Nursing is one of the most demanding careers in medicine and can negatively affect a person’s mental health. And that’s just in regular times. Since March of 2020, nurses have had to work harder and be under more stress than ever before. Even if you can’t exactly make their job easier, these gifts for nurses may help just a little bit by showing that you care.
Becoming a nurse requires years of training both in school and in the field. Job requirements often extend beyond their outline, with many nurses remaining on duty once their shift ends to console and care for patients and provide assistance for their peers. If someone close to you is a nurse or you’ve been cared for by one, you may want to consider getting them even a little something. It really is the thought that counts, and you want them to know you appreciate them and all of their hard work.
Whether you are looking for a gift for a nurse that has touched your life personally or just for a loved one who happens to be a nurse after surviving this challenging period, there are several gifts for nurses that will make any essential worker’s day.
Check out our list of the best gifts for nurses below.
1. Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
BEST FOR RELAXING
When it’s time to unwind after a long shift, it’s tough to beat a relaxing bubble bath. We love the Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray from Royal Craft Wood, which has a spot for everything and everyone. The extendable and waterproof caddy can accommodate up to two bathers, with dedicated holders for tablets, books, cell phones, wine glasses, candles, and whatever else the nurse or nurses in your life need to relax. The silicone grip on the bottom of the bamboo caddy keeps it in place, and detachable trays help extend and minimize the caddy to fit most tubs. Convenient handles on either side make it easy for this bathtub tray to transition into a breakfast-in-bed tray because if anyone deserves to be pampered, it’s the nurse in your life.
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2. Herbal Freeze by All Good
BEST FOR SORE BODIES
Nursing is a physical job that can take a toll on a person’s body. Whether lifting patients, turning patients, running from call to call, or twisting to grab supplies quickly, a nurse’s body can often house aches and pains at the end of the shift. That’s why we recommend Herbal Freeze by All Good, a fast-acting, plant-based relaxer that uses herbs and medicinal plants to provide pain relief for sore muscles and aching joints. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and most importantly, effective.
3. Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit
BEST FOR SORE FEET
Seats at a nurse’s station tend to get dusty from a lack of use. Whether in the emergency room, urgent care, pediatric floor, or even making house calls, nurses are on their feet all day. The Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit comes with three pairs of insoles that either cover the entirety of the user’s shoe or just the heel. Unlike generic options, Tread Labs act more like expensive custom insoles by offering four arch heights to help users get the most custom shape possible to relieve pain and fight against plantar fasciitis, pronation, and ensure proper body alignment. You can’t help a nurse sit down more, but you can help make their feet feel better.
4. Swiftwick FLITE XT ZERO Non-Slip Running Socks
BEST FOR HOT FEET
That’s right; we have more than one product on this list for feet because nurses stand, walk and run all day. And all night. And sometimes for much longer than their 12-hour shift. Swiftwick makes a no-show stock that actually stays up, even when running. Made from Olefin fiber that wicks away sweat and featuring moderate compression that helps soothe sore muscles, these socks keep feet cool and blister-free. Unlike many sports socks that begin to fade or become thin after multiple washings, Swiftwick keeps its shape and support. We also like that the company has a history that includes donating thousands of socks to medical professionals.
5. Yogi Bare Paws
BEST FOR STRETCHING
Whether they need a spot to meditate before starting a shift or an area to stretch out their sore muscles and stay in shape for their physically demanding job, a high-quality yoga mat is an excellent gift for any nurse. We like the Yogi Bare Paws mat, which has a nonslip grip that is great for intense sweat sessions and hot yoga. The mat is made using eco-friendly natural rubber and is available in several colors options created using natural, plant-based dyes. We also like that the mat has a body alignment position guide down the middle because nurses spend all day focusing on other people’s bodies and need to slightly turn their brains off when it’s time to relax.
6. Cloudburst Organic Cold Brew
BEST CAFFEINATED GIFT
Do you know what’s not delicious? A hot coffee that now sits at room temperature. Do you know what is delicious? This USDA-certified organic cold brew from Cloudburst. Nurses don’t always get the chance to sit and enjoy a steaming hot cup of Joe, but there’s no doubt they need caffeine to make it through their long shifts. That’s why we like the cold brew from Cloudburst Coffee. Roasted in California, the cold brew can be prepared days before a shift and deliver a delicious and refreshing jolt with hints of peach, milk chocolate and toffee. If full caffeine isn’t their jam, the company also has several half-caff roasts.
7. Clean Beauty Box Subscription
BEST FOR A NURSES SKIN
When they’re not busy saving lives at hospitals and clinics, nurses deserve some TLC. Many beauty subscription services allow customers to spoil the nurse in their life with a bi-monthly box filled with beauty goodies. We like Clean Beauty Box, which uses only high-quality, cruelty-free products and offers a mix of industry favorites and new, exciting additions to the beauty market. Recipients will receive a beauty box tailored to their skin needs and preferences, giving nurses the chance to treat themselves as well as they treat their patients.
