37 gifts for nurses who could use a little (or a lot) of TLC

You don’t need a holiday to give thanks to the healthcare professionals in your life, and gifts for nurses can be particularly thoughtful gestures – considering the intense nature of their jobs, both physically and mentally.
To find meaningful presents for the health care workers in your life, we went straight to the source for thoughtful and practical ideas: we talked to nurses across the country about everything on their wish lists — and then we asked their family and friends about all the things they plan on gifting them just because. The result? A list that runs the gamut from hand creams to washable backpacks to meal-kit services that can help bring a (much-needed) sense of calm into their lives.
If there’s a nurse, doctor, or health care professional in your life, you know they could use more love, appreciation, and R&R than ever.
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
Ahead, 37 gifts for nurses to show that you care.
Soho House Robe
There’s just something about having a luxe robe to come home to! After unwinding for the day, wrapping myself up in a cosy dressing gown is most comforting part of my night. —C.G.
Hoka Clifton 8 Sneakers
My feet hurt when I’m standing for long shifts, and the Hoka shoes feel like I’m walking on air. My colleagues recommended this model to me – and it does not disappoint. They’re walking shoes so the foam is less thick than Hoka’s running styles, and after hours of being on my feet, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything. —Amanda Mangieri, RN, BSN, New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center
Sleeper Feather-Trimmed Pajama Set
I’m not even ashamed to say that I’m probably the most bougie nurse you'll ever meet. On my self-care days, I like to slip into a pair of fancy pajamas to make the time feel even more luxurious. —A.S.
Parachute Linen Venice Sheet Set
Like most nurses, I don’t play around when it comes to my sleep. One of the best investments I’ve ever made is quality bedding. I’m a big fan of Parachute, and any nurse would appreciate being tucked into those threads. — Claire Garner, RN
Bloom & Wild Flowers
There are so many nurses in my family, I always remember that National Nurses Week falls on the second week of May — just like Mother’s Day. If you’re not sure what to get, you can’t go wrong with scooping up a pretty spring-y bouquet, like this one that’s bursting with two-dozen tulips. —S.S.
Medical and Nursing Felt Badge Clip
My sister tells me she loses her ID badge a little too often, so I’ve been down a rabbit hole of badge clips that are simply too cute for words. I figure if I get her something ridiculously adorable, she’ll try extra hard not to lose her badge for fear of losing these sweet felt characters. PS: There are so many of these badge clips to choose from on Etsy—even ones you can customize. —Shanna Shipin, contributing editor
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
Reading is easily my favorite hobby, and I'd be lying if I said that I don't bring my Kindle with me everywhere I go. I just know that my fellow bookworms at work would love one! —Alexandra Simmons, RN, BSN
Diptyque Jasmin Candle
Candles, aromatherapy, or essential oils because we need a lot of relaxing after a stressful day at work, especially now. I typically love floral scents (peonies or jasmine) mixed with citrus. —Y.M.
Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses
Nurses undoubtedly experience a lot throughout their shifts, and that can lead to mixed emotions. This journal allows for health care workers to let out their thoughts as a form of self-care. —Andrea Navarro, stepdaughter to an RN
Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
The hospital is always freezing cold. It could be 90 degrees outside and you will still find me wearing my favorite Patagonia sweater! This sweater is so warm and comfortable to wear during a long shift. —Megan Goldfarb, RN
Mindful Chef Meal-Kit Gift Card
"As an ICU nurse in NYC at the start of the coronavirus outbreak, my sister was working very long hours — often on her feet for 14+ hours a day!" Mindful Chef has good-for-you meal kits that can be quickly whipped together if your loved one has had no time for lunch during the day. You can give them a gift card and they're able to choose the meals they want. — Amanda King, sister of an RN
Capri Blue Volcano Candle
TBH, this should be on one of those Forbes Worth Every Penny lists. Nothing beats the smell of a relaxing candle after being on your feet for 12 (let’s be real, 13 to 14) hours as a nurse. Capri Blue describes it as “iconic notes of tropical fruit and sugared citrus.” But I describe it as “the best-smelling candle I have ever smelled.” Great for use with a bubble bath, for relaxation time, or literally for all of the time. Kind of one of those things that you might not want to splurge on for yourself, so that makes this an excellent gift. Long-lasting and very fragrant. 10/10 would recommend. — Jordan Humphries, RN, BSN, coronary care unit/home infusion
Apple Watch Series 8 With Solo Loop
I love using my Apple Watch at work because it allows me to see calls and texts without using my hands to touch my phone. It’s also great to track my steps for my 12-hour shifts. I like to give myself credit for the 15,000 steps I do a day, and I’m sure any other nurse would too! —E.D.
Crocs Classic Clogs
Crocs and health care workers go hand in hand. Let’s keep it real; we were the only ones wearing these for a minute! —A.G.
Patagonia Washable Backpack
My best friend in the world (we met at age three, preschool insta-BFFs) is a doctor in New York City and was at the epicenter of the COVID crisis early on, treating coronavirus patients 14 to 16 hours a day. I wish I could’ve gifted her a 10-course dinner, a personal massage therapist, and 100,000 ventilators. But because I couldn’t, I fulfilled her one request—finding her a washable backpack that she can thoroughly clean when she leaves the hospital each night. —Mattie Kahn, contributor
Aesop Nurturing Hand & Nail Cream
After washing my hands and applying Purell for what feels like the millionth time in one day, my hands could use a good moisturiser. —E.D.
