Gifts for Nurses: All The Best Nurse Gift Ideas in One Place

If you have ever been stuck on what gift to give a nurse you know, then this guide is just what you need. Browse these gifts for nurses. This guide ranges from the practical to the personalized, and even some fun ideas are thrown in the mix.

The Best Gifts for Nurses

Nurses are pretty easy to shop for. I mean, just give us some coffee, a great stethoscope, and some comfy scrubs and we are thrilled! But sometimes you want to give them something that stands out from all the other gifts. That’s where this guide shines! In it you will find:

• Cute & Original Gifts for Nurses
• Practical Gifts for Nurses and Nursing Students
• Gifts for Preceptors
• Cheap Gifts You Can Afford To Buy for the Entire Shift
• Nurse Graduation Gifts
• Personalized Gifts for Nurses
• Practical Gifts for Nurses
• Christmas Gifts for Nurses 

Whether you are shopping for your best friend, manager, or classmate, finding the best gifts for nurses doesn’t have to be hard. Sure you could go with something generic, but most nurses appreciate gifts that honor their chosen profession. Look for items that are cute, original, and classy that are sure to touch a nurse’s heart.

When I am searching for a truly unique gift for someone, Etsy is always my first stop. I love the fact that most of the items are handmade and one of a kind. I also feel great about encouraging small local businesses. Etsy has plenty of original gift ideas for the nurse in your life, from drinkware to jewelry.

How to Pick the Perfect Gift for a Nurse

Picking the right nursing gift is something you want to consider carefully. You don’t want to phone it in and just send something silly and thoughtless. You really want to ensure that you’ve picked the perfect gift for that particular nurse.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a great gift for nurses:

• What the nurse already has (no one needs doubles unless the new one is way better)
• What is the nurse’s favorite color
• Do you know the nurse’s clothing size (hard to buy a t-shirt when you don’t)
• The nurse’s work environment (if they are not working in a clinical setting, they likely don’t need a stethoscope)
• The hobbies and likes of the nurse (It’s probably not a good idea to buy them a shot glass if they don’t even drink)
• Whether the nurse can accept the gift you give them. If you’re a patient, read How to Thank a Nurse.

Consider the Reason for the Nurse’s Gift

Why are wanting to get this nurse a gift? They type of gift you purchase for them may be largely impacted by the reason for the gift. If you are buying a retirement gift for a nurse, then you might look for something like a nurse figurine, as a stethoscope would be pretty useless to a retired nurse.

Cute & Original Gifts for Nurses

If you’re not sure exactly what would be an appropriate gift for a nurse, then you can skip to our nurse gift buying guide for some extra tips and insight to buy the perfect nurse gift.

I’ve scoured Etsy to find off-the-beaten-path gifts for nurses that would be perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a graduation, birthday, Christmas, or “just because” these hand-crafted items are sure to become a favorite of any nurse you give them to. In it you will find:

• Metal Bookmark
• Stylus Pen
• Badge Reel
• Phone Cover
• Bracelet
• Watch
• Earrings
• Tumbler
• Wine Glass
• Brooch
• Pillow
• Coffee Mug
• Scrub Hat
• Necklace
• Magnets
• Custom Print
• Vintage Print
• T-shirt
• Custom Art
• Buttons

Nurse Metal Bookmark from UptownYvette

Buy It Now
This mental bookmark is a classy gift made especially for those in the healthcare profession. The delicate stethoscope charm and heart transform it into something special.

Stethoscope iPhone Stylus Pen from StickerSwagger

Buy It NowThis iPhone stylus pen is the perfect gift for any nerdy nurse in your life. Every nurse needs a pen, and who doesn’t love having a stylus handy? Add an awesome stethoscope to the mix and you have something truly unique.

Retractable ID Badge Reel

Buy It NowThis glittery ID reel reminds me of the classic style of The Great Gatsby. That was back when nurses still wore caps and elegance was in no short supply. Every nurse needs a great badge reel, and they should make the list any time you are searching for great gifts for nurses.

Nurse Glitter Cover For iPhone

Buy It NowThis pink glitter phone case brings bling to an iPhone. Plus you can get it personalized with your name. How cute.

RN Style Silver Bangle Bracelet

Buy It NowThis charm bracelet comes complete with several nursing charms including shots and more.

Nurses Watch

Buy It NowThis nurse watch is a beautiful design that is reminiscent of nursing days of the past. I love any item that features our nursing caps of yesterday. The old school thermometer brings it home. I also really like that this is a functional item, as every nurse needs a good watch.

Stethoscope Earrings

Buy It NowNurses and their stethoscopes – a perfect match. For the times when you don’t have one around your neck, or on your hip, consider adding these stethoscope earrings to your ears.

