HSA/FSA Purchases You Probably Don’t Know About + Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Spend

Discover surprising HSA/FSA eligible purchases that go beyond the basics + smart tips to stretch every dollar, boost your wellness, and even give back with purpose.

4/15/20256 min read

If you're anything like me, you've probably let FSA dollars expire in the past (ouch 😬) or forgotten that your HSA could cover more than just prescriptions and copays. There are so many underrated wellness products and overlooked strategies that can help you get the most out of your tax advantaged dollars.

Whether you're planning ahead or your deadline is around the corner, below I've provided my favorite HSA/FSA eligible items not many people know about, plus bonus tips to make every dollar count!

1. Prescription Sunglasses

When I found out I could buy stylish, UV protecting prescription sunglasses with my HSA, I felt like I’d unlocked a financial cheat code. If you wear glasses and spend time outdoors, this is a must have. It's one of those purchases that gets overlooked because most people forget sunglasses are not only fashionable, but a smart investment for your long term eye health. Some of my favorite sites to find the best "bang for your buck" sunglasses are Warby Parker, Zenni, and Costco.

2. Dental Pods

If you wear a retainer, Invisalign, or night guard like I do, you know how gross it can get without a deep clean. Dental Pods use ultrasonic cleaning technology to sanitize your dental devices in a way that brushing just can’t. I noticed a huge difference in freshness and hygiene within days. It’s one of those “small upgrades” that makes a huge impact on your health. I currenty use the Zima Dental pod in white. The sky blue recently came out and it's so cute!

🦷 Fun Fact: Up to 80% of your immune system starts in your mouth. So keeping your Invisalign or night guard clean isn’t just about fresh breath, it’s key to protecting your overall health.

3. Normatec Compression Boots

Please don't sleep on this. I originally thought Normatec boots were just for athletes until I tried them after a long ski/snowboarding weekend in the mountains. My legs were so sore but after using these, the next day I felt like I can tackle the mountains again. These boots use air compression to improve blood flow, reduce soreness, and boost recovery. If you deal with poor circulation, muscle fatigue, or spend long hours on your feet or at a desk, they’re worth every penny. I used my HSA to buy mine and have never looked back.

4. Theragun or Massage Guns

For all you pilate girlies (and bros), the Theragun helped me so much tackling those those hard to reach muscles (like how am I supposed to massage my sore butt?). It’s now part of my weekly recovery routine and has also drastically helped with neck and shoulder pain from sitting at my desk all day.

5. Red Light Therapy for Skin

After struggling with hormonal acne and dry skin for years, red light therapy became my unexpected skincare hero. Red light therapy works for the skin by stimulating cellular processes, particularly in the mitochondria, to boost energy production, reduce inflammation, and enhance collagen production. In other words, it helps with acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. Using my HSA for a red light mask was so satisfying knowing I don't have to spend money on facials every month like I used to.

6. Air Purifier (With Letter of Medical Necessity)

As someone with seasonal allergies, my air purifier really helped my sleep and breathing. If your doctor provides a letter of medical necessity, many air purifiers qualify as HSA/FSA eligible. Clean air isn’t just a luxury. It directly affects your respiratory health, especially in cities or during wildfire season. I highly recommend this if you experience indoor allergy symptoms.

7. Sunscreen (SPF 55+ and Broad Spectrum)

By now you should realize I'm super into maintaining my skin. This is one of the easiest and most overlooked FSA purchases. Sunscreen is so so important. Sun damage can cause premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer, and using high quality SPF daily has made a major difference in my skin health. I always stock up on dermatologist recommended brands before my FSA deadline. My favorite facial sunscreen brands are Shiseido (Clear Sunscreen Stick), Supergoop! (Unseen Sunscreen), and Kiehl's.

8. Touchland Hand Sanitizer

A household staple post covid, hand sanitizer is FSA/HSA eligible and perfect for on the go cleanliness. I keep one in every bag, my car, and at my desk. It’s a simple way to reduce the spread of germs, especially during flu season or after using public transportation. I personally love the brand Touchland, it's cute and I especially love the rose water scent!

9. Pimple Acne Patches

These little miracle stickers have saved me from so many random breakouts. They’re usually made from hydrocolloid, which helps draw out impurities and reduce inflammation overnight. I didn’t realize the Mighty Patch Invisible was eligible until recently, and now I always have a stash ready. They're especially helpful for hormonal related breakouts that love to show up at the worst times.

10. Want to Do Something Meaningful with Leftover Funds? You Can Give Back 🙂

Here’s something most people don’t consider - you can use your FSA/HSA to support local charities.

Before your funds expire, reach out to local homeless shelters or women’s shelters and ask what medical supplies they need. Common requests I've received in the past include:

These are small things that make a big difference to someone in need and knowing my healthcare dollars are helping others is one of the most fulfilling ways to spend.

✨ Bonus Tip to Maximize Your Spend

If you are going to spend your HSA/FSA dollars, let’s talk strategy. Here are some powerful (yet underused) ways to stretch every dollar:

🌱 Use a Rewards Credit Card for Purchases

Here’s a little trick: make your eligible purchases with a rewards credit card, then reimburse yourself later using your HSA. This way, you still earn points or cashback and enjoy the tax free benefit. It’s a small shift that can compound into big savings over time.

🌱 Save Receipts for Future HSA Reimbursement

If you didn't know, you don’t have to use your funds right now. Pay out of pocket, save the receipts, and reimburse yourself years later, there’s no time limit. This is a huge advantage if you're trying to invest your HSA funds and let them grow. If you've been following me, you know time is the key ingredient for growing your investments.

🌱 Stock Up at the End of the Year

If your FSA has a "use-it-or-lose-it" policy, avoid last minute panic spending. I keep a running list throughout the year of items I need, so I can stock up strategically when the deadline approaches.

Hope that helps! If you've used your HSA or FSA for something unexpected outside of the ones I've listed, feel free to email me at sam@pennyandpurpose.com! I love discovering new hacks!