When you were a few weeks shy of labor, did you get sent into panic mode because someone asked you, “What did you get for the nurses?” Yikes! You forgot??? Well, good thing I made this super dandy list of labor and delivery nurse gifts just for you!
Careful though, because not every gift is allowed to be taken. Let me explain.
So, you’re 36 weeks pregnant and you have done all the things to get ready for the big delivery day. And then someone mentions gifts. But no, not for you or your baby (thank goodness because you have no idea what to do with all the gifts you’ve received), but labor and delivery nurse gifts.
(Do you have a midwife instead? A gift for your midwife would still be appreciated!)
Uh oh. Usually, you don’t know who your labor and delivery nurse is going to be until you go into labor. And once admitted into the hospital, there will typically be a few nurses assigned to you, not just one. That’s not a lot of time to get to know them, and it can be difficult to learn what gifts to give when you are focused on the little human trying to get out of you.
So, what are you supposed to give someone (or some people) you’ve never even met? And when’s the best time to give them your gift?
Well, there are lots of options for gifts to give your nurse(s), and my list below will give you plenty of ideas! But really, don’t overthink it for two reasons.
First of all, nurses don’t expect gifts from the mothers they help in the hospital, so anything you give them will be above and beyond!
And secondly (which is less discussed, yet really important), nurses are actually NOT allowed to accept most gifts. A nurse accepting most gifts is considered unethical and is stated so in most, if not all, hospital policies. Each organization, however, outlines the exact guidelines for themselves that may be different than others.
For example, one hospital might state that it is not allowed to receive money in any form, including gift cards. Another hospital might say that only thank you cards are permitted for individual workers, and if something of greater value is gifted, it must be shared with everyone on the floor/unit. There also might be a limit on how much money a patient can spend on a gift for any staff member.
It is best to call the hospital before or after you give birth and ask what they allow so you can respect their rules and guidelines. This will save you time, money, and confusion so you don’t take in a gift that will politely be declined.
Once you have figured out what gift you want to take, you can either put it in your hospital bag before labor happens or visit the hospital again after your baby is born. Either way is fine and just a personal preference, although it seems to be recommended that you leave the gift at the nurse’s station for it to either be given to the proper nurse or to be easily shared between everyone.
Now let’s get into the gifts.
This post is all about labor and delivery nurse gifts that your nurse can actually keep!
SIMPLE LABOR AND DELIVERY NURSE GIFTS
1. Buy Them Coffee
Nurses have shifts that sometimes seem to last forever! Coffee is typically a must for them to survive. Buying them quality coffee during their shift would be appreciated. A small amount on a coffee gift card MAY OR MAY NOT be possible depending on the hospital policy, but again, gift cards are items you would need to call about.
2. Bring In Candy
Who doesn’t love some good candy? Sugary treats are a fantastic, quick, grab-n-go if the nurse is in a rush, which most likely is the case. The extra sugar can give her an extra boost, especially if she hasn’t had time to eat an official meal yet. This is also something that’s great to share with all the staff working the unit.
3. Little Lip Balm
Not only do nurses’ hands get dry, but their lips do as well. Some small chapsticks or lip balms to keep in their pockets would be valuable indeed! There’s nothing worse than dry lips that get red and feel like they are burning off your face while you are helping deliver a baby!
4. Yummy Snack Basket
Something to give the nurses good, quick energy, especially since they miss meals throughout the day as they get wrapped up in their job. You can include things like protein bars, beef jerky, dried fruit, and more. This is another easy group gift idea!
5. Handy Hair Ties, Clips, and Headbands
Just a little something to keep their hair back so they can do the best job they can. It’s difficult to have to fix your hair when it doesn’t stay in place, especially when you have to wear gloves. Something like this Floral Baby Nurse Twist Headband can help make sure your nurse won’t have to worry about her hair getting in the way as she dives into amniotic fluid! (Ew, haha sorry)
6. Pens Galore
With all the writing a nurse has to do, a pen is needed in every pocket she has! Not only do they get used quickly and misplaced often. It’s nice to have a stash of amazing pens like these G2 Pilot Fine Black Pens when you need them. Don’t forget about Sharpies! They use those a lot too.
7. Tiny Badge Reels
Getting a fun badge reel, like this Baby Badge Reel Flower, is a creative way to spice up the scrubs with some personality. It will also get used, as nurses all need a badge reel. I’ve also been told that dilation beads like these are a labor and delivery nurse’s favorite, which can either be purchased or handmade.
