Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said that it was said to him (peace and blessings be upon him): O Messenger of Allah! Which fasts are best? He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The fasts of Sha'ban, kept in veneration of Ramadan." Then it was said: Which charity is best? He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Giving charity in Ramadan."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصيام / 8517