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49 Unique Nursing School Graduation Gifts

Celebrate a soon-to-be or new nurse with these thoughtful picks, from personalized jewelry to gift baskets.

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Pulling consecutive all-nighters, making it through clinicals and turning in those final exams have all brought them to this moment: It’s finally time for them to graduate from nursing school. And what better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than to gift your future RN with unique nurse graduation gifts that will honor their journey.

Finding an appropriate present to mark their achievements doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, after you scroll through this list, it should be a breeze. We've looked at top-selling items on Amazon, read through some Reddit threads and asked actual nurses what they would want. We’ve included personalized gifts, like a laser engraved tumbler and monogrammed sweatshirt, that speak directly to their new profession. You can also find thoughtful self-care items, like lavender shower steamers and a foot massager, that will help them pour into themselves after all they've given to others. Several of our picks are also budget-friendly (under $30), and can be easily snagged online from popular retailers like Amazon, for speedy delivery.

Whether you are gifting a male nurse, female nurse or vet nurse, these top gifts for nurses,will help prepare them, and see them through their selfless career.

Looking for gifts for other 2024 graduates? Find tons of ideas for graduate gifts below:

Gifts for High School Graduates | Law School Graduation Gifts | College Graduation Gifts

1
Best Personalized Pick

Nurse Personalized Laser Engraved Tumbler

Editor’s Choice
Nurse Personalized Laser Engraved Tumbler
Credit: Maars

Choose from more than 10 tumbler colors before personalizing it with their name. The copper vacuum insulation will keep drinks cold for 24 hours and their liquids hot for 12.

2

Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses

Shifts: The Journal for Nurses by Nurses

Co-authors Kay Kennedy, Lucy Leclerc and Susan P. Campis are experienced RNs, executives and leaders sharing this journal for nurses to focus on self-care and reflection. The journal covers a period of six months and is written in SBAR format — a framework for communication common between healthcare professionals.

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3
The Perfect After-Work Activity

Nurse Coloring Book: Sweary Midnight Edition

Nurse Coloring Book: Sweary Midnight Edition
Credit: CreateSpace Classics

With this book, they can color away their stress. It features 40 removable pages and NSFW phrases nurses will find relatable. Keep in mind: There are a few curse words throughout.

4
Fun Gift

Nurse Socks (3 Pairs)

On Sale
Nurse Socks (3 Pairs)

They can never have too many pairs of socks. This set is especially fun as each pair features stethoscopes, prescriptions, first aid kits and other nursing essentials.

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5
Sentimental Graduation Gift

Nurse Crystal Table Centerpiece

Amazon’s Choice
Nurse Crystal Table Centerpiece
Now 23% Off
Credit: Yulejo

Perfect for their office desk, mantel or coffee table, this acrylic centerpiece features encouraging words that'll motivate them to start and end their day on a positive note: "She believed she could, so she worked her ass off, and she did!" It's a gift she can appreciate forever.

6
Funny Gift Idea

Before and After Patients Coffee Mug and Wine Glass Set

Amazon’s Choice
Before and After Patients Coffee Mug and Wine Glass Set
Credit: Funny Mugs, LOL

Your RN can enjoy their morning cup of Joe with their "before patients" mug and delicious sips of wine in their "after patients" glass when winding down at home. It's an under $30 gift for wine and coffee lovers alike.

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7
Stylish Storage for Travel

Nurse Pouch

Amazon’s Choice
Nurse Pouch
Credit: Kimoli

Featuring a cute graphic on its front, this versatile pouch can store various items. They can use it as a makeup bag, pencil case, you name it.

8

Syringe Pens

On Sale
Syringe Pens
Credit: Bedwina

These syringe pens are as thoughtful as they are unique. Your purchase gets you a pack of 24 retractable black ink pens. The fake syringes are filled with colorful liquid — red, green, blue, yellow — that'll make taking notes pretty cool.

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9
Make Them Smile

Nurse Badge Reels

On Sale
Nurse Badge Reels

They'll wear their badges with pride after clipping them to these colorful and cutely designed badge reels. In the set of eight, you'll find a smiley-faced bandage, a lash-wearing heart and a happy syringe — ideal for clipping to their collars, pockets or bags.

10

Headband With Buttons

Headband With Buttons
Credit: Bani Bands

Perfect for nurses, these headbands come with buttons on the side to wrap mask straps around. It's a more comfortable way of wearing a mask and helps to keep headaches away.

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11
Stay On Theme With Jewelry

Personalized Stethoscope Necklace

Personalized Stethoscope Necklace

You can personalize it with her preferred jewelry material — rose gold, silver or gold — and first name.

12
Over 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon

Pen Light with Pupil Gauge

On Sale
Pen Light with Pupil Gauge

In one Reddit thread, nurses were saying they need all the pens. This set of 2 is actually pretty special, because it also features an LED light. "Nursing necessity! Use mine every shift. Works well," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

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13
Practical Gift

LED Flashlight Clip

On Sale
LED Flashlight Clip

Many Amazon reviewers who are nurses said this light-up clip is ideal for those on the night shift who don't want to disturb patients when they are sleeping by turning on the light.

14
Top Gift Year after Year

Mini Portable Charger

On Sale
Mini Portable Charger

Honestly, anyone would benefit from this charger, which is a top-seller year after year. It's really compact, so it can fit anywhere, and is lightweight so it won't drag down their pockets.

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15

60 You Make a Difference Inspirational Cards with Envelopes

 60 You Make a Difference Inspirational Cards with Envelopes

Working in healthcare can have its ups and downs. On the days when they need a pick me up, they can pull out these positive affirmations to remind them of why they entered the field to begin with. You can either add your own personal words of encouragement to the cards, or allow them to speak for themselves.

16
Unique Graduation Gift for Nurses

Portable Espresso Machine

Portable Espresso Machine

For those late night shifts, they'll want the convenience of espresso on demand. This portable machine will do just the trick, producing a nice caffeinated shot and saving them a trip to the coffee shop.

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17
GH Readers Are Loving

Personalized Stethoscope Name Tag

Editor’s Choice
Personalized Stethoscope Name Tag
Credit: Novgarden

Give their stethoscope some love with a personalized tag engraved with their name, initials, birth year or graduation date. The accessory is made from high-quality copper and is described as being lightweight, hypoallergenic and easy to polish with soapy water.

18

Cloud Slippers Pillow

Best Seller
Cloud Slippers Pillow
Now 40% Off
Credit: rosyclo

These slippers are one of Amazon's best-sellers for good reason: They're visibly soft, have an anti-slip design and feature cushioned bottoms that make them comfortable for everyday at-home wear. So after your nurse's shift, they can slip these on to ease any foot pain or discomfort from standing all day.

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19
Small, Cute and Portable

Electronic Hand Warmer

Amazon’s Choice
Electronic Hand Warmer

Along with being portable, this hand warmer is also reusable and rechargeable. It's described as having a quick warm time that can last up to three to four hours when fully charged. Plus, it should fit perfectly in your hands.

20

Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

On Sale
Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

After adding drops of their favorite essential oil to this bracelet, it will exude their chosen aroma throughout the day. It also includes eight pieces of washable and reusable cotton pads with different colors to match their attire.

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

Headshot of Mariah Thomas
Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 

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