Best Things to Buy with Your FSA Before It Expires

Your FSA deadline is coming up and you still have a balance. Don't panic — and definitely don't forfeit it. This guide organizes the best FSA-eligible purchases by budget so you can quickly find items that match your remaining balance and are things you'll actually use.

Under $50: Quick Wins

Small balance or just need to top off? These items are available at any pharmacy or Amazon's FSA store.

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+): $8-15 per bottle. Stock up for the year.
• Pain relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Tylenol, Advil — $5-12.
• Allergy medicine: Zyrtec, Claritin, Flonase — $12-30 for a 30-day supply.
• First aid kit: $15-40 for a well-stocked kit.
• Digital thermometer: $8-15.
• Band-aids and gauze: $5-10.
• Reading glasses: $10-25.
• Melatonin or sleep aids: $8-15.
• Lip balm with SPF: $3-8.
• Menstrual products: Pads, tampons, cups — $8-30.

$50-200: Practical Upgrades

A moderate balance opens up more useful purchases:

• Blood pressure monitor: $30-80. Every household should have one.
• Heating pad: $15-50 for electric, $25-60 for infrared.
• TENS unit: $25-80. Great for back pain, muscle soreness.
• Compression stockings: $15-40 per pair.
• Contact lens solution (bulk): $25-40 for a multi-pack.
• Cold therapy wraps: $20-60.
• Elastic braces (knee, ankle, wrist): $15-40 each.
• Acupressure mat: $25-50 (with LMN).
• Year supply of allergy medication: $60-150.
• Prenatal vitamins (year supply): $30-80.

$200-500: High-Value Purchases

This is where you get serious value for your FSA dollars:

• Prescription eyeglasses: $100-400 with lenses. Get a backup pair.
• Prescription sunglasses: $150-500. A fantastic FSA purchase.
• Annual contact lens supply: $200-600 depending on brand.
• Custom dental night guard: $300-800 from your dentist.
• Massage gun: $100-400 (with LMN from doctor).
• Breast pump: $150-350 for a quality electric pump.
• Hearing aids (OTC): $200-800. OTC hearing aids are FSA-eligible.
• Dental cleaning + filling: $200-500 out of pocket.

$500-1,000: Major Medical Purchases

• CPAP supplies (annual): $300-800 for masks, filters, tubing.
• Dental crown: $800-3,000 (insurance usually covers part).
• Physical therapy sessions: $50-100/session x 10-20 sessions.
• Root canal: $700-1,500.
• Continuous glucose monitor: Dexcom/Libre starter kit $300-600.
• Orthotics (custom): $200-800 per pair.

$1,000+: Big-Ticket Items

If you have a large balance, these high-dollar expenses can use it all:

• LASIK surgery: $2,000-4,000 per eye. One of the most popular big-ticket FSA purchases.
• Orthodontia (braces or Invisalign): $3,000-8,000. Can split across plan years.
• Dental implants: $3,000-5,000 per tooth.
• Fertility treatments: IUI ($2,000-5,000), IVF ($10,000-15,000+).
• Hearing aids (prescription): $1,000-6,000 per pair.

Pro Tips for Year-End FSA Shopping

1. Buy items you'll use anyway. Don't buy things just to spend your FSA. Focus on items you'd purchase regardless — sunscreen, allergy meds, contacts — and buy in bulk.
2. Check if your FSA card works at Amazon. Many FSA debit cards work at Amazon's FSA/HSA store, which makes shopping easy and has a wide selection.
3. Schedule medical appointments. The expense must be incurred (not just paid) before your deadline. Schedule dental cleanings, eye exams, and physical therapy sessions before your plan year ends.
4. Save your receipts. Your FSA administrator may request documentation. Keep itemized receipts and EOBs.
5. Don't forget your dependents. Your FSA covers eligible expenses for your spouse and dependents under 26, even if they're on a different insurance plan.

Never Scramble Again

The best time to plan your FSA spending is the beginning of the year, not the end. SpendRebel calculates your at-risk balance, sends smart reminders throughout the year, and suggests eligible purchases based on your remaining amount. Set it up in 2 minutes — it's free and it saves you from the year-end panic.