20 Gift Ideas for Healthcare Workers

Spread the love

Shopping for a gift to thank your favourite healthcare hero? Whether you are shopping for a special occasion or simply to thank a medical professional; these 20 gift ideas for healthcare workers will help you find the perfect gift(s). Perhaps you know someone who’s working the front lines…or maybe you were cared for by a wonderful nurse/healthcare professional. Well now is the perfect time to gift that special essential worker in your life! Warm a healthcare worker’s heart with any of these 20 gift ideas.

As a community, let’s continue to support our real-life superheroes in any way we can! Physical gifts aren’t the only way to thank a hero but it is an option considering many are underpaid for all the extra work they do. Even a simple and meaningful written card can brighten any healthcare worker’s day. We appreciate their dedication and sacrifices every day to keep us safe and healthy. There are also many other ways of thanking a healthcare worker without spending money but these ideas are for those wanting to go the extra mile. You can also give kind acts of appreciation without spending any money. However, these ideas are for those wanting to go the extra mile for their hero(es).

These 20 gift ideas are perfect for every healthcare worker in the front lines: doctors, nurses, dental workers, physiotherapists, SLPs, social workers, patient care assistants/techs, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists, surgeons, nurses aides, and much more!

1. Hydro Flask/Insulated Water Bottle

A lot of healthcare workers don’t carry a reusable bottle to work. Nurses, doctors, etc are always on their feet for long hours, treating patient after patient. They often do not have time to catch a break and drink some water. Many drink out of fountains and plastic water bottles because they don’t own a good water bottle. Gifting a nurse a cute/stylish reusable water bottle will remind him/her to hydrate. Purchase insulated water bottles to keep water cold and prevent ice from melting.

Amazon sells many affordable insulated water bottles. I have a standard 21 oz. Hydro Flask which is not too heavy or bulky. My ice cubes last over 12 hours without refrigeration. Hydro Flasks are perfect for those 8-12 hour shifts.

18 oz, 21 oz and 24 oz Hydro Flask : Price starts from $37.99 CAD

2. Uniform Compression Socks

Compression socks aren’t just for the patients… they’re beneficial for nurses and other healthcare professionals too. Wearing these socks allow for good blood circulation = no swelling and no pain. A complete game-changer for our front liners with long hours of standing. These socks provide the perfect amount of compression and comfort to reduce lactic acid build-up and aid in muscle recovery.

For All Black Compression Socks: $21.99 (2 pairs)

For Pattern Compression Socks: $36.99 (7 pairs)

3. Gift Cards

Gift cards are super easy to gift and the receiver will always appreciate them. When gifting any gift card always include a meaningful message.

Common gift cards for any healthcare professional: Starbucks and Tim Hortons, or any local coffee shop gift card

Gift cards if you’re super close with the healthcare professional: Amazon, local gas station, local mall, grocery store.

4. Therapeutic Colouring Books

Colouring books are a great stress reliever after a long day at work. Play some soothing music, light a candle, and start colouring the pages. Colouring for adults calms the mind and uplifts any mood. It can also bring out a creative side to those who don’t think of themselves as artistic.

For all: Healthcare Support Workers: Swear Colour Book: $10

For Nurses:

For Dental Workers: Dental Life: A Snarky Coloring Book for Adults: A Funny Adult Coloring Book $12

Colouring Markers:

The one I use: HETHRONE Dual Brush Markers 36 Pack (24 & 48 Pack available too) : $20 – $35

Others:

5. Funny/Relatable Mug or Wine Glass

Many healthcare professionals drink caffeine in the morning and/or wine in the evening. You can gift either a mug OR wine glass but why not gift both as a set? I love this mug and wine set from Amazon. A totally relatable “Before and After Patients” phrase for workdays.

Before Patients, After Patients Set: $29+

or this solo Because Patients Wine Glass: $16+

6. Wireless/Bluetooth Ear buds

Anyone could use an extra pair of earphones in case their pair is forgotten, lost, or damaged. Since everybody listens to music or watches videos this would make a great gift. Even if the person you’re about to gift for already has headphones, there’s nothing wrong with gifting them another pair. So whether his/her headphones get lost, broken, or stolen, at least he/she will have a backup pair!

Amazon Anker Bluetooth Headphones: $31.99

7. Thank You Super Hero Enamel Pins

Because not all heroes wear capes, some wear scrubs. These little charms are perfect to add to any uniform, everyday apparel, bags, badges, and much more. A small, unique, and thoughtful gift for all scrub heroes. These trendy little pins will catch everyone’s eye.

8. Multi-Coloured Ink Pens

Healthcare professionals need lots and lots of pens. So many pens get lost and stolen during every shift. The multi-coloured pens are great for colour coding notes but any box of pens will do!

