30 Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Doctors
Has a doctor done something extraordinary for you? Did they solve a chronic health problem? Discover an issue before it’s too late? Perhaps a gift is in order. But what do you buy for a doctor you may or may not know that well?
We’ve got you covered. Check out our 30 inexpensive gift ideas for doctors.
Can Doctors Accept Gifts from Patients?
Yes, doctors can accept patient gifts, but with a few conditions. According to the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics, gifts should:
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Be relative to a patient’s means. Doctors can’t accept extravagant gifts or gifts that may cause financial harm to the patient.
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Be given after treatment. If a gift is given before treatment, it can be seen as a bribe influencing the patient’s treatment.
So, as long as the gift is reasonable and given out of gratitude, giving a gift to your doctor shouldn’t be a problem.
Functional Gifts for a Doctor
We all know medical professionals are busy! Here are nine functional gift ideas for a doctor who is always up and moving.
Silicone rings are great for healthcare workers. They flex and bend as a doctor uses their hands, prevent injuries, are easy to wash, and don’t tear up latex gloves.
If you’ve noticed your doctor already has a lovely ring, you can buy them a ring holder necklace. The pendant of the necklace is designed to hold a ring, so doctors can keep it with them without having to worry about damaging it or injuring themselves.
Doctors rarely sit down as they go from patient to patient. It’s not unusual for their legs and feet to feel sore after a long day. Compression socks are a thoughtful gift because they help with circulation, which prevents swelling and provides pain relief.
Since doctors are always on the move and may not get a chance to eat much during the day, a travel mug is a useful gift. Whether it’s filled with coffee or water, having a drink nearby will help keep them going.
Like we said, there’s not a lot of time to eat when you have patients to see. Giving your doctor a basket of sealed snacks like nuts, chips, or even candy (though it’s not the healthiest choice) can be a great gift.
However, be careful about any potential allergies your doctor may have.
We’ve all been in a situation where we forgot to charge our phone, and it dies midday. Doctors are no different! Having a portable charger in their pocket is a great backup plan.
An insulated lunch box is a convenient way for doctors to eat a home-cooked meal rather than having to resort to takeout all the time. The best part is that even if they already have one, it never hurts to have another.
Doctors need to have their badges on them at all times. It’s easy to lose them in their pockets or wallets. A badge holder creates easy access to their badge to show patients or scan for authoritative access.
Writing with a bad pen can ruin your day, and doctors are always writing. Whether it’s patient notes, signing documents, or writing prescriptions, pens are a big part of their daily life.
Relaxation and Wellness Gifts
If you want to help your doctor relax, here are six gift ideas.
Hand cream is helpful for doctors since they have to wash their hands all the time, which dries out their skin, leaving cracks on their palms and fingers. Cream gives that moisture back and allows them to work with their hands comfortably.
A foot massager is a thoughtful gift to give. It can tend to a doctor’s sore feet for pain relief and better circulation.
Depending on the type of doctor you want to thank, they may work long or odd hours. A sleep mask can help them sleep better. It can block out the sun or harsh lights of the breakroom, letting them rest fully.
Candles are a great way to de-stress after work, especially if they have aromatherapy properties. Scents like lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, and more can create a relaxing atmosphere.
Bath salts are great for either a bath or a foot soak. They check off all the boxes, helping with muscle pain, relaxation, dry skin, and circulation issues. Plus, they smell good!
Sometimes, your doctor may need something to slow their minds. Stress toys are perfect for that. You can buy toys that click, spin, or pop so your doctor can play and relax.
Personalized and Sentimental Gifts
If you are close to your doctor or know their likes, you can use that to your advantage and give a gift that will mean a lot to them.
- Engraved Items
Ensure that everyday objects don’t get accidentally taken by their coworkers by buying them engraved items. An engraved pen, water bottle, or ring with their name shows you care and makes them feel special.
- Thank You Card
Something as simple as a handwritten card can mean everything to your doctor. Spending time to write a message by hand is a rarity in a world filled with digital communication.
- Something Representing Their Personality
If your doctor has a specific hobby or characteristic, you could buy them something that represents that. It can be anything: jewelry, a pair of socks, or whatever else you find.
- A Charitable Donation in Their Name
If you are unsure what to get your doctor, you can donate to a charity in their name. It can be based on something they love—maybe a local animal shelter, because they love animals. You could also donate to medical charities such as Doctors Without Borders.
- Something Handmade
If you’re crafty or willing to learn a new skill, you could make something for your doctor. A handmade scarf, hat, necklace, etc., can mean a lot. Not only are you giving them a gift, but you took the time to make it yourself.
4 Fun and Lighthearted Gifts
If you don’t want anything too serious, you can buy a simple, fun gift.
Tote bags are not only useful, but they often come in fun patterns or have funny sayings on them. You can’t go wrong with a tote bag with silly designs. You can even give a medical-themed one!
Everyone loves a pair of fun socks! Let’s be honest: socks are taken too seriously, especially when you’re an adult. Add a bit of fun to their long work days with bright socks.
There are so many different designs and patterns you can find for classic coffee mugs. Maybe you can find one that makes your doctor laugh.
- Gift Cards
Gift cards are the perfect gift when you don’t know what to get. Grab a gift card to local restaurants or event spaces.
6 Office Gifts
You can also give gifts to the entire office if your doctor has one.
We already mentioned snacks, but you can also get some for the entire office. For a change of pace, consider tea or coffee samplers.
Buy your doctor’s office a subscription to a popular magazine. Your doctor and their staff can read it on their breaks. Ask which magazine would be best for the team.
Every office needs a bit of greenery. Whether it’s real or fake, you can offer a nice plant to your doctor’s office.
If you want something completely different, you can buy the office a game to play on breaks. It can be a pack of cards or a game that doesn’t take long to play. It’s perfect for tough workdays.
Silly magnets are an easy way to bring some fun to a serious work environment. Whether it’s wordplay or cute animals, you can add some joy to the office.
Have you noticed that your doctor’s office has bare walls? Buy them some art! Landscapes or nature prints are always safe options to give.
Show Your Favorite Doctor Some Appreciation
Showing gratitude to your doctor doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. As cliche as it is, it truly is the thought that counts. If you want a durable gift that can stand the daily stress of a medical professional, Enso Rings are the perfect choice.
If you haven't already, make sure to browse our extensive collection of rings.