1. High-quality hand lotion
Nurses wash their hands many times a day, and they may use hand sanitizers and take gloves on and off repeatedly. All of this can lead to dry, cracked or irritated skin. Many nurses appreciate receiving a high-quality hand lotion that can soothe their hands.
If you decide this sounds like an ideal Nurses Week gift, consider opting for a fragrance-free lotion. You might also splurge for organic lotions that are free of phthalates, parabens and other chemicals some nurses may be trying to avoid. Going the extra mile with your gift selections, even in small ways, can demonstrate how much you appreciate your staff.
2. Baskets of yummy, healthy goodies
Small food gift baskets can be a fun way to appreciate nurses. Instead of filling baskets with candy, cookies and other unhealthy items, think about goodies that help your staff snack well. Nuts, cheese and fruit might be good things to include in nurse treat baskets or bags, and you can always add a little chocolate or a single decadent cookie to round out the selection.
Beverage baskets are another Nurses Week gift idea. Combine a cute mug with bags of tea or instant coffee for a caffeine-inspired gift basket nurses may appreciate.
3. Meal delivery gift cards
To avoid issues with food allergies, let nurses pick their own treats by giving them gift cards to nearby restaurants. Another option is to choose gift cards for meal delivery services such as DoorDash. With this option, nurses can choose whether they want to enjoy a special meal during a break at work or have takeout delivered when they get home.
Make sure you choose a gift card amount that provides actual value — it should cover at least a full meal. You don’t want to give your nurses a gift that forces them to spend money when they use it.
4. Nice pens—without corporate branding
Nurses write a lot, and they may appreciate a well-functioning, good quality pen. Just make sure you give pens without corporate branding—if you gift pens with the hospital’s logo on them, nurses may think you’re using Nurses Week as an opportunity to get rid of marketing collateral.
Up the ante on this Nurses Week gift idea by pairing the pen with a nice notebook or journal. This also ensures nurses understand you’re not just giving them a work tool—you want them to use their pen for whatever they want.
5. Fun and functional bags
Totes with fun sayings or graphics can make nice gifts for Nurses Week. Just make sure to follow the pen rule—a bag with the hospital or company logo on it probably won’t feel like that much of a gift.
When selecting bags to give as nursing gifts, think about functionality and what nurses might want to carry. A bag that is big enough to hold an extra pair of scrubs, a stethoscope and a pair of shoes may be used regularly by your staff.
6. Personalized travel mugs or water bottles
When you pay for engraving, you can convert something basic and practical like a water bottle into a unique gift nurses may cherish for years. Choose high-quality travel mugs or water bottles designed to keep beverages warm or cold for many hours, and consider ensuring the cups or bottles you choose are BPA-free to protect your staff’s long-term health.
Engraved gifts do take some extra planning, and you’ll need to order them early so there’s plenty of time for engraving work. Get a list of your nurses and talk to supervisors to ensure you have everyone’s name spelled right and that you know of any nicknames people prefer to go by.
7. A cozy blanket
At the end of a long shift, rest is at the forefront of many nurse’s minds. Give a gift for Nurses Week that helps them get that rest. A soft, high-quality microfiber blanket is a gift many RNs will enjoy at home or work. When shopping for blankets for nurses, choose from smaller lap blankets that are ideal for warming up in a chair or larger blankets that support cozy naps.
8. Gift cards to local stores
In larger facilities, it can be difficult to get to know all your nurses, making it harder to choose gifts you think everyone might like. In this case, you might consider giving gift cards. Choose a local store where everyone is likely to find something they like or consider giving grocery store gift cards.
9. An extra PTO day, pay raises or a bonus
One of the best ways to demonstrate care for your nursing staff is to encourage them to get some rest. Offering an extra PTO day or two—or even a half day—can help you do that.
Many nurses also want higher pay. Offering pay raises or a bonus, if possible, can show your nurses that you truly appreciate and recognize their hard work.
10. New stethoscopes
While nurses probably don’t want basic supplies like pens or lanyards with the hospital logo on them for Nurses Week, a stethoscope can be a substantial purchase. RNs may be happy to receive a new stethoscope they didn’t have to buy themselves.
Many healthcare organizations need more nurses, and Nurses Week is a great time to appreciate your staff and demonstrate that you’re an employer to work for. Small shows of appreciation throughout the week, including gifts, can help you do that.
Nurses Week gifts FAQs
Should you select gifts based on Nurses Week themes?
The American Nurses Association chooses a theme for National Nurses Week each year. In 2023, the theme was “Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere, Always.” The 2024 theme is “Our Nurses, Our Future.” These themes don’t always lend well to gift-giving, and it’s typically better to give a non-themed gift than a themed gift that your nurses would not enjoy or use.
Who should you consult about your Nurses Week gift ideas?
When gifting anything to employees, ensure you consult with human resources and regulatory departments to ensure gifts comply with laws and your own business policies. For nursing gifts, you may want to ask nurse managers what their team members may most appreciate receiving.
