40 Best Nurse Gifts, According to Nurses Themselves
Hint: Nurse appreciation week starts today.
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Through long shifts, sleepless nights, and dealing with unruly patients, nurses encounter a level of intense daily stress that most of us will never experience. In honor of Nurse Appreciation Week, which will last until May 12th, it's the perfect time to celebrate everything they do.
We asked real nurses to share items they actually use at work and what they'd love to receive—hint: self-care gifts are a common theme. Other popular responses were trendy skincare, good compression socks, and food (AKA a gift card to their favorite coffee or takeout spot). Nurses want anything that encourages wellness, whether that's energizing eye masks to get ready for a 12-hour shift or a viral NeeDoh squishy to relief some stress on the job. Other common responses: Coffee to help get them through the day and hydration (think a personalized Owala water bottle).
Our top picks:
- Best value: Patchology Rose Hydrating Hand Mask
- Unique gift: Funko Pop! Heroes: Front Line Worker
- Self-care gift: BYOMA So Hydrating Set
- Viral gift idea: NeeDoh Nice Cube Squish Toy
The nurses we know asked for anything that encourages a moment of self-care. With this trio, they can try three of Byoma's best-selling products: creamy jelly cleanser, mini gel cream moisturizer, and mini hydrating serum.
If they're known for stopping for coffee on their way to work, this coolie will help their ice last longer. It's decorated with medical-themed cartoons, including pillows and stethoscopes, for a festive touch.
They most likely can't wear an expensive watch on the job, but this retro style is still fashionable. This water-resistant watch (also available in men's styles) can tolerate their frequent handwashing.
With a hinged top, this spacious lunch box makes it easy to pack for 12-hour shifts (which is how long it keeps the interior cold). It can fit up to 10 cans.
They can show off a bit of personality with these trendy stripe badge reels. It can be personalized with up to three letters.
Between constant handwashing and hand sanitizing between patients, dry hands are inevitable. Infused with shea butter, resveratrol, and strawberry oil, these masks help rejuvenate dry hands.
Sleep is so important, but a rarity for most nurses. This TikTok-famous eye mask is lightly weighted to provide calming pressure. It also won a Good Housekeeping Bedding Award Winner and our testers found it encouraged sleep and helped alleviate anxiety.
Funko Pop!'s line of frontline heroes are a cute way to honor hardworking nurses and doctors. She can keep it at his station, on her desk at home, or anywhere really as a reminder that she is a hero. There's also a guy version!
Nurses shouldn't wear a ton of dangly jewelry on the job, but they can wear these sparkly studs. Pavoi (one of our favorite affordable jewelry brands) is known for its quality pieces at a low price point.
I swear by these travel mugs, especially if they only have time for a few sips of coffee between patients. The insulated cups keep drinks hot or cold for literal days—I've drank day-old iced coffee and warm coffee the next morning.
They'll need a nice set of pens for filling out charts, and this vibrant set from Lilly Pulitzer comes packaged in a pretty box.
They'll definitely want to slip into something comfortable after long shifts, so give them a super plush robe that'll keep them cozy. Made of combed Turkish cotton, it'll add a touch of luxury to their after routine.
There aren't a ton of ways for them to de-stress when they're on the job or cramming for exams. This viral squishy toy is an easy way for them to get some relief.
Owala is still the "IT" water bottle, and this one is engraved with her name. Choose from 11 trendy color combinations.
Hoka has made a splash over the past few years, and the Bondi 9s are ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time walking. Our testers found this pair to be lightweight and supportive, offering great stability and traction.
RELATED: 9 Best HOKA Shoes, According to a Running-Obsessed Editor
Add some self-care to her daily routine with these shower steamers that release essential oils. There are six scents that deliver different benefits, from soothing lavender and bergamot to engerizing grapefruit and rosemary.
No matter what shift they're scheduled for, every nurse will need a good night's sleep before they're on duty. These soft modal pajamas will keep them extra comfy while they recharge.
When on the move, they can keep all their essentials in one place. And unlike other belt bags, this one has an extended, adjustable strap that helps it fit a variety of body types, and lets you wear it in different ways.
Help them practice mindfulness during stressful shifts with this five-minute journal. They can sneak in a writing session during a lunch or dinner break to practice gratitude and manifest positive energy.
When we asked nurses what they want most, gift cards were a common theme. An Uber Eats or DoorDash card will let them order themselves a treat while on the job.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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