Everyone loves gifts and nursing students are no exception. Buying the right gift for a nursing student can be a thoughtful way to express your support.
Nursing students, regardless of their level of academic study, are on a journey to master knowledge that will enable them become practitioners helping and impacting generations to come health wise. From what we found out, student nurses often appreciate the little gifts, even if it is a little word of encouragement.
Although some can be a little specific and detailed with what they would prefer, having surveyed over 750 student nurses about what gifts they would like to receive from their peers, friends, and family – anyone interested in gifting them, we have crafted this guide to make the process seamless.
Whether you are looking for the best gift ideas or shopping for nursing student who is just starting their program, one continuing with nursing education or one who is about to graduate, the right gift can inspire, motivate, and even provide much-needed comic relief. Let’s explore some of the most unique, plausible, and potential gifts. This best-of gift guide is made with love and thoughts about nursing students.
Tl; dr: This list comprehensively covers the best of the best gifts for nursing students according to most student nurses themselves.
We respect nurses and nursing students because they are resilient and determined. Nursing school is not easy – it is a whirlwind of nursing assignments, homework, research, and a lot of reading and writing.
Nursing students face a unique set of challenges: demanding coursework, long clinical shifts, and the emotional toll of patient care.
It’s a rigorous journey filled with highs and lows, and for many nursing students, small gestures of support can go a long way. A thoughtful gift does more than bring a smile. It is a gesture acknowledging the student in question for their hard work and perseverance.
Nursing students often need encouragement and practical tools to thrive. Whether it is a study aid or a stress-relief item, the perfect gift says, I see you, I think about you, and I am proud of you.
Practicality is king when it comes to nursing school. These gifts not only make their lives easier but also show you understand their needs. Whether it is National Nurses week (May6-12),
The Littmann Classic III Stethoscope is a gold standard for many nursing students. Known for its excellent acoustics and durability, this tool will follow them from school to their first job.
If you can, consider engraving their name or initials to make it personal and harder to lose.
Nursing students spend long hours on their feet during clinical rotations. Compression socks help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Compression socks are practical yet fun, often available in quirky patterns featuring syringes or heartbeats. Get this for your person of interest and they instantly think about you, including how their nursing school journey is important.
Juggling exams, clinicals, and personal life requires top-notch time management. A dedicated planner designed for healthcare students, like the Passion Planner, can be a lifesaver.
Books like “Nursing Diagnosis Handbook” or “Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary” are indispensable tools for nursing students. You can check them on Amazon.
A sturdy, compartmentalized backpack is essential for hauling textbooks, laptops, scrubs, and clinical gear. You can try getting the Carhartt Legacy Backpack that offers durability with a sleek design. There are also other great options you can get online and from local stores.
A planner is a nursing student’s best friend, helping them juggle exams, clinical shifts, and personal time. Choose planners like the Passion Planner or Erin Condren LifePlanner, designed for high organization and goal setting. Many include features like hourly breakdowns and motivational quotes.
Nursing-themed planners add a personal touch, making schedules more manageable and less overwhelming. Affordable and functional, planners are an ideal gift to keep nursing students on track and stress-free.
A reliable laptop is indispensable for nursing students, supporting everything from virtual lectures to research and NCLEX prep. Consider lightweight options like the MacBook Air for portability or Dell XPS for power and performance. Features like long battery life and fast processors ensure seamless multitasking. Look for student discounts at retailers like Apple or Best Buy. Pair it with productivity tools like a laptop stand or ergonomic keyboard to enhance their study setup. A new laptop is an investment in their academic and professional success.
Passing the NCLEX is a milestone for nursing students, and NCLEX prep courses are invaluable. Programs like Kaplan or UWorld provide comprehensive materials, practice tests, and targeted reviews tailored to the exam. Online platforms such as Nursing.com offer lifetime memberships or affordable monthly plans, perfect for students balancing tight budgets. As a gift, a subscription shows you are invested in their future.
Fashionable scrubs combine style and functionality, making them an excellent gift for nursing students who want to look and feel their best during clinical rotations.
Brands like FIGS and Jaanuu offer scrubs with tailored fits, modern designs, and premium fabrics that are both comfortable and durable. These scrubs come in a variety of colors and styles, allowing students to express their personality while adhering to dress codes. Some even feature antimicrobial properties and multiple pockets for practicality.
Fashionable scrubs are a perfect gift for boosting confidence and comfort in a demanding environment.
A subscription to the American Nurse Journal is an invaluable gift for nursing students, keeping them informed about the latest trends, research, and best practices in the nursing field. This trusted publication covers a wide range of topics, from clinical insights to career advice, providing students with a deeper understanding of their profession.
The beauty is that these journal articles are available in print and digital formats thus a convenient resource they can access anytime.
You can purchase subscriptions directly from the American Nurse Journal website. Nursing students expressed this as a thoughtful gift that fosters professional growth and lifelong learning.
Nursing school is not just academically demanding—it is emotionally taxing too. Some gifts help students unwind and recharge.
Help them create a calming environment at home with an essential oil diffuser. Popular oils like lavender (stress relief) and eucalyptus (focus) are great starters.
Nursing-themed coloring books combine humor with relaxation. Titles like “Scrub Life” feature intricate designs and funny quotes.
Studying in noisy environments becomes a breeze with noise-canceling headphones. Popular options include Sony’s WH-1000XM4.
A high-quality yoga mat is a thoughtful gift for nursing students who need a way to de-stress and stay active.
Yoga helps alleviate the physical strain from long clinical shifts and provides mental clarity during intense study periods. Look for mats with non-slip surfaces and ample cushioning, such as those from Manduka or Lululemon.
