Photo Illustration: Kayla Ramsey: Courtesy Doctor Rogers; Figs; Madholly
If anyone deserves all the gifts right now, it’s healthcare workers. Not only have these folks been on the front lines of the pandemic for what feels like forever, but even when they’re not in crisis mode it’s still a tough job.
Emotionally, physically, and mentally, committing yourself to the well-being of others takes a toll. That’s why we’ve gathered our favorite gifts for healthcare workers because they can surely use items to get them through their shift and help them unwind when it’s done.
The gifts we’ve chosen are focused on a few main ideas: peak job performance, relaxation, and nourishment; things that will let them know, “We know this job sometimes feels thankless, but we thank you for everything you do.”
From practical gifts they’ll recommend to their coworkers, to pampering at-home spa treatments, to a delicious home-cooked meal — they may be just what the doctor ordered to make them feel like the modern-day superheroes that they are.
A stylish and practical way to make mask-wearing more comfortable, these snug headbands feature a button along the side where she can strap on a surgical mask without putting strain on the area behind their ears.
It'll even keep hair out of their sightline, so they can completely avoid touching their face.
When it comes to sanitizing, you can never be too safe! This portable phone sanitizer will zap away 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, so users can be sure that germs from the hospital don't travel home with them.
Gifting a swanky new set of scrubs is the encouragement your health care worker needs. Customize a set based on their daily duties and fit preferences, so they can stay comfortable during their crazy-long shifts.
Graveyard shifts and 12-hour days can leave peepers looking pretty drained, but this set of chill-able natural stones will help soothe puffy sockets and have your recipient feeling refreshed.
Pop them in the refrigerator at the start of a shift, and by break time, they'll be cold enough to use.
5
For Humorous Healing
‘Doctor Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book’ by Papeterie Bleu
Your hardworking healthcare worker may not have much downtime during their shifts, but when they do, tackling this hilarious adult coloring book is a great way to take a break from stressful circumstances.
It's full of snarky doctor humor that any MD can relate to, and there's also a special version for nurses that proves that laughter can be the best medicine during trying times.
This cute, zippable tote from Rothy's is completely machine-washable and offers plenty of room to stash soiled scrubs, shoes, and gear. When they get home, all hospital-exposed items can be washed at once.
Between mask chafing and constantly washing hands, your recipient's skin is in serious need of some relief. This soothing balm has a thick consistency like petroleum jelly, but is fortified with plant-based ingredients for naturally nourishing healing.
Cooking is probably the last thing your heroic healthcare worker wants to do after a long shift. Spare them a trip to the grocery store (and some time spent scrubbing pans!) with an Uber Eats gift card that gives them the freedom to order from their favorite restaurants.
Who wouldn't love a good glass of wine after a long day? Send your recipient a Winc gift certificate, and they can customize their subscription based on their personal taste preferences.
Working in healthcare is a job that requires constant energy… and a sense of humor. This set comes with a mug for energizing drinks before seeing patients and a wine glass to unwind after work. Cheeky and relatable, it’s a perfect gift for healthcare workers who know what they need … and why.
If you know a healthcare worker, you probably know someone with hands that have been rendered extremely dry from constant washing and sanitizing. Kiehl’s is one of the first names in skincare, and this set of restorative lotions — for body, hands, and lips — will leave skin soft and healthy from head to toe.
This is the perfect gift for healthcare workers who want to wash the stress of the day away. Since 12- and 24-hour shifts don’t leave a whole lot of time for the spa, this set of six aromatic tablets releases a sweet, musky smell for a little relaxation time at home.
Healthcare workers are experts at caring for their patients, so help them nourish themselves this time with a handy Thermos, which will keep meals hot for up to nine hours and cold for up to 14. Because shifts are hard enough — they deserve a temperature-appropriate dinner!
In our experience, healthcare workers are powered by two things: the desire to help people, and coffee. This set of five different coffees (available whole bean or ground) is gathered from around the world and is roasted with love in Brooklyn with flavors that run the gamut from fruit to extra bold.
This backpack has room for anything and everything they could need while on shift… and considering how long (and chaotic) shifts can be, they’ll need the space! With lots of compartments, sturdy design, and even a USB port, this backpack is perfect for work, travel, and everyday use.
