Health care worker gift guide

Nov 28

3 min read

'Tis the season!

I don't know about you, but I love a gift guide; the more niche and specific, the better. The following list is an unoffocial and anecdotal but completely sincere account of products I have used and love in the context of my work as a nurse. No sponsorships or affiliate links here (although if someone from Figs is reading this, feel free to give me a call!). Obviously we health care workers are a diverse bunch, and I do not claim to speak for everyone. That said, I think there are things many us of commonly gravitate towards.

Yube hand lotion. Honestly, you could probably stop reading here. This stuff is amazing and I recommend it to everyone I meet, but especially my health care friends. One thing we almost all have in health care is dry hands, from the constant use of hand sanitizer and soap. I have tried at least ten different hand lotions, and I keep coming back to this one because it's moisturizing without being greasy. Even other creams from the same company don't compare. I also like how the camphor smells. Pro-tip, Yuskin-A is the Japanese version of the same thing, and is less expensive (but generally with a longer ship time. I usually get a dozen or so small tubes at a time, put them in every receptacle I own, and stockpile the rest).
FIGS scrubs! No surprise there. There are so many color and style options, I would probably just get a gift card and let someone have the fun of choosing for themselves.
I have received many compliments on these scissors. These tiny scissors are also surprisingly powerful and fit perfectly into a scrub pocket.
Peppermint oil, iykyk.
Water additives. None of us drink enough water on a shift, and we're always trying out various ways to stay hydrated, whether it's making our water fancy, or purchasing motivational drinking vessels. Debatable as to whether these supplements confer any benefit whatsoever beyond encouraging water consumption, but I have enjoyed this mix of greens and the citrus flavors of these Vitamin-C-packed powders.
I have also tried many shoes. I started my nursing career in clogs, which I immediately gave up in favor of sneakers after the first time I had to run to a code and almost twisted an ankle as I clomped down the hall like a panicked draft horse. It's too bad, because I still enjoy how clogs look. I like my healthcare shoes to be water-resistant (if not waterproof) and I don't have time for laces. Unfortunately, the have stopped making my favorite shoe (and the only type I have purchased multiples of), which was the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield. I have been intrigued by Clove shoes, but not yet tried them. I know that's not much of a suggestion; mostly I just wanted to share my sadness about the Pegasus 35.
I have always wanted to be the sort of person who wears cozy slippers, but alas, am not. I am the sort of person who enjoys resting my feet in these slides after a long shift.
Speaking of feet! Imho, more people should wear compression socks. There are so many cute ones now! Like these and anything from here.
If you know someone whose institution does not cover their Uptodate subscription, a year of access would make an eminently useful gift. That might free up some money in their CE budget to take a deserving friend along to a destination conference. ;)
For the (surgeon or dermatologist, probably) who already has everything: a donation in their honor to Doctors Without Borders.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this guide, and maybe even found inspiration, however you might be celebrating this holiday season. Happy gifting!