Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
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. For instance, you can get up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits awarded every calendar year, up to $50 of which is awarded from January to June and another up to $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, if you don’t use your second half of the year credit by the time 2023 ends, 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. If you don’t regularly browse the aisles at Saks, below are 16 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 Bozer 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
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 is great to browse for inspiration. This kids backpack 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
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion
Avoid sunburns at your beach resort getaway with the right sunscreen. This popular reef-safe option is SPF 50 and comes in a travel-friendly size, so you’re not stuck overpaying for some mediocre sunscreen in the resort gift shop.
Buy: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion from $24
Corkcicle Stainless Steel Commuter Cup
This Corkcicle cup keeps your liquids hot or cold for hours, so you won’t have to run back to the microwave or add ice. It holds up to 17 ounces and has a spill-proof lid.
Buy: Corkcicle Stainless Steel Commuter Cup from $47.95
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
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
Harlem Candle Co. Dream Luxury Candle
These candles are fantastic, and this is the newest jewel in the Harlem Botanical Collection. With provencal lavender, pimento berry and bergamot, this lush scent is also spiked with jasmine, wild ginger, crushed pine needles, liquid amber, patchouli and sandalwood. Light this candle and allow yourself to dream into a warm and cozy vibe.
Buy: Harlem Candle Co. Dream Luxury Candle from $48
Adidas Little Girl’s and Girl’s 3-Stripe Tricot Joggers
There are few things more classic than the black and white joggers with Adidas’ classic three stripes, and these ones for girls are simply the cutest. With an elasticized waist and easy pull-on style, your little one can grow into them.
Buy: Adidas Little Girl’s & Girl’s 3-Stripe Tricot Joggers from $25.60
Adidas Little Girl’s and Girl’s Tricot Track Jacket
The only thing cuter than the aforementioned three-stripe joggers is the matching track jacket. A miniature Adidas tracksuit for girls? Simply iconic.
Buy: Adidas Little Girl’s & Girl’s Tricot Track Jacket from $36
Splendid Classic Joggers
Don’t think we’d give you jogger options for your kids without providing one for you (the one actually footing the bill). These minimalist joggers from Splendid work for both loungewear and athleisure, with an elasticized drawstring waist and spandex material for the ultimate comfort.
Buy: Splendid Classic Joggers from $61.60
Ugg Rib-Knit Logo Beanie
Ugg, not unlike Adidas, is a brand that will seemingly always be in style. This rib-knit beanie from the Australian favorite is constructed of polyester and wool for the ultimate cozy fit to keep you warm, regardless of the temperatures you might find yourself in.
Buy: Ugg Rib-Knit Logo Beanie from $44
The North Face Mudder Trucker Hat
One thing that is definitely back in vogue are trucker hats. While I personally do not care for them (they just don’t look good on my head), this trucker hat from North Face designed for men is a way to ease into the genre if you’re just not sure. With mesh back panels, North Face’s color-blocked hat features an embroidered logo and its signature flashdry™ technology.
Buy: The North Face Mudder Trucker Hat from $30
Bombas Colorblocked Ankle Socks
There’s little we can say about Bombas socks that hasn’t already been said. If you haven’t jumped on the Bombas train yet, consider these socks that have an ankle blister tab, honeycomb arch support and breathable airflow ventilation.
Buy: Bombas Colorblocked Ankle Socks from $16.50
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High-Top Sneakers
This list just seems to compile so many classic styles that have once again come back on style. Last but certainly not least are these Converse Chuck Taylor All Star high-top sneakers. The ultimate sneaker, these feature a rubber toe cap, diamond-patterned outsole and signature star ankle patch. This sour melon color (lime green) is one surefire way to stand out.
Buy: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High-Top Sneakers from $52
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 less than $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 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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