8. Scented Hand Sanitizer
I know it seems like nurses have enough hand sanitizer, but I’m sure more wouldn’t hurt! Especially if you got them the small travel-sized ones that had a delicious scent since the ones at the hospital are most likely general-scented hand sanitizer.
9. Thoughtful Handwritten Note
Sometimes, nothing beats a sweet, handwritten note expressing how much you appreciated your L&D Nurse. It is something they can keep and read as often as they’d like. Including a picture of your family would also help the nurse remember you and would surely put a smile on her face. Heartfelt thank yous and specific things that the nurse did to help you during labor are greatly cherished.
10. Lovely Water Bottle/Tumbler
With all the running around they do, I’m sure nurses need to drink more than a gallon of water a day. What better way to help them stay hydrated than giving them a cute bottle that they can’t wait to drink from? This Labor and Delivery Nurse with Personalized Name Tumbler will never leave your nurses lips!
11. Fun Nurse Stickers
Labor and Delivery Nurse Stickers are just a cute way to customize their water bottle if they don’t already have a personalized one. It can be a fun activity for them while they are on their break or sitting at home.
12. Adorable Nurse Mug
Whether your nurse likes coffee, juice, tea, lemonade, or water, a Labor and Deliver Nurse Coffee Mug can be a fun addition to her cabinet at home or work. Makes drinking a little more enjoyable when you have a cute mug.
13. Delectable Homemade Cookies
You can’t go wrong with homemade cookies! Or just a homemade dessert in general! This is a great individual or group treat. Spending the time to make the nurses something instead of just buying it can show a deeper level of appreciation. Although, if you don’t have the time to make it yourself, there is nothing wrong with running to the store beforehand for a box of cookies. Still delicious and very much enjoyed!
14. Unique Stethoscope Charm
What a beautiful and dainty gift to give your nurse! I think this Stethoscope Charm with Birth Flower is so lovely, and it comes with their name. There are other options you can find online that have a different look to them. Either way, so cute!
15. Hanging Christmas Ornament
If you are having a baby around the holidays, a fun thank you could hang on their tree that year! And every year after! This Delivering The Best Presents Christmas ornament will make her tree look even more awesome.
16. Order in Lunch
Whether you buy lunch for one nurse or cater in a large sandwich tray for all those on the clock, food is welcomed with open arms. Although snacks are nice in a rush, it’s also nice to have the option of a hefty, filling lunch instead of just munching the entire shift.
17. Sweet Lotions
Nurses are using their hands all day long and constantly washing them and sanitizing them. They can get dry easily, so some delicious-smelling lotion is a great way for them to keep their hands moisturized and happy!
18. Cozy Sweatshirt
If the policy allows, a sweatshirt like this Wildflowers Labor and Delivery Nurse Crewneck Sweatshirt, would be incredibly cute for your nurse to wear off-duty. This is something that could easily be personalized with her name, etc. However, this is more of an individual gift than a group gift, which can be tricky. Maybe you could pair it with a tray of cookies for the rest of the staff while giving your specific nurse the sweatshirt. But again, check the policy, as this might not be a good option.
19. Sizzling Bath Bombs
What a great way to end amazing baby delivery experiences! Also a good excuse to get off of your feet after a long day. Your nurse can just soak in the water and think about all the crazy emotions of the day. Or maybe not. Maybe she doesn’t want to think about work at all! A bath bomb will help clear her mind.
20. Crackling Candles
Not only do candles smell amazing, but they also help create a peaceful environment and make a room feel even more lovely than it is. Add a candle to the warm bath and bath bomb experience and your nurse has herself a home spa!
21. Donate to Charity
If your hospital is very strict about gifts, you could offer to donate money to a charity of your nurse’s choice instead. That way, no rules are broken and you and your nurse feel the benefits of giving to a good cause.
There you have it! A list of fabulous labor and delivery nurse gifts for you to consider! Reminder, the items on this list are just possibilities of what you could get your nurse. They are all decently priced, however, they may still not be accepted at some hospitals.
I still recommend calling the specific hospital you will deliver at to be clear on their restrictions as it varies between facilities.
This post was all about labor and delivery nurse gifts.
Leave a Reply