Top 30 Best Gifts For Nurses 2024

10 Min Read Published October 18, 2024
Top 30 Best Gifts For Nurses 2024

Need to say thank you to a nurse in your life (or just treat yourself!)? We've rounded up the best gifts for nurses that they'll truly appreciate.  

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✔ Rigorous testing of product quality, comfort, style, durability, ability to clean, cost, value and other attributes to ensure we recommend the best products for nurses.

The Best Gifts for Nurses

When shopping for the best gifts for nurses, it's important to consider what they truly want and need. That's why we turned to our social media community of over 500,000 nurses to gather their top gift suggestions. From thoughtful self-care items to practical tools for their demanding jobs, our list is based on what real nurses would love to receive.

Nurse Shoes

The top recommended gift for nurses is shoes! Every nurse needs a good pair, so we’ve rounded up a complete list of the best shoes for nurses, recommended by our massive nursing community. See the full list here. 

>>Shop The Best Shoes For Nurses

Shop STAND+ Shoes

Shop Clove Shoes

Shop Uni Shoes and  get $10 OFF with code: NURSEORG

Compression Socks

Nurses often spend long hours on their feet, and compression socks help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent fatigue, making them essential for comfort and health. As a thoughtful and practical gift, they show care for the nurse's well-being while enhancing their daily comfort. Sockwell socks are comfortable and high quality!

 

Shop Sockwell Socks

8-Pack Compression Socks

Nurse Drinkware

Nurse drinkware can be a fun conversation starter and the perfect way to begin their shift or wind down after a long day. 

Shop on Amazon

Shop on Amazon

 

Shoulder Massager

Nurses are busy people and don’t always have time to book professional massages. This heated personal massager comes in handy to relieve knots, tension, spasms, aches, and pains. 

Shop on Amazon

Badge Clips, Lapel Pins, and Stethoscope IDs

Any nurse would love a new badge clip, lapel pin, or stethoscope ID - especially one with a funny quote, a cute design, or one that makes a statement like "vaccinated!" or "COVID Warrior." We even included a badge reel that doubles as a pen holder - bingo! 

Shop on Amazon 

 

Bags for Nurses

Nurses carry a lot of items back and forth between work and home. It will make their life a lot easier to have all the things they need most in an organized, handy bag! Plus, a new lunch bag is always a good gift.

Bogg bags are the “it” bag for nurses, waterproof, and antimicrobial. Plus, they come in tons of colors. 

 

Shop Bogg Bags on Amazon

Shop on Amazon

 

Books for Nurses

A book can offer valuable insights, practical advice, and a sense of connection to the broader nursing community, making it both meaningful and useful in their daily lives. For example, the book Being Mortal, encourages compassionate care and thoughtful conversations about aging, illness, and dignity, which are essential in nursing practice.

 

Shop on Amazon

 

Clinical Resources

Clinical resources like badge reference cards make a great gift for nurses because they provide quick, easy access to vital information during busy shifts. These tools help enhance accuracy and efficiency, allowing nurses to focus more on patient care.

 

Shop on Amazon 

Electronics and Fitness Equipment

Electronic devices like Apple Watches, vein finders, iPads, and laptops make excellent gifts for nurses, offering both practical and personal benefits. These versatile tools can help nurses stay organized, access medical information quickly, and maintain work-life balance by enabling them to easily switch between professional and personal tasks.

 

Apple Watch

 

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Vein Finder

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Gift Cards

Nurses will always appreciate a gift card! Think practical gift cards to home repair stores, gas, food, and Amazon. Gift cards for self-care and experiences, spa or massage gift cards, are very nice.

 

Shop on Amazon

Shop on Amazon

 

Home Decor and Appliances

A gift to hang in their home to always remind them of how loved they are. These top-rated wall hangings featuring quotes for nurses are available on Amazon.

Buy this sign on Amazon 

Buy this sign on Amazon

 Medical Equipment

Littmann Stethoscope 

Littman has been the trusted brand by healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and students, since the 1960s. With its wide range of acoustics and options, Littman offers something for every nurse. 

Buy this top-rated 3M Littman's Stethoscope on Amazon 

Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

Nurses stare at computer screens all shift long, exposing their eyes to harmful blue-spectrum light. Blue light-blocking glasses are a great addition to any nurse's lifestyle.

