44 Best Gifts for Nurses, According to Nurses and Healthcare Professionals 2025

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You don’t need a holiday like International Nurses Day or Nurses Week to give thanks to the hardworking health care professionals in your life. The best gifts for nurses can be particularly meaningful gestures at any time of year, especially considering the intense nature of their job (long hours, tons of movement, emotional stress). If there’s a nurse, doctor, nursing student, or medical professional you know, they could probably use more love, care, and R&R.

To find thoughtful gifts for a health care worker, we went straight to the source. We spoke to nurses across the country about everything on their wish lists—and then we asked their family and friends about all the things they plan on gifting them (or have already). Their answers? They run the gamut from shoes for nurses to meal delivery services that can help bring a (much-needed) sense of calm into nurse’s life. These are the best robes, compression socks, cute scrubs, and self-care tools for every type of nurse. (And yes, plenty of these ideas also make incredible gifts for women, gifts for men, or gifts for parents—who just happen to be overworked.)

The best gifts for nurses, at a glanceBest Overall Gift for Nurses: Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses, $10Most Practical Gift for Nurses: Lululemon Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag (10L), $118Best Thank-You Gift for Nurses: Urbanstems Bouquet, $55Best Value Gift for Nurses: Burt’s Bees Stocking Stuffers Skin Care Set, $15Best Self-Care Gift for Nurses: Live Green Foot Spa Gift Set, $18Best Gift for Nurses on Amazon: Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager, $45Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses1/44

Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses

“Nurses undoubtedly experience a lot throughout their shifts, and that can lead to mixed emotions,” says Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro, stepdaughter to a registered nurse. “This journal allows for health care workers to let out their thoughts as a form of self-care.”

Mark & Graham Insulated 40 oz. Tumbler2/44

Mark & Graham Insulated 40 oz. Tumbler

“One of my favorite gifts I’ve received has been an insulated coffee mug,” says Jaryn Iwamoto, RN, BSN, CWOCN. On top of keeping drinks hot for hours, this portable coffee mug has an easy-to-grab handle. “A plus about this travel mug is that it fits into my car cup holder—no spillage of hot tea.” Customize the cup with their name or monogram so it doesn’t get mixed up around the office.

Lululemon Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag3/44

Lululemon Two-Tone Canvas Tote Bag (10L)

“A lot of us have to bring an overnight bag to work sometimes, whether we have a super-long shift or plans after work,” says Mia DeGilio, RN. This do-it-all Lululemon tote is a TikTok favorite among nurses because of how much it fits (it has five pockets that can organize a change of clothes, tools, and a pouch—and includes two built-in cup holders for water and coffee); its flat bottom, so nothing spills; and its external D-ring, which gives you easy access to your keys and badge reel. (Other work bags that nurses we spoke to recommend are the L.L. Bean boat and tote, which you can personalize, and the Bogg Bag, which is waterproof and easy to wipe down.)

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket4/44

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

Warm jackets are especially helpful, as hospitals are often quite cold. This Patagonia one feels like a comfy sweater and is a nurse favorite. Plus, it’s full zip so it’s easy to take on an off.

Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask5/44

Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask

“If I have the day off, I can’t be bothered by sunlight when trying to sleep in,” says Courtney Glenna, RN. This top-rated eye mask both blocks out light and acts like a soothing weighted blanket for the face—the perfect combo for deep sleep.

Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager6/44

Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

“Being on my feet for 12-plus hours a day and moving patients around means my back is always bothering me,” says Mary Santi, RN. “I love having a massage to look forward to on my days off where I can relax, unwind, and take my mind off work.”

Laneige Glowy Lip Balm Set7/44

Laneige Glowy Lip Balm Set

Touching your lips with your hands (and thus spreading germs) is a big no-no for health care professionals—but so are chapped lips, in our book. This gift set of squeezable lip balms from Glamour editor-favorite brand Laneige are packed with pampering ingredients like murumuru butter and shea butter and add a little shine and tinted color to your giftee’s face.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream8/44

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream (2-Pack)

“Nurses have dry and cracked hands from constant washing and using alcohol-based sanitizers throughout their shift,” says Kristabelle Tamula, RN. How can they fight back? “This cream is a great gift,” she says. Sure, there may be cuter hand lotions that make attractive stocking stuffers or gift basket additions, in case you want to go the fancier route (like this gift set of French hand creams, which are rich in shea butter), but few are as effective as this.

Burt’s Bees Stocking Stuffers Skin Care Set26/44

Burt’s Bees Stocking Stuffers Skin Care Set

A great nurse present is this skin-care set on Amazon, which features the hard workers they’ll need to soothe their skin, including hand salve, body lotion, and chapstick. Its travel sizes are perfect for throwing in a cosmetic pouch, and the whole set is under $15.

