34 Great Gift Ideas for Nurses and Nursing Students

Nursing is truly a calling. As anyone who has ever needed their care knows, nurses do a challenging and often thankless job. We wanted to find thoughtful gifts for nurses and nursing students that message what an essential and difficult job they do. 

Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or any other special occasion, we’ve curated this list of nurse gifts that are practical, fun, and simply an excellent way to say we appreciate everything they do.  

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34 nurse gifts for the nursing student or nurse in your life

1. Personalized Stethoscope

This is one of the best gifts for nurses because it is something that they will regularly use on the job and will also be helpful so that if it ever gets lost, they will know it is theirs. They will never get it confused with other nurses’ stethoscopes, either. 

2. Hoka sneakers

Nurses are typically on their feet for the majority of the day, which is why they need to have a comfortable pair of shoes. Hoka shoes have become increasingly popular among nurses and healthcare professionals because they are lightweight and provide support and comfort. 

3. Tote bag

A large and stylish tote bag is ideal for nurses to carry everything they need for work, such as a water bottle, snacks, chapstick, lotion, and other essentials. This tote bag is durable and has small zipper pockets for smaller items. There is enough space to fit a lunch bag in it as well. 

4. A custom-engraved ID badge holder

All nurses will need a badge holder. This customized one with their name or with a picture on it is a very thoughtful gift. This will prevent badge holder mix-ups.

5. Scrubs

FIGS is a popular website for comfortable scrubs for men and women. They offer styles in various colors, whatever your nurse may need! FIGS scrubs are lightweight and breathable, wrinkle-resistant, durable, and stylish. 

6. Gift card to a local coffee shop or restaurant

Nurses can sometimes work long hours, and it can be difficult to find time to make a meal. Get them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or local meal delivery service, and they will be overjoyed! 

7. Subscription to a nursing journal

Get your favorite nurse a subscription to a nursing journal so they can stay up to date on all the latest happening within the nursing profession. Some well-liked nursing journals are the American Journal of Nursing, Nursing made Incredibly Easy! and American Nurse.

8. A relaxing spa day or massage

Nursing is a very stressful job, and sometimes nurses need a break. Get your nurse a gift card to your local spa for a massage, facial, pedicure, or manicure. 

9. Watch

Speidel makes watches specifically for nursing or medical professionals. They come in many colors that will match your nurse’s scrubs. Easy to read and water resistant.

10. Set of high-quality pens

Nurses need high-quality pens for charting. Each set has four colors, so your nurse can use different colors for different things. This will help them keep everything organized.

11. Easy-to-pack healthy snacks

Get your nurse healthy and easy-to-pack snacks for their breaks at work. Some great ideas include KIND bars, Popcorners Snacks, Annie’s Organic Bunny Snack Pack, trail mix, and beef jerky.

12. Compression socks

Because nurses are on their feet all day for their long shifts, compression socks are great for helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling in the legs. 

13. Subscription of meal kits

Subscription meal kits can help anyone save time and not have to go grocery shopping.

Some of our favorites are:

Blue Apron

Hello Fresh

Home Chef

Fresh N’ Lean

14. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Nurses: 101 Stories of Appreciation and Wisdom

This book reminds nurses why they entered the profession and will help them to stay positive and engaged in their careers through this collection of true stories of nurses’ daily contributions, commitments, and sacrifices to meet today’s demands.

15. Hydro Flask water bottle

Nurses need to stay hydrated on the job. Get your nurse a Hydro Flask water bottle so they can keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot throughout their long shifts. You could also get your nurse a mug or a tumbler from Hydro Flask.

16. Mini hand sanitizer

Dealing with sick patients all day can make you sick. Keep your nurse healthy by getting them a kit of sanitizers that they can keep in their bag so that they stay away from germs.

17. Roomba

Because nurses are extremely busy, they may not have time to clean up their houses. Get them a Roomba that will vacuum their floors for them, clean up dirt, dust, and debris from carpets and hard floors and help lighten their load.

18. Fitbit

Nurses sometimes have 12-hour shifts, and a Fitbit will keep track of their health while on the go. A Fitbit will track steps, heart rate, and sleep and has ten days of battery life. 

19. Keurig coffee maker

Get them a Keurig to start their morning routine with a fresh coffee. It is easy to make with the simple touch of a button. We love this mini version (perfect for a smaller kitchen); it is available in many great colors.

20. Blue light glasses  

Nurses look at a computer screen for a large part of the day, so protecting their eyes is crucial. 

21. Hand lotion

This mini hand lotion will easily fit into their bag so if throughout the day their hands get dry, they can use it. It is made with shea butter, honey, almond extracts, and coconut oil to create this highly effective formula leaving the hands soft and smooth. 

22. Bath bomb gift set

Help your favorite nurse relax and do some self-care with a bath bomb kit. These herbal fizzies will make bath time extra special.

23. Personalized necklace 

This personalized necklace includes a stethoscope, an initial, and a heart. It is cute, trendy, and the perfect gift for any nurse to wear. 

24. Keychain

This adorable nurse keychain is ideal for your nurse because it includes a stethoscope charm, a syringe charm, and an RN medical symbol charm. It is also very small and will not take up too much space. 

25. Heating pad

A heating pad is extra relaxing and will release tension in the back after a long shift of working hard. With this heating pad, they will feel the heat quickly with four different heat settings.

26. Relaxation candle

Candles are another great way to destress after work. Uncommon Goods offers some great candles in scents.

27. Silk sheet set  

Silk sheet sets can be a game-changer for getting the best sleep ever. Compared to cotton, silk is moisturizing to the skin, which can be helpful in dry climates for people with dry skin or who use night creams or serums that will adhere to the skin, not the pillowcase. Silk can also protect hairstyles and helps to prevent sleep creasing that puts friction on skin.

28. Spiral Hair Ties 

Spiral hair ties are perfect for nurses because they can be worn as cute bracelets but also are great for a ponytail. These also prevent breakage and are more gentle on the hair than a regular tie. 

29. Stethoscope travel case

This is ideal for transporting a stethoscope and will ensure it does not get damaged or break. This one even comes with a two-year warranty. It is made with a durable EVA hard shell and includes enough space for pens or other small items. 

30. Pullover sweatshirt

Pullover sweatshirts are very well-liked among nurses. This one comes in a variety of colors and gets excellent reviews.  

Here’s a Lululemon sweatshirt, and it’s also available in many pretty colors.

31. Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set

An essential oil diffuser is an excellent gift for your nurse to relax. This one comes with ten essential oils, including lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, orange, peppermint, lemongrass, jasmine, nutmeg, clove, and spearmint oils. It even has four timer settings and seven light settings. 

32. Journal

A journal allows nurses to document, write down, and process their thoughts, observations, and experiences. 

33. Bag Balm Vermont’s Original Starter Kit

Help protect their skin with Bag Balm Vermont’s Original Starter Kit that includes Moisturizing Lotion, Moisturizing Soap, and Original Formula Balm.

34. Face masks

Help your nurse stay protected from viruses like COVID-19 with a pack of KN95 face masks. 

Keep in mind that nurses have different preferences, so it’s best to check with the specific nurse you’re buying a gift for to see what they would appreciate the most. 

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