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Nurses' jobs are often fast-paced and exhausting. Meeting the needs of every patient and making sure they're safe is no simple task — especially considering the added safety risk and emotional roll the pandemic has taken on the entire healthcare workforce, including nurses.

I've been a nurse for 6 years myself, so I know: Nothing is more appreciated than a practical gift that comes from the heart. And one that addresses our long hours, compromised sleep, and tired feet — even better.

Regardless of who is giving the gift, nurses want to feel like the work they do is valued, and that has never been more true than during the pandemic. So this holiday season, think of an extra special gift for the nurse or healthcare worker in your life, like these 38 gift ideas below.

Standing and walking all day takes a toll on nurses' feet. Show you care by offering them some relief with RENPHO Foot Massager Machine, our top pick among foot massagers on the market. This full-service Shiatsu device features customizable patterns of kneading, compression, and heat therapy. And because it trends to not just your feet but also your heels and ankles, this foot massager makes for the perfect end to a long day.

Nurses are often on the go and don't have time to make a nutritious meal. Daily Harvest, our favorite among meal delivery services we've tried, offers healthy, premade meals that are easily thawed, blended, or heated in just minutes. The result: Smoothies for breakfast, soups for lunch, and harvest bowls for dinner (among others) that are nourishing and surprisingly delicious. Daily Harvest bowls are also great for a nurse to bring to work and pop in the microwave for lunch. A $75 custom gift box will get them 9 items.

Fitbit Charge 5, available at Fitbit, and REI, $180

The Charge 5 is the latest in Fitbit's most popular line of health and fitness trackers. With tools to track and manage stress, heart health, and sleep, the Charge 5 can help a nurse keep a pulse on their overall wellness. Plus, they can also receive smartphone notifications, access quick replies from the wrist (for Android users), timers, alarms, contactless payments, and more.

Hydro Flask 40 oz Wide Mouth, $50

Nurses might not have a fancy kitchen filled with snacks and drinks like your average corporate office, but they do still need to stay hydrated throughout their shifts. The Hydro Flask 40-ounce water bottle is designed to keep drinks ice cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, so they can enjoy their drinks at the right temperature.

During long shifts and late hours, it's the little things that brighten your tired mind. Lavely makes socks with fun, lighthearted patterns, such as its "Nurses are Heroes" superhero socks and medical supplies, sure to add some energy to any healthcare worker's day.

Nuzzie's knit weighted blanket, available at Amazon and Nuzzie, starting at $150

Nursing can be stressful, and with many healthcare professionals picking up extra shifts or working nights, they are often sleep-deprived. To help them get the best sleep possible, consider gifting them a weighted blanket. Research suggests that weighted blankets decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase melatonin to help promote a more relaxing and fulfilling night of sleep. Unlike other weighted blankets on the market, Nuzzie is beadless, which can mean a more comfortable experience, and we like the chunky knit aesthetic to use as a couch throw.

Although sneakers are usually the footwear of choice for nurses, Clove's shoes are designed specifically for healthcare workers. These slip-on shoes feature bungee cord-style laces for a secure fit, easy-to-clean fluid-repellent uppers, odor-fighting insoles, and fully rubber outsoles.

They're available in men's and women's sizing. It's recommended to go up a half or a full size if you have wide feet. My girlfriend, who is a registered nurse, went up a full size and has worn them comfortably for every shift for the past several months. Plus, each pair also comes with three pens and two badge reels.

Pure Daily Care Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser, available at Amazon and Pure Daily Care, from $42.45

Working in healthcare can be chaotic, so it's always a great idea to help nurses create a peaceful and relaxing environment at home. The Pure Daily Care Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser offers a 2-in-1 experience combining aromatherapy and salt therapy for the ultimate unwinding session. With adjustable light settings and auto-shutoff, you really can't go wrong with this gift.

Cozy Earth's Loungewear for men, $64 and up and women, $56 and up

Every nurse deserves comfortable clothes to lounge in, especially after a long shift. Cozy Earth delivers on this with its bamboo loungewear designed with both comfort and durability in mind. The full-length jogging pants feature a functional back pocket with a zipper closure, making them the perfect outfit to jump into before leaving work. The matching ultra-soft pullover pairs perfectly, whether at home or on the go.

Shop all scrubs and medical wear at FIGS

New scrubs are always welcome by nurses. FIGS is one of the most popular brands for its well-fitting scrubs that come in a variety of styles. During National Nurses Week, you'll save 20% on everything with no promo code necessary. You'll also find underlayers, lab coats, and the brand's sneaker collaboration with New Balance.

Sockwell's Circulator Graduated Compression Socks, $25-27

If you ask a nurse if they've ever experienced pain or soreness from long hours on their feet, they'll surely say "yes" without hesitation. A good pair of compression socks can help increase blood circulation and alleviate some of that pain. Sockwell's are ideal for folks standing all day with more moderate compression (15-20mmHg) compared to those you'd wear running, and four zones of graduated compression for a more effective and comfortable fit.

