As the year comes to a close, prioritizing health and wellness is more important than ever. If you’re looking for smart ways to use your remaining FSA dollars, we’ve got you covered with a curated shopping guide. From high-tech gadgets to everyday essentials, there are plenty of ways to spend your leftover funds wisely.
Personally, signing up for an FSA account has helped me save on feminine care products, over-the-counter medications and other necessities — all with pre-tax dollars. While I currently have money left in my account, I don’t want to risk forfeiting my balance. That’s why we’ve rounded up editor-approved products to keep your wellness routine strong and help you stock up for the year ahead.
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Understanding FSA and HSA benefits
FSA and HSA accounts are great tools to help you save money on health-related expenses. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck for eligible health care costs, including insurance deductibles, prescription copayments, and certain treatments.
A Health Savings Account (HSA), on the other hand, is available to those enrolled in high-deductible health plans and can also help you save pre-tax money. While both accounts offer tax advantages, there are key differences:
- FSA: This account follows a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning funds typically need to be spent by December 31. "However, your employer may offer a grace period until March 15, for instance, of an amount up to $660 to carry over," shares certified financial planner Brett Bernstein.
- HSA: Unlike FSAs, HSAs are individually owned and don’t require an employer to open. They can be opened through a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union, according to HealthCare.gov. Plus, contributions roll over year after year, making it a long-term savings option.
Pro tip: "From the beginning, figure out what you will be spending on co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses to make sure you are contributing enough to your FSA," says TurboTax author Lisa Greene-Lewis.
What types of products can you buy with FSA and HSA funds?
“FSA eligible expenses cover out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, over-the-counter, family, therapy and even transportation costs. Costs like co-pays, exams, over-the-counter medication, feminine hygiene products, acupuncture and breast pumps could [also] qualify," shares Greene-Lewis.
There are many other wellness, health tech and over-the-counter products you can buy with your FSA funds. Greene-Lewis and Bernstein break down the most common products you can purchase with your FSA money.
- Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), cold and flu remedies, antacids and digestive aids.
- Personal care essentials: Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), first aid kits, menstrual care products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups)
- Health devices: Blood pressure monitors, thermometers, glucose monitors, nebulizers, etc.
- Vision and eye care: Prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and solutions, eye drops, LASIK surgery and eye exam fees.
- Dental and oral health: Electric toothbrushes, water flossers, dental guards and orthodontic care.
- Pregnancy and fertility care: Prenatal vitamins, breast pumps and accessories, pregnancy tests, ovulation kits, baby thermometers, etc.
(Note: Always check with your HR department and your specific FSA and HSA program to confirm eligibility.)
Editor- and expert-approved products to buy with your FSA and HSA benefits
You can never go wrong with stocking up on pads. Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says, "There was one year where I had a lot of excess funds at the end of the year that I wasn’t going to spend on myself, so I stocked up on several packages of menstrual pads to donate to a local women’s shelter because they’re always looking for those kinds of contributions."
This vegan hand sanitizer comes in refreshing scents like sandalwood, pure lavender and coconut. It’s made with clean ingredients, including soothing aloe vera, for a gentle yet effective formula. I love keeping a few on hand so I’m always stocked up when I run out.
Suffering from itchiness? This dermatologist-approved body cream is ideal for those suffering from eczema.
“Aveeno eczema products are great. They’re fragrance-free and their soothing, anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal decreases inflammation, while the emollients work to improve the barrier lipids,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo says.
This face cleanser combines powerful acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide with soothing ceramides and niacinamide to clear breakouts while calming the skin. Ideal for oily skin, it helps remove bacteria and maintain a healthy, balanced complexion.
As someone who deals with chafing during runs, this healing ointment has been a game-changer for soothing irritated areas. I apply it to my feet, inner thighs and even lips whenever I know I’ll be exposed to the elements. Its protective formula helps prevent discomfort and keeps skin feeling hydrated and healthy.
You can never have enough sunscreen. I love using this one because it’s gentle on my sensitive skin while offering broad-spectrum, high SPF protection. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated without any greasy residue — perfect for daily wear.
Elevate your daily routine with this eco-friendly toothbrush. It’s travel-friendly and portable enough to fit in your bag, featuring a plant-based head made from corn starch and castor oil. Its extended battery life reduces charging time and the lower vibration intensity makes it ideal for people with sensitive gums.
Bender says a heating pad was one of her best purchases with her FSA account. "While my current cordless heating pad is discontinued, this option from Sunbeam offers the same benefits with how quickly it provides heat, multiple temperature settings and an adjustable strap so I can wear it in the exact right position while moving around," she adds.
Associate editor Allie Wise says she's adding this to her cart to relieve menstrual discomfort. This device is also beneficial for people with endometriosis, helping to soothe discomfort while addressing pain in the affected area. It comes with 15 different settings to help meet your needs.
