The holiday shopping season is upon us, and the programs are getting in the spirit by offering you new ways to earn and burn your points. Recently, Marriott Rewards sent out a special holiday gift catalog, chock-full of electronics, jewelry and accessories which may be purchased Rewards points. An example: How about a Sony digital camcorder for 144,000 points ($499 retail)? That works out to about 3.46 cents per point.

In the mood for earning while you give? As reported last month, Hilton HHonors is offering a means of earning points, by giving members 10 points for every dollar spent and a 15 percent discount on all merchandise at Ashford.com.