It’s easy to get swept up in planning for the new year — and who can blame you? Setting intentions, making resolutions and refreshing routines can feel like a breath of fresh air in the middle of cold season. But before you move too far ahead, it’s worth checking whether there’s money you could be leaving behind: unused FSA dollars.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) are tax-free savings accounts that let employees use pretax dollars to pay for qualifying health-related expenses, helping reduce overall out-of-pocket costs. The main difference between the two lies in flexibility.
HSAs belong to you, not your employer. They are typically tied to high-deductible health plans, roll over indefinitely and stay with you even if you change jobs. FSAs, on the other hand, are employer-sponsored and typically use-it-or-lose-it, meaning the funds expire at the end of the year, according to Fidelity.
So, if you’re enrolled in an FSA, check your balance to avoid forfeiting unused funds and make sure you’re not leaving money behind. And spending those dollars is easier than many people realize. In recent years, the list of eligible products has expanded, and the process has become far more streamlined — often fitting into everyday wellness routines rather than one-off medical needs.
Here’s a quick refresher.
Where to shop
Most major retailers now mark FSA- and HSA-eligible items clearly and accept benefits cards at checkout, which means there’s often no reimbursement paperwork to deal with.
Amazon is an easy place to start. You can filter for eligible products and pick up everyday basics like sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and first-aid supplies, along with higher-priced items such as sleep or recovery tools.
FSAstore.com removes the guesswork entirely, since every product on the site qualifies. Some specialty wellness and beauty retailers, including Dermstore, now accept FSA and HSA payments as well.
Traditional pharmacies and big-box retailers, including CVS, Walgreens and Target, are also reliable. Eligible items are typically labeled both online and in-store.
What to buy
Start with the basics you know you’ll use, then look at a few upgrades that support everyday health. Some items may require a letter of medical necessity (LMN), but retailers typically note when that applies.
Everyday essentials
These are the purchases you’ll use year-round — and the easiest way to spend down a balance without overthinking it.
- Welly First Aid Kit — A streamlined take on first-aid basics, stocked with bandages and essentials you’ll reach for often.
- Cure Hydration — Electrolyte packets that make staying hydrated easier during travel or busy workdays.
- Aquaphor — A multipurpose staple for dry skin, lips and minor irritation.
- Zyrtec 24-Hour Allergy Relief Tablets — A practical stock-up for seasonal allergies.
Wellness upgrades
These items can feel easy to skip because of the cost, but they often deliver the most value from FSA spending.
- Forme posture-correcting clothing — Designed to encourage better alignment during long workdays or extended sitting.
- Garmin fitness trackers — Useful for activity tracking, heart rate and recovery metrics.
- Oura Ring — A popular sleep and recovery tracker that offers deeper insight into rest, readiness and overall health patterns.
- Avocado Green Mattress – Certain mattresses and sleep products may qualify for HSA or FSA spending with a LMN.
- SmartBell by Balanced Body — A lightweight, travel-friendly training weight designed for light strength work and controlled movement.
- Snailax Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager — A go-to for muscle tension and daily aches.
Skin, sun and preventive care
Sunscreen is one of the most straightforward FSA wins, but some higher-end skin tools and treatments also qualify.
- Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch — Acne patches that qualify as an eligible skin-care treatment.
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum Duo — A dermatologist-favorite sunscreen that’s easy to wear daily.
- SkinCeuticals Anti-Aging Radiance Kit — Medical-grade skin care products often qualify when used for preventive care.
- Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro — An LED therapy device that may be eligible with documentation.
Family health
FSAs can cover more household essentials than many people realize.
- The Honey Pot Company sanitary pads — This Atlanta-based brand’s menstrual care products are now FSA-eligible.
- Blueair purifiers and humidifiers — Helpful for allergies, air quality and dry indoor air.
- Owlet — Select baby health-monitoring products qualify because they monitor heart rate and oxygen.
- Thinx — Another menstrual care option that qualifies.
- Spectra S1 Plus electric breast pump — A commonly covered postpartum essential for breastfeeding mothers.
- Daily Harvest — An easy, no-prep, ready-made food solution delivered right to your doorstep.
Vision and dental
An easy category to overlook — and an easy one to spend in.
- Eyebobs — Prescription eyewear, reading glasses and sunglasses.
- Flaus — An electric flosser that makes daily dental care easier to maintain.
- LUMIFY eye drops — A widely used FSA-eligible eye-care staple.
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