My best friend is a nurse. She works long hours for days on end without a break. When I asked her what the best gifts for nurses were, she said anything that helps them relax. These gifts are dedicated to those who often put themselves in harm’s way, and spend limited time with their own families so they can save ours. I have also included some gifts every nurse needs as well as some memorable personalised gifts.
1. Glamping
Best gifts for nurses UK
When my best friend gets a few days off, she and her husband head out for a nature retreat in the country. Fresh air is a luxury gift for nurses who spend much of their time cooped up in offices or hospitals with sick patients. Glamping is a great way to experience the outdoor life while being pampered a little.
If they need more of a luxury than a glamping trip, send them on a romantic getaway for two to rekindle the romance. Working long hours can put a strain on relationships.
If finding time to getaway is difficult, send them for a fine dining experience for two instead. Of course, you don’t have to be a nurse to enjoy these outings. Plan one for yourself as well.
2. Nurse Shot Glass
Funny nurse gifts
I love this punny glass. After a long day, a strong beverage can help relax stiff muscles and a racing mind.
If they prefer wine, you can get them this nurse wine glass stating, “Nurses don’t cry, we wine.”
For less intoxicating stress relief, give them a nurse swear words colouring book.
3. Spa Getaway
Nurse gift ideas
Send them on a spa getaway for two for much needed relaxation and a spa treatment.
If that is too much, send them to a spa for the day for a spa experience or lunch.
If that still isn’t an option, get them a spa gift hamper to help them relax at home. For men, get this hamper with a citrus scent.
4. Appreciation Plaque
Nurse retirement gifts
A commemorative plaque expressing gratitude for years of dedicated service makes a nice keepsake gift for someone retiring from any career.
However, if you are looking for something more amusing, get her a funny retirement make up bag with a silly saying.
For something they really want, a bottle of 18 year old whiskey with this thoughtful retirement gift tag. Even better, get a bottle from the year they started nursing.
5. Syringe Pen
Novelty nurse gifts
These pens look like they contain blood but actually write in black ink, so they can be used for medical charts.
This medical fob watch is a novelty gift that is also practical. It can easily clip onto a stethoscope or pocket. It glows in the dark, making it great for checking on patients at night.
A stool chart coaster is kind of gross, but makes a good gag gift for a nurse.
6. Sweets Hamper
Thank you gifts for nurses UK
My best friend said nurses always appreciate sweet treats and snacks, so why not send a hamper of sweets? Choose from brownies, dark chocolate, or even vegan sweets. Then personalise a message to be sent with the gift.
For an extra treat, make them some homemade cookies using these medical themed cookie cutters.
A nurse’s survival kit is a gift where it is the thought that counts. Where most of the items in the kit are rather trivial, the card explaining the items is what matters. Each item is symbolic of qualities for a good nurse.
Sometimes just a simple thank you card will do, when it contains a heartfelt message from the sender.
7. Stethoscope Necklace
Nurse graduation gifts
These stethoscope necklaces can be personalised with the graduate’s name, making them a special keepsake gift. Get stethoscope cufflinks as a graduation gift for him.
Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul makes an inspirational gift filled with real stories of these medical heroes.
8. Nurse Mug
Personalised nurse gifts
A personalised mug makes a great gift for drinking coffee to remain alert during long shifts.
You can also get them a personalised nurse tote to bring their stuff back and forth from work. They need to stay hydrated after all that coffee. A custom water bottle ensures nobody takes theirs by mistake.
For a keepsake gift, a nurse ornament with their name will make a welcome addition to the Christmas tree.
9. On the Go Toiletries
Gifts for nursing students
Make your own gift set for them by filling these containers with their favourite toiletries. Add a travel size toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, mouthwash, and face wash. You don’t even need to use all of the bottles supplied. Just gather everything they need for long shifts and possibly nights away from home, so they can stay fresh and rejuvenated.
Noise cancelling ear plugs make a great stocking stuffer, and will help nurses get much needed sleep between shifts. For another stocking stuffer, make them stand out in a crowd with decorative badge clips.
Scrubs are something people in the medical profession never have enough of, especially students who are just starting out.
10. Shiatsu Foot Massager
Helpful presents for nurses UK
After a long day on their feet, nurses will appreciate this foot massager. This one has several air and massage settings, along with heat to get just the right intensity they need. It can be controlled with the touch of the foot or by remote control, so no tangled wires.
The feet aren’t the only thing needing a massage after a long day. A deep tissue neck massager will feel great as well.
For a more portable gift, this set of massage roller balls can be used anywhere. They can be heated in hot water or chilled in the freezer for either a warm or cold massage. Of course, as a part of a lifestyle change, nurses might find yoga helps sore muscles.
11. UV Sanitizer
More nurse gift ideas
While we used to live in a society where personal phones were not to be seen at work, things have changed. When I worked at the preschool, we would often take pictures of rashes or other issues to show parents. I know these parents would then text these photos to their child’s doctor’s office for advice. Nurses may be using their phones at work for reminders, messaging a doctor, or just putting their schedule in their calendar. Whatever the reason, if they lay their phone down, it becomes a haven for germs. A UV sanitizer will both charge and sanitise their phone at the same time.
Nobody wants to eat hospital food all the time or order take out everyday. This insulated lunch bag is perfect for bringing lunch from home. It has a heart EKG design, making it a great gift for someone in the medical profession.
Blackout curtains make a great gift for nurses that work the night shift. Anyone who has worked nights knows how difficult it is to sleep when the sun is shining in their window.
12. Drinks Experience
Favourite gifts for nurses UK
Nurses work hard and play hard. They will love a day of wine tasting, touring a distillery, or tasting beers. Choose their favourite beverage, and find an experience nearby in the UK. Maybe they will take you with them!
If they prefer staying home, you can have wine or spirits sent directly to their letterbox!
Or you can give them a wine and cheese hamper so they can have some gourmet snacks with their wine.
13. Scented Hand Cream
Christmas gifts for nurses
Nurses are constantly washing and sanitising their hands, not to mention how dried out they get from wearing rubber gloves. I like this gift pack because it not only contains hand cream, but lip balm, and foot cream as well. Also, with the exception of the rose scent, the majority are more on the fruity side, so they shouldn’t cause allergy issues.
Sometimes nurses have to go a long time between meals. Don’t fill them with junk that will make them crash in an hour. Give them a healthy snack hamper to stave off hunger.
Or choose from a unique selection of gifts stating, “I’m a nurse. What’s your superpower?” Options include chopping boards, mouse mats, entrance mats, and blankets, to name a few.
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