Being a nurse is no easy task. Many work long, arduous shifts to provide comfort and care to those who need it most. If you know one, a thoughtful gift to show your appreciation and help them get through their busy day is an excellent idea. From accessories that make their job a little easier to self-care products that can help them unwind at home, there are plenty of useful gifts you can give to express your gratitude.
Personal care
Baths are popular picks for self-care time, and this pillow can help the nurse in your life have an even more rejuvenating soak, thanks to its soft, supportive foam panels. It’s made with quick-drying mesh, and it comes with its own laundry bag so it’s easy to toss in the wash.
Sold by Amazon
Another handy accessory for a relaxing bath, this caddy tray offers slots for a wine glass, a book or tablet, and a phone. It’s adjustable to fit almost any tub, and it’s made from renewable bamboo. Silicone grips on the underside keep it from sliding.
Sold by Amazon
BodyRestore Lavender Aromatherapy Shower Tablets
Even if there’s no time to relax in a bath, with therapeutic shower steamers, a shower can be almost as soothing. Relieve stress and fatigue with these lavender essential oil tablets. When used at bedtime, they can help improve sleep and reduce stress. The pack includes 15 long-lasting tablets.
Sold by Amazon
iReliev Back and Neck Massager
With 20 massage nodes, three intensity settings, and realistic kneading action, this shiatsu massager is easy to use and almost as good as a trip to a massage therapist. It can be slung over the shoulders to work out neck tension or leaned against for a back massage. It features easy-to-reach inline controls and an optional heat setting.
Sold by iReliev
Dionis Inspire Goat Milk Hand Cream Collection
Nurses need extra relief from dry skin since they wash their hands and use hand sanitizer so frequently. They’re sure to find a scent they like among these five pocket-size tubes, all formulated with nutrient-rich goat milk.
Sold by Ulta Beauty
UpCircle Coffee Body Scrub with Lemongrass
A body scrub sloughs away dead skin cells to prevent dryness and flaking. This one includes rejuvenating coffee grounds repurposed from artisan coffee shops, and it comes in fully recyclable packaging, so it’s good for the planet too.
Sold by Amazon
Aveeno Repairing CICA Foot Mask
After being on their feet for hours, it’ll feel wonderful for nurses to pamper their dry, sore feet with a moisturizing foot mask. Shea butter and oats soothe dry and damaged skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
Sold by Ulta Beauty and Amazon
Kitsch Weighted Satin Sleep Mask
If you know a nurse working night shifts, this silky sleep mask might be their ticket to better, more restful sleep. It blocks out light, and the smooth satin material won’t cause creases or wrinkles. Plus, it contains microbeads and dried lavender for extra therapeutic effects.
Sold by Amazon
Pacifica Lavender Moon Body and Pillow Mist
Help a nurse get a good night's (or day’s) sleep with this relaxing, therapeutic lavender spray. When misted on bedding or body, the water-based aromatherapy blend helps the mind relax. The light scent isn’t overpowering and won’t soak their pillowcase.
Sold by Ulta Beauty and Amazon
Exhausted feet can find relief in this soothing foot spa, which keeps water at the perfect temperature while massaging feet with invigorating bubbles. It features simple toe-touch controls and a contoured base to support heels and arches.
Sold by Amazon
Beauty By Earth Organic Bath Bombs
With scents for joint relief, relaxation, muscle relief, a good night’s sleep, and more, these six bath bombs are a therapeutic treat for an overworked nurse. They’re dye-free and free from artificial fragrances, gluten, and mineral oil.
Sold by Amazon
We’re grateful for nurses, and we know how vital cultivating a mindset of gratitude can be for mental health. Help the nurse in your life stay grounded and positive with this guided journal. The vegan leather cover comes in 10 color choices, and the journal includes a pen loop and inner pocket. It’s undated so the recipient can feel free to journal whenever they like.
Sold by Amazon
Weighted blankets can improve sleep, reduce stress levels and boost melatonin and serotonin levels — something any nurse can benefit from. Hand-knitted from organic cotton, this weighted blanket comes in four weights (in five-pound increments from 10 pounds up to 25 pounds) and six color choices. It’s even machine-washable!
Sold by Bearaby
B.Witching Bath Co. Organic Muscle Rub
With organic ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, cinnamon, and other essential oils, this muscle rub is great for soothing sore and overworked muscles. It feels lightweight but sinks in deeply for quick relief. It can also alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis and fibromyalgia.