Taking care of others all day, every day is hard, and often doesn’t leave a lot of mental space to remember to care for yourself. This subscription box includes natural beauty, skincare, body care, wellness, and relaxation products, making it the perfect gift for healthcare workers.
Being on your feet every day can wreak havoc on your feet and legs. Help the healthcare worker in your life stay comfortable with these compression socks, which give feet, legs, and ankles a reassuring squeeze and help prevent swelling and varicose veins. Available in a variety of designs, including healthcare-themed!
Long, fast-paced hours don’t exactly lend themselves to healthy eating. Help your loved one stay healthy and nourished with this subscription box of healthy snacks.
Every box includes eight to 10 individually wrapped items, specifically chosen by a health coach. Each box also includes a donation of 10 meals to No Kid Hungry.
Meal prep can be a challenge when working long hours and/or overnights. The Instant Pot can’t make meals for healthcare workers, but it comes pretty close! Functional as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer, it helps them make delicious meals that will be ready when they are.
Whether they’re trying to catch some zzz’s in the on-call room or just block out the sound of their kids at home who haven’t quite grasped the concept of “night shift,” they’ll appreciate this gift. Soft, comfortable, and able to block out up to 27 decibels, these earplugs are an ideal gift for healthcare workers in need of some precious quiet time.
Being on your feet all day takes its toll, so give them the opportunity to show their tootsies some love with this heated foot massager. Six massage heads with 18 rotating massager nodes relax muscles, ease tension, and just generally feel fabulous with just the touch of a toe.
Constant movement and standing, to say nothing of lifting or otherwise helping patients, can do a number on your back. Four powerful massage motors provide three massage modes of two adjustable intensity levels of vibration and heat, specially designed for lumbar and abdominal relief.
Working nights usually means sleeping days, which can be hard in broad daylight. Fortunately, this sleep mask not only soothes with weight (120 grams), but also blocks out all light. With deeper eye sockets, your loved one will have all the benefits without pressure on their eyes.
Roses are lovely, but you can’t really eat them. Well, you could, but we don’t recommend it. (Thorns = ouch.) The healthcare worker in your life will love indulging in these 18 cake truffles from Milk Bar. They make the perfect delicious sweet treat.
Whether your loved one is interested in harnessing the therapeutic power of essential oils or just wants their space to smell pleasant, this attractive wood and ceramic diffuser is a perfect gift for healthcare workers. With water, an essential oil, and the push of a button, they can make their home a sanctuary.
Rated among the top shoes for healthcare workers in a variety of surveys, these impossibly cushioned shoes can stand up to the most rigorous demands. Mesh, memory foam, and bouncy rubber soles make this an ideal gift for healthcare workers and keep their feet comfortable over a long shift.
The busy schedule of a healthcare worker can make grocery shopping and meal prep a source of stress. So why not give them the gift of time saved shopping with a yummy food subscription service like Sunbasket? They’ll choose their menu type and meal prep boxes will be shipped right to their door, eliminating any and all guesswork.
When it comes to healthcare professions, the job is stressful, but at least the clothes are comfy. And the only thing more comfortable than scrubs? This deliciously cozy, plush kimono bathrobe. Cozy, machine-washable, and it even has pockets! It’s the perfect gift for those who want their downtime to feel just as homey.
29
Sweet and Sarcastic
‘Tired As F*ck: A Sweary Coloring Book for Healthcare Workers’ by Slightly Salty Studios
The perfect gift for a healthcare worker whose love language is sarcasm! This adult coloring book provides mindfulness and relaxation via intricate designs to color in, as well as cathartic laughter via salty language featured in the designs themselves.
Zarah A. KavaranaZarah Kavarana is the contributing editor at BestProducts.com, where she spends her days hunting for shareworthy home, tech, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle finds, and resisting the urge to add them all to her cart.
Jamie KenneyJamie Kenney is a freelance writer for BestProducts.com; Her other work has appeared on Bustle, Parents, Playboy, McSweeny's Internet Tendency, the Takeout, and Romper, where she covers parenting, news, entertainment, and likes to help readers see the ridiculous (and hilarious) side of motherhood.
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