With lounge access, built-in credits and many travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an ideal card for frequent travelers.
It also comes with various lifestyle benefits worth noting, such as up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits every calendar year, $50 of which is awarded from January to June and another $50 of which is issued in the second half of the year (enrollment is required). This is a use-it-or-lose-it credit, so when 2023 ends, if you didn’t use your second half of the year credit, it disappears.
While you can put your credit toward more expensive items (such as footwear, clothing or luggage), finding items for less is possible, even at Saks. And with Black Friday coming up, now may be the best time of the year to stretch this credit to the max. If you don’t regularly browse the aisles at Saks, below are 12 things you can buy at the retailer for at or near $50.
Kids Native Shoes
From the pool or the park to the plane and back again, Native shoes are almost indestructible. They’re the footwear that TPG director of content Summer Hull’s kids have worn 80% of the time for the last five years.
Buy: Kids Native Shoes from $45
The North Face Bozer Hip Pack III
Whether climbing a mountain or strolling in the park, stash your phone, keys, credit cards, granola bar and more in this retro-style North Face Bozar Hip Pack. If this isn’t the one for you, here are some other crossbody bags we love.
Buy: The North Face Bozer Hip Pack III from $40
Le Creuset Stoneware 2-Piece Square Baking Dish Set
Le Creuset makes it (almost) fun to cook, even if you’re not a natural-born chef, thanks to its timeless design and fun colors. This dish set includes a larger piece that’s the right size for fun treats, such as brownies, at 9.5 inches by 10.25 inches by 4 inches.
Buy: Le Creuset Stoneware 2-Piece Square Baking Dish Set from $55
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Herschel Supply Co. Kid’s XL Heritage Youth Backpack
As one of the more affordable luggage and gear brands at Saks, Herschel’s whole collection, including this kid’s backpack, is great to browse for inspiration. It measures 12 inches by 17 inches by 5.5 inches and has that all-important interior laptop sleeve.
Buy: Herschel Supply Co. Kid’s XL Heritage Youth Backpack from $60
Harlem Candle Co. Harlem Renaissance Holiday Luxury Candle
These candles are fantastic, and while Saks has a few different varieties, you can’t beat the holiday scent. It may be one you get now and stash away for the winter holidays … or light up whenever you need to feel a warm and cozy vibe.
Buy: Harlem Candle Co. Harlem Renaissance Holiday Luxury Candle from $48
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion
Head out to a beach resort getaway and avoid sunburns with the right sunscreen. This popular reef-safe option is SPF 50 and comes in a travel-friendly size, so you aren’t stuck overpaying for some mediocre sunscreen in the resort gift shop.
Buy: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion from $22
Corkcicle Stainless Steel Commuter Cup
Keep your liquids hot or cold for hours without running back to the microwave or adding ice with this Corkcicle cup. It holds up to 17 ounces and has a spill-proof lid.
Buy: Corkcicle Stainless Steel Commuter Cup from $47.95
Bombas Contrast Feedstripe Golf Ankle Socks
Bombas makes all kinds of fabulous socks that are comfortable and stay put. Even if this isn’t the pair for you, other types are available.
Buy: Bombas Contrast Feedstripe Golf Ankle Socks from $16.50
LSA Borough 4-Piece Stemless Glass Set
Elevate your next evening’s toast at home (or stash away an easy gift) with this four-piece glass set. Each glass holds 16 ounces and is also dishwasher-safe.
Buy: LSA Borough 4-Piece Stemless Glass Set from $45
Aesop Arrival 4-Piece Essentials Set
This iconic four-piece set from Aesop includes travel-size shampoo, conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm, all the way from Australia. These products are gentle yet cleansing.
Buy: Aesop Arrival 4-Piece Essentials Set from $39
The North Face Box NSE Stretch-Cotton Hoodie
A forever classic, this stretch cotton pullover hoodie from The North Face has a drawstring hood and a kangaroo pocket with ribbed cuffs. For North Face quality at $60, this is a deal, especially with the $50 credit.
Buy: The North Face Box NSE Stretch-Cotton Hoodie from $60
Dagne Dover Small Hunter Toiletry Bag
Having had this product for roughly six months, TPG news reporter Caroline Tanner can attest to the quality of this small Hunter toiletry bag from Dagne Dover. Its Neoprene exterior is super user-friendly, easy to clean and durable for all her travels and product spills.
Buy: Dagne Dover Small Hunter Toiletry Bag from $45
Bottom line
If none of those items are right for you, some other brands sold at Saks that are popular in the TPG hallways include Alo Yoga, New Balance, Tretorn and Beyond Yoga. While not always under $50, there are lots of items in the $50 to $100 range from those brands. Additionally, you can try the Saks sale section and sort from low to high prices to see items that start at $9.
If you haven’t used your Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit for the second half of 2023, now is the time to do so in order to have your card charged in time. Even if you don’t necessarily need anything right now, there are plenty of items under $50 that you can snag with this credit.
When shopping at Saks, don’t forget to double dip by starting your purchase using a shopping portal that will give you bonus points for every dollar spent.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
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