This lactic acid serum is dermatologist-approved for its powerful skin benefits. Formulated with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. A board-certified dermatologist previously told Shop TODAY that this serum is an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin who struggle with hyperpigmentation.
Whether you’re a back or side sleeper, this pillow is designed to give you a restful night’s sleep. It’s fully adjustable, so you can add or remove microfiber fill to match your comfort level. I’ve been using it for about eight months, and my neck has been pain-free ever since. Plus, it feels perfectly fluffy without being too high or too low.
Warby Parker glasses are an excellent choice if you’re looking to upgrade your vision. Crafted from durable materials and featuring a modern design, these frames complement most face shapes. Customers rave about their quick delivery and lightweight feel, making them both stylish and comfortable for everyday wear.
Let’s face it — flossing can feel like a chore, but this device has completely simplified my routine. I recently started using this new flosser and love how gentle it is on my gums. The kit includes 45 mint-flavored, recyclable floss heads and is designed by dental experts for ease of use. It makes moving from section to section effortless and helps you reach the back teeth without having to struggle with traditional floss or your fingers.
If you’re ready to take your health and fitness to the next level, consider using your FSA dollars to sign up for a Whoop membership. While you’ll need to already own the device, writer Emma Stessman notes that this membership provides in-depth health insights — from monitoring your sleep patterns to tracking heart rate and recovery. It’s a great way to get a comprehensive view of your fitness activities and overall wellness.
I received this mini Theragun as a gift after completing the New York City Marathon, and I love how compact and portable it is. This on-the-go device is TSA-approved, making it easy to travel with, and it’s perfect for massaging your neck, back and legs whenever you’re on the road. Despite its small size, it delivers powerful relief for sore muscles — ideal for runners and frequent travelers alike.
This award-winning alarm clock is the perfect way to start your day. I’ve been using it for over a year and love the soothing light and gentle sounds that wake me up naturally. The companion app offers themed music and guided content to help you relax and snooze with ease.
The Hyperice knee compression device has been a lifesaver for my recovery routine. As a runner, I often deal with knee swelling after long-distance runs, and this device helps reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. It features both heat and cold settings for targeted relief, and the cordless design makes it easy to use anywhere. Plus, it’s compact enough to pack for training sessions or travel.
Bernstein says items like knee braces are considered eligible because "they are under the various medical or other categories not covered by most insurance but needed to assist with recovery, healing or care."
Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to use your FSA or HSA funds is with your account-linked debit card, which works just like a regular payment card for eligible purchases. If you need to pay a health care provider directly, most programs also allow you to make payments through your online account, giving you flexibility and convenience.
You can use your FSA funds at a variety of retailers, including the official FSA Store. Amazon even has a dedicated FSA/HSA storefront!
You can also find FSA-eligible products at big-name retailers including CVS, Walgreens, Target, Ulta, Costco and Sam's Club.
According to Greene-Lewis and Bernstein, stock up on cold and flu essentials like thermometers, humidifiers and OTC medications. If you’re planning for the new year, consider fitness-related items such as resistance bands or first-aid kits for home workouts.
"With the end of year approaching and some FSAs being 'use-it-or-lose-it,' people should prioritize the medical, dental and vision exams they have been putting off since your FSA can pay for co-pays, braces and aligners, glasses and other medical expenses that your insurance may not pay more for," adds Green-Lewis.
Yes! Here are two of the main misconceptions about using FSA and HSA funds:
Myth: Over-the-counter (OTC) items aren’t covered by FSA/HSA.
Fact: Most OTC medications and health-related items are eligible, including pain relievers, allergy medications and first-aid supplies.
Myth: You can use FSA funds for insurance premiums.
Fact: Premiums are not eligible expenses under FSA rules.
"I think the hardest thing for people to do is have a payroll deduction to only hope they will spend the money when in fact most people can easily spend the $3,300 this year or $3,400 next year based on all the services and items above I laid out," notes Bernstein.
How we chose
We carefully curated this list based on our editors’ and experts' recommendations, and products with consistently high ratings. While reviewing options, we prioritized items that offer great value, everyday essentials you’ll actually use and higher-cost products that address special needs. Our goal was to ensure every pick helps you make the most of your FSA dollars.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Jannely Espinal is the SEO commerce writer at Shop TODAY where she creates stories for the Ranked series, gift guides, fashion features and more. She’s well-versed in product testing across multiple categories and plays a key role in developing and following testing guidelines to ensure accuracy and quality in every review.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Lisa Greene-Lewis is an expert in tax preparation and an author at TurboTax.
- Brett Bernstein is a certified financial planner and co-founder of XML Financial Group.