Nurse (RN) Glitter Glass Tumbler

Buy It NowWhen I graduated nursing school I wanted everyone to know about it. It would have been awesome to take this glittery tumbler with me to let my beverage receptacle do the talking for me!

RN Good Day Bad Day Don’t Even Ask Wine Glass

Buy It NowIf you know a nurse that enjoys wine (and even if they don’t), these wine glasses are sure to get a good laugh. They’ll adorn a shelf and get a smile even if they are never filled with wine.

Nurses Tools of the Trade Brooch

Buy It NowI’d put this on my nursing bag with pride. My favorite charm, again, is the cap with the stethoscope in at a close second.

Nurse Pillow

Buy It NowSomething as simple as the definition of a nurse can be powerful. If you catch the right nurse on the right day, a gift like this would bring joyful tears. I’m sure of it. Out of all the items on this list, I think this is my favorite gift for nurses.

Nurse Coffee Mug

Buy It NowIf you know a nurse who can’t function without coffee or one who loves unicorns, gift them this mug. No matter what the occasion, they will love it and think of you every morning.

Scrub Hat

Buy It NowEvery OR nurse needs a good scrub hat. This one has a classy print and beautiful color combination.

Infinity Nurse LPN Licensed Practical Nurse Gift Y Lariat Necklace

Buy It NowI really love that this LPN necklace is combined with the infinity symbol. Once a nurse, always a nurse.

Nurse’s Gift Clothespin Magnets

Buy It NowThese clothespin magnets are cute and functional. Who doesn’t need another chip clip, or menu holder for the fridge? Bonus points because these are nursing themed!

Nursing It Never Gets Easier You Just Get Stronger Print

Buy It NowAlthough it may feel like nursing is easier, that’s not the case. You are just better! This print will remind a nurse how much they have grown in their career. It’s also great for new nurses so they will know, that even on their hardest days, they can handle the job.

Two Skeletons holding Caduceus with Heart Print on Vintage Dorland’s Medical Dictionary Page

Buy It NowI know at least a few nurses who would love this quasi-creepy medical dictionary page. The skeletons are just weird enough to make guests make a double-take. I really love this store. She also has great nurse figurines. I have one and it’s one of my favorite nursing items.

This is what an awesome nurse looks like a t-shirt

Buy It NowI’d wear this to run that way when I feel like I can’t do another lap I’ll be reminded of all those shifts I didn’t think I could finish. Then I’ll have the strength to continue.

Nurse Practitioner Chalkboard Art

Buy It NowIf you know a nurse who has recently completed (or will complete in the near future) a nurse practitioner program, they deserve this! Every nurse should have a corner of their house where they proudly display their nursing memorabilia. This would work great in that spot.

Registered Nurse Buttons

Buy It NowThese are fun, funny, and some carry that weird nursing humor with them. Unless the nurse you are shipping for is particularly uptight, they are sure to love these.

Practical Gifts for Nurses and Nursing Students

Getting something a nurse needs and will use every day is a great idea. If you buy something like a stethoscope or nursing shoes, you can be sure they will get plenty of use out of it. You can also consider getting an item that will help them with clinical judgment and critical thinking. A great book like Becoming Nursey, The Nerdy Nurse’s Guide to Technology, or The Nurse’s Guide to Blogging would be a good choice. We wrote a whole post on practical gifts for nurses if you want some more ideas.

A great tool for new nurses especially is Scrub Cheats.

Buy It NowIf you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, I’d strongly recommend gifting Nursing.com Nursing Student Academy. It’s a comprehensive resource with some of the best nursing education available for new nurses, nursing students, and any nurse that just wants to brush up on their knowledge.

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Gifts for Preceptors

In gift ideas for preceptors we will talk about:

• How to Find the Right Gifts for Preceptors
• Jewelry
• Socks
• Coffee

It’s an honor to be a preceptor. I love taking a new nurse, or a student nurse, under my wing and teaching them the ropes of nursing. And while I find great joy in teaching, I also find it incredibly stressful. Not that the new nurse isn’t smart, they are. It’s just a stressful job, and it’s very fast-paced, which means that it’s easy to fall behind and it’s easy to miss something. I have a routine, one I know that works well for me and my patients and keeps me in check throughout the day. If I have to hand over some of the responsibility to a newbie, or slow my pace down to explain something, it’s much easier to overlook something important, or fall behind and have to stay at work charting until 9pm. Not to mention, it’s my license that is on the line.

All that being said, it’s important to show your preceptor that you’re grateful for all their effort, and finding the right gifts for preceptors will help convey your gratitude.

We’ve talked about gifts for nurses, nurse graduation gifts, nurse figurines, and even gifts you can buy for the whole shift. Now let’s look at gifts for preceptors.

How to Find the Right Gifts for Preceptors

As with any meaningful gift, knowing the recipient is key.

