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International Nurses Day falls on 12 May every year, the date chosen to mark the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. It was established by the International Council of Nurses in 1974 and is observed around the world.

In the United States the celebration runs longer. National Nurses Week takes place from 6 to 12 May, ending on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, after the American Nurses Association expanded the single day into a full week in 1990.

Whether you are thanking a colleague, a friend, a family member or the nurse who looked after you, a small gift is a thoughtful way to recognise long shifts and hard work. The ideas below are grouped by category and budget so you can find something that fits.

Self-care and relaxation gifts

Nursing is demanding, so gifts that encourage rest tend to land well.

Pamper and spa hampers A boxed set of bath soaks, candles and skincare gives a tired nurse permission to switch off. Browse the gift sets at Marks & Spencer or John Lewis.

Scented candles A good candle is an easy way to make a home feel calmer after a night shift. There is a wide range of handmade options on Notonthehighstreet.

Aromatherapy and essential oils Lavender and other calming blends help with winding down and sleep. Handmade sellers on Etsy stock plenty of small-batch sets.

Practical gifts for shifts

The most appreciated nurse gifts are often the ones used every working day.

Compression socks Hours on your feet make a quality pair of compression socks genuinely useful. You will find a broad selection on Amazon.

Insulated drinkware A flask or travel cup that keeps a drink hot through a long ward round is always welcome. Look at the drinkware ranges at John Lewis.

Comfortable everyday extras Soft socks, a good pen that survives a uniform pocket, or a comfortable cardigan for chilly wards all earn their keep. Marks & Spencer carries dependable basics at marksandspencer.com.

Personalised gifts

A personal touch turns a simple item into a keepsake.

Personalised badge reels and lanyards Customised ID accessories are practical and easy to personalise with a name or role. Independent makers on Etsy offer hundreds of designs.

Engraved keepsakes An engraved pen, keyring or piece of jewellery makes a lasting thank-you. Browse personalised options at Notonthehighstreet.

Custom prints and mugs A named mug or a framed print with a kind message suits a colleague or a leaving gift. Try the personalised gift sellers on Etsy.

Food, drink and hampers

When in doubt, something edible rarely misses.

Treat hampers A boxed selection of biscuits, chocolate and snacks is generous and easy to share on the ward. The food gift range at Marks & Spencer is a reliable starting point.

Coffee and tea sets A bag of good coffee or a tea sampler fuels the early starts. Speciality sets are available through Uncommon Goods.

Letterbox treats For nurses you cannot see in person, a hamper or food box delivered to the door is a thoughtful option from John Lewis.

Books and notebooks

Quiet, useful gifts for off-duty hours.

Quality notebooks A well-made notebook helps with handover notes, study or simply keeping organised. There are plenty of designs on Notonthehighstreet.

Books for downtime A gripping novel or a nursing memoir makes a restful gift after a busy week. Browse the wide selection at Amazon.

Journals and planners A guided journal or a shift planner suits anyone juggling rotas and revision. Independent makers list both on Etsy.

Thank-you gifts from patients and families

If you want to thank a nurse who cared for you or a relative, keep it simple and heartfelt.

Flowers and plants A bunch of flowers or an easy-care houseplant is a classic gesture of gratitude. Marks & Spencer delivers nationwide from marksandspencer.com.

Shared treats for the team A box of chocolates or a hamper for the whole ward spreads the thanks around. The gift range at John Lewis has options to suit a group.

A handwritten card Pair any gift with a card. A few honest lines about what their care meant often matter more than the present itself.

Budget gifts under twenty pounds

Thoughtful does not have to be expensive.

A nice pen and notebook set Small, practical and used daily. Easy to find on Amazon.

A single candle or soap bar A small luxury that still feels considered, available from makers on Etsy.

A chocolate or snack treat Inexpensive, always welcome, and easy to share on shift from Marks & Spencer.

Choosing the right gift

Match the gift to how well you know the person. Under twenty pounds suits a colleague or a thank-you, where a candle, treat box or notebook is plenty. Around twenty to fifty pounds works for a close friend or family member, which is where personalised items and hampers sit comfortably. Above fifty pounds is best kept for someone you know well, such as engraved jewellery or a premium spa set. When unsure, something practical and consumable, like good coffee or comfortable socks, is rarely wrong.

For more seasonal inspiration, see our full gift guides. You can also read more about the history and date of International Nurses Day on 12 May and plan your gift to arrive in good time.