A Nursing Holiday Gift Guide
Whether buying as a nurse or for a nurse, there is a way to optimize the experience for both the giver and the recipient. One of the best ways to choose a gift is neither to spend extravagantly or try to find something unusual, but simply to know a little about the recipient. The most valuable gifts are either meaningful experiences or items that contribute to them. The key to gifting nurses is to thoughtfully find gifts that add ease or pleasure to their otherwise hectic life — and this holiday gift guide will help you do just that.
Experiences: Keep It Simple
There is no good reason to make gift-giving a complicated activity. In general, the simpler the better. The overwhelmed gift giver need not go further than giving a simple and relaxing experience. There are few nurses who wouldn’t appreciate a massage, for example. Similarly, a pedicure, facial, and aromatherapy will also delight most busy nurses.
For those less inclined toward spa treatments, access to other enjoyable experiences offers a much-welcomed reprieve from the life of a full-time nurse. This might include movie or concert tickets, yoga or fitness classes, cooking courses, or sporting events.
One thing to consider with gifting experiences to nurses is scheduling. So many full-time nurses supplement their regular work with per-diem, overtime, and continuing education. Furthermore, most hospital-employed nurses are mandated to work nights or weekends. With schedules like these, nurses may not want or be able to give up their precious free time for an activity chosen by someone else.
A Few Favorite Things
The best-gifted items are those that demonstrate the giver’s thoughtful understanding of the nurse’s preferences and personality. For example, the candle that is reminiscent of an experience or conversation is more valuable than a random scent, which may come off as an afterthought. Some nurses, especially those that are younger, may just be getting on their feet financially or living in smaller shared or urban spaces. These nurses probably don’t want something that’s going to jeopardize their already compromised space and storage.
Product purchases don’t have to be elaborate or expensive so items that support and simplify a healthy lifestyle are appreciated by most nurses. This might include cooking appliances, meal prep containers, a new yoga mat, foam roller, fitness subscriptions, or healthy recipe books. The nurse who dashes back and forth between school and work might appreciate an upgraded backpack or carrying case.
Nurse to nurse gifts might be the simplest kind because working in teams allows nurses to get to know each other well: individual tastes, goals, and work ethic. In this context, the best gifts might be those that are directly related to work. Nurses on their feet all day would probably appreciate new compression socks or a scrub cap with their favorite movie character. A nurse in neurology or neurosurgery would do well with a penlight that clips onto their ID badge. And of course, one can’t go wrong with a stethoscope.
The Thought Does Count
Gift-giving during the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little attention to detail and creativity are all it takes to make gift-giving and receiving a positive experience. The old adage, “It’s the thought that counts,” proves true around the holidays.