Massages don't come free, but a one-time purchase of this top-performing massage gun will give them soothed muscles whenever they want. From one of the leading brands, the Theragun Mini packs a powerful massage with three speeds in a hand-held package. If you're willing to drop closer to $300, we love Theragun's larger and more powerful Prime model to score a seriously deep massage. But the portable Mini is ideal for stashing in a commute bag to provide muscle relief on a lunch break or at the end of a long day.

NataliaMade Personalized Nurse Badge Reel with Mask Charm, $9

Nursing is a profession that requires a visible ID badge at all times. But no one ever said you have to use the hospital-issued option. These charming designs are handmade and customizable with the nurses' name and credentials. They even reflect your chosen hair and skin tone, making them that much more special.

The Nurse Planner from RekMed, $53

Whether looking for a way to plan out shifts or to have a place to write down daily notes, any nurse will love The Nurse Planner from RekMed. With both monthly and weekly views, this planner allows them to have a bird's-eye view of their schedule. It also includes tons of space for notes and weekly NCLEX-style questions, tips, and reference guides.

The Healthcare Hero Gift Box from Brightbox, $18

Whether they work in the ER, ICU, medical records, or somewhere else, every nurse will appreciate a gift box designed to bring some joy to their day. Bright Boxes makes curated boxes for every kind of person and need — new moms, self-care, housewarming — but the Healthcare Hero boxes are created with usable items like compression socks, candy, lip balm, and more. You can even select add-on gift items and customize the card and packaging before purchasing.

Silken Pure Sleep Mask, from $42

Quality sleep is crucial for nurses to function at their best. These luxurious sleep masks from Silken Pure are made from 100% organic silk, which is not only incredibly soft and luxurious on the face but also helps support skin's natural hydration.

Boxed Gift Co Pre-Curated Boxes, from $40

Every nurse deserves a little pampering. Boxed Gift Co. offers a variety of unique gift boxes filled with comfort items like aromatherapy hand cream, soothing foot soak, and delicious gourmet chocolates. With options for both men and women, its elegantly packaged gift boxes are sure to be a hit.

3M Littmann Core Digital Stethoscope, available at Amazon and Littmann, from $300

With a brand like Littmann that's proven to deliver high-quality results, it's no surprise that its stethoscopes are the most recommended ones by nurses. Its top-of-the-line model, 3M Littmann Core Digital Stethoscope features advanced sound amplifications up to 40 times. The advanced noise cancellation allows nurses to block out background sounds that may interfere with their auscultation. You can even record, save, and share the sounds with other members of the care team.

The S'well Eats container is the perfect gift for nurses who like to bring their meals to work with them. Available in 16-ounce and 21-ounce versions, the S'well Eats can keep food cold for up to 12 hours and hot for 7 hours.

L.L. Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set, from $109

It only makes sense for nurses to have bedding that's both plush and comfortable. Our top-rated sheet set, the Pima Cotton L.L. Bean set are not only soft and comfortable, but the material is highly durable so they'll last through many washes.

Talia Di Napoli Mixed Pizza Pack, from $101

For the busy nurse, every day is a balancing act of patient's needs, which means their own needs and enjoyment often fall by the wayside. Simple pleasures like sharing a delicious meal with loved ones are often hard to come by. Talia Di Napoli's Mixed Pizza Packs, which can be delivered straight to their door, always gives them a quick and easy dinner idea on hand. These authentic Neapolitan pizzas are handmade by Italian bakers and come in a variety of flavor selections.

Tribe RN Nursing Penlight with Pupil Gauge, available at Amazon and Tribe RN, from $16

It's one of their most basic tools, but also one of the most indispensable. This penlight from TribeRN comes with a bright white bulb for top-notch patient assessments and a soft yellow bulb specifically designed for pupil checks. With a convenient pupil gauge on the side, they'll be able to check each pupil for dilation with ease, giving them valuable information about their patient's health.

ROQ Silicone Wedding Rings, starting at $5

Many nurses choose not to wear their wedding or engagement rings out of fear of losing or damaging them at work. ROQ Silicone rings are the perfect solution for allowing them to symbolize their commitment without risking their precious rings.

Nurses need an on-the-go snack to keep them energized during the day. SnackMagic Snack Boxes features over 2,000 unique snacking options, and they can build their own box with new and exciting products. Allergies and intolerance are no problem here, with options for every dietary preference. Send a gift card and let them build their own box of goodness, choose from their pre-curated collections, or create your own.

The last thing nurses want to do after working a 12-hour shift is come home and have to make dinner. Similar to the air fryer version, the Instant Pot Duo is excellent at cutting down cooking time and is versatile enough to create a variety of dishes.

