44 Best Gifts for Nurses, According to RNs and Health Professionals
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You don’t need a holiday like International Nurses Day or Nurses Week to give thanks to the hardworking health care professionals in your life. The best gifts for nurses can be particularly meaningful gestures at any time of year, especially considering the intense nature of their job (long hours, tons of movement, emotional stress). If there’s a nurse, doctor, nursing student, or medical professional you know, they could probably use more love, care, and R&R.
To find thoughtful gifts for a health care worker, we went straight to the source. We spoke 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 (or have already). Their answers? They run the gamut from shoes for nurses to meal-delivery services that can help bring a (much-needed) sense of calm into nurse’s life. These are the best robes, compression socks, cute scrubs, and self-care tools for every type of nurse. (And yes, plenty of these ideas also make incredible gifts for women, gifts for men, or gifts for parents—who just happen to be overworked.)
The best gifts for nurses, at a glance
- Best Overall Gift for Nurses: Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses, $10
- Most Practical Gift for Nurses: Lululemon Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag (10L), $118
- Best Thank-You Gift for Nurses: Urbanstems Bouquet, $55
- Best Value Gift for Nurses: Burt's Bees Stocking Stuffers Skin Care Set, $15
- Best Self-Care Gift for Nurses: Live Green Foot Spa Gift Set, $18
- Best Gift for Nurses on Amazon: Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager, $45
Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses
“Nurses undoubtedly experience a lot throughout their shifts, and that can lead to mixed emotions,” says Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro, stepdaughter to a registered nurse. “This journal allows for health care workers to let out their thoughts as a form of self-care.”
Mark & Graham Insulated 40 oz. Tumbler
“One of my favorite gifts I’ve received has been an insulated coffee mug,” says Jaryn Iwamoto, RN, BSN, CWOCN. On top of keeping drinks hot for hours, this portable coffee mug has an easy-to-grab handle. “A plus about this travel mug is that it fits into my car cup holder—no spillage of hot tea.” Customize the cup with their name or monogram so it doesn’t get mixed up around the office.
Lululemon Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag
“A lot of us have to bring an overnight bag to work sometimes, whether we have a superlong shift or plans after work,” says Mia DeGilio, RN. This do-it-all Lululemon tote is a TikTok favorite among nurses because of how much it fits (it has five pockets that can organize a change of clothes, tools, and a pouch—and includes two built-in cup holders for water and coffee); its flat bottom, so nothing spills; and its external D-ring, which gives you easy access to your keys and badge reel. (Other work bags that nurses we spoke to recommend are the L.L.Bean boat and tote, which you can personalize, and the Bogg Bag, which is waterproof and easy to wipe down.)
Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask
“If I have the day off, I can’t be bothered by sunlight when trying to sleep in,” says Courtney Glenna, RN. This top-rated eye mask both blocks out light and acts like a soothing weighted blanket for the face—the perfect combo for deep sleep.
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
“Being on my feet for 12-plus hours a day and moving patients around means my back is always bothering me,” says Mary Santi, RN. “I love having a massage to look forward to on my days off where I can relax, unwind, and take my mind off work.”
Laneige Glowy Lip Balm Set
Touching your lips with your hands (and thus spreading germs) is a big no-no for health care professionals—but so are chapped lips, in our book. This gift set of squeezable lip balms from Glamour editor-favorite brand Laneige are packed with pampering ingredients like murumuru butter and shea butter and add a little shine and tinted color to your giftee’s face.
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
“Nurses have dry and cracked hands from constant washing and using alcohol-based sanitizers throughout their shift,” says Kristabelle Tamula, RN. How can they fight back? “This cream is a great gift,” she says. Sure, there may be cuter hand lotions that make attractive stocking stuffers or gift basket additions, in case you want to go the fancier route (like this gift set of French hand creams, which are rich in shea butter), but few are as effective as this.
