20 Gifts for Doctors to Show Your Appreciation
Updated: Sep. 22, 2023
From foodie presents to practical essentials, we found the best gifts for doctors to honor these everyday heroes.
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Buying gifts for doctors can be a challenge. Whether they’re a coworker, boss, friend, family member or just a doctor who has gone above and beyond for you, it can be hard to know what to get. Luckily, we’re experts in finding gifts for people who are impossible to shop for.
Doctors work long hours and are often in stressful situations. Products that help them eat, sleep and relax are always reliable choices. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with personalized gifts. We found options that’ll bring joy to every type of healer, at all price points. And don’t forget about gifts for nurses, too!
For the juice enthusiast: Breville Juice Fountain Cold Juicer
Homemade juice is extremely nutritious, and some even say it can be a relaxing, meditative activity to make. The Breville Juice Fountain Cold Juicer makes the process easy with an extra-wide chute that accommodates whole fruits and vegetables, eliminating the need for pre-cutting. This high-performance cold-press juicer whips up drinks in just seconds, and comes with a sealable 70-ounce jug to store extra portions in the refrigerator for up to three days. Two-day shipping also makes it a top contender for any last-minute Christmas gifts you need to buy.
For the plant lover: Lively Root Peace Lily
Nothing brightens up a space like indoor plants, and Lively Root’s Peace Lily would be a welcome addition to your favorite doctor’s home or office. Peace Lilies are recognized around the world as a symbol of peace and tranquility, and are also known for their air-purifying abilities. Lively Root offers them in four sizes and a variety of containers, including ceramic planters or woven baskets. Take note for the holidays: The easy-to-care for greenery and affordable price point make them prime gifts for doctors, as well as universally-appealing white elephant gifts.
For the sleep-deprived: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
We all need a good night’s sleep, but doctors experience extra stress, so they might need more help to get some quality shut-eye. Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets will deliver: They are made with premium, 100% viscose from bamboo that is breathable, moisture-wicking and feels cooler than cotton (so they’re ideal for hot sleepers). These cooling bed sheets fit mattresses up to 20-inches and are warrantied against pilling—guaranteeing they’ll always feel soft and never scratchy. If you want to know more, head over to our Cozy Earth bamboo sheets review.
For the snacker: Dash SmartStore Stirring Popcorn Maker
The Dash SmartStore Popcorn Maker is the perfect addition to family movie nights, or an easy way to make after-work snacks. With the touch of one button, the kitchen gadget pops up to 24 cups of fresh, fluffy popcorn in just minutes. The main container doubles as a serving bowl (and it’s dishwasher-safe!). There’s also an included recipe guide if they want to get creative with their kernels.
For the lunch-packing doctor: Yeti Daytrip Lunch Bag
Physicians who bring lunch to work will love the Yeti Daytrip Lunch Bag. Yeti products are known for their superior temperature regulation, and this insulated bag keeps salads crisp and produce cold so your doctor has a meal they can look forward to. After lunch, the bag folds flat for easy transport home. It comes in six colors and only weighs about a pound when empty.
For the tea fan: The Tea Spot Everest Tea Tumbler
Consider gifts for doctors that have multiple functions. The Everest Tea Tumbler is made of double-walled stainless steel to keep drinks hot for 6 hours and cold for 12 hours. The leak-proof, 22-ounce container also features an infuser basket that can brew hot or cold tea as well as coffee. It’s also a gift that gives back: The woman-owned company donates 10% of all sales to community wellness programs.
For the doctor who likes background noise: LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine
Whether the doctor on your list is a pediatrician (hello, screaming kids) or works in the emergency room (loud with constant chaos), chances are they’re craving a sanctuary of peaceful noise when they come home at night. The LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine provides just that with 20 unique sounds that block out environmental disrupters. It’s got more than 22,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, including some that call it a great gift for parents with small children (or snoring spouses!).
For the sentimental doctor: LOL Journals My Quotable Patients
This beautifully made journal is perfect for recording the kind, funny and thoughtful things that patients say. The pages are set up with room to record memorable conversations, along with spots to note names, locations and the date it happened. The best gifts for doctors are the ones they might not buy for themselves, and this memorable keepsake fits the bill. Ringing in at less than $10, it’s also super affordable (just like these cheap Christmas gifts).
For the doctor with dry hands: Beessential All Natural Foaming Hand Soap
After nearly three years of pandemic hand washing, we all know how dry hands can get. Doctors wash their hands dozens of times a day, which can lead to itchy and uncomfortable skin. Beessential All Natural Foaming Hand Soap is made with moisturizing coconut, olive and hemp oils along with hydrating aloe and honey to soothe and soften hands. Beekeepers craft the soap, which comes in six sweet scents, in the USA. Get some as a gift for your grandma for a little dose of luxury every time she’s at the sink.
