6 Creative Graduation and Summer Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Nursing Student

Meg Lambrych, RN-BC
By
Updated on June 5, 2023
    Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite nursing school grad? Check out this list for creative gift options — that they might actually use!
    Nursing school graduate hugging her mom at commencementCredit: Getty Images

    Graduation season is winding down, and summer break is setting in. Nursing school is tough, and those who dedicate their lives to helping others deserve a little downtime.

    Are you looking to recognize your favorite nursing student for a job well done? Are you also looking for a good gift for the nurse graduate who already has plenty of scrubs and a good stethoscope?

    Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

    Check out this creative gift guide with an option for every budget to reward your favorite nursing student or nurse graduate because you don’t need to break the bank to give them a memorable gift.

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    Price Guide

    $ = Under $10 | $$ = $10-$25 | $$$ = $26-$50 | $$$$ = Over $50

    Unique Nursing Pins, Badges and Lanyards

    Price: $

    Wearing a uniform at work can make nursing feel impersonal and dull. These unique healthcare-themed enamel pins, badges, and lanyards can help your new grad spice up their outfit and allow their personality to shine through no matter where they work.

    Other options include stickers, keychains, and badge buddies.

    Mini Sharpies

    Price: $$

    Believe it or not, these affordable little markers are the hottest commodity on the hospital floor! They are essential for any bedside nurse because they help with tricky tasks like writing on plastic bags and medication packaging — impossible to do with a regular pen — and attach right to your work badge.

    Just make sure to buy your nursing student extra because their coworkers are sure to steal them.

    Water Bottle

    Price: $$

    Nursing students know hydration is vital for their patients but need help staying hydrated due to long shifts and hours spent studying. Dehydration can lead to health issues, and nurses deserve to be cared for too.

    So here’s the perfect gift to remind them to drink up all shift long because you can never have enough water bottles as a nurse. Your new grad will love this extra-large water jug they only have to fill once. It’s super durable and available in eight different colors.

    Nursing Book

    Price: $$

    There is no doubt that it’s a challenging time to start in the nursing field. Give your nursing student the gift of a hopeful perspective with the book, “Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World.”

    This empowering book details the fascinating history of nursing and highlights the essential role nurses play in creating a better healthcare system.

    Amusement Park or Arcade Tickets

    Image credit: SEN LI / Getty Images

    Price: $$$

    Nothing says summer fun like an amusement park! A day full of rollercoasters, water slides, and carnival games will blast stress and bring out the inner child of any nursing student.

    Check out TripSavvy to find the perfect trip option for that special nursing student in your life. From small-time arcades to colossal theme parks, they will be thrilled to close the books for a day and enjoy fun in the sun.

    NCLEX Prep or Professional Coaching Services

    Image credit: Luis Alvarez / Getty Images

    Price: $$$$

    While nursing graduation is exciting, what comes next is anxiety producing for most: passing their board exams.

    The new NCLEX rolled out in April 2023, and it promises to be extra challenging.

    Help them lower their anxiety with effective prep tools. You can even help recent graduates with professional coaching services.

    Now more than ever, nursing school grads need extra support to hit the ground running, and coaching services from experienced nurses can help.

    No matter what gift you decide, your nursing student deserves to be recognized and celebrated for all their hard work and dedication. Need more gift ideas? Check out our comprehensive gift guide for nurses.