’ Joel Kornblau points out. “Gold is a safe haven in times of crisis. It is financial asset insurance against the unknown.  Gold has been a storehouse of value — a currency — for over 5,000 years.”

Today, you can still buy gold (in jewelry, bars and coins) and you can literally give the gift of an ounce of gold. But, most investors are actually buying gold through something like an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) which provides greater diversification and eliminates the need to possess and protect your own gold.

Give the gift of real estate Nowadays, you don’t have to buy someone a house, flat or field in order to share an investment in property. There are plenty of investment vehicles that allow the common investor to participate in physical real estate.

Even in Singapore, where everyone would love to own real estate. But, as one of the most expensive real estate markets on earth, most would assume that only the ultra rich can participate. Not anymore. Today, you can invest in many different ways, for example, in a Real Estate ETF, a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and most recently, through crowdfunding.

Pay for some financial training The biggest problem investors face these days is a lack of investment understanding. And, with the ease of  access to buying and selling that the internet now affords, too many people are falling prey to poor financial decision making. Fortunately, the tools needed to find success in your investing are available. This year, pay for a loved-one to get some hands-on financial advice from a professional advisor. Think of the potential money that can be both protected and earned.

We go to the dentist for our teeth and we visit the doctor for our health. In the same way, we need assistance from an expert on our finances. Young couples are ideal candidates as are those who can see retirement on the horizon. A gift of sound financial training is hard to put a value on.

A registered investment advisor will take the time to get to know the situation and to to offer suggestions for the future. Every situation is unique, from current net worth, to debts, assets and earning power. Further, a good financial planner can match needs with solutions that are ideally suited.

Another idea is to arrange a meeting between your gift recipient and a financial advisor and to put money into the fund(s) that they select. What a gift that would be. You’re helping to bring financial stability to someone for whom you care.

Conclusion There is hardly such a thing as a bad gift. But, there are undoubtedly gifts that stand out and whose value lingers longer. As the holidays unfold and you are planning and executing the giving of gifts, think about financially-based gifts for those that you care about most.

All of the gift ideas mentioned above can be implemented and distributed in short-order. If you find yourself to be tardy in your gift planning, these choices might be tailor-made for you.

No matter which gift you choose to present, bear in mind the some of the top online brokerages in Singapore and share them as you have opportunity.