BUYING GUIDE

45+ wonderful GIFTS FOR NURSES TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AT THE START OF THEIR CAREER

GIFTS FOR THE GIVER IN YOUR LIFE

LPN. RN. BSN. MSN. APRN. NP. CNS. It takes heaps of sleepless nights, countless exams, challenging clinicals, and a fair share of blood, sweat, and tears to earn the right to add these abbreviations after one's name. Each of these few letters equals hard work. On the other side of that tremendous work is a new hero entering the healthcare workforce. 

This is what brings us here. Graduating from nursing school is a huge accomplishment and deserves to be celebrated! Just as much as seasoned professionals, new nursing graduates merit to be showered with love, respect, appreciation... and gifts. While you already have the first three down to a T, we are here to help you crush it in the gift department!

We feel strongly about matching the best nurses with the best gifts - whether it's medical instruments for professional use or cool accessories to enjoy after work. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything from practical and useful to fun and adorable gifts for new graduates. You know, things they'll love that show your support and appreciation for them at the beginning of this exciting and meaningful journey.

Best Nurse Graduation Gifts: Excellent Nursing Tools for Excellent Future Nurses

A nurse's practice is intrinsically linked to a few medical devices they need to use constantly during every shift. While their nursing school may have provided the best instruments during their studies, now, at the start of their careers, is the perfect time to gift them high-quality tools for the job to help them excel in their practice. 


A STETHOSCOPE

1. AN ACOUSTICA STETHOSCOPE
A stethoscope is a crucial instrument for nurses, making it the greatest possible gift for a new RN. If you want to surprise them with the best of the best, there's only one path: MDF Instruments. Incomparable in terms of quality, style, and coolness, an MDF stethoscope is the gift that keeps on giving.

Stethoscopes from the Acoustica Series are lightweight, durable, and affordable - a clear winner if you're shopping on a budget. This model will become a trusted partner to the new nurse by providing excellent acoustics integrity and clarity and featuring an ergonomic design that guarantees comfort over longer shifts. 

Find more stethoscopes and many other gifts under $50 in our collection

MDF Instruments Stethoscope Acoustica Blue and Black Lightweight Dual Head

2. AN MD ONE STETHOSCOPE

The MDF MD One® Stainless Steel Dual Head Stethoscope is an all-time nurse favorite, and for a good reason. The quality of sound combined with the look and feel of the instrument ensures this stethoscope's righteous place in the hall of fame of diagnostic devices. Where you really hit the jackpot is the price-to-quality ratio. You get the highest functionality for one of the most beautiful stethoscopes out there (don't take our word for it, check the rose gold finish stethoscope). Amaze the graduate with this fantastic model that'll serve them well for years to come!

You can find this awesome stethoscope, in addition to more cool gifts, in our collection of gifts under $100.

MDF Instruments Stethoscope Rose Gold MD One Stainless Steel Dual Head

3. AN MPRINT STETHOSCOPE

If you want your gift to make a statement, buckle up for some suggestions that'll catch the eye and heart of the receiver. The Mprints collection comes in a wide variety of gorgeous prints. You can choose a stethoscope that is uniquely them: from camo to glitter or from flowery patterns to timeless marble prints that'll make Michelangelo's David jealous. The sky is your limit. 

MDF Instruments Stethoscope Leopard Rose Gold ProCardial Titanium Cardiology Mprint

3. AN ENGRAVED STETHOSCOPE

To make their gift truly unique, you can opt to engrave and personalize their MDF stethoscope. 

Curious to find more ideas of gifts under $200 for your favorite graduate? We have you covered!

MDF Instruments Stethoscope Engraving, Personalize your Stethoscope

5. A STETHOSCOPE CASE

A stethoscope case is a good gift for new nurses whose newly embraced specialty takes them on the road quite a lot. It'll help them stay organized and keep track of all their nursing instruments. This gift will be a life savior for all travel nurses, home health nurses, and public health nurses, considering the busy and complicated life they're about to embrace.

MDF Instruments Stethoscope Case, Free with ProCardial Titanium Mprint Stethoscope Purchase

6. A PENLIGHT

You can add a penlight to the stethoscope case or gift it individually. Either way, the graduate will appreciate tremendously getting this present. Not a day goes by when nurses don't use penlights, so it's always nice to have a high-quality instrument to aid you in your practice.

