"Our Platinum Card Concierge works with Card members to get to the heart of the gift recipients' personalities, interests and desires to find the perfect gifts -- not just for the holidays -- but throughout the year," says Simon Kahn, Vice President, Platinum and Centurion Product Management, American Express. "Platinum Card Concierge helps take the stress out of the holiday gift-planning experience and gives our Card members the best gift of all -- more time to spend with loved ones."

Platinum Card Concierge from American Express recommends the following gift ideas in each of the popular gift categories:

"Wow" Experiences
What could be better than the gift of an unforgettable life experience? Tailored to the gift recipients' passions and interests, a unique experience can be shared with others or indulged in alone – either way, it creates a life-long memory with wonderful stories to tell.

Platinum Card Concierge Gift Ideas:

• Take to the skies with a sunrise hot air balloon trip for two or a state-of-the-art glider plane ride with expert instruction
• Commission one of America's most respected artists to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece – in the recipient's favorite style and medium

Eco-gifts
This holiday season, consumers are looking to gift with a conscience and have the environment top of mind. With an abundance of luxury brands going green this season, there are many ways to do so in style.

Platinum Card Concierge Gift Ideas:

• Designer organic denim and cashmere apparel or trendy twig furnishings made from reclaimed wood
• Designer organic skincare products

Personalized and Customized
People love getting gifts that are customized to reflect their personality and tastes and that are truly one of a kind.

Platinum Card Concierge Gift Ideas:

• Have a custom flavor of ice cream designed specifically for that special someone, complete with his or her very own recipe and eponymous brand name
• Pass on your passion through a personalized baby's first golf club

Tech Fabulous
The holiday season is a great time to give a gift that will impress friends and families with the latest in virtual games and tech gadgets.

Platinum Card Concierge Gift Ideas:

• The next level of navigation systems come complete with three dimensional reality views and are now available on mobile phones – perfect for those who love off-the-beaten path adventures
• For little ones, there are games that let them stage dance-offs to those that let them stomp characters on the TV screen via an interactive mat. There are even simulated football games which enables them to punt and tackle – without the need for helmets!

Pet Indulgence
More than half of dog owners and a third of cat owners will buy holiday gifts for their pets this year(1) and affluent consumers are sparing no expense.

Platinum Card Concierge Gift Ideas:

• A day tailored to the stressed-out pet with the latest grooming and spa treatments, including a refreshing bath, skin conditioning treatment, shampoo and blow dry, nail clipping and painting and hand-grooming
• Take your dog out for a day of fun and entertainment. Special doggie centers now offer everything from canine movies and interactive games to specially prepared doggie meals

Platinum Card members can contact Platinum Card Concierge by calling the number on the back of their Cards to secure any of the items listed above and to get gift ideas for every type of person in any category of interest or passion. Platinum Card Concierge can help fulfill virtually any Card member request, anywhere in the world, from securing hard-to-get restaurant reservations and event tickets to planning a romantic proposal experience or anniversary surprise. Platinum Card Concierge is available day or night and is prepared to take on even the most interesting challenges.

About American Express
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

(1)According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.