Buy these blue-light glasses on Amazon 

 

 Memberships and Subscriptions

American Nurses Association (ANA) Professional Organization Subscription

Joining the American Nurses Association (ANA) and your specific State Nurses Association for professional support and growth that nurses won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Click here to join ANA for $28 per month.

Apparel

Figs Scrubs are like the high-end, luxury, super stylish scrubs - perfect for your trendy special nurse friend! 

Buy this scrub set on wearfigs.com for $86

The Grey's Anatomy line by Barco Uniforms brand is consistently voted as one of the favorites by our nursing community!

Buy Barco Uniform's Grey's Anatomy bundle on Amazon 

Outerwear and Jackets

Temperatures inside hospitals can vary, dramatically! A gift of a nice jacket, to layer, will be met with appreciation from your special nurse. 

Buy this fleece RN zip hoodie on Amazon 

Self-Care Items

Nurses barely get to sit during their shifts and are running around for well over 12 hours. By the time they get home, their feet are in a world of pain. Give your special nurse the gift of self-care and pain relief with this amazing foot massager. 

Buy this foot massager on Amazon 

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Nurses are constantly washing their hands and using rough hand sanitizers. This leaves dry and cracked skin, especially during the winter months. 

Shea butter hand cream tube

Buy L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream on Amazon

Best Night Shift Nurse Gifts

3D Sleep Mask

The LC-dolida Bluetooth sleep mask combines a sleep mask, headphones, and an eye mask, making it a thoughtful gift for nurses who need quality rest and to block out the sunlight. 

Shop on Amazon

Apple Watch 

Nurses working night shifts can benefit from an Apple Watch to track their sleep patterns and health metrics, helping them maintain overall wellness despite irregular hours. 

Shop on Amazon

STAND+ Shoes

STAND+ shoes are the first lab-verified, fully antimicrobial footwear. With no cracks, crevices, or natural materials to foster bacteria growth, STAND+ protects your feet in any environment.

Shop STAND+ Shoes

Best Nurse Graduation Gifts

Nursing Badge Reference Cards

Nurses must remember countless medications, information, and tasks daily, often needing a quick reference guide in challenging situations. These ID badge card sets are ideal for both new and seasoned nurses, fitting neatly with their badges for easy access.

 

Shop on Amazon

Stanley Cup

Stanley’s rose in popularity recently for their stylish design and ability to keep beverages warm or cold for hours! Perfect for those long 12+ hour shifts. 

Shop on Amazon

MDF Stethoscope

MDF stethoscopes are loved by nurses for their superior sound quality and ergonomic design. The lightweight materials and stylish designs allow for functionality and personal style.

See more of the best nurse graduation gifts >> 

Best Nurse Practitioner Gifts

 Eko CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope

By giving the gift of an Eko stethoscope, you’re helping a nurse practitioner enhance their diagnostic capabilities, improve patient care, and stay ahead of the curve in the evolving healthcare landscape. 

Shop Eko Health 

Cherokee White Lab Coat

Having multiple white lab coats is essential for any Nurse Practitioner. This lab coat has plenty of pockets and is stylish! 

Shop on Amazon

Nurse Practitioner Mug

A nurse practitioner-themed mug is a great gift! We love this cute, and funny, unicorn mug. 

Shop on Amazon

Best New Nurse Gifts

Figs Scrubs Jacket

Dressing in layers is a must for nurses since temperatures can vary throughout the hospital. FIGS Bellery Scrub Jacket offers a practical design, featuring seven pockets that provide ample storage for essential tools and personal items. 

Shop on Amazon

Jaanuu Scrubs 

Every new nurse needs a good pair of scrubs. Jaanuu scrubs are not only stylish with high-quality fabric but also provide both comfort and functional details like multiple pockets and moisture-wicking properties. 

Shop Jaanuu Scrubs

Percussion Gun Massager 

Give your special nurse the gift of relaxation and relief after their long shift with a percussion massager to target their aches and pains!

Shop Amazon!

Best Male Nurse Gifts

Northface Zip Jacket

The hospital corridors can be chilly, yet the demands of the job can lead to moments of overheating. A NorthFace jacket, designed for layering, would be a highly valued gift for any nurse, providing both warmth and comfort during their shifts.

