A nurse gift basket is a great gift for Christmas, Nurses Week, graduation or a simple thank-you. The trick is filling it with things nurses actually use on shift, not things that end up in a drawer. Here are three nurse gift basket ideas at different budgets, plus what to leave out.
The basics: what nurses actually use
- Comfortable shift gear: scrub caps, headbands, compression socks
- Things that clip on: badge reels and wristlet keychains
- Small mood-boosters: funny stickers, a good pen, lip balm
- Recovery treats: hand cream, a face mask, good coffee or tea
- Snacks: individually wrapped, easy to eat on a short break
Nurse gift basket under $50
Perfect for a coworker, Secret Santa or a nursing student.
- A twist headband ($15)
- A funny badge reel ($12)
- Two nurse stickers ($8 each)
- Lip balm, a good pen and a few favourite snacks
Pink pickle twist headband. Shop this one
Silly goose badge reel. Shop this one
PRN Princess sticker. Shop this one
The "favourite nurse" basket (about $75)
Add a scrub cap and it becomes a basket they'll use every shift. In Canada, orders of $75 or more ship free.
- A handmade scrub cap in a print that suits them (from $35)
- A matching or coordinating twist headband ($15)
- A badge reel ($12)
- Two stickers for their specialty ($16)
- Compression socks and hand cream
Pink iced coffee scrub cap, which pairs with the matching headband. Shop this one
Specialty stickers, like this ICU one, make it personal. Shop this one
The deluxe nurse gift basket ($100+)
For a graduation, a retirement, or the nurse who got you through a hard time.
- A custom embroidered tote bag with their name, to hold everything
- Two scrub caps (one everyday, one seasonal)
- A wristlet keychain and a badge reel
- An insulated tumbler and a coffee gift card
- A handwritten card
A personalized tote bag makes the perfect basket. Shop this one
Themed nurse gift basket ideas
- Christmas: a Christmas scrub cap, the "Snow is falling and patients are calling" sticker, cocoa and candy canes.
- New grad: a scrub cap, badge reel, a good pen, a pocket notebook and a pep-talk card. See gifts for new grad nurses.
- Self-care: a satin-lined cap, headband, face mask, bath soak and a cozy pair of socks.
- Book lover: a bookish scrub cap, a bookmark and their next read.
Snow Is Falling and Patients Are Calling sticker, perfect for a Christmas basket. Shop this one
What to leave out
- Strong scents (many units are scent-free)
- Generic "nurse" mugs they already own
- Anything fragile or hard to carry home after a shift
Ordering for Christmas? Every item is made to order, so please order by December 10. More ideas: Christmas gift guide for nurses and stocking stuffers under $20.
FAQ
What should I put in a gift basket for a nurse?
Things they'll use on shift: a scrub cap or headband, a badge reel, funny nurse stickers, compression socks, hand cream, lip balm and easy snacks.
How much should a nurse gift basket cost?
Anywhere from under $50 for a coworker to $100 or more for a graduation or a special thank-you.
What's a good nurse gift basket for Christmas?
A Christmas scrub cap, a winter nurse sticker, cocoa, candy canes and cozy socks make a fun holiday basket.