MDF Instruments Medical Penlight, Warm LED with Pupil Gauge

7.  REFLEX HAMMER

Another tool central to their profession, a reflex hammer, makes for an excellent gift. Black, silver, or rose gold, belonging to a specific type (Babinski, Buck, Queen Square, etc.) - there are plenty of choices when it comes to reflex hammers. You'll definitely hit the nail on the head if you surprise them with this gift at graduation.

MDF Instruments Rose Gold Reflex Hammer Tromner

Graduation Gifts for RNs to Start their Job on the Right Foot

8. A PAIR OF SCRUBS

You know what they say: not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear scrubs. So, if you're eager to find good nurse graduation gifts for your daughter, son, niece, nephew, partner, or friend, look no further than the superhero cape aisle. Sorry, we meant the scrubs aisle. A nurse can never have enough cute scrubs, so they will surely appreciate receiving a qualitative, lightweight, breathable, and easy-to-clean medical uniform on graduation day. Just imagine the pride they'll wear it with during the first day on the job.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Scrubs

9. A PAIR OF NURSING SHOES

Comfortable shoes are a game changer for people on the front lines of healthcare. As the new RN is about to discover, the long shifts are much more bearable when you don't have to worry about the pain or discomfort improper footwear causes. So, save them of this future distress by gifting them a pair of nursing shoes that'll have them feeling as if they're walking on air. Clove shoes are specially designed for people who work in the medical field. They are easy to clean, fluid-resistant, and comfortable beyond measure - the holy trinity of nursing shoe attributes. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nursing Shoes

Another great option that experienced nurses swear by is the New Balance 626. They're perfect for workers who are on their feet all day. Plus, they're durable, slip-resistant, and have a sleek design. Walking the hospital halls never felt nor looked so good! This is just as good a graduation gift for him as it is for her. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nursing Shoes New Balance

10. COMPRESSION SOCKS

Future nurse, meet your new best friend: compression socks. With many long shifts and lots of walking at the horizon, swelling and pain in the legs and ankles are almost a given. Compression socks help fight off these symptoms. They're beneficial for any age group, for male nurses, female nurses, and everyone in between. Forget about heavy and achy legs. This is truly a universally helpful gift.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Compression Socks

11. A WATCH

One more good idea for a nurse graduation gift is a retractable clock. People working in the healthcare field need to reference time constantly. So, an accurate, durable, and stylish watch is a perfect choice.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses, Nursing Watch

12. YETI LUNCH BAG

Future nurses who meal prep and bring their lunches to work will be crazy about this Yeti lunch bag. It keeps the food fresh for hours; it's easy to clean, and don't even get us started on the classic, cool design! 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses, Yeti Lunch Bag

13. A TUMBLER

With this tumbler, they can make it loud and clear that despite all the struggles, they have achieved something not a lot of people can. They are now a fully-fledged nurse ready to take on the world... after they've had their coffee, of course. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Tumbler

14. BECOMING NURSEY BOOK

A new nursing job comes with its fair share of questions, doubts, and worries. Help them stay ahead of the game by sharing enlightening reads that'll shape their nursing career. Becoming Nursey will give them the tools they need to become safe, caring, and efficient nurses as quickly as possible. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Book Becoming Nursey

15. FIRST YEAR NURSE BOOK

Another excellent gift for the bookish nurse is First Year Nurse, a collection of wisdom and warning from hundreds of nurses to help them crush their first year on the job. Every page is filled with compassion, insight, and enthusiasm - just what the doctor ordered to start their professional life the right way. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Book First Year Nurse

Gifts for Graduating Nurses: Cute & Fun Edition

16.  FUN SOCKS

Nine out of 10 nurses say that their favorite item of clothing is fun socks. Maybe don't check the validity of this entirely made-up fact, but feel free to check out fun socks as a potential good gift for nursing graduates. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Fun Nursing Socks

17.  A COLORING BOOK

Nursing school may have been stressful, but that was only a sneak peek into what everyday life on the job can be for RNs. Future nurses will much appreciate a gift to help them destress during those more challenging days. Adult coloring books are just the item for the job. A bit on the snarky side, a lot on the funny side, and filled with page after page of appreciation for nurses. The jury is in, and it's anonymous: this is a good graduation gift.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Coloring Book

