Top 10 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Team This National Nurses Week

Nurses give their all every day. They handle high-stress situations, comfort patients and keep everything running behind the scenes. But too often, their hard work and dedication goes unrecognized. Nurses Week is a chance to change that.

This year, go beyond a simple “thank you” and show nurses just how much they matter. To help, we’ve rounded up ten great gift ideas to help you recognize the nurses who go above and beyond every day.

Why Celebrate Nurses Week? 

Celebrating Nurses Week goes beyond mere acknowledgment — it's an investment in the future of healthcare. Recognizing nurses not only boosts morale and encourages professional growth but also reinforces their critical role in patient care. It’s a powerful way to say, "We see you, we appreciate you, and we value everything you do."

When nurses feel recognized, they are more likely to be engaged, committed and motivated to provide the highest level of care. In fact, studies show that recognizing healthcare workers leads to increased intrinsic motivation and performance.

And when organizations make recognition a priority, they see real benefits:

• Morale and engagement rise: 80% of employees say they would work harder if they felt better appreciated. In healthcare, engaged nurses lead to better patient outcomes.
• Retention improves: When employees are frequently recognized, they are more likely to feel happier and satisfied with their roles. Employees who feel recognized are nearly 6x more likely to stay at their jobs, according to Zippia. Another study validates this, stating
• Performance and productivity increase: Recognition has been shown to improve employee engagement, productivity, and performance by 14%, directly impacting quality of care.
• Team collaboration strengthens: When people feel valued, they work better together. Gallup reveals that, in highly recognized teams, 66% of employees say they trust their colleagues.

Nurses Week is an opportunity to reinforce the value of your nurses. When organizations prioritize recognition, they create a culture where nurses feel appreciated, empowered and inspired to keep doing what they do best: caring for others.

State of the Hospital Workforce 

Hospitals nationwide are facing a growing challenge: high nurse turnover rates that disrupt operations, strain remaining staff, and impact patient care quality. 

Studies show that annual nurse turnover hovers around 18%, with some specialties experiencing even higher rates. This turnover not only places a strain on remaining staff but also incurs costs upwards of $40,000 to $64,000 per nurse lost, factoring in recruitment, training and lost productivity.

For HR leaders in the healthcare industry, retention is a growing concern. Nurse turnover rates vary between 8.8% and 37%, depending on specialty and location. The problem is even more severe for new nurses, with 33% leaving within their first year, and up to 56% within two years. 

With retention this low, hospitals must take proactive steps to create a work environment that encourages nurses to stay. 

Celebrate Your Team This National Nurses Week

One way to combat these higher turnover rates is by implementing a consistent recognition program that celebrates your staff year-round. Fortunately, Nurses Week can serve as the perfect starting point for such a program.

But finding the right way to show appreciation isn’t always easy. With so many gift options and budget considerations, it can be overwhelming to choose something meaningful. The key is to choose practical and meaningful recognition that nurses will actually use and value.

Here are 10 meaningful gift ideas for nurses to ensure they feel genuinely recognized for their dedication and hard work.

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Nurses

#1 Personalized Thank You Notes

A simple, handwritten thank-you note can leave a lasting impression. Taking the time to express gratitude for a nurse’s hard work and dedication makes them feel valued and appreciated. Go beyond generic messages—mention a specific moment where they made a difference or a quality you admire in them. If possible, have leadership or even patients share notes of appreciation to make the gesture even more meaningful.

#2 Quality Time Off

Few things mean more to a hardworking nurse than extra time to rest and recharge. Offering additional paid time off (PTO) acknowledges their long hours and emotional investment in patient care. Whether it’s an extra day off, a flexible scheduling option, or a surprise early dismissal after a tough shift, providing time to relax shows you care about their well-being.

#3 Wellness Packages

Long shifts and demanding work environments can take a toll on nurses’ physical and mental health. A wellness package can include gift cards for massages, yoga classes, gym memberships or wellness apps to support self-care. Even simple items like mindfulness journals can encourage stress relief and work-life balance.

#4 Comfortable Footwear

Nurses spend hours on their feet, making high-quality shoes, insoles, or compression socks an incredibly practical and thoughtful gift. A comfortable pair of sneakers designed for long shifts can make all the difference in their daily routine, helping to prevent foot pain and fatigue.

#5 Personalized Scrubs

Scrubs are part of a nurse’s everyday uniform, so why not make them special? Custom embroidery with their name, title, company logo or even a fun design can add a personal touch. You could also offer high-quality scrubs in their favorite colors or brands to ensure they feel comfortable and stylish at work.

#6 Meal Subscriptions

Between long shifts and unpredictable schedules, finding time to prepare healthy meals can be a challenge. Gifting a subscription to a healthy meal delivery service takes the hassle out of grocery shopping and meal prep, ensuring nurses have access to nutritious, ready-to-eat meals. 

Alternatively, offering gift cards to local restaurants that cater to healthy options can be a thoughtful way to support their well-being.

#7 Portable Coffee Mugs and Water Bottles

Hydration and energy are essential for nurses working long shifts. A high-quality, insulated coffee mug or water bottle ensures they can stay caffeinated or hydrated throughout the day. Look for durable, leak-proof designs that fit easily into hospital workstations and keep drinks hot or cold for hours.

#8 Tech Gadgets

Nurses are constantly on the move, making smartwatches or fitness trackers great gifts. Devices like Apple Watches, Garmin trackers, or Fitbits can help them monitor their steps, track their heart rate, and even set reminders to take breaks or stay hydrated. A small tech upgrade can go a long way in helping them balance work and self-care.

#9 Relaxation and Self-Care Kits

Nurses deal with high levels of stress daily, making self-care and relaxation essential. A carefully curated self-care kit can provide much-needed relief after long shifts. Consider including:

• Aromatherapy products – Essential oils, calming candles or diffusers to promote relaxation.
• Weighted blankets – Helps with stress relief and improves sleep quality.
• Bath and body care items – Luxurious bath salts, lotions or shower steamers for an at-home spa experience.
• Sleep aids – Silk eye masks, white noise machines or lavender-infused pillow sprays to encourage rest after late-night shifts.
• Comfort items – Cozy socks, herbal teas or an insulated mug for a warm, soothing drink.

A well-thought-out self-care package shows that you recognize the physical and emotional demands of nursing and want to support their well-being beyond the workplace.

#10 Let Them Pick a Gift

Sometimes, the best way to show appreciation is by letting nurses choose a reward that truly matters to them. Employee recognition platforms like Inspirus Connects offer a variety of rewards, allowing nurses to select gifts from brands they love. This ensures that their recognition feels personal, meaningful and tailored to their preferences.

Need other gift inspiration? Check out the top 50 Gifts for employees under $25, $50, $75 and beyond.

Other Resources for Nurses Week

• National Nurses Week Toolkit
• 20 Ways to Celebrate Nurses Week
• The History of National Nurses Week

Make Nurses Week Special For Your Team

This Nurses Week, make sure you go above and beyond for those who always go above and beyond in their patient care and representation of your organization. 

By thoughtfully celebrating Nurses Week with gifts that resonate on a personal and professional level, you can not only show your appreciation but also contribute to building a culture of recognition that will improve job satisfaction and engagement. Let's make this Nurses Week a reflection of our genuine gratitude for the nurses who are the heartbeats of healthcare. 

Want to implement a Nurses Week program that is guaranteed to make your nurses happy? Talk with an Inspirus Specialist today, or check out our Nurses Week Toolkit for all the resources you need to make it special.