Usually, in the preceptor/orientee relationship, there isn’t often enough time for much personal talk t, unless you’ve got a slow day. Even then, the relationship is very professional without opportunities to share much about each other. But if you’ve got a month or two with your nurse, you’ll start to pick up on some of their habits that could help clue you to the perfect gift for a preceptor.

Last year I had a preceptor for a new job that I took, and I didn’t know what thank you gift to get her. So I just started observing more intentionally what she liked to chat about, and what activities she enjoyed outside of work. My thank you gift at the end of our time together was a bag of gourmet hot cocoa and a big pack of diet coke along with a thank you note. She was so touched and to this day still raves about how much she loved that hot chocolate. A simple nurse gift basket with some things you know she will use can be the best gift ever.

Buy It NowGifts for preceptors do not have to cost a lot of money, it’s the thought behind them that counts. And being a good observer (not in a creepy way) will make your gift that much more meaningful.

“Oh, what a Thoughtful Gift!!”

Maybe it’s me, but I find such contentment in hearing those words! And I also really like buying items that I don’t think the person would buy for themselves. Those are the best gifts.

Jewelry

Buy It NowOne of my favorite presents that I ever received as a preceptor was an RN necklace charm with my birthstone in the middle of it. It was so thoughtful and meaningful, and it’s certainly not something that I would have ever bought for myself. I wear it all the time that I’m at work.

Socks

Buy It NowWhat does every nurse complain about? Tired feet! Buy your preceptor a pair of high-quality compression socks, and she’ll be so thankful! There’s so many fun, colorful compression socks out on the market now, and I know from personal experience that they can make your feet feel so much better after a long day running around.

Coffee

Buy It NowDoes your preceptor enjoy coffee? One thing that always makes going to work something to look forward to is when I buy myself a gourmet coffee drink. Right after college, I was still trying to grapple with the whole getting-up-at-5am- thing, so I decided to buy myself a delicious and expensive coffee drink each day on my way to work.

A $5 mocha-chip Frappuccino was all it took for me to be excited to get out of bed and head to work. As I got older and tried to instill the habit of living on a “budget”, I realized that maybe I shouldn’t do this every day…so I started making drip coffee. Oh what a step-down! So needless to say, a coffee gift card would be a perfect gift for preceptors ,who enjoy coffee.

Regardless of what you choose to give to your preceptor as a thank you gift, one of the most meaningful things that you could do for them is write them a handwritten thank you card. If they know that you are grateful for their time and effort and that you learned something in the process, they will be very touched.

Cheap Gifts You Can Afford To Buy The Whole Shift

Finding fun and affordable nurse gifts may seem daunting. Luckily there are a few standbys that almost any nurse would be happy to receive. We’ve taken the time to collect some of our favorites and kept them around $10 so that you could afford to buy them for the whole shift.

We’ll look at some of these gifts for nurses:

• Travel Coffee Mug
• Tote or Bag
• Portable Massager
• Tumblers
• Novelty Pens

Cheap Gift Ideas for Nurses

The amount of money you spend a nurse’s gift has nothing to do with its value or the meaning it will have on the nurse. For example, if you had a family member in the hospital and wanted to do something nice for the nurses on the shift, picking up a box of donuts and bringing them to the nurse’s station to do wonders for the mood of the unit.

Or you can do something a little more expensive and buy a unique pack of pens and give every nurse that provided care one. If you want to spend a little more, you could order some custom badge reels, stethoscope charms, maybe just a few Starbucks gift cards.

Travel Coffee Mugs

In the words of Lorelai Gilmore “Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!”

Whether you go with classic stainless steel or a modern version more akin to the look of a Starbucks cup, nearly every nurse loves coffee (or some other hot beverage) and would appreciate this thoughtful gift. My personal favorite is the Bubba travel mug. I have the 34oz version myself and it also works great at keeping water ice-cold for up to 12 hours at a time.

Buy It Now

Tote or Bag

Nurses have a tremendous amount of stuff they are constantly lugging back and forth to work. Having a cute tote or bag to pack it up in (bonus points if it has pockets for organization) can make carrying all the junk needed for work a little less inconvenient. Of course, finding room in their locker for it might present a challenge, but you’re not a miracle worker.

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Portable Massager

Many nurses work long shifts walking the halls, lifting patients, and putting their bodies in high-stress situations. These working conditions can lead to aching backs, legs, feet, and various other parts of your body. A personal massager is a perfect gift to help a nurse relieve the tension built up during a shift.

Since it’s small and portable, it can even be used at work if there are a few spare moments to take a break. This is one that you might want to make sure you get for the whole shift otherwise you might now have enough massaging power to go around.

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Tumblers

Hydration is vital to stay in good health. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for nurses to find time to fill up on the h20 when working a 12 hours shift. Sometimes having a special cup (with a lid) can help make this task a little easier. Consider it a challenge to drink at least 64 ounces of water each shift.

