This past summer, I took a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) course at my local community college, and after passing my certification, I became so lucky to become a Certified Nurse Aide in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Since then, I have worked countless hours in long-term care and rehabilitation facilities as a CNA, learning hands-on patient care and learning how to build on some of my interpersonal skills. Working over the summer and also weekends this past semester, I definitely have felt like I have aged years. After some shifts, my body feels run down, verge of tears, and ready to hit the pillow. Here are some ideas to put on your holiday wish list if you are someone working in healthcare or know someone who does!
Hand cream
Now, I know for some this may just seem like any regular hand cream, but L’Occitane’s Hand Cream is one of the most moisturizing hand creams on the market. Anyone who works in healthcare understands the constant hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, and how dry your hands can get as a result. For what it is, I think it is a good thing to splurge a little on an everyday item if it truly does make someone’s day a little more relaxing and sweeter.
If the L’Oréal Paris is not of interest, I highly suggest the Glossier Hand Cream. I purchased the Glossier Hand Cream when it first released, and ever since, I have been itching to repurchase it. It smells so good and leaves a nice moisture on my hands, taking away any of that initial dryness. I love the packaging of the Glossier Hand Cream, which is easier to access and open mid-shift.
Shoes
There are so many different types of shoes on the market for those working in healthcare, like clogs and sneakers, ranging from hundreds of different brands. Choosing the right shoe is an incredibly difficult choice, and I think that it definitely takes some research and trial and error, so if it winds up under the Christmas tree this holiday season, it takes away some of the guilt and burden of buying new shoes. I would definitely recommend doing some research about your foot anatomy and the support it needs because nothing is worse than working an eight or 12-hour shift in uncomfortable shoes. Shoe recommendations that wind up on your TikTok feed may work for some people, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they work for you.
One of the shoes I would consider purchasing would be something easy to wipe clean, like the Classic Work Clog by Crocs or the Danskos, because sometimes you may end up in situations where you need to be able to wipe your shoes down. Running shoes like Hoka’s, On Clouds, New Balance, or Asics provide so many different models, styles, and comfort levels, for every type of differing foot, wide or narrow, flat or high-arched arches, etc. Finding out if you’re flat-footed or have wide feet is something that could definitely help narrow down the search for the shoe for you.
Lip balms
Nothing makes a shift worse than when your hands are tied, you’re sweaty, tired, and it’s not even lunch yet, and your lips are more chapped than ever. Reapplying lip balms throughout your shift can be difficult and almost impossible when call lights are ringing every five seconds, so investing in one that can last you long enough without reapplying is important. My favorite lip balm that lasts me most of my shift is the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Lip Treatment. This lip balm really keeps my lips moisturized, doesn’t make them drier as some brands do, and it really does last me hours. I’ve fallen asleep and woken up with the lip balm still on my lips, which never happens to me. This lip treatment line has so many different colors, scents, and even a glitter line. I think this lip treatment is really underrated for my fellow healthcare workers, especially because it doesn’t require me to constantly reapply, which can be impossible to do.
Ole Henriksen is my personal favorite, but I have heard great things about other brands like Laneige, Topicals, Refy, Summer Fridays, and more. I think gifting someone a small set with different lip balms for them to try is a really good gift idea, so they can explore and try and find their new favorite lip product.
scrub caps or headbands
Sometimes a basic scrub set isn’t enough, and you want to spice up your outfit by adding some accessories (only the ones your facility allows), a new hairstyle, or colorful long sleeves, just to make your shift a little more fun and make you feel a little cuter. Plus, residents love seeing CNAs wear cute hairstyles, wear cool headbands, or even fun scrub sets, so anything to put a smile on their face is good in my book.