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Boden Novelty Socks
“I love socks with fun prints because they make my uniform feel less restrictive,” writes one nurse on Reddit. This trio, designed with quirky patterns like strawberries and sheep, will add a dash of personality to their scrubs.
On Cloudnova Form 2 Sneakers
Multiple nurses we spoke to said that On Cloud sneakers (and Hoka) are some of the best shoes for nurses, thanks to their layers of cushioning and lightweight bodies. “My feet hurt when I’m standing for hours, and the Hoka shoes feel like I’m walking on air,” says Amanda Mangieri, RN, BSN, of the NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. “After hours of being on my feet, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything.”
Apple AirPods Max
The person who decompresses with podcasts or who wants to tune out a noisy break room to carve out some “me” time will get lots of use out of these cushy Apple noise-canceling headphones. They make a good gift for the travel nurse who’s always on the move too.
Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer
Here’s a great nurse gift idea, according to a nurse on Reddit: “A little bin for the car with sanitizer wipes, tissues, and body spray is easy enough to put together and looks like a larger present. It’s nice so you don’t have to drive home surrounded by the hospital odors after a shift.”
Live Green Bath and Body Gift Set
An excellent gift under $25 for a nurse on their feet all day is this gift set, which includes a soothing foot scrub, lotion, and cozy socks that lock in the moisture.
UrbanStems Bouquet
“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,” says Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. “If you’re not sure what to get, you can’t go wrong with scooping up a pretty, springy flower delivery service bouquet like this one.” Of course, no designated occasion like Nurse Appreciation Day or Christmas is needed—arguably, the best gifts for nurses are the ones you give them just because.
Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Pouch
Pouches are supremely useful, nurses say. “They can be stored at the nursing station and keep your essentials within reach, like lotion, hand sanitizer, pens, and toiletries,” a nurse tells Glamour. This pouch comes in three sizes, many colors, and can be monogrammed with their initials and various symbols. Plus, it’s totally waterproof, which is practical if they keep it in their work bag along with their water bottle.
Patagonia Terravia Tote Pack 2L
Glamour contributor Mattie Kahn has a lifelong nurse friend who worked in New York City during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “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,” Kahn says. Better yet, it can be worn as a backpack or a tote bag.
Creative Twins Boutique Custom Badge Reel
“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,” says Allure’s Shipin. “I figure if I get her something ridiculously adorable, she’ll try extra hard not to misplace her badge for fear of losing these sweet felt characters.” Badge reels for stethoscopes don’t get much cuter.
Miko Foot Massager
A splurge gift that’ll last longer than a pedicure or a single foot rub (not that we’re knocking either of those gift ideas) is this best-selling foot massager. It heats and deeply kneads their tired soles with a push of a button. Ahhh.
Starbucks Gift Card
“We all have to get coffee halfway through the shift, so a gift card to a local coffee shop is definitely a must,” says Mangieri. If you don’t know your nurse’s favorite spot, Starbucks is a great backup to supply a well-deserved cup of coffee (and is easy to send as a last-minute gift via email).
Ugg Scuffette Slippers
“A pair of comfortable slippers is an absolute must-have for anyone in the health care field,” says Alexandra Simmons, RN, BSN. “We spend hours upon hours standing up, so it’s like a little treat.” These shearling-lined Uggs are some of our favorites (if you’re looking for a cheaper gift idea that still feels cozy, we also like these dupes on Amazon).
Emily C Ring-Holder Necklace
The nurses we spoke to said a charming and useful gift is a ring holder necklace like this one. It can keep their meaningful rings close, secure, and still on display—while ensuring they don’t get damaged (or tear their gloves.)
Packit Freezable Lunch Bag
A great nurse gift is an insulated lunchbox “with a good build to it,” says Claire Kernahan, RN. Nurses on Reddit also like this freezable lunch bag because of its built-in ice packs and roomy base that fits bento boxes. When finished with their meal, they can fold it down flat, and it comes in a bunch of pretty patterns, so it’s easy to spot in the work fridge.
