Nurse appreciation gifts to show the love during National Nurses Week

By Carrie Kramer

Canadian Nurses Association’s National Nursing Week opens in new window, celebrated May 12-18 this year, recognizes the invaluable contributions of nearly 500,000 regulated nurses opens in new window across Canada. Not only do nurses make up a large portion of the Canadian workforce, they’re also considered the most honest and ethical opens in new window of all professions by the general public. This special week is the perfect opportunity to say thanks for the critical work they do. Have a look at these five nurse appreciation gift ideas.

Help them refuel

Nurses don’t just work hard—they often work long hours. Assemble a gift basket to provide energy for their next shift. Include nutrition or granola bars, oatmeal packets, trail mix and party snack mix. Provide a combination of healthy foods and sweet treats, like fresh fruit and dark chocolate almonds or gummy bears. Include a travel mug, perhaps filled with coffee or tea packets. A reusable sandwich bag or bento box can set them up to bring energizing snacks from home too.

Provide fun distractions

Encourage nurses to put their minds elsewhere at the end of the day. After all, research shows increased relaxation is associated with stress reduction opens in new window. Pack an outdoor cooler with a sport flyer, push-pop ball, playing cards and an adult colouring book set. A colour-changing water bottle adds a little fun to essential hydration. Or colourful sunglasses can be a light conversation piece among the nursing team.

Offer ways to relax

At the end of a long or stressful shift, it’s important to rest and recharge. A package created with relaxation in mind may be a welcome gift for nurse appreciation week. Imprint a travel neck pillow with a thoughtful message. Add a sleep eye mask, knowing some nurses work nights and catch Zs during the day. A robe or plush blanket can add coziness to their wind-down routine. Candles, essential oils, bath bombs and a reusable tea bag are thoughtful gifts to promote R&R. Pack items in a gift bag—imprinted with a National Nursing Week message—and surprise your staff at the start of the week.

Encourage time outdoors

After all that hard work indoors, a little outdoor time might be just what the doctor ordered. And the time is right with summer on the horizon. Gather a towel, foam football, beach ball and dad cap for a beach-themed nurse appreciation gift basket. Or give a carabiner bottle, boonie hat and binoculars in hiking-themed gift box. Include a tumbler imprinted with a special message to commemorate the occasion. Finish off the presentation with outdoor accessories, like a can cooler and cooling scarf.

Unite your team around a theme

Do your organization’s nurses share a common interest? If so, let that commonality inspire gifts for nurse appreciation week. If the team is lush with gardeners, create a gift basket that includes a watering can grow kit, kneeler cushion and rain gauge. Do they have a punny name for their department or floor? Imprint it on hoodies or exclusive Refresh^® items. If they’re always ordering pizza or meeting after hours for a slice, encourage them to make their own creation by giving a grow-your-own basil kit, bamboo pizza cutter and aprons. Yes, chef!

Give meaningful gifts for nurse appreciation week

Nurses are dedicated to caring for others and play an essential role in the communities they serve. Whether a grand gesture or a small token, nurse appreciation gifts can make an impact and be a reminder that they, too, are cared for.

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