If you have a nice 16 or 20 oz tumbler that can be just 3 or 4 refills. Keeping water at the nurses’ station will help keep you more alert and flush out any of that extra salt you might have consumed when raiding the snack pantry.

Buy It Now

Novelty Nurse Pens

Pens are coveted among nurses. Unique pens with a nursing twist are the cream of the crop. I’m not saying they’re going to use it to chart with every day, because let’s face it, a pill-shaped pen is going to be a little awkward to write with. However, it will hold a place of honor and will definitely be a conversation starter when they sign checks and any other task that a super cute nurse pen might show up.

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Graduation Gifts for Nurses

From this post:

Graduating from Nursing School is a major accomplishment. They have studied hard to pass the NCLEX, they have picked the best nursing specialty, and now they are ready to be a fantastic nurse. Show them that you have seen all their hard work and recognize all they have accomplished with one of these Nurse Graduation Gifts, nurse themed cake, a nurse gift basket, or a beautiful nurse figurine. In it you will find:

• • Nurse Necklace
  • Nurse Quilt
  • FOB Watch
  • Nurse Bracelet
  • Stethoscope
  • Gift Package
  • Nurse Bag
  • Clipboard
  • Nurse Starter Kit

1. Registered Nurse Pendant Necklace

Buy It NowThis RN Pendant Necklace is sure to be a hit with any nurse grad. Its classic look features a Caduceus medical symbol with RN letters. It is simple yet lets everyone know of the accomplishments of your nurse grad.

2. Handmade Nurse Flannel Lap Quilt

Buy It NowAfter a long shift at work, most nurses want nothing more than to come home and decompress. Help them do just that in comfort with this Handmade flannel lap quilt. It is sure to keep them warm and make them think of you every time they use it.

3.Analog Nurse’s FOB Watch

Buy It NowWhile most nurses will have graduated with a watch, they may not have a nice one. Many nurses prefer a FOB watch instead of the one you wear on the wrist. This Unisex Analog Nurse’s FOB Watch is a great tool for any nurse. This watch features illuminated numbers and hands and is water-resistant up to 330 feet, so it will stand up to anything work may throw at them.

4. Registered Nurse Bracelet

Buy It NowThis Nurse Charm Bracelet is simply beautiful. This bracelet features a personalized, engraved name tag charm plus; 5 Vintage images of Nurses from the early 1900’s, 13 Charms or syringe, medical bag, medicine bottle, medical symbol, nurse with medicine, nurse’s hat, nurse with clipboard, angel nurse with medical bag, stethoscope diploma, bandage, angel, filigree heart, 12 Crystals, hand wire wrapped in silk and silver moonlight, and 6 Crystal Chatons in silk and silver moonlight.

5. Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope

Buy It NowEvery nurse graduates from nursing school with a stethoscope. But not every nurse graduates with a Littmann Stethoscope. Long said to be the top name when it comes to stethoscopes, a Littmann is sure to be an incredible gift for any nurse grad.

6. Nurse Graduation Gift Package

Buy It NowThis adorable Nurse Graduation Gift Package makes a perfect gift for any nurse graduate. This package features soap, a keychain, a candle and more goodies that any new grad will love.

7. Nurse Mates Ultimate Nursing Bag

Buy It NowThe Nurse Mates Ultimate Nursing Bag is perfect for any new nurse. It receives 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon and boasts ample storage room for everything that a nurse may need to carry. It is also available in multiple colors and patterns.

8. Personalized, Monogrammed Clipboard

Buy It NowEvery nurse needs a clipboard. Send your nurse grad off to work in style with a one of kind Personalized, Monogrammed Clipboard. The fun colors will delight while the monogram lets everyone know whose clipboard it is.

Bonus Nurse Graduation Gift Idea

Buy It NowA Nurse Kit! You can get a specialty gift box for a new nurse filled with tons of clinical knowledge, inspirational motivation, and even something practical like a nursing clipboard. We really like the nurse gift kits from The Nurse Shop. Our absolutely favorite is the Clinical Nurse Starter Kit. It has essentials every nurse needs including:

• 3M Littmann Classic II SE – 28″ Stethoscope
• Black Nursing.com Reference Clipboard
• Black Penlight 4 tools in 1: Penlight, Stylus, Pupil Gauge, and Black Ink Pen
• Badge Buddy Reference Guide
• Trauma Shears
• 5 1/2 Straight Kelly Hemostat

Pick One Up Today!

Personalized Gifts for Nurses

Personalized gifts for nurses are one of the best ways to give your nursing friends, family or colleagues a great gift that they will cherish for years to come. No matter what nursing specialty, or years of experience,  they are sure to love any of these amazing and beautiful gifts.