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle27/44

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (32 Oz.)

Staying hydrated on the job, especially as you flit from task to task, is crucial. The popular insulated Owala water bottle is an excellent choice, nurses say, because its built-in straw provides quick access to their beverage without the need to touch the tip of the cup (and thus spread germs). Its pop top prevents leakage, so they can toss it in their work bag without worrying while also protecting the drinking area.

Simply Embroidered “RN” Sweatshirt28/44

Simply Embroidered “RN” Sweatshirt

Personalized gifts are always a hit, especially when they’re as useful as this one. “Some nurses work at multiple places, so it would be smart to have just their names or initials with credentials so they can wear the jacket anywhere,” says Yelena Maravilla, RN, BC.

Parachute Organic Cloud Cotton Duvet Cover Set29/44

Parachute Organic Cloud Cotton Duvet Cover Set (Queen)

“Like most nurses, I don’t play around when it comes to my sleep,” says Claire Garner, RN. “One of the best investments I’ve ever made is quality bedding. I’m a big fan of Parachute, and any nurse would appreciate being tucked into those threads.” (Plus, linen sheets are long-lasting and great for any season.)

Figs Compression Socks30/44

Figs Compression Socks

“Compression socks are great, especially when you’re on your feet for up to 12 hours a day,” says Ashley Natale, MSN, RN. “They make your legs feel less crampy and put a little spring in your step.” The festive pumpkin pie print on this pair makes them stand out in a drawer of monochromatic socks.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader31/44

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

“Reading is easily my favorite hobby, and I’d be lying if I said that I don’t bring my Kindle with me everywhere I go,” says Simmons. “I just know that my fellow bookworms at work would love one!”

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine32/44

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine

A top-notch coffee maker like this one ensures they’re never without a latte or shot of espresso. Plus, the Nespresso Vertuo is compact and sleek enough to fit the kitchen of any medical professional tight on space.

Badge Reel With Pen and Light33/44

Badge Reel With Pen and Light

“A keychain with mini pens and a key light can be hung off your lanyard and will eliminate bulk in your pockets as well as the need for penlights that always run out of battery. I’ve had my keychain light for a year and it still turns on,” says a nurse we interviewed. This cute wristlet features a matching highlighter, permanent marker, black pen, and LED light. Choose from blue, pink, and green.

Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings34/44

Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings

“I like to wear fleece-lined leggings under scrubs on the days I know I will be in a cold procedure room or office,” says Meaghan Redmond, clinical research specialist. “The best part is that when I get home and take off my scrubs, I just leave them on and stay comfy.”

Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment35/44

Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment

“This stuff is a lifesaver after pushing, pulling, and turning patients all day,” says Jordan Humphries, RN, BSN. “I’ve had back problems since nursing school, and this stuff has to be one of my favorites for quick pain relief. A little bit goes a long way, and for just a few dollars, it is so worth it. Just a thin layer of this on those aching parts of my back gives me a warming and relaxed sensation within minutes! Plus, it’s a pretty small jar, so it can even travel in one of those many cargo pockets on scrub pants if you are really needing it!” Pro tip: Add it to a gift box or gift basket.

NutriBullet Single-Serve Blender Set36/44

NutriBullet Single-Serve Blender Set

“I’m the queen of liquids, so having a personal blender on deck to make smoothies and shakes would be much appreciated, and the perfect gift whether I’m at work or at home,” says Mia DeGilio, RN.

TheraIce Migraine-Relief Cap37/44

TheraIce Migraine-Relief Cap

On Maddy Sherman, RN’s, wish list? A migraine cap packed with freezable gel beads that fits around your head. It would make for some welcome relief at the end of a night shift, when she says she deals with headaches (and needs to block out the light of day).

Rifle Paper Co. Gel Pen Set38/44

Rifle Paper Co. Gel Pen Set

“Nurses would like to keep pens on hand, but somehow we lose them all the time,” Glenna says. “Give me some good-quality pens, and a lot of them!” This floral set from Rifle Paper Co. is exactly the right vibe.

Capri Blue Volcano Scented Candle39/44

Capri Blue Volcano Scented Candle

“Nothing beats the smell of a relaxing candle after being on your feet for 12—let’s be real, 13 to 14—hours as a nurse,” Humphries says of this aromatherapy gift. “They’re great for use with a bubble bath, for relaxation time, or literally for all of the time. Kind of one of those things that you might not want to splurge on for yourself, so that makes this an excellent gift. Long-lasting and very fragrant. 10/10 would recommend.”