Nurses wash and sanitize their hands many times a shift, which is hard on skin. The most thoughtful gifts help them recover after work: a rich hand cream or balm, a lip balm for dry hospital air, and something that makes a day off feel restful.
Key takeaways
- Hand cream and balm make the most useful gift, but they're for use off shift.
- Many facilities ask staff to use only approved lotion at work, because some consumer lotions may not be compatible with gloves or antiseptics.
- Lip balm, natural deodorant and bath salts are good, low-risk extras.
Hand care for after the shift
- Spongellé Coconut Verbena and Freesia Pear hand creams.
- UpCircle Hand Cream with Hibiscus Flowers.
- An unscented tallow balm: a rich overnight option for very dry hands.
A note worth including in the card: an article in American Nurse explains why consumer lotions are best kept at home. They are not sterile, and some may not be compatible with latex gloves or chlorhexidine products. Facilities usually provide approved lotions for use at work, so a hand cream is a gift for the commute home and days off.
Lips and everyday care
- Lip balm: tallow lip balm or Poofy Organics Strawberry Smoothie. For lips that are already chapped, the AAD suggests skipping flavors like mint and citrus.
- Natural deodorant: KLĒNR Forest or Blu Atlas 48-Hour.
For days off
- UpCircle bath salts or Napa Soap Co's Mandarin Chardonnay soak.
- Bee Bella's 5-pack lip balm gift box: easy to share around a unit.
Gifts for a whole team
For a unit or a group, lip balms and hand creams under $25 work well. Browse gifts under $25, or send a digital gift card.
FAQ
What is a good gift for a nurse?
A rich hand cream or balm for after shifts, a lip balm, and something restful for days off, like bath salts.
Can nurses use hand cream at work?
Many facilities ask staff to use only approved lotions on shift, because some consumer lotions may not be compatible with gloves or antiseptic products. Hand cream as a gift is best for use at home.
What are good gifts for a group of nurses?
Lip balms, hand creams under $25, or a multi-pack like Bee Bella's 5-pack lip balm gift box.
When should I order for Christmas?
Orders usually ship from our brand partners in 1 to 4 business days. For US delivery before December 25, we recommend ordering by December 4. Our digital gift card is delivered by email straight after checkout, so it works right up to the last minute.
Sources
- Littau CA, Thompson KM. Keep consumer hand lotions at home. American Nurse, 2011
- American Academy of Dermatology: 7 dermatologists' tips for healing dry, chapped lips
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and ask a dermatologist or doctor about skin or health concerns.
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