Finding the perfect gift for a nurse doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, there are hundreds of customized gifts for nurses on Etsy. I find that finding a great gift isn’t that hard at all. What becomes a challenge is narrowing it down amongst all the great possibilities. From a personalized nurse jacket to a custom stethoscope tag, the options for custom nurse gifts are nearly endless. So we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to make the task of finding that perfect gift. In it you will find:

• Stethoscope tag
• Stethoscope cover
• Stethoscope keychain
• Stethoscope charm
• Jacket
• Nurse Tote
• Coffee Mug
• Shot Glass
• Necklace
• Funny Mug
• Nurse Hanger
• Custom Ring
• Notepad
• Framed Nurse
• Keepsake Box
• Gift Set
• Lanyard
• Custom Bag
• Shoes
• Water Bottle
• Handbag
• Custom Clipboard

Custom Stethoscope Tag from Echosix

Buy It NowThis is an excellent way to customize a stethoscope. This stethoscope tag has the nurse’s name monogrammed on your choice of colors to slide over the stethoscope.

Embroidered Stethoscope Cover from PaisleyMaizie

Buy It NowThis cloth Embroidered Stethoscope Cover is a fantastic choice since it can so easily be slipped on and off for cleaning!

Monogrammed Stethoscope Keychain from SouthernSMonograms

Buy It NowThis beautiful Monogrammed Stethoscope Key Chain pays homage to one of the most caring professions. If you’re in the South, this is pretty much a must!

Stethoscope Charm from Shiny Little Blessings

Buy It NowThis adorable charm can be personalized and added to any stethoscope. A Stethoscope Charm is a great unique gift that would be great to give to a new grad at their pinning ceremony or as a charming stocking stuffer.

Nurses Heart Fleece Jacket

Buy It NowThis Nurses  Fleece Jacket is a great custom embroidered piece of clothing to help keep a nurse warm in the winter months! In the South, monograms are a way of life, so they are the item of choice if you’re in need of an embroidered fleece jackets for nurses. This monogrammed nurse jacket is one of the most practical nursing gifts you could give someone. If you’d like an RN jacket that’s even practical for work (and will make a nurse look very professional), you can also check out our post on a great lab jacket for nurses.

Personalized Nurses Tote

Buy It NowThis Personalized Nurses Tote is a cute addition that can be stuffed full of goodies and treats to create an awesome gift for your favorite nurse! A personalized nurse bag is a practical gift for nurses because nurses always seem to carry a ton of stuff with them. You can put their full name or be a little more concise with a monogrammed nurse bag. Most nurses would love to have a bag like this to hold their gear, take to the beach, or use for grocery shopping. Often personalized nursing bags can be ordered in bulk from sites like Vista Print.

Monogrammed Nurses Coffee Mug

Buy It Now“Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.” This is a mug everyone would love. Nobody will have one like this Monogrammed Nurses Coffee Mug! Cute, fun and functional!

Nurses Custom Shot Glass

Buy It NowNurses Need Shots Too! At least that’s what this Nurses Custom Shot Glass declares!

Custom Nurse Necklace from Sierra Metal Design

Buy It NowThis necklace is a great choice for the person that prefers a sleek and simple kind of jewelry. A Custom Nurse Necklace is simple, and understated, and would be a beautiful piece for any nurse.

Personalized Stool Chart Mug from The Mug Hermit

Buy It NowEvery nurse knows how to ask about stool color and texture. Now this Personalized Stool Chart Mug can take the chart along with them all day long!

Best Nurse Ever Hanger

Buy It NowThis adorable Best Nurse Ever Hanger is a unique choice to help your favorite nurse hang up her scrubs each day!

Custom RN Ring from SMMade

Buy It NowThis Custom RN Ring is a truly unique favorite in our list of personalized gifts for nurses! No two rings are alike!

Personalized Nurse Notepad from Simply Stamped Invites

Buy It NowThis Personalized Nurse Notepad is a great choice for any nurse in leadership. A great personal way to share notes, tips, or even a handwritten thank you note!

Framed Polymer Clay Nurse

Buy It NowThis is such a cute Framed Polymer Clay Nurse that is great for hanging in a nurse’s office or putting on their desk!

Personalized Nurse Keepsake Box from Five 1 Designs

Buy It NowThis Personalized Nurse Keepsake Box is a special choice because it is unique, classic, and a great way for your favorite nurse to hold her jewelry, keys, or keepsakes!

Personalized Nurse Gift Box Set from BlocksOfLove1

Buy It NowThis is a great little piece to go on your mantle. This Personalized Nurse Gift Box Set is one of our favorites on this list of personalized gifts for nurses.

Personalized Nurse Lanyard from ModThirteen

Buy It NowThis Personalized Nurse Lanyard from ModThirteen is a cute way for your favorite nurse to wear their badge to and from work!

