Black Friday: Best Gifts for Nurses

Whether you’re shopping for your coworkers or compiling a wish list to give to family and friends, there are a lot of great deals. Here are some ideas — many with sales going on from Black Friday through Cyber Monday — on what we believe are some of the best gifts for nurses this holiday season. 

We’ve included links to several shopping sites below. Make sure to check throughout the weekend, as many of these companies will feature discounts and coupons to kick off the holiday shopping season. 

Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, but we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best gifts for nurses ranging in price from a few dollars to nicer items that require a little more investment. Hopefully this will save you time, and spark some ideas for giving back to the nurses in your life. 

Achieve does not endorse or receive compensation from any of these companies. We’re simply providing these links as helpful ideas as you consider the best gifts for nurses this season. 

Practical Nurse Gifts

Most people love a practical gift that they can use on a regular basis, especially when that gift comes from someone special to them. Many practical nurse gifts can even be personalized for an added touch of thoughtfulness. 

1. High-quality scrubs: There is a difference between a standard scrub uniform and a well-fitted and durable scrubs. Purchase a pair of scrubs with a fun print or in a favorite color from popular brands such as: FIGS and Jaanuu
2. Compression socks: Nurses spend long hours on their feet. A good pair of compression socks helps to improve circulation and can even reduce fatigue. Bluemaple compression socks have great reviews and they come in fun colors and patterns. 
3. Supportive shoes: Comfortable and supportive shoes are an essential part of a nurses uniform. Check out some popular brands that have shoes specifically designed for healthcare workers such as Clove or supporting athletic shoes from Brooks, On or HOKA
4. Smartwatch: Many nurses want to track their steps, heart rate, water intake and other wellness indicators throughout the day, and a smartwatch is a great way to do this. Consider brands such as Garmin, Apple, or Google FitBit
5. Custom badge holders or reels: Badge holders and reels can add a fun personal touch to a standard scrub uniform. They can be personalized with initials and special messages, or can represent something the nurse is passionate about. 
6. Coffee mugs and tumblers: Nurses work long and sometimes odd hours so caffeine is often a must. A unique coffee cup could brighten a tough day, and some popular brands, like Yeti, can even be customized. 
7. Refillable water bottles: It’s important for everyone to stay hydrated, especially nurses who are working long hours on the go. Look for reusable tumblers and bottles from companies such as Stanley or Hydro Flask. 
8. Tote or travel bag: Nurses often choose to carry an extra change of clothes, wipes, sanitizer, personal hygiene items, make up and other essentials to and from work. Tote and travel bags make a great gift to help them transport personal items back and forth. Check Amazon for great nursing bag options.
9. Stethoscope: Most nurses already have a stethoscope, but consider purchasing an upgraded version for current nurses or even a first stethoscope for any nursing students in your life. Littmann is a brand that consistently receives great reviews. 
10. Daily or weekly planner: Nurses don’t typically work the same schedule every week, and they also have personal responsibilities outside of work that make staying organized necessary. Consider gifting an inexpensive daily or weekly planner or even a more premium version. 

Wellness and Self-Care Nurse Gifts

It’s important to take care of yourself, especially when stress is running high or you’re running on a lack of sleep. Nurses need to fill their own cups before they can continuously pour into others, and this makes wellness and self-care items some of the best gifts for nurses. 

11. Hydrating face mask: Hydrated makes us look more refreshed and youthful, and makes us feel better overall. Busy nurses may not always have time for long beauty routines, so overnight hydrating masks can be a great gift. Check out top rated masks such as: Laneige, Dr. Jart+, and E.L.F.
12. Scented candles: Consider purchasing candles in relaxing or rejuvenating scents or scents that just bring feelings of joy or that match the season. 
13. Food or coffee gift cards: Busy, working nurses don’t always have time to cook a nutritious meal, so gift cards to a favorite restaurant or coffee shop can be one of the best gifts for nurses. 
14. Stress relief toys: Fidget toys, sensory toys, and stress balls are not just for kids. These objects offer tactile a soothing outlet for stress that nurses feel on a daily basis. 
15. Adult coloring book: Encourage the nurse in your life to express creativity and relieve stress at the same time. 
16. Wireless headphones: Music is a great way to relax and unwind. It can also offer a much needed “pick-me-up”. Consider gifting a pair of wireless headphones nurses can wear walking in and out of work, on break, during exercise, or any time at home. 
17. Massage gun: A massage gun is a great gift to help effectively relieve muscle fatigue and pain from the work done in a physically demanding nursing job. TOLOCO is a brand with great reviews that isn’t super expensive. 
18. Bath salts: Epsom salt bath soaks can help relieve tense, sore muscles and make nurses feel ready to face another day on the job. Consider Dr. Teal’s, Ancient Minerals,  or Amazon Basics. 
19. Cozy blanket: Give the gift of warmth and comfort with a cozy throw or blanket. You could even give a heated blanket for some extra warmth on even the coldest days. 
20. Slippers: Because nurses spend a lot of time on their feet, the ability to kick back and relax in comfort is essential. Choose some comfy slippers with supportive memory foam or gel inside. 
21. Herbal tea: A selection of herbal teas are perfect for any mood whether you need to relax or revive yourself after a long day. 

Fun Nurse Gifts that Bring a Smile

It’s important to have fun during the holiday season, and lighthearted nurse gifts can bring a smile to any nurses face. 

22. Flair: Nurses are usually required to wear scrubs at work, but this doesn’t mean they can’t express their fun side with a little flair. Consider gifting enamel pins with inspiration messages, fun quotes, animals, or medical symbols for a personal touch. 
23. Cute socks: As mentioned above, there are ways for nurses to express their personality even in uniform. Look for fun, comfy socks. 
24. Scrub caps: Scrub caps are a functional gift for nurses that can show you’re thinking of them, especially when you find one that fits them perfectly. 
25. Stickers: Waterproof stickers are a great way for someone to express their unique style and personality. Consider gifting nurses with stickers they can place on reusable water bottles, laptops, notebooks, planners, etc. There are some great inexpensive options available on Amazon and at other retailers. 

The Gift of Education 

If you’re looking for a long term gift, you should consider giving a nurse in your life or even giving yourself the gift of education. Nurses can significantly increase their salary potential and their career opportunities by moving from LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, CNA to RN or even to Nurse Practitioner. Achieve makes it possible to get the education you need with flexible, online programs supported by live instructors — while you continue to work as a nurse. 

> Connect with us to learn more. 

No matter what you choose to give, showing your appreciation is always among the best gifts for nurses. So, show the special nurses in your life some gratitude for their hard work and dedication to caring for others. Your thoughtfulness will not go unnoticed, and it will be appreciated. You may also choose to share your personal wish list with family and friends, so they can treat the special nurse in their lives — YOU.