A holiday gift guide for nurses
As 2021 is nearing its end (no, it’s not just you! Time has been FLYING) and 2022 is just around the corner, there are many feelings this time of year brings. Before we say goodbye to this year, we still have one major season to observe and celebrate: the holidays!
Fun fact: all around the world, there are many different holidays celebrated within each culture and even certain geographic areas! In the U.S., Christmas is still very much a religious holiday but has also become more commercialized over the years. In fact, other cultural holidays are often dominated by Christmas especially in the retail and consumer market.
While there are many holidays, traditions and rituals observed all over the world we will be focusing on the 3 major holidays that occur in December: Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Though these holidays differ, they all celebrate life and are typically associated with family, togetherness and gift giving.
In the spirit of the holidays, we would like to share this holiday gift guide for the nurses in your life that centers around these 3 major holidays. Maybe you’re at a loss for what to put on your wishlist, or you’re not quite sure what to get a coworker for that gift exchange. Perhaps someone in your life celebrates a holiday that is different from your own, and you’d like to respect their culture!
We’ve got you covered! Continue reading below for some ideas that are sure to help make this holiday season memorable:
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a holiday that reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day - and is observed for 8 days and 8 nights. The significance of the candle lighting is due to the historical meaning, where the Temple was purified and the menorah burned for 8 days - a miracle as there was only enough sacred oil for one day’s worth of candle light.
While Hanukkah was observed from November 28 to December 6, you can still show a holiday gesture for any nurse in your life that is Jewish or observes the holiday. It’s worth noting that for this holiday, as opposed to Christmas, the central theme is around small, meaningful gifts v.s. the lavish and luxury/go-big-or-go-home feel of Christmas.
A meaningful and thoughtful gift that comes from the heart is a luxury in its own, and will be much more appreciated! Some small gifts that pack a heartfelt punch include:
Books - books have seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years, which is in part due to everyone staying home and the rise of #BookTok! There are many great books to choose from this year, and the New York Times Bestseller list is a great place to start! Major platforms like Amazon and Goodreads also share the best books of the year if you need a bit of inspiration. Our reco: choose books that are lighthearted and fun, dealing with fantasy elements or fiction that can provide some stress relief to the nurse in your life!
Food - food is a thoughtful gift to share, that can be enjoyed and shared with family. There are many vendors online that share Hanukkah-specific food baskets and treats that respect and give nods to the Jewish tradition. Gourmet chocolate can be a yummy treat, as well as treats that can be enjoyed over breakfast like coffees and teas. It’s important to note that the food must be kosher, so do your due diligence to check with any vendors on their practices and ensure that items are prepared accordingly in order to be considered kosher. Also, be sure to steer clear of Christmas-themed foods like fruitcake and gingerbread men (as examples).
The most important thing to be mindful of when gift-giving to a nurse that celebrates Hanukkah is to recognize it as its own distinct holiday. Celebrate it and honor it as much as you can, and note that although it falls in a similar timing as Christmas, it is very much its own unique holiday. Take the time to do your homework and understand the differences, learn the traditions and revere the holiday’s special and sacred practices.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 25 (Christmas Day). The most ubiquitous of holidays, Christmas is quite literally everywhere. From red coffee cups to string lights and trees, to specially made “Christmas”-themed foods and beverages, it is typically the go-to used for decor that screams “the holidays are here!”
There are many ways you can go about gifting for Christmas, especially since it has become a more commercial holiday than ever:
Stocking Stuffers - Stocking stuffers are a perfect way to pack holiday cheer in a small package. If you’re not sure of what to get someone, stocking stuffers are a great way to give variety without breaking the bank.
Gift Cards: a gift card can be a heaven-sent to any recipient and can be tailored to their interests. Is there a nurse in your life that runs on coffee? A gift card to Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or (insert coffee chain here) is a great option! Nurses also work very hard and are on their feet all day, which would make a gift card to a nail salon/spa a great option as well! The good news is, there is a gift card for nearly everything these days - so you really can’t go wrong!
Personal Care: as nurses we are constantly using our hands and especially in COVID times, where hand washing and sanitizing knows no bounds. These things can wreak havoc on the skin - which is where travel sized balms and lotions come in! It’s the perfect size to carry in a set of scrubs or lab coats or for keeping in the clinic’s office/main desk. Other options that can be a lifesaver are: chapsticks/lip balms, hair ties (how are those things always getting lost?). Sheet masks have also boomed in popularity, and are great to include for a nurse in your life that needs a little pampering.
Nursing Essentials + Accessories: here’s a fun challenge: see if you can fit a stethoscope into a stocking! Jokes aside, a nurse does not play about their tools! Stethoscopes, ID card holders, lanyards, socks, hand sanitizer, pens… the list goes on!
Self Care and Health Related Items - nurses are on the go constantly and the work gets very intense! Similar to gift cards, you can give the nurse in your life something that will benefit their health in and out of work, and make taking care of themselves a bit easier.
Sneakers and other fitness style apparel: a fresh pair of sneakers will go a long way for any nurse, whether they decide to use them for exercise or during their shift. You just can’t beat comfort and support during a long day! Other items to consider include compression socks or athletic wear, leggings and thermals for the colder months (for wearing under scrubs). If you want to really give a big gift, fleece jackets, windbreakers and hoodies are great for colder months and even colder offices and hospitals! Just make sure it is aligned with the dress code, and include a gift receipt just in case!
Meal Delivery Kits: HelloFresh, Blue Apron, the list goes on! Any service that can deliver pre-selected ingredients and recipes will really cut down on costs and the time it takes to prep fresh meals. Time is of the essence when you’re a nurse, and the convenience of having everything you need to make a delicious and nutritious meal takes the guesswork out of the equation - which is key after a long day at work or when a quick lunch is needed!
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1 this year, and like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is its own unique holiday that is observed and celebrated. Dr. Maulana Karenga, a California professor, created this holiday in 1966. Kwanzaa is a 7-day cultural festival that is meant to join the values and practices of African and African-American culture.
During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around The Seven Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. The holiday is also celebrated with feasts, music, dance, poetry, narratives, and a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles.
Gifts are typically given on the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1, and are typically artistic, creative, and handmade in nature. The importance of Kwanzaa gifts is to focus on African heritage and promote the betterment of the Black community.
This is a great time to support Black-owned businesses, and give a gift that is culturally significant and meaningful while contributing to small businesses, as well. Consider gifting: art, poetry books, handcrafted Kwanzaa items, and things that symbolize The Seven Principles as well as art and creativity.
This holiday season, it’s important to take note of the guiding principles for each of the holidays. This is a special time of year, where many cultures and faiths celebrate family and togetherness. While you’re gift shopping and giving, we hope that this guide helps. Remember to always give from the heart, as a thoughtful and meaningful gift will be sure to touch the heart(s) of the nurse(s) in your life.