For the physician who works odd hours: 88 Acres Cinnamon Maple Granola Bars
Most doctors put in long shifts, but if yours works particularly odd hours—all night in the ER, for example—they need nutritious, satisfying snacks to keep them going. These granola bars from 88 Acres are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free and baked in Boston with warm cinnamon, protein-packed seeds and a dash of Vermont maple syrup. All 88 Acres products are made with real food and without common allergens, palm oil or artificial ingredients. Have a health-conscious spouse? Add these to your list of gifts for your wife or husband.
For the time-strapped doctor: Lemon Perfect Cold-Pressed Lemon Water
In an ideal world, we’d all have time to squeeze lemon into our water, but that’s not reality, especially for busy doctors. Lemon Perfect makes bottled water in seven flavors (like Dragon Fruit Mango, Peach Raspberry and Pineapple Coconut) with zero sugar and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. These drinks are packed with electrolytes, antioxidants and vitamin C, and are the perfect way for doctors to stay hydrated on the job. The refreshments show up right to your door, along with these other quick-ship Amazon Prime gifts.
For the home chef: Pasolivo Citrus Olive Oil Collection
You don’t have to be a cardiologist to appreciate the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil. Studies have found that eating a half tablespoon of olive oil each day leads to a 15% lower risk of heart disease. Pasolivo is a family-owned, award-winning, tree-to-table olive oil producer on California’s Central Coast. Our favorite gift set is the Citrus Olive Oil Collection, which contains four full-size olive oils infused with lemon, lime, tangerine and a citrus blend. They are excellent for sautéing, marinating and drizzling on anything from cookies to cakes.
For the doctor who deserves a hug: Puffer Hug Wrap
The best gifts for doctors are the useful ones. Part scarf and part shawl, the cozy Puffer Hug Wrap is fleece-lined and has deep, oversized pockets big enough to hold keys, a phone, glasses and more. Like its name suggests, it feels like an actual hug. Adult sizing is unisex and available in four colors. Make it a personalized gift and add a monogram for $10.
For the tired doctor: Nolah Squishy Pillow
After a long day at the hospital, there’s nothing like laying your head down on a pillow that feels just right. Some people love down pillows, while others want a little more substance. The Nolah Squishy Pillow comes overstuffed with breathable foam and is very supportive. It is fully adjustable, so folks who prefer less loft can open it up via easy-access zippers and add or remove fill until it matches their comfort level. The machine-washable cover is made from a cooling bamboo blend that’s CertiPUR-US certified. The pillows come in a set of two, making it a fab gift for couples.
For the one with a sweet tooth: André’s Confiserie Suisse Gift Box
André’s Confiserie Suisse is a family-owned business that’s been handcrafting Swiss-style confections since 1955. They offer gift boxes in four sizes, all of which contain André’s famous chocolate-covered orange peels and salted caramels, though we recommend the largest best-selling box that also includes chocolate hazelnut butter and whiskey caramel sauce. Each sweet is individually wrapped, so you can easily divide them up for Secret Santa gifts, and keep some for yourself, too!
For the meat lover: Vermont Wagyu Family Feast
If they’re going to indulge in meat, make sure it’s Michelin-star quality cuts. Founded by a pediatrician, Vermont Wagyu is a 100% full-blood Wagyu cattle breeder. The Vermont-based farm offers meat subscriptions, but we suggest the Family Feast, which includes one extra-large Ribeye, two small Denver Chuck Steaks and three packages of Wagyu Burgers.
For the doctor who wants to sleep tight: Nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets have become so popular because they give the sensation of being swaddled, and the pressure produces sleep-inducing melatonin. Nuzzie’s weighted blanket is a terrific option for someone who wants the feeling of a weighted throw blanket, but sleeps hot and needs breathable bedding. This version looks hand-knit, but can be washed and dried at home. Consider this a terrific gift for students in residency who aren’t getting enough rest and may struggle to wind down after intense shifts. Better sleep is the best gift of all.
For the fashion-forward doctor: Bombas Performance Compression Socks
Bombas first made their name selling ankle socks in a high-quality, moisture-wicking performance fabric. It was their unique honeycomb arch support that set them apart—and made them a Shark Tank success story. They’ve expanded into underwear, T-shirts, slippers and a wider range of socks, including wool socks. We’re fans of their Performance Compression Socks, which are supportive without being restrictive and ideal for people who spend their days on their feet. Bombas also donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased!
For the doctor who loves to stay connected: Bond Touch Pair of Bracelets
Bond Touch’s emotional wearable bracelets are a great gifts for doctors who want to stay connected with loved ones throughout their busy day. These tech-forward accessories come in pairs and give duos a unique way to touch base. Gentle vibrations replicate your partner’s touch, and custom colors can let them know you’re thinking of them. Some say this subtle connection helps relieve stress and promote relaxation.
For the MD who’s always on their feet: BALA Twelves
Bala Footwear is a performance shoe brand built for and by healthcare professionals. Nike execs founded the company and worked with hundreds of nurses for their expert insights to create lightweight footwear that’s fluid-resistant, high-traction, machine-washable and made with arch support—the perfect gifts for doctors who spend 12 hours a day standing. They’re also extremely stylish, and would make an A+ gift for your husband or boyfriend.
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