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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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"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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