Putting a pack of cute little scrunchies, headbands, or even scrub caps could be a cute thing to add to your wish list or gift to the healthcare worker in your life. There are endless amounts of different designs for everyone, and they really do help you change up your look, but still stay within dress code. Scrub caps also have so many different variations, but the favorite I’ve seen so far would have to be the satin-lined scrub caps to help protect your hair while you work. I also like scrub caps and headbands because they help keep your hair out of your face, and sometimes there is no chance to put your hair behind your ear until after you’re done giving care. I think this is a versatile and practical gift that can do no wrong.
scrubs
As soon as I started working as a CNA, I quickly figured out how expensive scrubs can be, for just one set. Now, don’t get me wrong, my Walmart scrubs have been nothing but good to me, but sometimes I catch myself checking FIGS scrubs online. I have appreciated my Walmart scrubs; they do what they have to do, but FIGS has so many different pant styles and colors, it’s hard to resist. My favorite scrub pant style would be some sort of straight leg or wide leg, and most affordable brands stick to straight/tapered legs or jogger pants. The High Waisted Isabel Wide Leg Scrub Pants are the scrub pants of my dreams. I love how sleek, classic, and chic they look, and I know it sounds crazy to say, especially since they’re just scrubs, but walk with me here. Pairing these scrub pants with the Catarina Scrub Tops is one way to level up your uniform. Even if it’s not FIGS, I think putting some other brands like Carhartt or Amazon brands can get you to try new colors to add to your rotation.
badge reel
Badge reels are a cute and personable gift to put on your wish list or gift to someone because you can really customize it to someone’s interests and hobbies. Working in healthcare is already tough with some hospitals and facilities already limiting self-expression, but a cute little badge reel can reveal a little bit about who you are, where you’re from, and some of your main interests outside of work. An example would be this Smiski badge reel shown below. I’m someone who is obsessed with blind boxes like Sonny Angels and Smiski’s, so if I could show a little bit of that side of me to my residents, I think they’d appreciate it. These Smiski badge reels are so cute and come in different ways and show different specialties and jobs, really keeping it fun and having something for everyone. I also love when people who work in specialties like pediatrics wear cute badge reels that the kids can find cute or funny, keeping them engaged and helping them open up. Badge reels are a cute conversation starter and can really put a little extra life into your uniform.
coffee or DoorDash gift card
Now, personally, I am not much of a coffee drinker, but I know so many of my fellow CNAs or nurses I work alongside with show up to our 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift with a coffee without fail. For those who cannot go without their daily coffee, I think it would be a good idea to gift them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or coffee chain. With a $20-$30 gift card, it’s like you’ve bought them a couple of coffees, so it’s not something they really have to worry about or feel guilty of.
Not everyone is a coffee drinker, like me, so I think a DoorDash gift card is a good alternative. DoorDash has so many different options on its site, so there is something for everyone. After I work a shift on the weekends here, I really can’t be bothered to do anything except immediately shower and wash off the germs, let alone walk to the dining hall and back to my dorm. One of my favorite ways to wind down after a shift is to immediately shower, get into some cute PJs, and order some takeout. So, the gift of a DoorDash gift card allows for one to get dinner, lunch delivered, or a quick run to the store; it’s hard to go wrong here.
Lunch box
Nothing is worse than packing lunch in your lunchbox, and it’s lukewarm and disappointing, especially after looking forward to it all morning. Maturing is realizing sometimes you need to invest in a good quality lunchbox to keep your food cold and ready to last you your shift. The Stanley All Day Julienne Cooler is definitely a pricier lunch box, but I feel like this is the perfect time of year to get some upgrades that will last you until next year, especially when it is durable and an item you’ll use daily. There’s a variety of different lunch boxes on the market, curated for every type of person and career, every different style, so many sizes and colors. For my cool girls working in healthcare, Baggu has really cute and affordable lunch bags that come in their cute designs, like the original strawberry print. This is perfect for those who want to show their unique and fun side, while still maintaining a professional look. A lunchbox is not only an accessory but an important and practical one at that.
