Consumer Corner
Turn Holiday Spending into the Gift That Gives Back: The season of giving just got more rewarding
Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Turn Holiday Spending into the Gift That Gives Back: The season of giving just got more rewarding
(Family Features) The holidays bring plenty of joy and just as many receipts. Between gift-giving, hosting and travel plans, the season of cheer can quickly turn into a season of spending.
According to the National Retail Federation, American shoppers spent thousands of dollars during the season last year, including approximately $902 per person on holiday gifts, food, decorations and other items that make the season bright.
However, savvy shoppers are finding ways to make their holiday spending go further. One way to do this is by choosing a credit card that rewards your purchases with meaningful perks. Consider a travel credit card like the World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase, which offers opportunities to unlock benefits including free hotel nights, elite status and points on every purchase.
To maximize spending and reward yourself this season, those who apply for the credit card by Nov. 20 and get approved can earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points – earning 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in your first three months from account opening, plus another 30,000 Bonus Points by earning two Bonus Points per $1 spent in your first six months on everyday purchases (up to $15,000). You’ll also enjoy double the progress toward elite status receiving two tier-qualifying night credits per night instead of one through Jan. 31, 2026, plus complimentary Discoverist status with perks like preferred rooms and late checkout.
It’s the ultimate gift that gives back, long after the holidays are over as 60,000 points can go a long way, from 5 nights at a countryside retreat to a weekend beachside getaway. If you’re looking to get the most out of your spending this season, consider these tips to maximize your rewards.
The Joy of Dining Out
Holiday meals aren’t just a break from the chaos; they’re an opportunity to earn your next escape. From brunch with visiting friends to lunch breaks between shopping and festive nights out, every bite can bring you closer to your next getaway. Use the credit card to earn 2XBonus Points per eligible $1 spent on dining and turn your seasonal celebrations into unforgettable rewards.
Take Advantage of Holiday Trips
If you’re heading home for the holidays or using the season to plan an escape, transportation costs can be just as rewarding as the travel itself. The credit card lets you earn 2X Bonus Points per eligible $1 spent on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, as well as local transit. Plus, extended benefits like auto rental coverage, extended warranty protection and travel assistance allow you to focus on what matters this season: making memories, not managing mishaps.
Turn Holiday Stays into Future Getaways
Your holiday hotel stay can help offset future excursions and reach elite status, too. With the credit card, cardmembers can earn up to 9X Bonus Points total per eligible $1 spent on qualifying purchases at more than 1,450 hotels and resorts around the world, including participating restaurants and spas. Points can then be redeemed for upgraded accommodations and free nights in standard rooms at hotels like The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a winter escape or Grand Hyatt Vail for a ski-in, ski-out getaway for the whole family.
Give Yourself the Gift of Future Travel
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be all about giving. As you check off wish lists for family and friends, every purchase made with the credit card can bring you closer to your own dream getaway by earning Bonus Points on everyday spending. Plus, receive one free night at any Category 1–4 hotel each year after your cardmember anniversary, including beachfront destinations like Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort.
Learn more about maximizing your holiday spending at chase.com/gethyattcard.
Content courtesy of Chase and World of Hyatt.
Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
SOURCE:
Hyatt
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
home improvement
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects You Can Do in a Weekend
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects: Giving secondhand furniture a new life is a creative, satisfying and budget-friendly way to add personality to your home. Next time you’re in the mood to spend time working with your hands, try these simple DIY furniture upcycling ideas.
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects You Can Do in a Weekend
(Feature Impact) Giving secondhand furniture a new life is a creative, satisfying and budget-friendly way to add personality to your home. Upcycling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – all it takes is a little imagination, some basic supplies and a free weekend.
Next time you’re in the mood to spend time working with your hands, try these simple DIY furniture upcycling ideas.
Give a Worn Dresser a Fresh Look
Dressers have a way of accumulating scuffs and scratches over time, but it doesn’t take much to refresh their look. Clean the surfaces, sand away any rough spots then apply a fresh coat of furniture paint. To turn it into a stylish statement piece, choose a classy, on-trend color like sage green, deep navy or a warm neutral and replace the drawer pulls with modern hardware to match.
Transform an Old Coffee Table
The coffee table is a natural centerpiece of your living room, so give it an update that fits your preferred aesthetic. Sand it smooth, choose a new wood stain for a more natural look or paint it to match or create contrast with your walls and seating. Adding a protective clear coat can help the surface withstand everyday use and look new for longer.
Turn Wooden Chairs into Stylish Accent Pieces
If you have a collection of mismatched or worn-out wooden chairs around the house, try your hand at refurbishing instead of replacing them. Give them a good wash, repair any broken rungs, update the seats with fresh fabric or new cushions or unleash your inner artist by giving the chairs fun new designs with paint or peel-and-stick contact paper. If they aren’t a good fit for your main dining area, use the chairs as porch decorations or extra seating during parties.