Custom Nurse Bag from Handfuls Of Purpose 4U

Buy It NowThis Custom Nurse Bag is a good option for a nurse to carry their wallet, lunch or other daily necessities to work in.

Nurse Toms Shoes

Buy It NowThese Nurse Toms Shoes are hand-painted and a great adorable gift for the nurse in your life! Note: These probably aren’t the best choice to wear to work. It would be awful to get bodily fluids on them.

Personalized Nurse Water Bottle

Buy It NowThis cute Personalized Nurse Water Bottle is a great choice to help a nurse in your life stay hydrated. This nurse water bottle is unique and practical. If you don’t like this design, there are many other water bottle styles to choose from. Show you care by helping a nurse stay healthy.

Personalized Nurse Handbag or Giftbag from n4nsy

Buy It NowThis is such a cute hand-painted Personalized Nurse Handbag or Giftbag! — What big eyes your nurse bag has, the better to assess my patients with, my dear.

Custom Nurse Clipboard from FancyFrames Boutique

Buy It NowEvery nurse needs a great clipboard, and this Custom Nurse Clipboard is a great choice! If a personalized clipboard is not needed, we have a list of the best clipboards for nurses that you can take a look at.

This amazing list of personalized gifts for nurses is a perfect way to give that special nurse in your life a great gift! And don’t forget to thank that amazing preceptor with one of these appropriate and thoughtful gifts for preceptors.

Want a gift that is a little more functional? Consider getting the nurse in your life a great stethoscope, a comfortable pair of nursing shoes, or some unique nurse watches.

Practical Gifts for Nurses

Scratching your head about what to get that nurse on your gift list? If you’re combing through the web, looking for the perfectly practical gifts for nurses, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re shopping for a fashion-conscious nurse, a gadget freak or a shoe connoisseur, there’s something for every type of nurse in the list below. So check out my practical gifts for nurses and check that nurse off your gift list.

• Nursing Shoes
• Stethoscope
• Nursing Bag
• Nursing Scrubs
• Pens
• Bandage Scissors
• Stethoscope Clip

Nursing Shoes

Buy It NowSometimes, a good pair of footwear is all nurses want to get through those demanding shifts, and nothing screams comfort and support louder than a pair of the best nursing shoes.

If you’re looking for comfort and stability in a pair of shoes, the Dansko Professional Clogs will fit the bill. A solid heel cup and leather construction keep feet stable, while a padded collar and a polyurethane outsole provide great comfort and shock absorption even on hard concrete floors.

For nurses that want support and traction in one shoe, the Skechers for Work is the right pick. A comfortable leather upper combined with a grippy rubber outsole gives adequate support and enough confidence to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence.

Stethoscope

Buy It NowSecond on the list is the stethoscope, which is one of the few tools that nurses hold close to their hearts- both literally and metaphorically. But don’t stress about what may be the best stethoscopes for nurses, check out these great suggestions.

Listed as a bestseller on Amazon, the Littmann Lightweight II is an ideal choice for entry-level nurses and helps them get the job done with ease thanks to its solid design and lightweight profile. Finished in stainless steel. Available in 7 different colors. Made in USA.

The Classic III is another popular stethoscope worth gifting. Specially designed to deliver best acoustic performance, this Littmann equipment responds well to pressure changes and captures low and high frequency sounds with ease. Features a dual-sided stainless steel chest piece, and comes in half a dozen colors…

Nursing Bag

Buy It NowNothing makes a more appropriate gift for nurses than a fashionable and functional nurse bag. They always carry a lot of gear and would love to have a bag that can hold it all.

The Nurse Mates, true to its name, is clearly the ultimate nursing bag. Available in a wide assortment of colors, this bag has several compartments and storage pockets to help keep stuff organized.

This nursing bag comes with a beautifully embroidered stethoscope motif with initials in the middle. Features two pockets and sturdy web handles. A good choice if you’re looking to add a personal touch. Comes in several accents and multiple color options.

Nursing Scrubs

Buy It NowThis gift list for nurses is incomplete without nursing scrubs on it.

Soft and comfortable, this Koi scrub top is ideal for nurses who don’t like the typical baggy, sloppy looks of scrub sets. Made out of cotton-and-polyster-blend, the scrub top features 2 deep pockets on the bottom in the front and a handy chest pocket. There are lots of colors and sizes to choose from.

All hardworking nurses deserve a high-quality scrub like this scrub pant from Grey’s Anatomy, which has become a perennial favorite. The stretchy yoga scrub bottom made of polyester and rayon features elastic draw-cord for supreme fit and 4 boxy pockets to stow all your important gear and valuables.

Pens

Buy It NowPens. Not quite interesting, right? Think again. Nurses like to keep pens handy at all times and won’t mind carrying extra pens because they somehow seem to lose them often.