Shop on Amazon

Dickies Scrubs 

Dickies Men's Pull-On Pant with 7 Pockets and Elastic Waistband offer a practical design, which includes ample storage and and elastic waistband that ensures ease of movement.

Shop on Amazon

Pint Glasses

Long shifts might call for a cold beer. These fun “Murse” pint glasses are perfect to kick back while watching the game or relaxing with friends.

Shop on Amazon

Best Nurses Week Gifts

Nurse-Themed Gift Box

This gift box has all the things! From cute badge reels to tumblers and candles, it’s sure to make your special nurse smile. 

Shop on Amazon

Spa Gift Card

Give your special nurse the gift of rest and relaxation at the spa of their choice with this Spa Finder gift card! 

Shop on Amazon

Badge Reel

A cute or funny badge reel always makes a good gift! This 7-piece set has a mixture of hilarious retractable reels. 

Shop on Amazon

Best Nursing Student Gifts

Üni - Max Comfort, Ultra Stylish, Nursing Shoes

These shoes blend essential features like comfort, antimicrobial properties, fluid and slip resistance, and durability with a stylish design. An all-white option meets nursing students' uniform requirements while embracing modern healthcare footwear trends.

>>Shop Uni Shoes and get $10 OFF with code: NURSEORG

New Laptop 

Every college student needs a laptop, bonus points if you splurge on a Mac Book Pro! 

Shop on Amazon

Snack Box

This awesome snack box comes equipped with a cute note and a badge clip!  

 

Shop on Amazon 

Best Gifts for Retiring Nurses

Crystal Plaque

Fully customizable with the retired nurse’s name, credentials, date of retirement, and workplace name. 

Shop on Amazon

Wine Tumbler

This rose gold wine tumbler is printed with the funny saying “Retired under new management see grandkids for details”. 

Shop on Amazon 

Retirement Socks

Time to take off those compression socks and put on some fun socks for relaxing. 

Shop on Amazon

Best Travel Nurse Gifts

Translation Device

Travel nurses see patients from all around the world, a translation device is a useful and helpful gift! This one has a 5-star rating on Amazon and doesn't require wifi.

 

 

3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope

Appropriate with both adult and pediatric patients this timeless choice is an excellent stethoscope for travel nurses.

Shop on Amazon 

Amazon Gift Card

Give the gift of choice to your special travel nurse with an Amazon gift card!

Shop on Amazon

Kindle

A Kindle is the perfect gift for the avid reader and those long plane rides to their next assignment. 

Shop on Amazon

BONUS GIFT! Lots Of Love 💜

The best things in life aren’t things. The work of a nurse often goes un-thanked during shift changes and emergencies. Hug your special nurse a little longer. Cook them a warm meal. Book them a relaxing massage or spa day.

Or, if you have the means, take them on a well-deserved relaxing vacation - preferably on a beach with unlimited margaritas!

PS: A simple “Thank You” goes a long way.

FAQs About Nurse Gifts

  • What gifts can you give nurses? 

    • Nurses may appreciate gifts such as food and snacks, gift cards to local restaurants or entertainment, lip balm, lotion, socks, chocolate, candy, cookies, or chewing gum. 
  • What is a good appreciation gift for a nurse?

    •  Some nice nurse appreciation gifts include compression socks, stethoscope covers, travel mugs, gift cards, food and snacks, candy, hand sanitizer, or lotion. 
  • What does every nurse need? 

    •  Every nurse needs a good pair of compression socks, lotion to combat endless hand-washing, custom tumblers lip balm, and of course, food! When in doubt, an Amazon gift card is always a good choice!
  • Do nurses like gift baskets? 

    • Nurses definitely appreciate gift baskets, but nurses also never expect or need gifts from patients or patients’ families. A basket full of snacks for the whole unit will definitely be appreciated!
  • What do you put in a nurse's basket? 

    • Some ideas for a nurses’ gift basket could include food and snacks, gift cards, lip balm, lotion, socks, chocolate, candy, cookies, and chewing gum. 
  • How do you thank a nurse? 

    • The single best way to thank a nurse is to simply say thank you! A heartfelt letter of appreciation will also touch any nurse’s heart. 

Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

Read More From Kathleen
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