Figs Casma Three-Pocket Scrub Top
No nurse ever owns enough scrubs, and Figs is the brand to shop for them. “Figs makes some of the best scrubs around,” says Erica D., RN. “They’re high-quality, flattering, and available in regular, petite, or tall.” They come in a ton of fun colors and styles (like this top, which has three useful pockets for their essentials), and you can even embroider them on the site. Find the men’s version of this top here.
Burt’s Bees Stocking Stuffers Skin Care Set
A great nurse present is this skin-care set on Amazon, which features the hard workers they’ll need to soothe their skin, including hand salve, body lotion, and lip balm. Its travel sizes are perfect for throwing in a cosmetic pouch, and the whole set is under $15.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Staying hydrated on the job, especially as you flit from task to task, is crucial. The popular insulated Owala water bottle is an excellent choice, nurses say, because its built-in straw provides quick access to their beverage without the need to touch the tip of the cup (and thus spread germs). Its pop top prevents leakage, so they can toss it in their work bag without worrying while also protecting the drinking area.
Simply Embroidered “RN” Sweatshirt
Personalized gifts are always a hit, especially when they’re as useful as this one. “Some nurses work at multiple places, so it would be smart to have just their names or initials with credentials so they can wear the jacket anywhere,” says Yelena Maravilla, RN, BC.
Parachute Organic Cloud Cotton Duvet Cover Set
“Like most nurses, I don’t play around when it comes to my sleep,” says Claire Garner, RN. “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.” (Plus, linen sheets are long-lasting and great for any season.)
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Figs Compression Socks
“Compression socks are great, especially when you’re on your feet for up to 12 hours a day,” says Ashley Natale, MSN, RN. “They make your legs feel less crampy and put a little spring in your step.” The festive pumpkin pie print on this pair makes them stand out in a drawer of monochromatic socks.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
“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,” says Simmons. “I just know that my fellow bookworms at work would love one!”
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
A top-notch coffee maker like this one ensures they’re never without a latte or shot of espresso. Plus, the Nespresso Vertuo is compact and sleek enough to fit the kitchen of any medical professional tight on space.
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Badge Reel With Pen and Light
“A keychain with mini pens and a key light can be hung off your lanyard and will eliminate bulk in your pockets as well as the need for penlights that always run out of battery. I’ve had my keychain light for a year and it still turns on,” says a nurse we interviewed. This cute wristlet features a matching highlighter, permanent marker, black pen, and LED light. Choose from blue, pink, and green.
Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings
“I like to wear fleece-lined leggings under scrubs on the days I know I will be in a cold procedure room or office,” says Meaghan Redmond, clinical research specialist. “The best part is that when I get home and take off my scrubs, I just leave them on and stay comfy.”
Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment
“This stuff is a lifesaver after pushing, pulling, and turning patients all day,” says Jordan Humphries, RN, BSN. “I’ve 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 just a few dollars, 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’s 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!” Pro tip: Add it to a gift box or gift basket.
TheraIce Migraine-Relief Cap
On Maddy Sherman, RN’s, wish list? A migraine cap packed with freezable gel beads that fits around your head. It would make for some welcome relief at the end of a night shift, when she says she deals with headaches (and needs to block out the light of day).
Capri Blue Volcano Scented Candle
“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,” Humphries says of this aromatherapy gift. “They’re 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.”
All-Natural Healthy Snacks Care Package
“My sister who’s a nurse loves getting snacks, mints, and candy as a gifts,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Natale. This gift box is stuffed with all sorts of yummy, energy-boosting treats like coconut oil and Himalayan pink salt popcorn, organic gummy bears, fig bars, and peanut butter bites. There’s something savory or sweet for every taste bud.
Personalized Nurse Practitioner Sticky Note
Stickies and journals can help nurses stay organized throughout the day, giving them a place to jot down reminders and notes. This pretty set is stamped with their name and title as an extra official touch (and makes an excellent gift for a new nurse).
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