With Nurse Appreciation Week on the horizon (May 6-12), it’s the perfect opportunity to express gratitude to nurses who give their all. One of the most trusted professionals, 79% of people say nurses have high honesty and ethical standards. Improving quality of life, providing critical care and offering a comforting touch are a handful of the reasons we love nurses so much. Show them just how much they mean to you by sharing thoughtful appreciation gifts for nurses.
Provide on-the-go hydration
Nurses are always moving, so staying hydrated is key to maintaining the energy to forge ahead. Give them an insulated water bottle that’s stylish and functional. Slip in a gift card to the cafeteria or coffee shop so they can fill it with their favorite fuel. Really make an impression by pairing this gift with a grow your own herbal tea garden. They’ll remember your sentiment every time they enjoy their freshly brewed tea.
Comfort sore feet
Acknowledge the long hours nurses spend on their feet. Knock their socks off by gifting them an Adirondack recliner, perfect for kicking back in the fresh air. Or give them a gift card to a shoe store that sells ergonomic footwear. Tape it to a pair of colorful socks imprinted with a motivating message.
Give them energy
Sometimes all a busy nurse needs is a quick boost of energy. Give the perfect gift for nurse appreciation week by filling a tote bag with a variety of snacks. Nuts, granola bars and chocolate bites can give them the fuel they need to power through the day.
Promote mindfulness and relaxation
Mental health is as important as physical health. Resources like guided meditations, sleep stories and breathing exercises can promote stress management and personal well-being. Provide nurses with a paid subscription to a favorite mindfulness or relaxation app. Include a pair of ear buds to drown out ambient noise while they tune in.
An adult coloring book with color pencils is another great gift that encourages nurses to take a few minutes to unwind during a break. Or to soothe and rest their mind when they’re home from their shift.
Encourage healthy eating
With their hectic schedules, nurses can find it challenging to eat healthy. Make it easier for them to carry nutritious meals by gifting them a meal prep lunch set that includes a cooler, bottle, pill box, two snack/sauce containers, two large meal containers and a spoon. Tuck in some healthy meal ideas as an added bonus.
Go above and beyond by pairing this gift with a cast iron skillet with cookbook. Challenge staff to engage in a friendly competition to see who can bring the most homecooked meals to work in a month.
Gift small and handy items
Nurses document loads of information. Make this daily task more enjoyable with fun pens—like syringe pens or bendable medical pens—that celebrate their profession and make them smile. Stock the nurses’ station with capsule stress relievers they can use to reduce tension. Imprint them with a message that reminds them to take a few deep breaths.
Help them relax and recharge
After a long shift, unwinding is much needed. A candle is a perfect choice to help them relax at the end of the day. And a spa kit and spa wrap will transport them to an oasis where they can rest their minds and bodies after a long shift.
Or provide an oil diffuser and essential oils specifically chosen for calming and therapeutic properties. Choose individual scents, like lavender or blends like tranquility, to help them relax and recharge.
Gifts for nurse appreciation week
Nurses provide care, comfort and support to those who need it most. These thoughtful, yet practical appreciation gifts for nurses are sure to make them feel valued and loved.