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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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
-
Ask the Editor — Tax Questions on What Congress Will Do NextAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on what Congress will do next with taxes.
-
When Tech is Too MuchOur Kiplinger Retirement Report editor, David Crook, sounds off on the everyday annoyances of technology.
-
Ask the Editor, August 22: Tax Questions on What Congress Will Do Next
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on what Congress will do next with taxes.
-
Spirit Airlines' Future in Doubt: What This Means for Budget TravelSpirit Airlines says it may not survive another year. Here's how its potential collapse could affect low-cost flights and what it means for travelers seeking affordable airfare.
-
TSA Is Making Security Screening Even Faster for CLEAR+ MembersNew eGates promise to make identity verification a six second process for CLEAR+ members.
-
Amazon Expands Same-Day Fresh Food Delivery to 1,000 CitiesAmazon's expanded grocery delivery service costs less than Amazon Fresh. Is it a better deal?
-
Ask the Editor, August 15: Tax Questions on the OBBB, Tax RatesAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the OBBB and changes, if any, to tax rates.
-
Walmart to Pay $5.6 Million for Overcharging ShoppersThe retail giant's latest settlement highlights ongoing pricing accuracy issues and what consumers should know before their next shopping trip.
-
One of T-Mobile’s Most Valuable Offers for SeniorsIf you're looking to save money on your cell service, consider this T-Mobile deal for seniors.
-
Do Baby Boomers Spend More on Travel? What You Can Learn from Each GenerationBaby Boomers lead in travel spending, but younger travelers may be getting better value. See how older travelers compare with younger ones — and what each generation can learn about smarter travel.
