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What to Spend Your Tax Refund On

Some of our most popular items in recent memory.

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Tax Day. If you’re like most Americans (who haven’t filed an extension), your tax refund should also be coming through shortly. While we’d advise you to put your windfall into a savings account, if you’re feeling like giving yourself just a little treat, there are just a few Strategist highlights you might want to consider. It’s a handy list whether you’re squirreling away all but $20 (Baby Foot was made for sandal season) or $250 (a pocket projector perhaps?).

The best foot peel and exfoliator is actually called Baby Foot. [Editor’s note: We just bought some and it really, really works.].

One of our favorite cheap but expensive-looking dining decor items.

The Japanese water bottle that inexplicably kept a vodka-soda ice-cold at the beach.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

This accessory makes even cheapo office chairs feel ergonomic.

One of our absolute favorite pillows for side sleepers — and the cheapest too.

One of our writers has worn this tinted lip balm for three years running.

You can’t go wrong with these design-y coasters as a hostess gift.

It’s a lump of coal that can actually replace your pricey Brita filter.

Photo: StevanZZ/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Raquel Welch of whitening toothpastes.

A nice-looking and -smelling Joya candle for the bedroom.

The wall ladder that turns empty space into another closet.

All the good looks and function of a Danish secretary desk — for the tub.

The Japanese pour-over that makes a way-better brew than the office Flavia machine.

The almond-scented lotion that our beauty director can’t get enough of.

Trtl pillow
$65
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

We went and found the best travel pillow for neck support.

The adult lunchbox that all your co-workers will eye with envy.

These are the invisible boy-shorts underwear that all the celebrities wear.

Photo: Getty Images

The culty Japanese notebook that our Strategist editor fell for.

These velvet hangers from HSN star Joy Mangano let you double your closet space.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor, Getty Images

This aromatic stress treatment is like Klonopin in scent form.

A basic gray T-shirt that becomes almost inexplicably flattering once you put it on.

Have you heard? Animal-footed side tables are a thing now. This one’s our favorite.

According to Anishka Clarke, co-owner of Ishka Designs, these bamboo sheets are baby-butt soft.

Bonavita BV1800SS
$180

Sara Conklin, the owner of Glasserie, thinks this coffee maker makes coffee as great as a Chemex.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor, Getty Images

Pricey, surely, but this is the Tesla of electric toothbrushes.

This may just be the most handsome dopp kit you’ll ever use.

The easiest way to keep an eye on your cat or dog all day is with this little pet camera.

Photo: Bill Ross/Getty Images

This lighted magnifying vanity mirror acts like natural sunlight so you’ll actually end up wearing less makeup.

We’ve already told you that Land of Nod makes great adult furniture — this inexpensive rug is just one of those finds.

Some movies demand to be seen in widescreen — do them right with a pocket projector that’ll go with you anywhere.

Photo: Courtesy of the vendor

New York fashion director-at-large Amy Larocca found a version of Levi’s 501 that’s vintage-inspired and actually flattering.

Our senior editor’s very favorite suitcase for durable wheels and super packability.

Photo: Courtesy of Dyson

The absolutely worth-it blow dryer that Linda Wells considers a sexy, supersonic object of desire.

This German-made, brightly colored vacuum cleaner will actually make you want to clean.

Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A pair of highly suspicious work pants that are flattering on nearly everyone.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, bed sheets, coffee makers, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

What to Spend Your Tax Refund On