5 Treats to Splurge on with Your Tax Refund
Want to use your tax refund to splurge on a little something nice this spring? Here are five treats to make the most out of that extra cash.
According to the IRS, the average tax refund filers will receive this season is $3,116. Sure, your financial advisor might tell you to squirrel it away in a high-yield CD or use it to boost your retirement portfolio.
That is sound advice, but sometimes you just need to splurge on something fun.
Whether you want to go big and spend the whole check on a dream vacation or just use a few hundred dollars to splurge while putting the rest of your tax refund toward a smart use, we say go for it.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Not sure where to start? We put together a few fun ideas on how to use your tax refund to treat yourself.
From booking a cruise or a resort stay to taking advantage of deals to stretch your shopping spree funds further, here are five treats to splurge on with your tax refund this year.
Go on a cruise
Cruises are one of the biggest travel trends of 2025, so if you haven’t been on one yet, maybe that refund check coming your way is your sign that it’s time to book a cruise.
Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises are offering itineraries that span from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.
Whether you're craving beach time, cultural excursions or just endless onboard entertainment, there’s a cruise out there that fits your tax refund budget.
Find short trips from under-$500 4-day jaunts to pricier amenities-packed cruises, and use your refund to dip your toes into the world of cruise vacations without dipping into your savings.
Book a relaxing resort stay
Take it easy for a weekend (or longer) at a luxurious resort with stunning waterfront views. Whether you want to be pampered with an all-inclusive stay or relax on a budget, there are tons of popular resorts at destinations all over the world.
If true relaxation is the goal, consider an adults-only resort that caters specifically to quiet getaways, wellness experiences or romantic escapes.
Many offer spa treatments, private beaches, and fine dining in a peaceful, kid-free setting — no cannonballs at the pool, just cocktails and ocean breezes.
Upgrade your luggage by taking advantage of deals
Use your tax refund to upgrade your luggage ahead of your next vacation.
There are some tough-to-beat deals on Samsonite, Delsey Paris and other premium luggage brands right now.
- Samsonite Evolve SE Hardside Expandable Large Spinner, $151 (originally $200)
- Wrangler Smart Luggage Carry-On with Cup Holder and USB Port, $53 (originally $64)
- Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside Expandable Checked Luggage, $100 (originally $210)
- Baggallini 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack, $98 (originally $130)
- Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Spinner, $136 (originally $200)
- Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Luggage, Set of 2, $480 (originally $750)
- London Fog Oxford III Cabin Bag, $75 (originally $100)
- Vera Bradley Convertible Backpack, $47 (originally $55)
Get the golf clubs Rory McIlroy used to win the Masters
If you were on the edge of your seat as Rory McIlroy finally achieved his career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, why not add one or more of his game-winning clubs to your bag next time you head to the golf course.
Here are the clubs that were in McIlroy’s bag in Augusta:
- Taylormade Qi10 Driver, $400 (originally $600)
- Taylormade Qi10 Fairway Wood, $270 (originally $350)
- Taylormade MG4 Wedges, $180
- Taylormade P-Series Irons, $1,486
- Taylormade Spider Red X3 Putter, $250
Score some under-$500 deals and stash the rest of your refund in savings
Don’t want to spend your entire tax refund on a shopping spree? You can still use a portion of it to treat yourself to something fun.
As long as you put most of it into a high-yield savings account or short-term CD, it still counts as financially responsible even if you spent a few hundred on wish list items – especially if you can score a great deal.
To get you inspired, here are some cool under-$500 splurges that won’t blow through your entire tax refund:
- Kindle Scribe, $365 (originally $450)
- Karcassin Dual Zone 28-Bottle Wine Fridge, $352 (originally $440)
- Garmin Approach S62 Golf Watch, $400 (originally $500)
- Selkirk Neo Pickleball Paddle, Set of 2, $43 (originally $60)
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones, $249 (originally $349)
- AirPods Pro 2, $190 (originally $250)
- Sony WF1000XM5 Noise Canceling Earbuds, $200 (originally $300)
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, $250 (originally $400)
- Alpine Mountain Gear Weekender Tent 6, 6-Person Tent, $83 (originally $200)
- MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights, 18-feet, $33 (originally $55)
- Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler, $201 (originally $250)
Related content
-
The 7-Month Deadline That Sets Your Lifetime Medicare PremiumsUnderstanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage.
-
Retirees Living in Portugal: You Need a Post-NHR Tax StrategyWhen your 10-year Non-Habitual Resident tax break ends, you could see your tax rate soar. Take steps to plan for this change well before the NHR window closes.
-
Target-Date Fund Innovation: Built-In Income GuaranteesWith target-date funds falling short on income certainty, retirement plans should integrate guaranteed income solutions. Here is what participants can do.
-
Verizon’s 4-Line Phone Promo Offers Strong Value for Families Upgrading to Premium DevicesFamilies can upgrade to top-tier smartphones for $25 a line with Verizon’s newest offer.
-
Top Tech Gifts to Grab at Walmart Before ChristmasBig savings on Apple, Bose, HP, Vizio and more while there's still time to shop.
-
Ask the Editor, December 12: IRAs, 401(k)s and RMDsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on IRAs, 401(k)s and required minimum distributions
-
The Top 22 Gifts for Grandkids from Walmart in 2025From PlayStation to Labubu, you'll find the hottest gifts of 2025 for your grandkids at Walmart this year. Some of them are up to 78% off.
-
What Not to Do in an Airport LoungeBefore you settle into that cushy lounge chair, skip the rookie moves that annoy other travelers and can even get you kicked out.
-
Ask the Editor, December 5: Capital Gains and Tax Planning
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on capital gains tax rates and end-of-year tax planning
-
NordVPN’s Huge 77% Black Friday Discount Is One of the Top VPN Deals We’ve Seen This YearSave up to 77% on NordVPN with this Black Friday deal, a practical choice for improving online security and streaming access.
-
23 Best Buy Cyber Monday Deals That Are All 50% Off or BetterIn a sea of mediocre discounts, these Best Buy Cyber Monday deals slash 50% off or more on the latest tech.
