The 13 Best Gifts for Nurses, According to Actual Healthcare Workers

Of all the gifts our nurses mentioned, there was one that hit across the board: a good travel coffee mug. Since caffeine is keeping them going, having an insulated mug they can rely on, like this one from Corkcicle, is a must. With a stainless steel interior, this mug can keep liquids hot or cold for hours, making it a gift they’ll appreciate for years on end.

“After a long day, there’s nothing I like more than slipping on something cozy,” shared one New Jersey nurse. Help her decompress on her well-deserved day off with the ultimate set of loungewear: the Splendid French Terry Drawstring set. Made from an insanely soft modal/spandex blend, this is sure to become her favorite thing to wear. And don’t forget the matching jogger pants.

It’s no secret that working on the frontline during this time can take a toll on the body. With spas temporarily closed, this deep muscle massager from Theragun lets the user treat themselves wherever, whenever. This beloved brand has already begun donating its devices to hospitals across the country, so it’s one you can feel good about supporting.

Cooking a huge meal after a long shift is not how hospital workers want to end their day. Help them save time and eat right with a food subscription box from Freshly. Each chef-curated, gluten-free meal comes fully prepared (fresh, never frozen) meaning they can dig into a healthy meal in about two minutes.

With all hospital staff being required to wear N95 masks for hours at a time, all healthcare workers are leaving shifts with dry, irritated skin. Help them indulge with the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare B3 Adaptive Superfoods Stress Repair face cream. Formulated to treat skin’s chemical response to stress, this cream not only repairs the skin’s moisture barrier to lock in hydration, it also tackles other biological factors like hormone imbalances and inflammation.

With many worried about carrying the virus out of the hospital with them, help a nurse you love keep their belongings clean with a portable UV sanitizer, like this one from Cahot. With enough space to sterilize everything from a phone and keys to a wallet or a face mask, this sanitizer will be a welcome addition to their work bags.

Hand sanitizer is a hot commodity these days, and the last thing they want to do is search the internet for some between long shifts. Send your favorite nurse a few bottles of this rare find (yes, it’s actually in stock) and they’ll be eternally grateful. Megababe's formula is made with 62 percent ethyl alcohol to kill germs and sweet almond and marula oils plus aloe vera, for a moisturizing boost.

One of the most requested gifts from the nurses we spoke to was a top-notch hand cream. “We all have rashes from washing our hands so much,” shared Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care Unit nurse Zee Gutierrez. To help keep their hands soft and supple, opt for a deeply moisturizing option like Weleda’s Skin Food, which is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

After spending hours on their feet in the ER or ICU, especially since many are pulling more shifts than ever, any nurse will appreciate a pair of compression socks. Available in 10 colors, these socks help encourage blood circulation, meaning more energy and less pain and swelling. Right now, Comrad is working hard to help medical staff across the country and is donating socks with every purchase as well as offering a 30 percent discount when you use the code 'Comfy30' at checkout.

One of the most popular (and appreciated) gifts is a lot of coffee—in the form of a Starbucks Gift Card. One nurse shared with us, “A Starbucks gift card is a great gift because it’s one we can pay forward by treating our coworkers to a cup, too.”

Now, more than ever, it’s important for nurses and doctors to be wearing proper, supportive footwear. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish, too. With a pair of Allbirds Wool Runners sneakers, they’ll be comfortable and pain-free all shift long. To date, Allbirds has donated $500,000 worth of shoes to those in the healthcare industry. They’re also currently offering a “buy-one-give-one” promotion, where each purchase will also split the cost of donating a pair of Wool Runners to a healthcare professional.

While a necessary piece of PPE, wearing a face mask all day can wreak havoc on the ears. With one of these handmade headbands, not only will you help a nurse keep her hair out of her face (a must) but you’ll take some of the pressure off of her ears, too. Psst, this Etsy seller is also offering free shipping nationwide.

“We take relaxation on our days off very seriously,” another healthcare worker reiterated. That’s how we know they’ll love the Nurse Space Gift Box from Dear Ava. Featuring a lavender hand and body soap, a nourishing lip balm, a lavender candle and a moisturizing bath bomb, this box comes with everything your favorite nurse needs to unwind.