Sold by Uncommon Goods
Pro Breeze 5-in-1 Air Purifier
Give the nurse in your life peace of mind with an air purifier to help prevent airborne contaminants. The four-stage filter system in this air purifier includes a HEPA filter and an active carbon filter to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. It’s quiet enough to sleep with and can also reduce lingering odors and trap dust.
Sold by Amazon
Verilux HappyLight VT10 Compact Personal Light Therapy Lamp
Ward off the blues with a light therapy lamp, which simulates sunlight to help serotonin levels and improve the user’s sleep and mood. This portable model from a trusted brand is easy to use anywhere it’s needed.
Huggaroo Original Microwave Heating Pad
This plush aromatherapeutic pad can go in the microwave or the freezer to relieve sore muscles and neck pain. It weighs 3.5 pounds to mimic the relaxing effects of deep-tissue massage. It’s filled with clay beads, flaxseeds, and botanicals such as lavender, peppermint, and chamomile to promote relaxation and well-being.
Sold by Amazon
Other top deals in this space
- A lip balm set can help soothe dry lips in climate-controlled settings.
- A soothing reed diffuser can generate a calming fragrance without needing heat or flame.
- Herbal teas are healthy and tasty choices for relaxing on or off the clock.
- Chill these Finnish eye stones in the fridge to give tired eyes a soothing spa moment.
- A soft, cozy bathrobe is perfect for wrapping up in after a relaxing bath.
Apparel and accessories
Enso Rings Bevel Classic Silicone Ring
These silicone rings are the perfect way for busy professionals to express their love and relationship without having to worry about scratching or losing their normal rings. They have a sophisticated design and contoured fit that’s comfortable in any situation and won’t cut into gloves. They’re also great as a matching set for partners or close friends.
Sold by Amazon
For the nurse who adores practicality and simplicity, this high-quality lanyard makes carrying things like ID badges, keys, and pens convenient and secure. It has a quick-release clip and detachable buckle that make it easy to add or remove items and make adjustments as needed. Plus, it comes in black, royal blue, white, or red.
Sold by Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Youtowo Two-Pack Lanyard With ID Holders
This two-in-one breakaway lanyard includes an ID holder and a retractable badge reel, convenient for anyone who needs quick, easy access to their badge. It comes in packs of one, two, and four. It’s also available in several solid colors and patterns. Plus, it’s waterproof.
Sold by Amazon
Even the most health-conscious nurse can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the hospital. But with this smartwatch, it’s easy to monitor things like heart rate, quality of sleep, and calories burned. This device can also be used to set alarms, connect with Amazon Alexa or even play music.
Extreme Fit Copper Compression Socks
Perfect for anyone who’s on their feet all day and needs a bit of extra support, these six vibrantly colored compression socks are designed with performance, durability, and comfort in mind. They can stimulate the production of collagen and key proteins to keep the feet soft, as well as promote blood flow. They’re a must during long work shifts or at home.
Kousenpu Adjustable Working Cap With Sweatband
Available in 12 colors and patterns, this cotton cap is functional and cute. It’s adjustable and can fit nearly anybody. Plus, it’s designed to keep back long hair and wick away sweat so it doesn’t linger on the skin. It’s perfect for long, hot days.
Sold by Amazon
Made for maximum comfort and style, these colorful headbands are a great addition to any medical professional’s uniform, whether they’re in the emergency room or providing home care. They’re nonslip, elastic, and breathable and have buttons that keep any mask in place.
Sold by Amazon
Crocs Unisex — Adult Classic Clog
Nothing quite beats the comfort of a pair of Crocs, except for maybe slip-on sneakers. This unisex footwear is padded, breathable, and lightweight, and it has a perfect fit, making them ideal for all-day wear. Plus, they come in 23 fun colors, so there’s something for everyone.
Sold by Amazon
Octamber Nurse Appreciation Keychain
This keychain is a great gift for new and experienced nurses alike since it’s functional and cute in design. It comes in silver or pink and has a positive message on it.
Sold by Amazon
Timbuk2 Lane Commuter Laptop Backpack
Functional and reliable, this backpack is large enough to fit anything a nurse needs. This includes things such as a smartphone, phone charger, spare pens, hand sanitizer, snacks, and an extra stethoscope. It can even hold a spare pair of compression socks or backup scrubs.
