30 Gift Ideas to Support and Celebrate Nursing Students

By Candice Elliott | Updated: March 29, 2023

    Whether registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or CNAs, nursing students are the future of healthcare.  But nurses are a rare breed with unique needs. Besides the unpredictable sleep schedule, they have a secret language, a great sense of humor, and of course, caffeine running through thier veins.

    What are essential tools that every nursing student needs?

    So every nursing student needs some essential tools and supplies to help ’em rock their studies and clinical practice. Think about gifting them a high-quality stethoscope, a handy set of medical scissors, or even a penlight for those late-night shifts. Trust me; they’ll appreciate having these must-haves on hand to make their life a little easier as they learn the ropes!

    What are some thoughtful gifts to help nursing students stay organized?

    To help nursing students stay organized and manage their time effectively, consider gifting them a super practical planner or calendar tailored to their needs. Maybe even throw in some colorful highlighters or sticky notes to help ’em stay on top of their schedule. These thoughtful gifts will be a total lifesaver when they’re juggling classes, clinical rotations, and studying like a boss!

    What are the best gifts for a nursing student?

    Our gift guide has the best gifts for nursing students that will treat them right after nursing school and help get them through those long shifts.

  1. Rose Gold Stethoscope ID Tag
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    A rose gold stethoscope is pretty unique, but your nursing student might not be the only one who has one. Just to be safe, gift them with this personalized stethoscope ID tag! The hammered copper tag can be personalized with their name and credentials in a font of your choosing. The stethoscope ID will fit any model of stethoscope. 

  3. BlingSting First Aid Kit
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    A nurse never stops being a nurse, even when they’re not on duty. This first aid kit is perfect for keeping in the car, in the house, or taking on vacation. Not only is this kit filled with 75 first aid essentials, it looks like a chic rose gold clutch! 

  5. Nursing Clinical Tote Bag
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    This nurse gift will take them from nursing school right through their career. The main compartment has multiple deep pockets that stretch to hold clinical supplies like a sharp’s container, stethoscope, and scissors. The padded sleeve can accommodate an iPad, laptop, or folders. The tote bag is made of durable, water-resistant nylon. Note that the pictured supplies are not included. 

  7. Essentials Bags
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    These cute bags can be used for lots of things. The bags can hold cosmetics, skincare items, snacks, device chargers, money, credit and bank cards, identification, or anything else that will fit! They also make handy purse organizers. The bags are made of sturdy cotton canvas and have zippered closures. 

  9. School Supplies Kit
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    If your nursing student is a kid at heart, they will love this set! The box is filled with 25 medical-themed school supplies, including syringe highlighters, needle pens, vitamin pill pens, and bandage sticky notes. 

  11. Nursing Student Planner
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    When time is at a premium, you have to be super organized. This planner was created especially for nursing students. It contains a progress tracker, vacation planner, and various calendars for daily, weekly, and monthly activities. 

  13. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
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    All healthcare professionals wrestle with dry hands because they frequently have to wash and sanitize their hands, and student nurses are no exception. Years ago, I worked for L’Occitane, so I can attest that their signature hand cream is the real deal. It’s extremely healing and moisturizing with a light, pleasant scent making it a great gift for nursing students and any other healthcare workers in your life. 

     

  15. Graduation Coffee Mug
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    If you’re looking for a graduation gift for a nursing student, this coffee mug is just the thing! Made of ceramic, the mug holds just under 11 ounces and is microwave and dishwasher safe. The mug comes with a congratulations card and a beautiful gift box. 

  17. Medical Pocket Organizer
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    Most of us can get out the door with two pocket smacks, one in the front and one in the back, to make sure we have our keys, wallet, and phone, but nurses have a few more things in their pockets! That’s why this medical pocket organizer is a perfect nurse gift. The organizer is made from durable nylon and can hold a diagnostic penlight, regular pen, scissors, keys, and other things nurses need to have handy. 

  19. Acupressure and Reflexology Massage Insoles
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    Anything that can help reduce the impact on a nurse’s feet and legs will always be a welcome gift. These insoles will help nurses breeze through a shift. The insoles can be trimmed to fit any type of shoe. They are designed to stimulate the feet to help circulation and eliminate pain in the pressure points. As a bonus, the insoles are washable! 

  21. Heart EKG Insulated Lunch Bag
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    For nurses on the night shift, their only option for lunch may be to bring it from home as most restaurants are closed overnight, so this lunch tote is a perfect gift for a new nurse. The EKG design has a heart in the center because nurses are at the heart of healthcare! The bag is made from waterproof material and is insulated to keep food warm or cold for up to four hours. Also makes a great gift for a cardiologist

  23. Slow Cooker
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    I know Instant Pots are big right now, but to me, nothing beats the ease and convenience of a slow cooker. This gadget is perfect for a busy student. The ingredients get dumped in before leaving home, program the cooking time up to 20 hours, turn it on, and go! At the end of the cooking time, the pot will automatically switch over to Warm mode, so the food stays warm but stops cooking. This cooker is eight quarts which can hold enough food to feed up to 10 people. 

