Sort of round two.. I originally posted Gifts for Nurses three years ago, so I figured it’s about time for an update or a new list.

Firstly, every nurse is something else first: themselves. And with that, most people have individual likes, needs, and wants. For the sake of this specific list, I will keep it tailored to shift working nurses.

On Caffeine and Hydration: Beverages

One thing remains consistent: A good travel mug. Tea or coffee, there is a good chance that the nurse in your life enjoys one or the other.

Thermos coffee mugs. Thermos is a trusted brand that has been around for along time. Sturdy mugs that are easy to clean… Sorry Contigo, but I after I enjoyed taking a swig of a slimey coffee-cream sludge from your very difficult to fully clean vacuum-seal mug lid, I cannot be a customer anymore.  Except for the Contigo Cortland Sport & water bottle. Those things are great! And those things are also a really great gift for nurses.

Watches or Time Telling Device of Sorts

Lots and lots of watches. These lovely things are often called Nurses Watches or Lapel Watches. Often, we are told not to wear wrist watches due to infection risks as it may interfere with proper hand hygiene. Many nurses opt for a lapel watch as we need these to properly count respirations, heart rates, push IV medications safety, document the proper time, and so forth. Very valuable tools to have. For some reason, I didn’t have one for the longest time during my career… Now in my 7th year as a nurse, I’ve finally broken down and purchased a half dozen of them from Amazon. I purchased that many, because I know myself well and realize that I will put at least… All of them… In the washing machine and dryer with my scrubs.

You can get cheap ones or a lovely metal one that will last a long time. As long as you don’t gift it to me 🙂

Compression Hosery or Socks 

This one is geared a little towards women, just because I have no fashion sense for men’s socks. Nurses are often on their feet for 8-12 hours with little-to-no breaks, often speed walking from place-to-place. This can cause sore muscles, sore feet, varicose veins, edema, venous pooling, and so forth. I find it makes a huge difference when I’m wearing compression stockings versus when I am not wearing them during my shift. I recommend these for all new nurses. I personally love the thigh-high compression hose as I can feel the veins behind my knees becoming sensitive near the end of the shift.

I have heard great things of the Sockwell Compression socks that Amazon holds. It is often a name that comes up on threads started by nurses on Reddit and AllNurses. You can browse their many designs here: Sockwell Women’s Circulator Compression Socks, Medium/Large. 

Other items to consider is a rechargeable gift card from Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, the workplace cafeteria if they offer one, or another coffee/treat shop that is close to your loved one’s workplace. I like having a large collection of cardigan sweaters so that I can have ones designated for my workplace, so that is a possible idea as well. A great lunch kit is invaluable to someone who works 12 hour shifts, especially day shifts when we are packing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

If you really want to splurge, you might consider a Keurig coffee maker with a reuseable K-cup. Hint, hint, my loved ones <3