Compact and easy to store, yoga mats are perfect for quick stretching sessions or full yoga workouts at home or in the dorm. Pair it with a yoga strap or carrying case for added convenience. It is a practical gift for wellness and balance.
Thoughtfulness does not have to break the bank. These budget-friendly ideas pack a meaningful punch.
“I can’t, I’m on call” or “Caffeine: Nurse’s Best Friend” mugs are both hilarious and practical.
Check the RedBubble website for more choices.
Nursing students wear ID badges every day. Personalized or themed badge reels add flair to their daily routine. You can find a lot of these from Etsy.
Perfect for laptops, water bottles, or planners, these stickers let students showcase their nursing pride.
The best place to get these stickers would be Sticker Mule.
If your nursing student is at a level where they are doing clinicals and practical in hospitals or healthcare clinics, consider getting them an ID badge holder.
It is easy to drop or misplace an ID while it is kept in the pocket. The badge holder makes it hard for nurses to lose their ID. They come in a variety of colors and designs that can appeal to the person you want to gift.
A customized badge holder can add a personal touch while being practical. Choose from engraved designs or themed badge holders that reflect their personality.
A cell phone sanitizer is an essential gift for nursing students who prioritize hygiene. Phones can harbor countless germs, making UV-C light sanitizers like PhoneSoap 3 or HoMedics UV-Clean a practical solution.
These devices kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in minutes, ensuring their phones stay clean during clinical rotations and long study sessions. Some models even double as chargers, offering convenience for their busy lives. Compact and portable, these sanitizers align perfectly with the infection control principles they practice.
You can check for these on Amazon and Best Buy. As you will soon see after purchasing, a cell phone sanitizer is a thoughtful and practical choice.
Gift cards are a versatile and much-appreciated gift for nursing students. Options like Starbucks cards provide quick access to coffee and snacks during long study sessions or clinical shifts.
Amazon gift cards allow them to purchase books, supplies, or even relaxation items like cozy blankets or aromatherapy diffusers.
For tech-savvy students, Apple or Google Play gift cards can help them download useful apps or study tools. You can also consider specific retailer cards like Scrubs & Beyond for professional attire. Gift cards offer the flexibility to choose what they need most, making them both practical and thoughtful.
Nursing students often experience stress, long hours, and exposure to harsh environments, all of which can take a toll on their skin.
High-quality skincare products make an excellent gift to help them relax and maintain their glow. Consider options like a hydrating facemask, gentle cleanser, or soothing moisturizer from trusted brands like CeraVe, The Ordinary, or La Roche-Posay.
Products with calming ingredients such as Aloe Vera or Hyaluronic acid can be especially beneficial. Pair them with a lip balm or hand cream to combat dry skin caused by frequent handwashing. Getting skin care products as a gift encourages self-care and rejuvenation.
Sometimes, a gift is about more than utility—it is about meaning. These ideas tug at the heartstrings.
Necklaces or bracelets engraved with “Future RN” or their graduation year are touching keepsakes. Most students we spoke to preferred Zales Nursing Jewelry.
Fill it with notes, photos, and encouragement to remind them of how far they have come.
Tech-savvy nursing students will love these gadgets and tools.
Smartwatches like the Apple Watch help track steps, monitor heart rate, and even schedule reminders.
Check tech review websites like TechRadar to make your decision based on your budget and features.
Anki or Quizlet subscriptions simplify studying with ready-made nursing flashcards.
Try checking out Quizlet Premium. You can also ask them subtly which ones they prefer and get them the subscription.
Laughter is the best medicine, and these gifts are sure to entertain.
“Operation: Nursing Edition” is a fun twist on a classic game. You can check these on Target.
“Trust me, I’m (almost) a nurse” tees are perfect for casual days. Scour the internet to get nursing-themed T-shirts or customize one based on the taste and preferences of the person receiving the gift. You can browse the wonderful designs done by TeePublic.
You can also try customized nightshirt engraved with the favorite slogan or saying that your student nurse loves. As they come in multiple colors, they will sleep well knowing that they are loved and someone supports their journey through nursing school.
A cozy nurse-themed sweatshirt is a perfect blend of comfort and pride for nursing students. With slogans like Trust Me, I am (Almost) a Nurse or Scrubs, Coffee, Care! these sweatshirts let them display their passion while staying warm during late-night study sessions or clinical rotations.
Look for high-quality, soft fabrics and fun designs on platforms like Etsy or RedBubble. Opt for personalized options with their name or graduation year for an extra-special touch. Stylish and practical, a nurse sweatshirt is a thoughtful gift that brings comfort and a sense of belonging to their journey.
Nursing students dedicate their time, energy, and passion to preparing for a challenging and rewarding career. A thoughtful gift—whether it is a practical tool, a sentimental keepsake, or a fun way to unwind—can make their journey a little brighter. These gifts show your appreciation for their hard work and acknowledge the immense dedication they bring to their studies and future profession.
You can get the student nurse anything pens, writing software, books, keyboards, phones, online courses, notebooks, candy, cakes, flowers, and many more we have not listed. However, recognition, being there for them, and listening to them can make a million of a difference because nursing school is tough. These are soft gifts you can neither buy, quantify, nor package up.
From what we gathered, nothing’s small for upcoming nurses. Whether it is something small like a personalized badge reel or a more significant investment like a high-quality stethoscope, your gift can provide both support and motivation.
In choosing something meaningful, you’re not just giving a present—you’re recognizing their commitment to caring for others and reminding them to care for themselves as well. With options for every personality and budget, you are sure to find something that leaves a lasting impact.
Now go ahead, make a future nurse’s day—they have earned it and they deserve it! Anything you can get them, get it because it is the greatest gift they deserve.
That said:
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