Quirky pens with a unique touch is a hit among nurses. Here’s a multipurpose pen that serves as a penlight for assessments and a handy stylus for smartphones and tablets. Oh yeah, the #1 Nurse engravement is a nice touch as well.

Carrying a bunch of warm messages that pay homage to the great work they do, this cute pen gift set is sure to please any hard working nurse. We’d also say this fits in the personalized gifts for nurses and unique gifts for nurses category.

Bandage Scissors

Buy It NowNurses don’t realize how dull and poor their bandage scissors are until they try out a new pair. Give them a reminder by gifting them a pair of sharp shears.

Made of high-quality stainless steel, this pair of bandage scissors features sturdy and sharp blades and a carabiner for extra convenience. Great for cutting through bandages wraps and gauzes without any hassle. Available in four colors.

This pair of scissors from Prestige boasts of high-quality blades with a superior stainless steel construction and a non-sticky finish thanks to its special fluoride coating. More compact than most shears out there.

Stethoscope Clip

Buy It NowIt’s no surprise that nurses absolutely love their stethoscopes and want to style them up with interesting and unique accessories like holders, clips.

Made with high-qualityplastic and stainless steel springs, this clip from NurseBorn is designed to help nurses get their scopes off their neck and onto their clothing. Ideal for people who simply don’t want to wear a stethoscope around the neck or stuff it in a pocket. Fits most models out there.

Here’s another nice stethoscope holder clip to keep your stethoscope handy but totally out of the way. A simple, well-constructed design means your stethoscope simply slips in and out of the clip when you need it. Durable, sturdy, and made to last long.

Christmas Gifts for Nurses

A nurse’s Christmas is often not like others. Instead of spending the day with their families, many nurses will spend the day caring for the patients that are too sick to go home. On Christmas morning when you’re running downstairs, wearing your Christmas pajamas, excited to spend time with your family, think of the nurses and other healthcare workers who are taking care of the sickest of the sick. While the rest of the world gets a day to relax and spend time with family, nurses remain hard at work. It’s a hard job, but, fortunately, many people are aware of how difficult it can be and are very supportive of nurses.

I was thinking of many the things that many nurses struggle with, especially during the holidays, and decided that I would put together a nurse Christmas wish list. These are things that almost every nurse wants (or has wanted at some point in their careers). Some of these can’t be wrapped up and put under a Christmas tree, but a few of them can.

Nurse Christmas Wish List

1. More Sleep

Getting enough sleep is elusive among nursing. You’re more likely to actually remember to move the Elf on the Shelf than get a full 8 hours. Nurses are busy. When you work 12-hour shifts, that usually end up being closer to 13, commute another hour or so, shower, and eat, you barely have enough time to lay down, much less sleep a full 8.

On the best nights, most nurses are thankful to get 6-7 hours, but that extra hour could really make a difference in energy level and overall health. Although you can’t take the stress of life away, you can do a few things to make sleeping easier. If you have a nurse to buy for this Christmas, consider a few sleep aids to add a few extra winks to a nurse’s night.

I’d recommend…

Sleep Mask

Buy It NowI swear by my sleep mask. I have a hard time falling asleep if there is an ounce of light in the room. My soft, cool, and thick sleep mask has made the difference for me. Best of all, sleep masks are super affordable, practical, and incredibly thoughtful. Pick one up on Amazon starting at as little as $8 or around $25 for this super-soft version.

Blackout Curtains

Buy It NowWhether you’re working the night shift or day shift, light can still creep in those windows and make it difficult to sleep. While the sleep mask is a good start, if you want to up the ante, blackout curtains (also referred to as room darkening curtains) would also make a great gift for a sleep-deprived nurse. You can pick up panels for around $10 each. Get 4, since most bedrooms have at least 2 windows.

2. More Money

Nurses are not paid enough. The workload is demanding, and the salary has not kept up the rate of inflation and the level of stress and responsibility that come with the job. What’s worse is that unless nurses change jobs every few years, they are often not being paid a fair wage for their years of experience. There’s no way to wrap up a pay increase and put it under a tree; however, there are things that nurses can do to increase their salary and brighten their Christmas. Here are a few ideas to increase the cash in a nurse’s bank account.

I’d recommend…

Asking for a Raise

It seems too simple, but it often works. However, it takes some planning to do it correctly. You can’t just barge into your manager’s office after a particularly difficult shift and demand to be paid more for the work that you do. You won’t be taken seriously, and a few incidents like that could get you fired.

Instead, consider reading up on proven tactics that work when asking for a raise, and then drafting a proposal outlining why you deserve a raise and how much want, and scheduling a meeting with your nursing manager.

Pursuing Higher Education

Most healthcare employers will give a slight pay increase when you obtain a higher degree. They will also usually cover a large portion of the costs associated with school, and many nurses qualify for scholarships and grants that will make higher education virtually pay for themselves.

