Personal Finance / Gifts for Nurses
In this article, we will share some of the best gifts for nurses. Whether you are buying for a nurse new to the field or a 30-year veteran, there is a gift for every stage of a nurse’s career.
[Note: Gift ideas are our own; links are not sponsored]
- Nursing gear and supplies
- Activities and experiences
- Personalized gifts for nurses
- Gifts for at home
- Relaxation gifts
- Playful gifts
Nursing gear and supplies
These gifts are a good option for the new nurse trying to gather their needed supplies or even a veteran nurse (it doesn’t hurt to have extras of something you use daily).
New scrub set
A nurse can never have too many scrubs! You can’t go wrong with gifting one with a quality new set of scrubs.
Stethoscope
We would be remiss if we did not suggest buying a stethoscope as a gift for a nurse. Every nurse needs a good one, which can come with a significant cost.
While there are budget models available, they are more appropriate for nurses who are still learning their craft. Every time they use it, they will think of the person who was kind enough to gift it to them. Some of our favorite brands for stethoscopes are:
Stethoscope ID Tag
If the new nurse in your life already has a stethoscope, why not personalize it for him or her? Creating a customized ID badge is both practical and fashionable. It sets the stethoscope apart from everyone else’s and helps identify it should it get misplaced.
- Beautyflier Plastic Name ID Tag Clip
- CodeBlueJewelry Custom Stethescope ID Tag
- Generic Stethoscope ID tag
Badge Clips
It is hard to display a personal sense of style when you are a nurse. Most healthcare facilities and hospitals have strict dress codes for nursing professionals. Badge clips are a convenient – and approved – way to inject a little character into nursing scrubs.
- FURREY Bage Holder Reel (3 Pieces)
- AccessoriesByHayas Cats Reel Badge
- AHSONLUF Retractable Badge Reel Holder (6 Pieces)
Nursing Shoes
Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet during a typical shift. If your favorite nurse spends hours on their feet, then they will likely appreciate a pair of supportive shoes.
Compression Socks
Like a good pair of supportive shoes, socks can save a nurse from aches and pains after a long shift. Compression socks are a great gift for nurses who spend a lot of time on their feet or who have worked in the profession for many years and could use the extra reinforcement.
- HLTPRO Compression Socks for Women & Men (4 Pairs)
- COOLOVER Copper Medical Compression Socks (6 Pairs)
- Extreme Fit Knee High Compression Socks (6 Pairs)
Nursing Bags
A stethoscope, scissors, permanent markers and pens, hand sanitizer, and alcohol wipes are just a few of the essentials nurses carry with them throughout their shifts. Nursing bags are a helpful way to keep all those tools organized at the ready.
- AllHeart’s Nurse Mates Ultimate Nursing Bag
- Up2ournecksinfabric Personalized Large Nurse Tote Bag
- Rabjen Nurse Tote Bag
Smartwatch
Smartwatches are a great gift for people who are always on the go. It’s a lot more convenient to be able to glance at your rest at any incoming important notifications. Smartwatches also are available at different price points to fit multiple gift budgets.
Activities and experiences
Offering someone an experience outside of work can be a great way to give a nurse a much-needed break and an excuse to get out! Here are some suggestions for activities that you can gift with the convenience of a gift card, so they can figure out the perfect time to fit it into their busy schedules.
- iFly is an indoor sky-diving experience, and nurses can even get 20% Off First Timer Flyer Packages.
- Treating them to an all-inclusive pottery experience, where you can mold your own creation and come back to paint it at Color Me Mine!
- Many nurses would love a spa day, and luckily you can purchase gift cards for local spas for the nurse in your life to pick out the treatment they’d enjoy most.
- If you know someone likes to go to shows but aren’t sure which show they would like to go to, a StubHub Gift Card is a great option to help cover a ticket to a show!
Although some people don’t like giving gift cards as a gift, they’re convenient and give the giftee the chance to be flexible and create these experiences on their own time. Most experience events will heavily vary depending on your location, so Groupon is a great resource if you need more ideas for your local area.
Personalized gifts for nurses
Making a gift personal is the best way to ensure the gift will light up the receiver’s face. These gifts add more of a personal touch to let the nurse in your life know you put a little extra thought into them.
Personalized Nurse Water Bottle
Say good-bye to water bottle mix-ups! This is a cute extra touch on an essential that any nurse could use to stay hydrated.
Nurse gift box set
A nurse gift box can contain anything you want and anything the nurse may like. If you are stumped on what to include in your box, there are premade ones available to purchase.
Nurse teddy bear
A teddy bear is a classic gift, but one in scrubs and a mask is an excellent detail that can show a nurse you appreciate them and the work they do.
