With lounge access, built-in credits and many travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers.
The card also has various lifestyle benefits that increase its worth and offset the sting of the annual fee. For instance, you can get up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit 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 year's second half. (Enrollment is required.)
This use-it-or-lose-it credit resets at the end of this month and starts fresh July 1 for the second half of 2024.
Now is your last chance to use your credit if you haven't already. Several shopping portals offer bonus cash back or points on Saks purchases. Some airline shopping sites also have bonus mileage awards for Saks purchases.
If you don't regularly browse the aisles at Saks Fifth Avenue, you might be afraid the racks are only filled with $1,000 sequined dresses and the like. Fortunately, that's not the case.
Here are 12 of the best (and most practical) things you can buy at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Villeroy & Boch Red Wine Goblet Set Of 4
If you're a wine enthusiast, you might enjoy these wine glasses from Villeroy & Boch. The Ovid glass collection has a simple and classic design. Plus, they can double as water glasses.
Buy: Villeroy & Boch, Red Wine Goblet Set Of 4 for $39.99
Glasshouse Fragrances The Hamptons Candle
If you're partial to the Hamptons in New York, this candle from Glasshouse Fragrances is worth considering. It features notes of teak, iris and petitgrain.
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Buy: Glasshouse Fragrances The Hamptons Candle for $50
Dagne Dover Air Mesh Ace Belt Bag
A Dagne Dover belt bag is a fantastic addition to a travel — or around-town — wardrobe. Made out of water-resistant neoprene, this bag is a great way to keep your hands free but still carry the stuff you need without getting weighed down. You can keep an iPhone, a small wallet, keys and a couple of other odds and ends in there without a problem.
Buy: Dagne Dover Air Mesh Ace Belt Bag from $95
Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress
Alo Yoga's Courtside Tennis Dress is my staple summer wardrobe piece. I like to wear it on the court, to and from the pool, and around Chicago (where I'm based).
Buy: Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress for $118
Alala Barre Seamless Shorts
Biker shorts are perfect for hot weather. This pair from Alala comes in various summer colors, making for a vibrant barre-to-brunch look.
Buy: Alala Barre Seamless Shorts for $55
Natori Bliss Cotton Girl Brief
These everyday pima cotton panties are as soft as can be, still look chic and have a stretch lace trim. Extend the lifetime of these beautiful briefs by hand-washing them.
Buy: Natori Bliss Cotton Girl Brief for $20
Head Sportswear Power Performance Shorts
Any modern athletic performance short type will be far better than the baggy mesh basketball shorts you've been wearing since the late '90s. Consider updating your wardrobe with these shorts from Head Sportswear. The brand is known for its premium, high-performance equipment and apparel for athletes and players at all levels.
Buy: Head Sportswear Power Performance Shorts for $65
Public Rec Flex Pull-On 7″ Shorts
If you're looking for a more sporty pair of shorts, consider this option from Public Rec. They are designed for comfort and will easily move with you as you enjoy various activities.
Buy: Flex Pull-On 7″ Shorts for $68
Vineyard Vines Little Boy's & Boy's Cotton Stretch Breaker Shorts
Looking for something for the kids? These shorts, available in colors like khaki and "sailors red," are a great addition to your little one's summer wardrobe. Best of all, they're on sale at less than $30 a pair.
Buy: Vineyard Vines Little Boy's & Boy's Cotton Stretch Breaker Shorts for $25.20
Polo Ralph Lauren Boy's Sea Bucket Hat
This Polo Ralph Lauren Boy's Sea Bucket Hat is reversible, making it a great versatile summer essential. You can choose a solid cotton chino design or a colorful tropical print. Plus, it's machine washable, making it ideal for post-beach vacations. It's currently on sale for less than $30.
Buy: Polo Ralph Lauren Boy's Sea Bucket Hat for $27
Herschel Supply Co. Kid's Heritage Recycled Backpack
Though it is summertime, plan for the school year by purchasing this Herschel's Heritage backpack, designed for children between 3 and 7. This backpack features a striped liner, a zippered closure and padded shoulder straps, so it can take your kid from school to playdates to extracurricular activities and everywhere in between.
Buy: Herschel Supply Co. Kid's Heritage Recycled Backpack for $45
Babiators Original Navigator Sunglasses
Is there anything cuter than little kids in sunglasses? These mirrored sunglasses from Babiators are impact- and shatter-resistant, and they offer full ultraviolet protection. Plus, they're currently on sale for less than $20.
Buy: Babiators Original Navigator Sunglasses for $19.60
Bottom line
If you are still looking for some ideas, consider New Balance, Tretorn and Beyond Yoga, all of which are sold at Saks and are popular among TPG staffers (myself included). While these items are not always less than $50, some things from these brands are often discounted and fall within the $50-$100 range. Additionally, you can try the Saks sale section and sort from low to high prices to see items that start at $9.
When shopping at Saks, don't forget to double dip by starting your purchase at a shopping portal, which can give you bonus points for every dollar spent.
If you haven't used your Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit for the first half of 2024, do so soon before it resets July 1. Don't wait until the last few days, as items typically need to have shipped before your card is charged and the credit is registered on your statement.
Until then, happy shopping.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.