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Your FSA money may expire December 31. Don’t hand it back to your employer.
8 commonly FSA-eligible buys you’ll actually use, picked in 5 minutes.
You set aside money for your FSA in January. It’s now fall, you’ve barely used it, and you vaguely remember something about “use it or lose it.”
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a doctor visit to spend it. Many everyday health products qualify, and the list below is a fast, practical way to use your balance before it’s gone.
⚡ Short on time? Start here
An FSA comes out of your paycheck before taxes, which is a great deal, but on most plans whatever you don’t spend by the deadline goes back to your employer. Some plans offer a grace period into March or a small carryover; HSA money never expires. Details in It’s Your Money. On December 31, Your Employer’s Plan May Keep It.
Do this first (60 seconds)
- Log in to your FSA portal and note your balance and deadline.
- Look for the “FSA or HSA eligible” label on the Amazon product page.
- Save every receipt, even if you pay with your FSA card.
The 8 smartest ways to spend it
🏆 Best use of a big balance#1Omron upper-arm blood pressure monitor
If you have a bigger balance left, this is the buy that keeps paying off for years.
- Upper-arm cuffs are generally more accurate than wrist models
- Saves readings to show your doctor
- You already own a home monitor that works.
👨👩👧 Best for families#2Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer
The one most parents end up buying after a 2 a.m. guessing game.
- Reads in about a second
- Trusted by many pediatric offices
- Your baby is a newborn. Ask your pediatrician which type to use.
🧰 Easy win#3Well-stocked first aid kit
Handling small cuts at home can save you an urgent care copay.
- Useful for every household
- Great for the car and holiday trips
- You restocked your kit this year.
💰 Best value#4Large heating pad with auto shut-off
Desk-job shoulders and period cramps, solved with one plug-in.
- Several heat levels
- Auto shut-off for peace of mind
- You have numbness or reduced feeling in the area you want to heat.
⚡ Drug-free option#5Wireless TENS unit
Physical therapists often use TENS for muscle pain. This is the at-home version.
- No wires to tangle
- Rechargeable
- You have a pacemaker, are pregnant or have epilepsy, unless your doctor says it is OK.
🫁 Small but smart#6Fingertip pulse oximeter
A low-cost way to check oxygen and pulse when a cold hits hard.
- Results in seconds
- Pocket-sized
- You want a diagnosis. It is a guide, and readings can vary.
☀️ Use up small change#7CeraVe mineral sunscreen stick SPF 50
Sunscreen is FSA-eligible, and most people forget it.
- SPF 50, broad spectrum
- Travel size
- You dislike the light white cast of mineral sunscreen.
🧾 Last few dollars#8Medicine cabinet restock
Pain relievers, allergy and cold medicine can qualify without a prescription.
- Things you’ll use anyway
- Perfect for odd leftover amounts
- Your cabinet is full. Check expiration dates first.
Quick reminder: eligibility depends on your plan and IRS rules. When in doubt, check the product label and your plan’s list. See also FSA vs. HSA deadlines.
Match your balance to a buy
| If you have… | Start with |
|---|---|
| A big balance left | Blood pressure monitor + first aid kit |
| A medium balance | Thermometer or TENS unit |
| A small balance | Heating pad or pulse oximeter |
| Just a few dollars | Sunscreen or medicine restock |
Quick answers
Can I pay with my FSA card on Amazon?
Often, yes, for eligible items. If not, pay another way and submit the receipt for reimbursement.
What if my plan has a grace period?
You may have until March. Check your plan before you rush.
Does HSA money expire?
No. HSA money stays yours year to year.
Pick one or two things you’ll really use, buy them this week, and keep the receipts.
Back to the top picks ↑General information, not tax, medical or insurance advice. We did not test these products ourselves; picks are based on product features, brand reputation and public health guidance. Amazon prices and listings change. Photos: Unsplash and our library, illustrations only.