46 Great Gifts for Nurses, According to RNs and Health Professionals

“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.”

“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.)

“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.

“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.”

An excellent gift under $25 for a nurse on their feet all day is this gift set, which includes a soothing foot scrub, lotion, and cozy socks that lock in the moisture.

“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.

“There are so many nurses in my family, I always remember that National Nurses Week falls on the second week of May—just like Mother’s Day,” says Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. “If you’re not sure what to get, you can’t go wrong with scooping up a pretty, springy flower delivery service bouquet like this one.” Of course, no designated occasion like Nurse Appreciation Day or Christmas is needed—arguably, the best gifts for nurses are the ones you give them just because.

Glamour contributor Mattie Kahn has a lifelong nurse friend who worked in New York City during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I wish I could’ve gifted her a 10-course dinner, a personal massage therapist, and 100,000 ventilators, but because I couldn’t, I fulfilled her one request—finding her a washable backpack that she can thoroughly clean when she leaves the hospital each night,” Kahn says. Better yet, it can be worn as a backpack or a tote bag.

Multiple nurses we spoke to said that Hoka sneakers (and On Cloud) are some of the best shoes for nurses, thanks to their layers of cushioning and lightweight bodies. “My feet hurt when I’m standing for hours, and the Hoka shoes feel like I’m walking on air,” says Amanda Mangieri, RN, BSN, of the NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. “After hours of being on my feet, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything.”

A splurge gift that’ll last longer than a pedicure or a single foot rub (not that we’re knocking either of those gift ideas) is this best-selling foot massager. It heats and deeply kneads their tired soles with a push of a button. Ahhh.

“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!”

“We all have to get coffee halfway through the shift, so a gift card to a local coffee shop is definitely a must,” says Mangieri. If you don’t know your nurse’s favorite spot, Starbucks is a great backup to supply a well-deserved cup of coffee (and is easy to send as a last-minute gift via email).

“A pair of comfortable slippers is an absolute must-have for anyone in the health care field,” says Alexandra Simmons, RN, BSN. “We spend hours upon hours standing up, so it’s like a little treat.” These shearling-lined Uggs are some of our favorites (if you’re looking for a cheaper gift idea that still feels cozy, we also like these dupes on Amazon).

“After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than some sort of meal kit, food gift card, or food delivery service,” says Heather Blake, BSN, RN. “HelloFresh is a great option—each meal comes with all the ingredients you need to make a fresh, pre-portioned dinner.”

If you’re looking for a splurge nurse appreciation gift, consider this gorgeous leather Cuyana tote. It’s monogrammable, stylish enough to use outside of work, and has room for all the essentials (with the option to customize it with pouch inserts).

“These grew in popularity during the pandemic, but I’m glad that a lot of health care workers are still getting their hands on them,” says Alina Gonzalez, RN. “I never want to bring a bacteria-packed phone with me anywhere, so this ensures I’m keeping myself and my devices a little safer.”

The nurses we spoke to said a charming and useful gift is a ring holder necklace like this one. It can keep their meaningful rings close, secure, and still on display—while ensuring they don’t get damaged (or tear their gloves.)

A great nurse gift is an insulated lunchbox “with a good build to it,” says Claire Kernahan, RN. Nurses on Reddit also like this freezable lunch bag because of its built-in ice packs and roomy base that fits bento boxes. When finished with their meal, they can fold it down flat, and it comes in a bunch of pretty patterns, so it’s easy to spot in the work fridge.

If they already own a lunchbox, consider a bento box, which cleverly contains several levels of food and utensils. Also crucial? It’s easily stackable—a huge plus if the nurse in your life shares a crowded fridge, says Kernahan.

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.

No nurse ever owns enough scrubs, and Figs is the brand to shop for them. “Figs makes some of the best scrubs around,” says Erica D., RN. “They’re high-quality, flattering, and available in regular, petite, or tall.” They come in a ton of fun colors and styles (like this top, which has three useful pockets for their essentials), and you can even embroider them on the site. Find the men’s version of this top here.

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.

“There’s just something about having a luxe robe to come home to,” says Glenna. “After unwinding for the day, wrapping myself up in a cozy robe is the most comforting part of my night.”

At the end of a taxing shift, it can be nice for your favorite nurse to come home, kick up their feet, and crack a bottle of cabernet. The beauty of this subscription service is that it ships new bottles of wine right to their door every month—no need to run to the store—and an online quiz ensures their vino is tailored to their tastes.

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.

Personalized gifts are always a hit, especially when they’re as useful as this one. Warm jackets are especially helpful, as hospitals are often quite cold, and one embroidered with their name is as useful as it is cozy. “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.

“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.)

“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.

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.

Do they already own a coffee maker? Set them up with a coffee subscription from Atlas that lets them try freshly roasted beans from around the world—all without their having to run to the supermarket to buy them.

“My sister tells me she loses her ID badge a little too often, so I’ve been down a rabbit hole of badge clips that are simply too cute for words,” says Allure's Shipin. “I figure if I get her something ridiculously adorable, she’ll try extra hard not to misplace her badge for fear of losing these sweet felt characters.” Badge reels don’t get much cuter.

“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.

“I really enjoy wearing my Apple Watch, which is great for working bedside,” says Natale. “It allows me to count my steps and to see personal notifications and reminders without having to take out my phone, which is good for infection control.” Pair the smartwatch with an easy-to-disinfect silicone wrist band (or multiple) for the total gift.

“My sister who’s a nurse loves getting snacks, mints, and candy as a gifts,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Natale, who’s given her BonBon Candy in the past. The popular New York-based brand's artfully packaged gift boxes include mixes of differently themed Swedish gummies of your choosing, including sweet, sour, black licorice, gluten-free, gelatin-free, and more. It’s a delightful little treat for nurses to treat themselves to during a busy day.

They can wash away the day with a foot bath that soaks and massages their soles with jets of warm water. It can be controlled with the touch of their toe (no need to lean down) and includes a pumice stone that softens calluses and feels wonderful to use.

Pouches are supremely useful, nurses say. “They can be stored at the nursing station and keep your essentials within reach, like lotion, hand sanitizer, pens, and toiletries,” a nurse tells Glamour. This pouch comes in three sizes, many colors, and can be monogrammed with their initials and various symbols. Plus, it’s totally waterproof, which is practical if they keep it in their work bag along with their water bottle.

Make their stethoscope really theirs with this personalized tag that clasps around the Y-shaped tube and ensures they’ll never confuse it with anyone else’s.

“Nurses can’t paint their nails, so if they’re going out on the weekends, press-on nails can be a nice removable option to have,” says a relative of a nurse we surveyed. We like this reusable Glamnetic set, which comes in a ton of shapes and fun designs.

“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.”

“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.

“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.

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).

“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.

“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.”