Repurpose an Old Bookshelf
Bookshelves don’t just have to be for books. Give it a fresh design using paint or decorative wallpaper then transform it into a display cabinet, pantry organizer, entryway cubby for shoes and school supplies or whatever else your imagination sparks. Stave off clutter by adding visually appealing bins or baskets to help the shelves stay clean and organized.
Create a Unique Side Table
You can turn a variety of old furniture into side tables, from nightstands and end tables to stools and chairs with the backs removed. Consider adding decorative trim, stenciled designs, patterned tabletops or vibrant paint colors then give the finished table a new life as a plant display, bedside stand or porch accent piece.
Discover more home, lifestyle and crafting ideas at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Automotive
2027 Toyota Tundra Adds Trailhunter Package and Updated Technology
The 2027 Toyota Tundra adds a Trailhunter package, refreshed styling and a standard 14-inch touchscreen. Starting MSRP is $42,890.
Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PLANO, Texas — Toyota is updating the 2027 Tundra with refreshed exterior styling, a new Trailhunter package and additional technology for its full-size pickup lineup.
2027 Toyota Tundra: Trailhunter Package and Tech Updates
Based on the SR5 grade, the Trailhunter package adds Old Man Emu suspension, Michelin all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and extra underbody protection. A locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control help drivers navigate challenging terrain, while bronze-colored wheels distinguish the package.
The TRD Pro receives newly designed, adjustable FOX Q3S shocks, standard red tow hooks and a new Honeycomb paint option.
Inside, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen becomes standard. Toyota also adds a built-in drive recorder and makes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard across the lineup. Gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrains remain available.
Toyota lists the 2027 Tundra with a starting MSRP of $42,890. Buyers should check destination charges, options and dealer pricing when comparing total costs.
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holidays
5 Holiday Shopping Tips to Save Money and Reduce Stress
Holiday Shopping Tips: As the holiday season approaches, savvy gift-givers are already strategizing. Instead of scrambling to shop at the last minute and settling for whatever you can find, you can hunt strategically for gifts to make your loved ones smile. Consider these tips to score better bargains and less stress this season.
5 Holiday Shopping Tips to Save Money and Reduce Stress
(Feature Impact) As the holiday season approaches, savvy gift-givers are already strategizing. Instead of scrambling to shop at the last minute and settling for whatever you can find, you can hunt strategically for gifts to make your loved ones smile.
According to a survey conducted by TopCashback, today’s shoppers care more about getting the right gift than saving time or money. In fact, when choosing a holiday shopping superpower, 32% of respondents said they would choose knowing exactly what everyone wants, followed by always finding the perfect gift (30%), finding the best deal instantly (18%), getting unlimited free shipping (15%) and never waiting in checkout lines (6%).
Consider these tips to score better bargains and less stress this season.
Make a List
Among the worst parts of holiday gifting, U.S. adults most frequently cited forgetting to buy someone a gift (31%), followed by having someone dislike the gift they gave (26%). While you don’t have to figure out exactly what gifts to buy before you start shopping, it can be helpful to start with a list of the people you want to shop for. Write down family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors and anyone else you’d like to include then check their names off as you go.
Set a Budget
Overspending during the holidays can put your finances in a tough spot for the new year, but you can avoid this pitfall by sticking to a realistic budget. Set spending limits, resist unnecessary impulse purchases and focus more on finding meaningful gifts than expensive ones. By shopping smart and planning ahead, you can make the most of each dollar of your gift budget.
Make the Most of Holiday Deals
U.S. adults most frequently describe their holiday gift-giving persona as “The Bargain Hunter,” with 30% agreeing they’ll stop at nothing to find the best deal. Women tend to drive a tougher bargain: 30% said the minimum discount they consider a “good” holiday shopping deal is up to 50% off, compared to 19% of men who said the same.
If saving money is a priority, consider combining tactics like shopping on sale days, using coupons and signing up for cash-back platforms like TopCashback, a free-to-join rebates website offering market-leading cash back rates that can be even higher during prime shopping seasons. You can earn cash back on more than 7,000 top brands and redeem your earnings for cash or gift cards to stack the savings – all without paying a membership fee.
Shop Early
Starting your shopping early gives you extra time to discover deals and find gifts you know your recipients will love. In addition to saving you money, this approach can save you from the pressure and rush of last-second panic buying. Younger shoppers are already adopting this mindset, with 37% of Gen Z respondents describing their holiday gift-giving persona as “The Prepper” – meaning they plan and prepare to always find and give the perfect gifts.
Treat Yourself
Holiday shopping season is also self-gifting season, with 77% of surveyed adults reporting they always, often or sometimes purchase items for themselves while holiday shopping. Whether you’re taking advantage of a buy-one-get-one deal or see something from your own wish list on sale, it can be an opportunity to give yourself a little extra holiday joy.
Learn more about making the most of holiday deals at TopCashback.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
TopCashback