Chocolate Pizza Company's Best Ever Customized Chocolate Pizza, $23

Know a chocolate-loving nurse that loves to share? Give them Chocolate Pizza Company's Best Ever Customized Chocolate Pizza, sure to make a lasting impression on their coworkers. It doesn't matter if it's an all-day nursing conference or a long night shift, this chocolate pizza will brighten anyone's day while also nourishing their sweet tooth!

Adventurist Backpack Co Classic Backpack, $65

Nurses need a backpack to carry their essentials from work to home and back again, but they need one that's both reliable and comfortable. Adventurist Backpacks Co. delivers a high-quality product with their Classic Backpack featuring a spacious main compartment, two exterior water bottle pockets, and a breathable padded shoulder strap for comfort. With this backpack, they'll have all the tools they need while at work.

V Coterie Nurse Pave Heartbeat Necklace, $128

Nurses love showing their support for the profession, so help them flex a little with V Coterie's exclusive line of nurse-themed jewelry. These beautiful necklaces are made with real 18K gold and packaged in a beautiful box with a velvet storage bag.

Cooking Gift Set Co.'s Mulled Wine Cocktail Kit, $45

Cooking Gift Set Co.'s Mulled Wine Cocktail Kit is a thoughtful gift that's both useful and delicious. They'll love the taste of this wine cocktail which features natural ingredients like dried orange, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. With everything included in the kit, it couldn't be easier to mix up a warm cup of Europe's classic mulled wine.

Lasko LP450 Premium HEPA Tower Air Purifier, $95.49

Nurses are constantly exposed to germs and harmful pollutants, making a high-quality air purifier a smart gift. Lasko LP450 Premium HEPA Tower Air Purifier provides customizable protection from bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and dust mites with its HEPA filter that is 99.97% effective at capturing harmful particles as small as 0.3 microns. This model is powerful enough to clean the air in a 15'x15' living room in just 12 minutes.

DivineJewelrybyMary's Personalized Stethoscope Name Tag, from $9

Let nurses show off their profession in style with this name tag that attaches directly to their stethoscope so they don't ever lose track of it. With aluminum, copper, and brass metal options plus an assortment of fonts — it's easy to customize a design that matches your favorite nurse's personality. Add their credentials or a design stamp for an extra special touch.

HelloFresh Meal Subscription, from $7.50/person

Busy nurses have enough on their plate without the hassle of cooking! With a weekly HelloFresh Box Meal Subscription, they can easily prepare nutritious meals with fresh ingredients that are sent right to their home. Cooking doesn't get easier than this, and they'll love the variety of options including vegetarian meals. They can even choose to skip a week if their schedule is too hectic. Each box comes with easy-to-follow recipes for a stress-free cooking experience. Healthcare workers receive 50% off their first box, plus 15% off all other boxes for an entire year here.

Sometimes we need to take a step back and center ourselves. With the Headspace subscription, nurses can do just that by using guided meditation exercises to help them become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. These simple 10-minute sessions are designed to boost focus, overcome stress, and increase happiness — all skills that will come in handy at both home and work!

Huggaroo Original Microwavable Heating Pad with Lavender, available at Amazon and Huggaroo, $36

Huggaroo's Original Microwavable Heating Pad goes above and beyond with its user-friendly design that includes a built-in lavender sachet. Simply heat this microwaveable pad for an extra warm therapeutic effect that is safe to use on your neck, back, and shoulders. The soothing lavender scent will help nurses wind down after a long day at work, making this heating pad one of the best gifts for nurses.

Uncommon Goods Cold Brew Coffee Maker & Carafe, $50

Asobu Coldbrew Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker & Carafe, $40

It's no secret that many nurses enjoy a caffeine rush in the mornings before heading to work. Uncommon Goods Cold Brew Coffee Maker & Carafe offer a simple way to make cold brew coffee every day. Add your grounds and filtered water the night before, and the next morning you'll have a fresh, delicious cold brew with the touch of a button. The insulated carafe keeps it cold for up to 24 hours, so you won't have to worry about a watered-down coffee halfway through your shift.

The Allay Lamp, available at Amazon and Allay, from $149.00

Forget those painful migraine symptoms. The Allay Lamp is here to help. This lamp was discovered by a Harvard Medical School neuroscientist and helps relieve migraine pain, a common complaint among nurses. Just click the button on the lamp and spend at least 30 minutes enjoying the narrow band of green light. It's the perfect gift for nurses who suffer from migraines pain.

Lurera Soft and Shaggy Anti-Anxiety Pillow, from $60

For nurses who struggle with stress and anxiety, there's now an easy way to take the edge off. Lurera's new Anti-Anxiety Pillow features a microwavable heating pad and battery-powered heartbeat simulator, providing a relaxing environment that helps the user feel safe and secure.

Walton Wood Farm Nurse's Rescue Duo, $21

With all the washing and sanitizing nurses do on a daily basis, their hands tend to take a beating. This lotion is formulated to create a barrier on the skin for daily protection from the harsh and drying ingredients nurses come in contact with every day. Even better, it's unscented so it won't bother those sensitive patients.

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