The best gifts for nurses will include plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind from a tough day on the job—not to mention celebrate their sacrifice and give them something to laugh about.
We’ve scoured the internet for gift ideas for nurse to bring you the best of the best. Now, it’s YOUR job to figure out which of these is the best gift for a nurse in your life.
The best nurse gifts in 2023
What is the best gift to give a nurse? Our list consists of gifts that span their home life and work life, and ultimately showcases thoughtful gift ideas for nurses that will bring a huge smile to their face—whether on the job or not.
1. Dansko Clogs
Dansko’s incredible slip-on clogs tops of our list of the best nurse gifts. We love these for their padded instep collar—perfect for any profession who has to stand on their feet all day. The toe box provides adequate protection while also leaving plenty of wiggle room for your loved one’s tootsies. What’s more, they’re 100% leather and built to last. Find a pattern that “fits” your gift recipient and be prepared for deep appreciation!
2. 3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope
No one does stethoscopes as well as 3M Littman, and at ~$100 for a new pair, it’s not uncommon for nurses to opt for a stethoscope that’s more affordable. This is why it makes the perfect gift; not only is it high quality and built to last, it will likely be a step up from the stethoscope they’re rockin’ now. There’s even a rainbow-finish option if the nurse you love has some spunk.
3. Bonavita Coffee Maker
The Bonavita One Touch 8-Cup machine is one of the best coffee makes for nurses. It delivers consistent, delicious brews, stays hot for longer thanks to its thermal carafe, and thanks to the touch of a button, is easy to kickstart on groggy mornings.
4. Skin Care Kit
Treat your nurse right with the help of this gorgeous skincare kit. Since their job is to literally care for others, it is important that we remind the nurses in our lives to save a little bit of their abundant energy for self-care. This Toulon facial kit will have them pretending they’re sneaking in spa days every time they apply!
5. Starbucks Gift Cards
Not every nurse is a Starbucks junkie, but every nurse loves a “coffee on the house” when they’re strapped for time. That’s why Starbucks gift cards are one of our favorite go-to gifts—even a $5 or $10 card can brighten their day or offer an afternoon pick me up!
6. Travel Coffee Mug
You’re not crazy—there’s definitely a “coffee” theme on our list of gift ideas for nurses. What can we say? Coffee is the gift that keeps on giving, and even if you’re not into Starbucks gift cards or forking out the $150 on a high-quality instant coffee maker, this Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug might hit the spot. It’s double walled insulation means coffee stays hotter for longer—perfect for nurses working long shifts.
7. Instant Pot
After being on their feet all day, doing (unfortunately) thankless work for demanding patients, we’re not at all surprised that nurses have little energy left to devote to homecooking. That’s what makes the Instant Pot one of the best nurse gifts—simplify (and shorten!) the time it takes to eat healthy, hearty meals at home.
8. Netflix Subscription
They may not need it for access to medical dramas (since they live them!), but we’re sure binge-watching shows like Jane the Virgin or Parks and Recreation on Netflix will help them chill out and rest up for another busy day at the hospital or clinic.
9. Minimalist Foot Massager
Ah, yes—sweet, sweet relief. Nothing feels better after a week of workplace insanity than a nice foot massage. This minimalist option can get the job done from the comfort of their home, and is well-sized for easy storage (perhaps under their couch so its within reach at all times?).
10. New Scrubs
The song is: “I don’t want no scrubs,” not “I don’t want new scrubs.” It’s a classic and simple gift, but nurses are always in the market for fresh tops and bottoms to don for their work attire. Consider buying scrubs with more “personality” if the situation calls for it (we love this pair featuring Minnie Mouse).
11. Stethoscope Necklace or Bracelet
We love the ways that nurses deeply identify with their profession, so why not give them a dainty, beautiful necklace or bracelet to remind them that they are caretakers?
12. Stylish Lunch Box
One of the most practical nurse gifts this year is a top-shelf lunch box! This upgrade will make packing their lunch more exciting than usual, and will be a daily reminder of your care and concern for them.
13. Decanter
Let’s face it: Many nurses need alcohol. And with an adorable display like this decanter from Kate Spade, they’ll be more willing than ever to share their liquor or wine of choice with thoughtful friends like you!
14. Cheese of the Month Club Membership
One of the most interesting and best gifts for nurses we’ve come across this year is the influx of subscription gifts. We love the idea of the Cheese of the Month club, but these types of gifts span the gamut—You can buy nurses monthly outfit boxes, snack kits, meal plans, and more. Not only is this a fun gift to open, it’s a fun gift to receive again and again throughout the subscription!
15. Thematic Compression Socks
Long days on your feet = poor circulation for your footsies. Until now! These useful compression socks are not only cute and fun to look at, but they will aid in alleviating pain wrought from standing too long.
16. Vintage Nurse Art
We think gifting wall decor is always a little scary, but there’s no way your gift recipient won’t gush over this gorgeous, whimsical vintage piece. At 10×13.5 in, this is a reproduction of a travel poster originally printed in the mid-1900s.
We love these related prints, too—if you’re game, make a set!
17. Kindle Paperwhite
Even though having downtime can be few and far between for nurses on the clock, they are sometimes graced with a 15-20 minute break between patients. Arm them with a Kindle to help them fill that time with a little self-care through reading.
18. An Inspiring Cookbook
We love America’s Test Kitchen, so help inspire their weekly meal planning with these great cookbook on how to make enviable Bowls on the fly. They’ll stay healthy and satiated, not to mention they’ll likely let you borrow this book in the future. 😉
19. A Warm Layer
It can get chilly in the recovery room or on the ICU floor, so we couldn’t share our gift ideas for nurses without including a high-quality warm layer to tuck into their locker. This pullover from Columbia checks all ofour boxes: soft fleece, machine washable, collared neck. This will quickly become their wardrobe staple, and they’ll have YOU to thank!
20. A New Set of Wine Glasses
Need we say more??? ^^^^ (Pro tip: Include a bottle of wine, too!)
Finding the best gifts for nurses has never been easier!
Finding the best gifts for nurses can be hard, especially if you’re strapped for time. But don’t fret — we did it for you, scoping out the best homewares, books, and “toys” (er, essential, practical gifts) for every nurse out there.
Here’s a recap of the best gifts for nurses this year:
We’ve scoured the internet for gift ideas for nurse to bring you the best of the best. Now, it’s YOUR job to figure out which of these is the best gift for a nurse in your life!
- Dansko Clogs
- 3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope
- Bonavita Coffee Maker
- Skin Care Kit
- Starbucks Gift Cards
- Travel Coffee Mug
- Instant Pot
- Netflix Subscription
- Minimalist Foot Massager
- New Scrubs
- Stethoscope Necklace or Bracelet
- Stylish Lunch Box
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Cheese of the Month Club Membership
- Thematic Compression Socks
- Vintage Nurse Art
- Decanter
- An Inspiring Cookbook
- A Warm Layer
- A Set of Wine Glasses