Paper Mate InkJoy Quatro Retractable Ballpoint Pens (3 Pack): $7

9. Pocket Size Hand Lotion

Healthcare professionals are constantly washing their hands and using ABHR (alcohol-based-hand-rub) which wick away moisture leaving super dry hands. Those post shifts require a lot of rehydration in the hands and wrists. Pocket size products are easy to bring along and don’t take up a lot of space.

Aveeno Unscented Hand Cream: $7

10. Graphic T-Shirts

Graphic T-shirts = fun gifts for all professions. Nurses and medical professionals love shirts with special designs to show off their profession. You can check them out on Etsy.com or at PNF (cheaper).

11. Fob Watch Brooch

FOB watches are perfect for nurses and medical professionals. They attach easily to uniforms and are easy to wipe down clean. The majority of them are water-resistant and do not dangle in the way of patient care.

FOB Watch Brooch (3 Pack): $20

Metal FOB Watch Brooch: $14 each

12. Scrub Pocket Organizer

A useful tool for nurses and medical professionals who are looking to keep their pockets organized. This small pocket organizer fits nicely within scrub pockets to keep small medical devices protected.

Medical Instrument Organizer/Pocket Protector: $15

Medical Organizer Belt: $22

13. Medical Bandage Scissors

Bandage scissors are useful to keep on handy. No need to borrow someone else’s scissors when you got your own stylish one. Nurses can add these scissors to his/her pocket scrub organizer along with the multi-coloured pens.

I love these multi-titanium finish bandage scissors from Amazon. Its unique finish separates it from other scissors so everyone knows who it belongs to.

MEDICAL PRO-SUPREME MULTI TITANIUM-LISTER BANDAGE SCISSOR: $12.50

14. Jewelry: Stethoscope Necklace

A custom necklace is a generous way to show your appreciation to jewelry lovers in the medical field. You can make any caregiver feel special with a personalized stethoscope name necklace. I’ve seen them on Etsy.com at high prices but PNF sells them cheaper with free shipping included. Most professions are allowed to wear short necklaces since they don’t interfere with patient care. Custom necklaces add a little extra glam to everyday work attire or everyday apparel.

15. Hand –made Bracelet

Aside from a custom necklace, a dainty bracelet is another good alternative. Etsy.com and PNF sell hand-made and custom stamped bracelets for all medical professionals. Although bracelets are usually not permitted during shift hours, they are beautiful when worn on days off.

16. Key Chain

Key chains are a great gift to remind your hero how grateful you are of what they do. A key chain is a daily reminder to keep going. There are many phrases and symbols to select from to show him/her you care for their hard work. Keychains with meaningful messages are small and sweet gestures of appreciation.

Cute enough to stop your heart skilled enough to restart it key chain: $13

Nursing is a work of heart key chain: $12

17. Bottle of Wine, Tea Box or Coffee Packs

Chances are your favourite healthcare worker drinks either coffee, tea or wine. If you often see them carrying a Starbucks or Tim Horton’s cup of coffee every shift then why not purchase their favourite coffee so they can make it at home too. This gift would pair perfectly with the mug and wine glass combo.

18. Face Masks

Self-care is super important for nurses and other frontline healthcare workers. Any form of self-care can reduce stress and improve health. During Covid-19 Healthcare professionals are working over-time for our safety and well being. They cannot continue to care for patients without putting their health first. Applying a face mask has so many benefits for skin and can make you feel pampered at a spa but in the comfort of your own home. Nurses can put on a face mask, drink some wine, play soothing music, and fill out a colouring book on their self-care time. Plus, you can never own too many face masks!

Moisturizing Sheet Masks (10 assorted pack): $20

Organic Avocado Vegan Dead Sea Mud Mask: $20

19. Medical-Related Retractable Badge Reels

All healthcare workers can appreciate a fashionable and stylish badge reel. They are the perfect yet simple accessory to carry work ID badges. There are so many designs to select from that are creative and suitable for all professions.

The one I use is custom sewn and hand-made by a local healthcare worker from Ontario, Canada. She has an Etsy shop with over 300 badge reels to select from: https://www.etsy.com/shop/tabbycatclips

Amazon: 4 Pack Nurse Badge Reel Holders: $14

20. Mobile Power Bank

A portable power bank is a great gift for traveling workers with no access to a plug outlet. It would also be a great gift for those with trust issues leaving their phone to charge in an unprotected area. They can charge their devices in their bag or locker in a safe space without worrying their phone will be stolen or damaged.

I use the INIU Power Bank from Amazon. I’ve used it for over a year and it can charge my iPhone from under 20% to 100% around 3-4 times. The design is so sleek with an LED paw feature to indicate the remaining battery. The INIU power bank can charge two devices and includes a travel pouch.

INIU Power Bank: $22

Hopefully this list of 20 gift ideas helped you select the perfect item(s) for your healthcare hero.

Check back on my blog for more gift ideas for nurses and other healthcare workers!