Sold by Amazon
Yaluxe Leather Nylon Shoulder Bag
As a more fashionable alternative to the traditional backpack, this sleek tote bag has a main compartment and a couple of smaller open pockets inside. It’s large enough to hold a standard laptop, notebooks, lunch bag, and small accessories. The top zipper closure keeps everything inside secure.
Sold by Amazon
ThinkFit Insulated Meal Prep Lunch Box with 6 Food Portion Control Containers
This large insulated lunch box comes with everything nurses need to help them get through long shifts. It includes six food portion control containers, a pill organizer, a shaker cup, and two reusable ice packs. It also has an adjustable, removable shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry.
Sold by Amazon
Urban CoCo Women's Drape-Front Open Cardigan
This cardigan is the perfect accessory to throw on when it’s cold. It comes in 27 solid colors, ranging from chic black to classy teal. No matter the color, it’s stylish, lightweight, and looks great over scrubs and everyday clothes. It also has a flattering form factor and an asymmetrical hemline that draws the eye.
Sold by Amazon
These cute socks come in fun designs that add a personal touch to nurses’ scrubs. They come up to the calf and don’t slip easily, a must for anyone on their feet all day.
Sold by Amazon
Abctec Nurse Birthday Gift Set
Practical and fun, this gift set includes a zippered tote bag, a stethoscope case, and a matching blue tumbler. The tote bag reads “Peace, love, nursing” on the front and is water-resistant, durable, and comfortable to carry around. Even with the case and tumbler, the bag still has room for a few other essentials, such as extra pens and a phone charger.
Sold by Amazon
This pack of 24 syringe ballpoint pens is perfect for nurses with a sense of humor. Although the ink is black, the pens themselves come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, red, and blue. They write easily and are designed to last a long time.
Sold by Amazon
Cavn Pen Light With Pupil Gauge
With this pair of battery-operated LED penlights, nursing students and medical professionals will always be prepared. They’re long-lasting and easily fit into any pocket.
Sold by Amazon
Bovke Stethoscope Travel Carrying Case
Resistant to everyday wear and tear, this durable case has a soft, anti-static lining that can protect stethoscopes and small accessories, such as an LED penlight or medical scissors.
Sold by Amazon
Other top deals in this space
- This anti-pilling themed fleece blanket is cozy enough for home use or for catching some shut-eye on the unit.
- Extra layers such as this long-sleeve, form-fitting shirt add much-needed comfort and warmth under scrubs.
- Every nurse needs a foldable clipboard that’s compact enough to carry around for all their notes.
- This keychain doubles as a great way to show your appreciation for everything that nurses do.
Personal tech and gadgets
ClipGlow Rechargeable Night Light
This hands-free night light is great for late-night shifts, and lets nurses do their rounds without disturbing patients. Also, it increases nighttime visibility, making it suitable for nighttime strolls. Sold by Amazon
Keep track of time with this traditional-style nurse fob watch. It’s splash-resistant, easily clips onto pockets, and has durable silicone rubber housing with a detachable dial that’s easy to sterilize. Sold by Amazon
TF TakeFlight Tactical Pen Self-Defense Tool
Working a night shift can be unnerving, but this self-defense tool will give nurses peace of mind and everyday use as a tactical pen. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, works as an emergency escape glass breaker, and has an LED flashlight. Sold by Amazon
Nekteck Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
Help them relax and alleviate muscle aches with this portable back and neck massager. It’s made with a breathable mesh fabric and has eight nodes for deep massaging and three adjustable intensity levels. Sold by Amazon
An Apple Watch is excellent for nurses with iPhones looking to keep track of time and health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and burned calories. It has a large, always-on retina display, a QWERTY touch keyboard, and a crack-resistant front crystal. Sold by Amazon and Staples
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle
Help them catch up on their reading during downtime and breaks at work with this Kindle Essentials bundle. It has a flush front design, an anti-glare display, and 32 gigabytes of storage. Plus, it’s Bluetooth-compatible for listening to Audible audiobooks. Sold by Amazon
This wireless charging pad is excellent for clearing up the clutter on work desks and juicing up their phone’s battery during hectic shifts. It has a slim design, short-circuit protection, and colorful LED lights for indicating the status of their phone’s battery level. Sold by Amazon
Chunhee Two-Way Caregiver System
This two-way radio caregiver system is perfect for nurses caring for one or two patients for extended periods. It offers several vibration and volume levels, an impressive 800-foot range, and has a waterproof call button. Sold by Amazon
Upright GO S New Posture Trainer and Corrector
It’s easy to forget about maintaining proper posture while working, but this intuitive corrective device alerts them when they’re slouching and helps them improve it over time. It syncs with the Upright smartphone app, letting users calibrate it, set goals, and track daily stats. Sold by Amazon
Other tops deals in this space
- For those constantly misplacing personal items, Apple AirTags can help keep track of them and find them quickly.
