You can always redeem your miles for things like merchandise via the UA Mileage Plus Store.

I doubt I will be able to make 1K for next year (just not enough travel), but boy, will I miss it. I'd go for 1K if you plan to travel UA much at all next year--with the continued dilution of status, 1K is going to soon be a necessity for upgrading on popular routes / times, getting many new fees waived (like the $50 award travel fee for booking close to departure date, etc.)