Growing Personal Wealth

Buy It NowWhile a raise would give some instant gratification, building wealth is the correct way to have “more money.” There are many experts in this field, but without a doubt, Dave Ramsey is one of the most popular and has one of the simplest plans. The best thing is, it actually works. Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money: The Handbook of Financial Peace University is a great way to change the way you think about money, and provide value for almost any nurse.

3. More Time

“If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do…” is give it to nurses! Seriously, 12-hour shifts seem long, but there is never enough to get everything done. I know there are two shifts for a reason, but more time would help. Since you can’t exactly bottle time, there are going to have to be some creative and thoughtful alternatives to make a great nurse Christmas gift.

I’d recommend…

Time Management Skills

Buy It NowLearning to better manage your time can mean the difference between a great shift and the worse shift of your life. While mastering time management can take years, learning some fundamental habits of effective time management can make a difference in the stress a nurse feels at work. Fortunately, there are many excellent books on this topic. I would recommend one of the following great gifts for nurses who need more time:

• 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management: The Productivity Habits of 7 Billionaires, 13 Olympic Athletes, 29 Straight-A Students, and 239 Entrepreneurs
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

4. Something Personalized

One of the most thoughtful gifts for nurses is something personalized and bought just for them. Chances are if you took the time to put their name one it, you put some actual effort in picking it out and gifting it to them. Personalized nursing gifts can practical and functional or purely fun.

I’d recommend…

Stethoscope Tags

Many nurses have stethoscopes that look almost identical. Littmann stethoscopes are awesome, but they do lend themselves the growing legs and walking away, often around the next of physicians. If only Littmann would design different stethoscopes for nurses and doctors. A stethoscope tag is simple, affordable, and very personal. It’s something that a nurse will use every day at work and it will remind them of you. This is not an item you can pick up at a gas station, so plan ahead if you want to add this to a nurse’s Christmas list. These can usually be purchased for less than $10 on Amazon.

5. A More Manageable Patient Load

This is one intangible item that I really do wish I could package and put under every nurse’s Christmas tree. The dangers of unsafe patient loads are many, and healthcare organizations are having a difficult time making ends meet with all the changes in reimbursement.

This means the risk of nurses having more patients than they can handle is on the rise. Many states do have safe staffing laws on the books and nursing unions, but there are even more that do not. It pains me not to have a clear solution for this issue, but I do have a suggestion for a thoughtful, and completely free, gift for nurses everywhere.

I’d recommend…

Take Action

Write your congressional representatives and let them know that safe staffing for nurses is a must. Share the safe staffing campaign on your social media channels encourage your friends to support nurses and patients by contacting their government officials and demanding safe staffing laws. You can also take action on specific safe staffing bills.

6. Christmas Off

Many nurses spend Christmas Day or Christmas Eve at work instead of home with their families. It can’t be escaped. People will always be sick, and nurses will need to be there to care for them. Nurses know this when they sign up for the job, but that doesn’t mean we like it. Since there is a chance that a nurse in your life will have to work on Christmas, consider doing something special for them on that day.

I’d recommend…

Packing Their Lunch

Buy It NowMake a special lunch for the nurse in your life and either bring it to them or pack it for them to take with them. There are many great recipes for quick and easy packable lunches for nurses. Or… If you attend a family gathering with food that has been prepared, make them a plate and take it to them. This won’t be a substitute for spending time with family on Christmas, but it might soften the blow.

7. An Awesome Stethoscope

Nurses and stethoscopes go together like peas and carrots. They’re a vital part of a nursing workflow and are needed in any form of direct bedside care. Having a great stethoscope is a must. In fact, I wrote a post listing the best stethoscopes for nurses, but I’ll save you some time and offer up my 3 favorites.

I’d recommend…

• 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope
• 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope
• MDF® MD One Stainless Steel Premium Dual Head Stethoscope

While you’re picking up a stethoscope, consider adding a unique, and possibly personalized stethoscope accessory.

8. Comfortable Shoes

When you’re working long hours on your feet, comfortable shoes are an absolute must! Your feet are valuable and you only get one pair. You’ve got to take care of them. Nurses are on their feet for most of their 12-hour shifts and comfortable shoes aren’t a luxury, they should be considered a requirement. I’ve written about the most comfortable shoes for nurses, top nursing shoes for women, and nursing shoes for men. However, I know that’s about 20 pairs of shoes to look over, so let’s make it a little easier.

I’d recommend..

• SoftWalk Women’s Meredith Clog
• Dansko Women’s Professional Box Leather Clog
• Skechers for Work Men’s 76778 Balder Clog

Thoughtful Gifts for Nurses

Truly most nurses will be thankful for any gift they receive. It’s not important that you get them something really expensive, or even specific to nursing. It’s more important that you give them something thoughtful, supportive, and from the heart.

What nurse gift have you loved giving the most?