- Nurses can clean and disinfect their phone quickly and effortlessly with this lightweight UV sanitizer bag.
- To get up on time for those early-morning shifts, this wake-up light offers five soothing alarm sounds to improve their mood and boost their energy.
Food and drink accessories
Nurses can keep their coffee and other hot beverages at a suitable drinking temperature with this electric mug warmer. It has a 4.2-inch base, two temperature settings, a blue and red light indicator, and a waterproof glass panel. Sold by Amazon
HidrateSpark Pro Smart Water Bottle
This vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottle has an anti-condensation exterior and keeps drinks cool for up to 24 hours. It has LED smart sensors that alert them when it’s time to take a drink, and location-tracking lets them find it through the HidrateSpark app. Sold by Amazon
Yummy Earth Organic Vitamin C Lollipops
These vitamin C lollipops are gluten-free, peanut-free, and have no added chemicals or artificial flavors. They’re made with natural fruit extract and come in three delicious flavors. Sold by Amazon
This mug has an elegant ceramic design and a smart temperature control feature that helps maintain their beverage’s temperature the way they like it, so it’s ready to drink when they want. Plus, the LED light indicates when it reaches a preset temperature. Sold by Amazon
Nurse work is strenuous, and those long shifts almost demand at least a few cups of coffee now and then. However, you can help make a nurse’s life easier by giving them a gift card to Starbucks, one of the top coffee shop franchises in the world. Sold by Amazon
Puged Coffee Mug And Stemless Wine Glass Gift Package Set
Not only does this coffee mug and stemless wine glass set make for a great graduation gift, but it's also fun for medical professionals who've been in the field for a while. The mug says, “before patients” while the wineglass says “after patients.” Both are durable and dishwasher-safe.
Sold by Amazon
Patelai Nurse Appreciation Shot Glasses
Show a nurse friend or family member you appreciate them with these fun shot glasses. They’re sturdy, 2.36 inches tall, and have the clever “nurses need shots too” phrase with a cartoonish needle. Sold by Amazon
Ziploc Food Storage Meal Prep Containers
Meal prepping is practically a religion for a busy nurse, making this 40-piece food storage container set invaluable. There are several sizes for keeping track of portions, and each container is microwave-safe and features Smart-Snap technology for a leak-proof seal. Sold by Amazon
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Drinking water is crucial, but it’s challenging for nurses to drink enough of it during busy shifts. These single-serving passion fruit powder packets mix easily for delicious and healthy flavored water. They’re gluten-free, hydrate the body faster than plain water and provide critical electrolytes and five essential vitamins. Sold by Amazon
Iron Flask Classic Hot/Cold Tumbler
Perfect for long shifts at the hospital, this sleek double-walled insulated tumbler can keep cold or hot drinks at the perfect temperature for hours without sweating. It comes in vibrant colors, such as violet, aquamarine, and ocean blue. It’s also durable and comes with handy cleaning brushes and four reusable straws.
Sold by Amazon
Brooke & Jess Designs Nurse Tumbler
Designed with nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and soon-to-be graduates in mind, this sleek tumbler comes in 12 designs, each of which has a humorous nurse saying on the front. It's made from stainless steel and is easy to clean.
Sold by Amazon
Other top deals in this space
- This vacuum-insulated water bottle with a straightforward design is perfect for nurses who want something lightweight to keep their beverages cold for their entire shift.
- These drink blood bags make for excellent Halloween decorations and shows guests that nurses can have a sense of humor too.
- Busy nurses can maintain a nutritious diet with this seven-in-one Instant Pot cooker, boasting 13 customizable cooking programs and 10 safety features.
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Laura Duerr, Kevin Luna and Angela Watson write for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.