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10 Meaningful Thank You Gifts for Nurses

Some may call them nurses, we call them superheroes. Today and every day we give thanks for nurses and all of the extra hours and hard work they put into caring for others.

Whether it’s writing a small note, buying a gift card, or simply saying thank you, meaningful gifts for nurses come in all shapes and sizes.

Need some inspiration? We asked our Facebook followers to share the best nurse appreciation gifts they’ve given or received. Keep reading to see their heartfelt ideas!

Note: Check with your hospital or clinic on their gift policy beforehand. There may be restrictions on gifts for staff.

1. Gift Cards

Whether it’s to a popular retail store or a tasty local restaurant, gift cards are the perfect, simple way to show gratitude for our nurses. Giving a nurse a gift card is great because it encourages them to treat themselves for all of their hard work, and they don’t have to spend a penny!

2. Flowers

Put a smile on a nurse’s face with a colorful bouquet of flowers sent to their workplace. Flowers can be ordered quickly online or over the phone, and are a great way to brighten anyone’s day. Pair the bouquet with a handwritten note to make it more personalized.

3. Spa Day & Professional Massages

Nurses work on their feet for long (and we mean long) periods of time. Because of this, their job can be hard on their bodies.

Give the gift of relaxation with a glorious spa gift card. Mani-pedis and facials are other great gifts for winding down.

“A spa day would be great after hours and hours of taking care of patients!”

Gloria R.

4. Gift Baskets

Show your thanks to a nurse by packing a gift basket full of all their favorite goodies. Gift baskets are versatile yet simple gifts that can be easily customized.

Creating a themed nursing gift basket is an easy way to make the gesture thoughtful and unique. Add in treats like homemade baked goods, self-care items or personalized cards for an amazing gift! Bonus points if the item is something handmade or personal.

“As far as a physical gift, I’ve gotten books, pajamas (loved that), a winter hat for Christmas. My favorite thing was a tiny pot that a Native American patient painted. He brought in a bunch for everyone and I still have it three years later!”

Mallory R.

“Homemade gifts of any kind, gift cards for Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, journals, lotion, socks, candles or scentsy wax bars, handwritten letters from former patients and families, etc..”

Michele V.

5. Meals on Long Shifts

When the shift takes off, it can be difficult to find time to head to the cafeteria, or find a restaurant that’s open if you’re on night shift. Take one step out of a nurse’s busy schedule by ordering a delicious meal to their workplace during their shift!

“[There are] a lot of pizza parties on day shifts, trash cans full of empty pizza boxes on nights. We had sandwiches arrive early on night shifts – really? For ME? Now THAT was sweet. There isn’t anywhere to order from after the shift gets cranking, and I didn’t eat at 5pm when I fed my children. Now that I am a patient, I know what to do, I’ve told my family. We know we make a difference, that is why we chose this life.”

Betsy B.

6. Home Cooked Meals

Nurses devote the majority of their time and energy during the week giving back and caring for others. Because of this, extra time during the workday to make a home cooked meal can be rare.

Take a task off a nurse’s hands by cooking some meals that are ready to pop in the oven once they get home. Instead of worrying about what to make for dinner, your gift will give a nurse an extra hour or more for relaxing after a long shift.

“[For] nurses working on the floor or a department we have done large boxes of candy, pizza parties, for the special ones we have gotten gift cards. For our at-home nurses, I have gotten them dinners home-cooked or gift cards, snacks, etc.”

Erica M.

7. Handwritten Letters

Gifts don’t have to be extravagant to touch someone’s heart! In fact, a handwritten letter written to a nurse that helped you or your family can be incredibly meaningful.

Nurses work long hours to take care of us and our loved ones. Give them some kind words of appreciation to encourage them to keep pushing forward!

“I genuinely think a heartfelt note goes such a long way. Knowing that a patient or family noticed and appreciated what you did for them is a great gift.”

Mallory R.

“My favorite gift is a handwritten card. It’s the feeling of being appreciated for me.”

Monica H.

8. Cozy Socks & Clothes

Slipping into some sweats after a long shift can be the best moment of the day. Give a nurse some cozies to look forward to after work! Throw in some self-care items like a new scented lotion or face mask for the perfect relaxing gift.

9. Day & Night Shift Treat Boxes

Create boxes full of homemade treats, healthy snacks, and caffeinated drinks designated for day and night shift workers. Creating separate boxes for shifts ensures that everyone gets a treat!

“We get a lot of donuts and pizza from management, and we all like getting something healthy(ish), like yummy granola bars or even something homemade.”

Mallory R.

10. Just Say Thank You

Nurses work to have a positive influence on our lives. While physical gifts are great ways to show your gratitude, simply giving a verbal and heartfelt thank you can truly mean so much.

Whatever way you choose to show your thanks, make sure it is given with heartfelt gratitude and love. We hope that these thank you gift ideas got you inspired to give back to the nurses who had a positive impact on your life.

What are the best gifts you’ve given or received?

Whether you’ve had a particularly influential group of nurses help you and your family, or you’re a frontline worker yourself, what gift has moved you to keep giving? Comment your favorites below!

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