With the holidays (and holiday sales) in full swing, I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of some of my favorite brands and gift ideas that would be perfect for anyone in the healthcare field – from pre-meds to essential workers. Below I’ve shared some things I’m gifting with links, discounts, and something for everyone – enjoy!
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Gifts under $50
1. Healthcare themed accessories by Med By Liv
If you are looking for a gift for anyone in the healthcare industry, Med By Liv is the place to go. She makes the most amazing stickers, t-shirts, headbands, and more – all medicine themed! Plus you can use this link for 10% off your purchase!
2. Scrubs (or a gift card for scrubs)
A good pair of scrubs is a game-changer for anyone working long shifts and late nights. They can also be a fun way to mix things up by adding more colors to your collection. My personal favorites are from Jaanuu and if you use this link you can get $25 off your order! (Pro-tip, if you’re unsure about sizing you can order a gift card instead!)
3. Candles, cozy socks, and other pampering items
Whether you’re pre-med or just med, you know how draining long hours studying or working can be. Lighting a candle at the end of a long night, or adding a little extra ambiance to your study space can be extremely soothing and therapeutic. I get 99% of my candles at TJMaxx (they usually have Yankee Candles for $10). Other great pampering items are cozy socks like these from Target
4. Books
There are so many incredible books that can be gifted, however, there are a few healthcare/medicine related books I think would make amazing gifts:
For the healthcare hero who also loves reading fiction novels: The Anecdote for Everything by Kimmery Martin
For the student, resident, or clinician who is managing a boatload of student loans or just starting their investment journey: The White Coat Investor: A Doctor’s Guide To Personal Finance And Investing by James M Dahle, MD
For the premed who is applying to medical school this year: The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Interview by Ryan Gray, MD or any other book by Dr. Ryan Gray.
Lastly, for anyone in the medical field: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, MD.
5. Stethoscope scrunchies
I would be remiss if I made a holiday gift guide without a little shameless plug for my handmade, stethoscope scrunchies. They make wonderful stocking stuffers, come in a variety of colors, and make the perfect gift for a friend, sibling, or parent! All scrunchies are currently on sale today for 20% off!
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Luxury Gifts ($50-$500)
1. Noise-canceling headphones
Anyone who is used to studying for 8+ hours a day will tell you that noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer. Personally, they allow me the flexibility of studying on the go by blocking out other distractions. Also, as someone who requires near silence to focus sometimes, they truly help cancel out any background noise that might be present. The headphones I know and love are the Bose (currently $100 off on amazon using this link!
2. A Littmann stethoscope
These are by far the best practice stethoscopes carried by nearly every healthcare worker out there. Some schools gift them when you matriculate, however many do not! If you know a medical/PA/nursing student who doesn’t already own one of these – it would make an incredible gift. Right now they’re on sale for 25% off here!
3. An iPad / iPad Pencil
This is a wonderful gift for any student in your life who is constantly lugging around a thousand bound book bag. Personally, digitizing my notes on my iPad in medical school has been amazing and the Apple Pencil makes it so much easier. However, these are both pricey items which, as a student, I definitely wouldn’t be able to afford on my own!
4. A Standing Desk
Whether you’re shopping for a full-time student someone who (thanks to COVID) now works from home – you need to get them a standing desk. It’s something I wish I bought at the beginning of medical school and something I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about from everyone that owns one. A good standing desk is by far the most expensive gift on this list, but the perfect luxury item for anyone who is currently sitting for hours on end! The one I currently have my eye on (and has been highly reviewed and recommended) is the TechOrbits Electric Standing Desk.
5. Money
It’s the one gift that no-one ever wants to ask for, but nearly everyone could use. Gifting someone who is pre-med cash might mean they get to apply to one more school from their list or purchase one more MCAT prep book. As a medical student, any money I’m gifted go towards the question banks I use and board exams I’ll have to take (both of which cost up to $800 each). For someone who works in the hospital 24/7, a gift card to their favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or deli gives them the gift of time during an otherwise hectic day.
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As always I hope this guide helps you find the perfect gift for someone special in your life. Of course, if you buy something off of this list I’m sure your medical friend will love it – and if there is anything you think I missed and definitely need to add, let me know!
Lastly, as the holidays, sales, and gift exchanges ensue, I wanted to remind you that there are always other ways to show people you care. Show up for your friends and family, give them a call, remind them that they mean the world to you, and if you are in the position to purchase a gift, do it out of love, not the obligation – besides, it’s always the thought that counts!
Have a beautiful week and happy holidays!
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