  25. Rose Gold Stethoscope
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    The Rose Gold MD One is not only fashionable but performs at the top of its class. This stethoscope delivers crisp, clear acoustics for heart, lung, and bowel sounds. Its stainless steel construction, anatomically angled headset, ultra-sensitive diaphragm, extra-thick latex-free white PVC tubing, and super-soft silicone ComfortSeal Eartips all contribute to make it the dependable and high-performing stethoscope it is known to be.

  27. Healthy Convenience Meals
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    Long shifts can leave little time for cooking, but nurses understand how important healthy eating is. Help them out with these healthy bowls! Made with clean ingredients, each flavor is packed with nutrition and can be ready to eat in minutes. There are six flavors and each is vegan. 

  29. T-Shirt
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    Yes, the social life kind of takes a nosedive during nursing school. Nurses give up a lot! This t-shirt lets them beg off invitations without saying a word. The t-shirt is available in several sizes for both men and women and in several colors too. 

  31. Compression Socks
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    Nurses want good blood circulation in their patients, but they need good circulation too! These comfortable, non-binding, and ultra-soft compression nurse socks provide advanced support, and the fun healthcare-related patterns will add a bit of fun to their day. 

  33. Professional Clogs 
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    Being on your feet for hours at a time can be a tough adjustment for a new nurse. Help your favorite nurse get through their shift in comfort with these clogs. These professional, classic stapled clogs feature firm foot, and arch support, optimal shock absorption, and an anti-fatigue rocker bottom. These clogs are available in a TON of colors and materials. Don’t worry, guys; we got you covered too.

  35. Yeti Tumbler
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    Yeti travel mugs are a great gift idea because they’re virtually indestructible, and they keep drinks at temperature for hours so they’re ideal for people who are on the go, away from home for long stretches of the day like nursing students. This stainless steel tumbler holds 20 ounces and is available in several colors. 

  37. Adidas Cloudfoam Shoes
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    Clogs are not the look for everyone. If your nurse prefers a less clunky look, these Adidas running shoes are a great alternative. They’re super comfortable with a three-inch rubber platform and a lot of ventilation. The shoes are available in several sizes and colors. 

  39. Portable Blackout Curtains
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    These blackout curtains are a perfect gift for a future traveling nurse who works the night shift and sleeps during the day. The curtains block sunlight, UV rays, dampen outside noise, and help keep a room cool in summer and warm in winter. They attach to the window via suction cups and have velcro edges so they can fit a variety of window sizes. Each curtain measures 78 x 50 inches. 

  41. Sleep Mask
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    This is the sleep mask I use, and it’s great! The mask blocks light completely, is adjustable, and the portion that goes directly over your eyes is concave, so it doesn’t impede your rapid eye movement during sleep. This mask is another great present for a future nurse who will be working the night shift. 

  43. Wine Glass 
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    At the end of the day, a glass of wine is a welcome treat for hardworking nursing students but always with safety in mind! This stemless wine glass is unbreakable made from Titan plastic that is BPA-free. The glass holds 16 ounces of their favorite tipple, is freezer and dishwasher safe, and is suitable for hot or cold drinks. 

  45. Water Bottle
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    Most jobs feature people who are, shall we say, difficult to deal with. But nursing, unlike most jobs, allows you to sedate the more aggravating ones! This high-quality reusable water bottle makes that joke and features measurements to help nurses track their daily water intake because hydration is important! The bottle is BPA-free and has a wide mouth, so it’s easy to wash. 

  47. Nursing Badge Reference Cards
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    These reference cards are great for nursing school students; they will help them brush up on important information to pass their classes. The sections are color-coded and include General Med, Labs, OB/L&D, Pediatric, Pharmacy, Respiratory, and Spanish Translations. The set also includes bonus cheat sheets they can use as quick reference cards. 

  49. Anatomy Coloring Book
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    This coloring book can help nursing students in two ways. It can help them study for their anatomy classes, and adult coloring books can help people relax and de-stress after a hard day. The book contains basic diagrams of many of the major structures studied in anatomy and physiology courses. The diagrams have bones, muscles, and organs to label and color. 

  51. Key Chain
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    Until your special nurse is a nursing school grad, they’re a nurse in progress. That’s the message on this key chain. The phrase is hand-stamped onto stainless steel, and there’s an RN charm attached. 

  53. Badge Reels
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    Healthcare workers don’t get to express themselves much when it comes to a wardrobe; scrubs and lab coats are pretty much their standard looks. So let them spice their look up a bit with these badge reels. The reels hold the credentials that healthcare workers are required to wear while on the clock. The reels are sturdy but lightweight and a cute addition to their uniform. 

  55. Candle 
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    Nurses are often overworked and underappreciated. Remind them just how awesome they are with this candle! The candle is made of soy wax and the scent is lavender, perfect for relaxing! 

  57. Teddy Bear
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    Look how cute! The bear is about eight inches tall and made with fluffy, soft material that resembles fur. This is a sweet gift your future nurse will appreciate. 

  59. Scrunchy
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    Long hair can get in the way of a nurse’s duties, so ponytails are a favorite look among them and other healthcare workers. This cute scrunchy will keep their hair out of their face and out of their work while keeping their look in the spirit of the job. The scrunchy is made of velvet, so it doesn’t slide out of the hair until removed.