Relaxation
There are so many different things that can fall under this category for relaxation, but I am going to focus on the things that help you unwind after your shift and until you hit the pillow. First, I would suggest something like an eye mask, especially if you work a different shift, like second or third, and you need to be able to block out the light in order to prepare for work. These are really affordable, and there are definitely options to spoil someone as well, but for the most part, you can find some really affordable ones to gift. They have a ton of different eye masks, and they continue to evolve options like the contoured eye mask to provide less pressure on your eyes while you sleep and protect your lashes, weighted eye masks that reduce stress and provide relaxation, and so many more. I think there are a lot of different options and designs to explore, and I think they are a versatile gift to give to anyone. Another relaxing gift comes from Lush. I think any of Lush’s products make great gifts to give to others, but one in particular would be any of the products that come from their Sleepy scent. Their Sleepy scent is one that, when used in the shower and in your night routine, is guaranteed to make you feel a little more relaxed, smelling their incredible lavender scent. They have a couple of gift sets that include products in Sleepy, like a body wash, body lotion, and body spray that can double as a linen spray to help you cozy up. Lush is also a great shop to find gifts to help someone relax, like their Dream Time Temple Balm, which, once placed on the temple, has relaxing properties and helps you unwind before bed.
spa or salon certificate
Spa and salon certificates are gifts that I find to be really underrated, especially as someone who rarely gets to treat themselves to spa and salon services. I think that it is a good idea and encourages whoever you gift it to, to take a break and unwind, and get whichever service they need the most. Whether they decide to use the certificate to get a facial, nails, hair, or a massage, they can really choose any service they want and not feel any of the guilt that comes with paying for said services. It is incredibly important to take care of yourself after working and putting your body through so much stress consistently. The gift of a spa or salon certificate is one that also doesn’t require all the stress of purchasing things before the holidays, before things get sold out or lost in transit, but it is an incredibly thoughtful gift, especially when gifting to someone who doesn’t get to treat themselves often.
tote
A work tote is definitely a good gift to add to your wish list or to gift to someone because a work bag is necessary for your everyday commute, so the holiday season is the perfect time to upgrade it. Tote bags are a great workbag, especially because sometimes working with others significantly older than you, wearing a backpack can feel a little too much sometimes, and honestly, I usually don’t need that much space as I do when at school. Tote bags are really practical, and there are so many different designs, brands, styles, colors, shapes, and sizes that can really help you choose which one is best for you. One of the tote bags I have been eyeing since I started working as a CNA has been the Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L. This tote bag is sleek, has many pockets for organization, has a big open space to toss extras, and a clip closure. The bag is a little more than the other totes on the market, but I think it’s worth it because it’s a little upgrade from my Trader Joe’s tote bag, and I find it to be really basic but cute, easy to toss some charms or pins on. Another tote bag I have been eyeing for a minute now has been the Baggu Cloud Bag. I really appreciate how there are so many different colors, designs, again, really basic but can be easily customizable. I think the shape, material, and size of the Baggu are perfect to take to work and is a little upgrade to treat myself.
embroidered jacket/sweater
My last item I think would be a perfect gift for you or to gift to someone else working in healthcare, would be a cute little scrub jacket or fleece with your embroidered name on it to make it custom to you, and if you are someone planning on pursing other medical degrees and ventures, it’s a cute memoriam to continue adding more titles to. Embroidered jackets and fleece are also really good because most places like hospitals and nursing homes tend to get really cold, and sometimes you need a little jacket to throw over. I love the idea of having a custom embroidered fleece jacket with my name and some cute designs. You can find many people to embroider cute designs on places like Etsy and communicate with the seller about design ideas and the name. I think this is a really thoughtful and unique gift to give someone, and not only is it really nice, but it is also really practical and something they can use day to day.
conclusion
The holiday season is the perfect time to put some things you have been eyeing on your wish list, some things you may need upgrades on, or gifts you can give to those you love who deserve to know how much they’ve worked and make them feel seen and appreciated. I hope you enjoyed my list of different things I have added to my Christmas wish list as a CNA, and get some ideas on what to add to your very own or to gift to a healthcare worker in your life.