18.  A FUN SWEATSHIRT

Celebrate their accomplishments the best way you know how: by poking fun at them. Let's assume this original hoodie will become their instant favorite, and how could it not? It's a little bit sarcastic and a lot nice. Sound like someone you may know? 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nurse Sweatshirt

19. WHAT DO YOU MEME? NURSES EDITION

Nurses deserve all the fun, and what can be more fun than a hilarious board game best enjoyed in the company of friends and family? Get your favorite new nurse the perfect party game that'll be the highlight of happy hours, game nights, or even lunch breaks with their team.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Game What Do You Meme Nursing Edition

20. THEIR FAVORITE BEVERAGE IN A FUN BAG

The exam season is over, nursing school is finished successfully, and all it took was tears, sleepless nights, and hours of studying. It's time to pop open the bubbly! Toast the nursing graduate with a bottle of their favorite beverage, and for maximum effect, make sure that bottle comes in amusing packaging. Nothing beats a gift that tells it like it is! 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Beverage Bag for Wine

It’s the Little Things: Small Graduation Gifts that Will bring them Immense Joy

21. A KEYCHAIN

Surprise your nurse graduate with a unique keychain they are sure to appreciate! The inspirational saying accompanying the graduation year will be a great souvenir to remind them that the thousands of hours spent studying have paid off and they made it!

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nurse Keychain

22. A TEDDY BEAR

A lovable and huggable teddy bear complete with a graduate cap and sash is a thoughtful gesture to commemorate the occasion of your grandkid, daughter or son, niece, or nephew's graduation. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Graduation Teddy Bear

23. GRADUATION CARDS

Sometimes, a little gesture speaks a thousand words. These cute graduation cards are ideal for showing a friend or family member that their hard work didn't go unnoticed. They sure eaRNed that diploma, and this card makes sure they know it!

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Graduation Card

24. A CUTE FIGURINE

Melt their heart on graduation day with a cute figurine they will treasure forever. It's excellent for both men and women, and it will be proudly displayed on a shelf where everyone can admire its undeniable cuteness. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses, Nurse Figurine

25. MY QUOTABLE PATIENTS NOTEBOOK

There is never a dull moment in the life of a nurse. The patients they care for daily can range from wise to entertaining, and some of the things they say can easily be classified as gems. Why not collect all the interesting, noteworthy, or hilarious things your patients utter and save them as written highlights of your nursing practice? Many years from graduation day, during their retirement party, they may look at this gem-filled notebook and cherish all the wonderful memories of a nursing career. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses My Quotable Patients Book

26. A BOOKMARK

The days of textbooks may be behind them, but the best nurses never stop learning. And whether they're learning from a nursing journal, a memoir, or a fiction story, having a special bookmark makes the experience all the more significant. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nursing Bookmark

27. CUPCAKE TOPPERS

Make sure their graduation celebration is as sweet as it is unforgettable. And when we say sweet, we mean it literally. Nothing completes a party as a batch (or several) of delicious cupcakes. Add some festive cupcake toppers to make the gift all-around awesome, and you've got yourself a proper celebration! The graduate will be thrilled!

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Cupcake Toppers

28. FLOWERS

No graduation day would be complete without flowers. Bring some beauty into the graduate's celebration with a bouquet that unequivocally conveys the message: I am proud of you and your tremendous accomplishments! 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Flowers

Unique Registered Nurse Graduation Gifts

29. A LUXURY PEN

A luxury pen is a good graduation gift for nurse practitioners, nurse managers, or clinical nurse specialists. This present expresses elegance, sophistication, and class. While it's true that nursing is not always the most glamorous job, they can still use some really glam accessories in their daily practice.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Pen

If a fancy pen is not really up their alley, what about some really fun ones? We have just the most *humerus* gift. Future RNs will love this set of cool pens regardless if they work in the orthopedic or radiology department or if they save days on the daily in the ER. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Humerus Pen

30. A DECORATIVE SIGN

What's creative, adorable, and makes the best gift for a graduating nurse? This handmade string art picture board! They can add their favorite photos from their school years, graduation day, first day on the job, or their first promotion. It's a thoughtful gesture that allows them to look back on all the wonderful moments this career path has galvanized. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Decorative Wooden Sign

31. A COOL PRINT

This vintage-style reproduction print of a Registered Nurse caduceus illustration is an eye-catching element of home decor that'll adorn their favorite room or office. Plus, it comes in different sizes, so you can choose one that will look just right in their space.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nurse Art Print