Framed Nurse Print
A customized print is an excellent way for one to express themselves through decor. A gift with a homely touch like this is a good option.
Customized Pull-Over
Most nurses already have a pullover, but one with their name on it is sure to become a new staple to their wardrobe.
Gifts for at home
It’s a nurse’s job to take care of others, so sometimes they may forget to prioritize taking care of themselves. With such hectic hours, nurses value their precious hours at home. These gifts are a great way to make these hours even more relaxing for the nurse in your life.
Meal delivery service subscription
Most people struggle to find the energy to cook a meal after a long day of work. This is especially true for nurses, who can also work long shifts at odd hours. A great relief to them can be meal delivery services that deliver groceries and even meals on a regular basis. Here are some of the most popular meal delivery services:
Slow cooker
A slow cooker is another solution for anyone too tired to cook when they get home after a long day. Just throw in the ingredients before you leave for your shift and come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Container
A bento box is a great way to separate snacks and sides in a packed lunch, and they also offer stackable compartments and flatware. It’s microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. So, it’ll be perfect for any meal. Includes a 3-piece utensil set and 2-year warranty.
Hot Logic Mini
This lunch bag is a great way to keep packed lunches warm and fresh throughout the day. This is a perfect gift for a nurse since their lunch breaks can sometimes be on the fly; their food will always be warm and ready with this lunch box.
Ultra Slim Design 20,000mAh Power Bank
It’s not uncommon for a nurse to work a 12-hour shift, so a portable charger to help their phone make it through the day with them is a great gift for a nurse. It’s convenient and portable, easily fitting into any pocket or bag.
Restore Smart Sleep Assistant
The Restore Smart Sleep Assistant by Hatch is a game-changer! Touting features like a catalog of soothing sounds and adjustable lighting, as well as the capability to be a routine to help you fall asleep and wake up refreshed is nothing short of amazing. The Sunrise Alarm feature also supports healthy cortisol levels, so it’s the perfect gift for nurses who work night shifts.
LEVOIT air purifier
Air purifiers cleanse the air of allergens, dust, mold, and odors. An air purifier can offer any nurse a fresh breath of air once they get home.
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Most people don’t start their morning without a cup of coffee. The convenience of a coffee maker is a great gift for a nurse.
Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker with 22oz Reusable Tumbler and Coffee Filter
Iced Coffee made in under four minutes right in your home? Sounds too good to be true! Yet, the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker can make it a reality, and a great gift for nurses.
Relaxation gifts
When everything is all said and done, everyone loves to relax and unwind at the end of a rough workday. These gifts are a great small way to indulge yourself and wind down.
Spa Day
One thing nurses always mention they want is a spa day! A great way to give them one on their own time is through a gift card or certificate for a pre-paid one. This also can work for mani-peds, facials, and other services they may enjoy. Groupon is a great place to check for specials on these things.
Massage gun
A massage gun is a great way to release tension and work out weary muscles. You can get a great Dartwood Deep Tissue Massage gun at Target and other retailers.
Heating pad
A heating pad is a great relief to any sore areas to relieve pain and can really relax the person using it. They’re also pretty easy to find and affordable!
Relaxation candles
Candles make a great gift for nurses. Candles are widely used as a way to relax after a long day at work, especially an aromatherapy candle. Aromatherapy candles have scents typically used for relaxation, which are usually lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile.
BodyRestore Shower Steamers
Shower steamers are a fun way to elevate your shower experience. They’re a quick way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy in your daily routine. BodyRestore’s shower steamers also come in “calm” and “energize” editions.
- A perfect way to unwind in the shower after a long shift or even before starting your day.
- These shower steamers are Infused with 100% organic, natural essential oils.
Etekcity Foot Massager Machine
After a long day of being on their feet and running from patient to patient, every nurse deserves some relief for their feet. Foot massagers can improve circulation, stimulate muscles, and reduces tension.
Playful Gift Ideas
These light-hearted gifts are sure to get a chuckle to the receiver if you want to keep it casual. Besides, who doesn’t love a gag gift that’s actually cute?
Prescription Coffee Mug
This cheeky mug is perfect for the nurse that needs their daily dose of coffee.
24pcs Needle Ballpoint Pens,1 Sticky Note and Zipper Bag
A super cute and simple gift that any nurse can easily pop into her nursing bag.
Happy Pills Earrings
These earrings are an adorable take on “happy pills” and a great way for a nurse to accessorize.
Final word
Why wait for a holiday, birthday or other celebration to give your favorite nurse a gift? There is never a wrong time to give a gift to let someone know you appreciate them. Nurses work hard. They are the unsung heroes of the healthcare profession, working long hours to ensure their patients receive quality care.
