5 Ways I'm Spending My American Express Points For Presents

The American Express Points For Presents program is perfectly suited for me, an American Express cardmember since 1988, and for Food Republic's readers. Food Republic was founded on the idea that men everywhere are becoming more interested in cooking, in becoming experts on spirits (from craft beer to craft cocktails), in traveling smarter and looking sharp while doing all of these things. So when I was invited to be one of 12 ambassadors, chosen to participate in the American Express Points For Presents program (and to be compensated for doing so), it made perfect sense.

American Express Points For Presents covers all the bases. I can use points to buy presents for family and friends who share my discerning tastes. So what's in store? I'm gonna upgrade everyone on my list's experiences, whether it's cooking a skirt steak on the stovetop, dining out at a great New York City restaurant or surprising a friend with a high-tech item from their wish list. That's what Points For Presents is all about — giving the gifts that keep on giving (and all with points you've already earned!). Here are the 5 ways I'm spending my American Express Points For Presents.

5 Ways I'm Spending My American Express Points For Presents

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Square Skillet Grill (18,700 points)

I use my Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet all the time. Especially when it's not barbecue weather outside, I put this trusty pan to work to sear and cook steaks, fish, chicken and shrimp. The ribs in the grill's bottom make the perfect marks on your meat, and the slots on either side allow you to transfer those tasty juices right out of the pan. Somebody on my holiday gift list is going to be very happy when they open this gift. I'm going with the soothing Caribbean color, but there are two others to choose from if you use your Membership Rewards points.

B.R. Guest Gift Cards (Starting at 5,000 points)

As editor of Food Republic, I'm often asked for dining recommendations. To me, it all depends on location and mood, but one thing I know: When you're in Manhattan, Ft. Lauderdale or Atlantic City and you want delicious Mexican food, you should go to B.R. Guest's Dos Caminos. Chef Ivy Stark is one of our faves — she even shared her Bacon Taquitos recipe (pictured) with us. And her Dos Caminos restaurants always deliver. A B.R. Guest Gift Card not only gets you into Dos Caminos, but any one of the dozen-plus restaurants in the family, from Blue Water Grill to Wildwood Barbeque to Ruby Foo's. 

Photo: Noah Fecks

$500 Abercrombie & Kent Certificate (50,000 points)

I have sophisticated travelers on my gift list, and a lucky one is about to be blown away when I cash in my American Express Points For Presents in exchange for an Abercrombie & Kent certificate. A&K is the premier luxury travel lifestyle experience brand. When you travel with A&K, every detail is attended to, and just about anything is possible, from exotic cooking lessons to mind-blowing photo safaris. A&K has guides on the ground wherever you want to go, and they'll facilitate just about any experience you can dream up.

Photo: Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent

Apple iPhone 5 Gift Card — 16GB (36,800 points)

A big part of being at the forefront of the new culture of food and drink is keeping tabs on new technologies. It's a job we take seriously. You can't take amazing-looking photos of food with an old phone camera, nor can you access the latest apps with an outdated device. That's why we're spending Points For Presents on a $199 gift card for the most cutting-edge device on the market, the Apple iPhone 5. Of course, whoever we gift with this has to contribute great food photography to our site!

Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer (9,170 points)

We've all got grilling guys on our holiday list, and this is a can't-miss gift from Presents For Points. If you're cooking meat without a thermometer, you're not doing it right. And while the analog versions are great for the purist, this more high-tech gadget allows the man in charge of the meat to roam freely. Leave the probe inside the meat and carry the remote to be informed when that nice piece of beef reaches 130 degrees(F), just the right temperature for those who like theirs medium rare. 

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