Swig Life Triple-Insulated Travel Mug (18-Ounce)
One of my favorite gifts I’ve received has been a Swig insulated mug (has a lid and a nonskid bottom, and is insulated) to hold my tea or coffee in the morning. It keeps my drinks warm through almost half of my shift—and a plus about this mug is that it fits into my car cup holder...no spillage of hot tea.—Jaryn Iwamoto, RN, BSN, CWOCN, wound, ostomy, continence coordinator
Custom Paravel Bag
Medical bags often sacrifice form for function, but this one’s gorgeous. A zip-up bag that lets you store dirtied scrubs would be so helpful—plus since it’s silicone-coated canvas, you can wash it off and use it as a weekender once things get back to normal. —Yelena Maravilla, RN, BC
Nespresso Vertuoline by Breville With Aeroccino 3 Frother
Having delicious coffee that’s ready in under a minute can be a total game changer when you’re rushing to work and don’t have time to fuss with a pour-over. It’s practical, easy to clean, and a great gift for anyone, but especially nurses working the night shift. —Talia Abbas, senior commerce editor
Jaanuu Signature Tulip Top
A fresh set of scrubs, please! I love the new styles from Jaanuu, and they come in sizes XXS to 3X. —Nasslynne Lenz, APRN, AGPCNP-BC
Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment
This stuff is a lifesaver after pushing, pulling, and turning patients all day. I have had back problems since nursing school, and this stuff has to be one of my favorites for quick pain relief. A little bit goes a long way, and for $5 it is so worth it. Just a thin layer of this on those aching parts of my back gives me a warming and relaxed sensation within minutes! Plus, it is a pretty small jar, so it can even travel in one of those many cargo pockets on scrub pants if you are really needing it! —J.H.
Open-Top Canvas Tote Bag
To protect their families, a lot of nurses I work with change out of their scrubs in their garage or their car. A roomy, washable laundry bag that nurses can use to keep their scrubs separate from their clothes and their family’s clothes would be helpful. —Sasha Shipin, RD, LD
Starbucks Gift Card
We all have to get coffee halfway through the shift, so a gift card to a local coffee shop is definitely a must. —A.M.
Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask & Scrub
I’m more prone to breakouts now that I am wearing a mask all day. Clinique’s City Block purifying charcoal clay mask and scrub feels great, dries quickly, and helps keep my skin clear. —Meaghan Redmond, clinical research specialist
Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler
I’m known as the queen of liquids at work. I’ll walk in with a giant iced coffee in one hand and a tumbler in the other (that doesn’t include the green juice I store in the fridge for later). This tumbler holds me accountable for actually staying on top of my water intake, no matter how busy the day gets. —Mia DeGilio, RN
Anrri Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses
These help me with eye strain and eye fatigue (and therefore help minimize headaches) by blocking out blue light when I’m charting on computers. You can gift these with prescription or not—I wear these glasses even when not computer charting because they also provide constant eye protection when dealing with blood and bodily fluids! Safety first! —Kristabelle Tamula, RN
Pilot G2 0.38 Pens With Black Ink (12 With Refills)
Pens, pens, and more pens. To a hospital, they are a precious commodity. And we love the good ones!—Victoria Eurick, RN, BSN, float pool
Theragun Prime Massage Tool
Nurses have to literally hoist people around. It takes a toll on your feet, legs, back, and more—a home massager would be so appreciated. —Tiffany Correia, RN
Spotify Premium Gift Card
I like to listen to music and podcasts on my way to and from work. It’s a nice way to begin the day or unwind on your commute home. —M.R.
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream (2-Pack)
Nurses have dry and cracked hands from constant washing and using alcohol-based sanitizers throughout their shift—this cream is my favorite. —K.T.
Compression Socks
Being pregnant and working 12-hour shifts is rough on your body, especially your feet and legs! Compression socks have become my best friend. This style from Amazon is affordable and they’ve worked great for me. Any nurse, pregnant or not, will appreciate a good pair of compression socks! —Heather Blake BSN, RN, neonatal intensive care unit
Hello Fresh Gift Card
After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than some sort of food gift card or food delivery service! Hello Fresh is a great option—each meal comes with all the ingredients you need to make a fresh, pre-portioned dinner. —H.B.
I like to wear fleece-lined leggings under scrubs on the days I know I will be in a cold procedure room or office. The best part is, when I get home and take off my scrubs, I just leave them on and stay comfy. —M.R.
PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer
These grew to popularity during the pandemic, but I’m glad that a lot of health care workers are still getting their hands on them. I never want to bring a bacteria-packed phone with me anywhere, so this ensures I’m keeping myself and devices a little safer. —A.G.
iRobot Roomba 694 Vacuum
I’m sure the last thing any nurse wants to do when they get home from a long shift is clean! This Roomba vacuum pretty much does the work for them; all they have to do is operate it through their smartphone. —A.N.
Tempur-Pedic Windsock Slippers
As I’ve gotten older, my feet are paying the price. A comfortable pair of slippers is an absolute must-have for anyone in the health care field. We spend hours upon hours standing up, so it’s like a little treat. —A.S.
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
Again, I’m the queen of liquids, so having a personal blender on deck to make smoothies and shakes would be much appreciated, and the perfect gift whether I’m at work or at home. —M.D.





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