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The 10 best holiday gifts for nurses, according to nurses
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We all know that nurses are angels. They work relentlessly to keep others safe, healthy, and happy—often enduring long shifts, moody patients, and intense environments. This time of year it’s fun (and only right) to treat the nurses in your life to the kind of comfort and joy they bring others all year long, so we were determined to find the very best gifts for nurses.
That’s why we asked our network of nurses (at doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes) to help curate a list of gifts they love. Just to let you know, 10 out of 10 want window seats to all-expense paid tropical vacations, which they completely deserve. But since we can’t afford to ship off our nurse friends to the Bahamas, please consider the awesome ideas, below. All straight from the nurse’s mouth.
Marbled Monogram Travel Mug
Nurses need to hydrate—they take care of everyone but themselves. She won't get her bottle mixed up with anyone else's if it's monogrammed and super luxe. This sleek spill resistant mug keeps hot drinks warm and cold drinks cool.
Shop it: Marbled Monogram Travel Mug, $39, shop.nordstrom.com
Natural Colors Nail Polish Kit
Quick-drying colors are great for the on-the-go manicure and pedicure. The warm neutral tones add understated polish to any pair of scrubs. A low-effort way for your favorite nurse to feel a little “dressed up” for the day.
Shop it: Natural Colors Nail Polish Kit, $14, sephora.com
Comfortable sneakers
Grace, who works in an endoscopy department, says, “I just recently got plantar fasciitis from working as a nurse for a couple of decades. I’d really like a great pair of shoes from the Hoka brand.” This lightweight sneaker with a cushioned insole is known to make feet feel as if they’re encased in a cloud—great for anyone who’s on her feet all day long (and by they way, you might need a pair for yourself too). In cute colors, and marked down right now.
Shop it: Hoka One One Cavu 2, $90 (was $110), zappos.com
Luxe hand cream
“My hands get super-dry,” says Kate from Brunswick, Georgia. “I’m always looking for very moisturizing hand cream.” For frequent hand-washers, this lightweight cream softens and protects skin—but doesn’t leave hands oily. Choose from three scents: peony, white flower, and coconut (which smells like a beach vacation). Small and portable.
Shop it: Mer-Sea & Co. Hand Cream, $14 (Was $20), anthropologie.com
Foot massager
Greg, who works in interventional radiology, says, “The constant standing and walking and running around is tough on my feet, so I would love a foot massager.” This at-home machine with varying kneading intensities and pressure levels soothes pain from plantar fasciitis, stimulates circulation, and brings feet back to life . Perhaps most important: it just feels amazing. You will receive gratitude for life.
Shop it: Tespo Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine, $135, amazon.com
Wearable organizer
Suzanne, who works in surgical, says, “I have to keep track of so many things. I want a great organizer that I can wear.” Marketed for crafts, hairdressing, and gardening, this lightweight adjustable-waist belt answers the eternal question, “Where is my phone?”—and is also a busy nurse’s best friend. With 10 smartly designed compartments, it helps keep need-to-haves handy during peak hours. And it’s cute to boot.
Shop it: Vixen Tool Belt, $30, amazon.com
Comfortable pen
Millie from from Brunswick, Georgia says, “I’m constantly taking notes. A really good, comfortable pen would be great.” Developed by doctors, this ergonomic pen reduces writer’s cramp, works for righties and lefties, and is a pleasure to use. What a perfect stocking stuffer!
Shop it: The Pencil Grip Heavyweight Ballpoint Pen with Grip, $15 (was $23), walmart.com
Booze and glasses
Crystal, an RN in a nursing home in Hartsville, South Carolina, recalls a favorite present: “Once someone gave me a bottle of whiskey with a really nice glass. That was one of the best gifts.” These beaker-style glasses are each adorned with illustrations and a whiskey-based recipe, making bartending a no-brainer. Great for a shared sip after a hard day’s work.
Shop it: Cocktail Anatomy Recipe Glasses Set, $48, thegrommet.com
Compression socks
Jasmin from Bakersfield, California, hopes Santa will bring her a nice version of a nurse necessity: “A cute pair of compression socks. I have some already but most are ugly.” VIM & VGR socks to the rescue, which come in sweet stripes and solids and keep legs energized all day. Great for nurses who are on their feet all day, as well as those who never have a second to get up from their desk for a walk.
Shop it: VIM & VIGR Compression Socks, $36, amazon.com
Temperature-controlling smart mug
“I have long days and I drink a lot of coffee,” says Lynn, a nurse practitioner in Napa, California. “I would love a cup that keeps my coffee hot for a long time so I don’t have to keep running to the microwave.” This mug my Ember is one smart cookie. It works with the companion app (which your recipient can download to her phone), to stay perfectly hot. The app controls the charging coaster, so it can keep coffee at a precise temperature. Even on the go (away from the coaster) coffee in the mug stays hot for an hour. Wow. Buy two—there’s someone else on your list who wants this!
Shop it: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug (14oz), $102 (was $130), amazon.com
Seat cushion
Brittany, a clinical nurse and nurse-program coordinator from Charlotte, North Carolina, says, “A colleague of mine said the Purple seat cushion is amazing. I’m dying to get one for my own chair.” A butt and back saver, this two-inch gel cushion, which provides lower back support and a softer seat, will be a rescue hero to any nurse who has a long drive to work or who spends much of her day at a desk. Machine-washable cover included.
Shop it: Purple Royal Seat Cushion, $71, amazon.com
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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