Restaurant.com is easy & cheap for Delta & American. Who cares if your city has lousy or no restaurants listed - buy for a friend in a different city - certificates are currently 80% off (promo code =
Santa). Keep your account alive for $2 or less. My son recently reminded me of the restaurant certs he wanted for stocking stuffers.
Buy.com has deals on flash drives -often < $10 & free s/h -stocking stuffer or to keep. Cheaper in long run is item w/full rebate -buy for miles & submit rebate = account refreshed with little effort or money. You either have something you need, a gift, trash, or sell it on e-bay. Look for electronic games & save for '09 Toys for Tots. A plan I use all year long.
Order on-line & pickup in store is also an easy way to add that mile or two to rescue a stale account.
Order a box of paper clips and stop at Staples, Office Max etc. on the way home from work. The funny look is worth the effort!
I used Circuit City pickup in store for a <$5 flash drive cover (1 of 3 same orders - 3 family member's accts) I picked up a few days later, they couldn't find 1 order in 24 minutes so, they gave me a $24 gift card. A nice surprise since each order was only $4.99 + tax and 2 of 3 were ready.
UAL doesn't have Restaurant.com in mall, but they have Buy.com. & Circuit City
NWA doesn't expire (currently, bet that changes)
Yes, my suggestions may need a bit more effort than requesting an insurance quote for miles, but they get the job done with little effort or $$ involved. I maintain / oversee my family's accounts which has caused me to be overly creative when needed.
Don't forget to check your Hilton Honors account - it expires too if not used.