8. PhoneSoap Pro UV Smartphone Sanitizer
BEST FOR DIRTY PHONES
It’s a universal truth that everyone’s smartphone is gross. For nurses, they are dealing with their own germs and the germs of other people. That’s why they need to keep their phones clean from bacteria and germs. One of the easiest ways to do that is with the PhoneSoap Pro UV Smartphone Sanitizer. The clam-shell style sanitizing device can clean phones, wallets, cards, pens, keys and other germ-catching items in less than five minutes. And since it doubles as a charger, it makes an excellent item for the nurse in your life to keep on their desk at all times.
9. PopBabies Portable Blender
BEST FOR HUNGRY NURSES
Nurses can’t survive on coffee alone, although many have tried. Long, leisurely lunch breaks aren’t typical for many in the healthcare profession, which is why we like the Tenswall portable blender. Nurses can prepare their smoothie the day before their shift or take their PopBabies blender with them to the clinic or hospital, turning the compact and powerful blender on when it’s time to enjoy a nutritious and filling drink. The Tenswall can make up to 12 smoothies on a single USB charge, making ‘charge blender’ one less thing nurses have to remember with their busy schedules.
10. Qalo Silicone Ring
BEST FOR JEWELRY-LOVING NURSES
Depending on the type of medicine your nurse practices, they may not be allowed or feel comfortable wearing their regular jewelry to work. Thankfully, there are Qalo Silicone Rings available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Made from non-conductive, nonporous silicone safe for between minus 75 and 575 degrees Fahrenheit and with the tensile strength of up to 7 pounds before breaking, Qalo rings can stand up to frequent washing and high impact. Each ring also comes with a small zippered storage bag where users can store their traditional rings during a shift.
11. Crocs Classic Clog
BEST BREATHABLE FOOTWEAR
While you would’ve once been embarrassed to be seen with an adult human wearing Crocs, they’ve made a major comeback and are now actually considered fashionable. They also happen to be lightweight, breathable and incredibly comfortable, making them ideal footwear for nurses. The ventilation ports help shed water and debris quickly to wear them no matter the weather or environment. Choose from a wide variety of colors to suit the preference and personality of the nurse in your life.
12. Crocs Jibbetz Charms
BEST FOOTWEAR ACCESSORY
If you know a nurse who already has Crocs, or you want to get a little something to accompany your Crocs gift, help them liven them up with these Crocs Jibbetz charms. You can select the Jibbetz based on your nurse’s interests or the message you think they need to hear. These come in packs of five, and all are guaranteed to make their Crocs just that much cuter.
13. La Mer The Hand Treatment
BEST FOR DRY HANDS
Listen; we know La Mer is about as pricey as it gets, but hear us out on this one. This luxurious lotion absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy and has a faint pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering. Those are all attributes that someone washing their hands and working with patients all day would appreciate. What makes it a gift, is that this isn’t just any ole’ lotion they will dig out of the bottom of their bag or leave in the glove compartment of their car. This is a luxurious treat that works well and is sure to make them think of you every time they hydrate those tired hands countless times a day.
14. YETI Rambler Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
BEST TO STAY CAFFEINATED ON THE GO
Not only do nurses not have much time in the day to refill their cups, but they also may not have much time for cleaning. This YETI vacuum insulated tumbler is here to save the day. It’s engineered to keep their coffee hot or cold (whichever is their preference) for hours, and it’s dishwasher safe, so they don’t have to waste precious time hand washing. It’s also shatter-resistant, so they don’t have to worry about dropping it or knocking it over when they’re commuting or running around the hospital.
15. Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch
BEST FOR THE WELLNESS TRACKER
Many nurses don’t have the time or capacity to think about their own health and wellness. The Fitbit Sense helps them stay on top of their steps, stress, sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even their skin temperature. For the days that they can’t fit a workout in, they’ll be able to see how many steps they took just by working and doing their jobs. They can also monitor their sleep to make sure they’re getting quality hours of rest. Bets of all, the battery lasts up to six days on a single charge.
16. COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer
BEST FOR EFFICIENT COOKING
18,000+ POSITIVE REVIEWS
Air fryers have been around for a while to help people easily prepare delicious dinner in minutes. (The original COSORI Air Fryer has almost 55,000 positive reviews on Amazon.) This Smart, WiFi-enabled air fryer now makes that even easier. If you want to help a nurse in your life have a hot dinner on the table after a long day at work, even when they don’t have the time after a shift to cook a grand meal, get them this gift. They can throw in the fresh ingredients or heat up leftovers (we suggest swapping this for the microwave when heating up yesterday’s pizza). Set it to the right program, keep track of progress using the Smart capabilities, and their food will be ready for them faster than they thought possible.