32. A NOTEBOOK

They'll be enthralled to receive an inspirational notebook where they can jot down their reflections, thoughts, aspirations, or even to-do lists or patient notes. The sweet message will be a constant reminder of why they got into nursing in the first place, and it'll keep them going even when the job gets tough. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Notebook

Personalized Nurse Graduation Gifts

33. A UNIQUE MUG

Take a stab at the most incredible gift possible and opt for this cool personalizable mug. It'll be a hit with your favorite future RN because the only thing nurses love more than coffee is enjoying their coffee from a novelty, unique mug. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Mug

34. A MONOGRAMMED JACKET

Really, one of the most practical gifts you could give to a nursing graduate is a monogrammed jacket. Hospitals can run a little cold, and this adorable jacket will keep them warm and cozy, allowing them to express themselves while on the clock. It's very fashionable, the embroidery is expertly crafted, and you can personalize it any way you want. Talk about a great present.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Monogrammed Jacket

35. A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Express how proud you are that they chased their dream of becoming a nurse with a Christmas ornament that'll grace the tree every year from this point forward! Personalize the ornament with his or her name and graduation year, and a sweet message for an extra special touch.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Ornament

36. A PERSONALIZED WATER BOTTLE

Staying hydrated is one of the most important health habits, and nurses ought to keep on top of their health to be able to help patients with theirs. That's why a personalized water bottle is a good gift idea for graduation. When the busy nurse life kicks in, this adorable bottle will keep them accountable for their water intake in the cutest way possible. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Personalized Water Bottle

The Gift of Self-Care for the Most Selfless People

37. A GIFT BOX

A gift bag filled with goodies and other cute little items is an excellent graduation gift for a nurse. You can go the DIY route and put the box together yourself, or you can find some fantastic pre-made gift boxes that are sure to put a smile on their face during the big day. DIY or not, the receiver will know that the box is filled to the brim with love and care in addition to all the cool things. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Nurse Appreciation Gift Box

38. A SPA CARE PACKAGE

A spa gift box is a perfect gift for winding down after a few stressful years of nursing school and preparing for the exciting new challenges of a nurse's life. It's a fantastic way to show them that those who care the most are also deeply loved and appreciated by the people around them. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Spa Care Package

39. A CANDLE

Your bestie, partner, or friend has just completed nursing school like the champion they are. That leaves you with one mission: to find the perfect graduation gift that's equally witty, useful, and unique. Express your burning admiration for their achievements with a gift that emanates light and warmth (quite literally, too). This scented candle made with premium fragrances is just what you are seeking. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Candle

40. AFFIRMATION CARD SET

Empowering? Check. Valuable? Check. Encouraging? Triple check. Especially now, at the beginning of their nursing career, new RNs need all the support and love they can get. This healthcare affirmation card set is a fantastic gift to remind them every day, one little quote at a time, how important their job is and how awesome they are for choosing it. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Affirmation Card Set

Best Graduation Gifts for Her

41. A STETHOSCOPE NECKLACE

Jewelry lovers will find this gift particularly meaningful. With an original design and displaying the finest craftsmanship, this adorable stethoscope necklace will remind them constantly of the purposeful path they've chosen. It's the perfect nurse graduation gift for a daughter, niece, or partner.

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Stethoscope Necklace

42. A KEEPSAKE BOX

A keepsake box is perfect for storing everything from jewelry to precious mementos. Choose a beautifully designed and artfully crafted item to light up their day. All the positive attributes that describe your favorite new nurse are on the lid, so every time they open the box, they'll be met with joy, positivity, and good vibes. It is a special graduation gift they'll hold dear and use for years to come. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Keepsake Box

43. A TOTE BAG

Surprise your nurse graduate with a personalized tote bag big enough to hold all her belongings and stylish enough to make all her colleagues mildly jealous. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Tote Bag

Great Nurse Graduation Gifts for Him

44. ORGANIZER

Nurses crave organization in their job and personal life. So, this practical organizer is perfect, especially for the male nurse who's always so hard to shop for. His keys, phone, sunglasses, and headphones can finally be all organized in one place. He'll never wander in a frenzy about where his keys are when he's running late for the job. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Organizer

45. A SET OF GLASSES

As a nurse, some days will go great, some will be meh, and others will best remain undescribed. Wouldn't it be great for a newly minted nurse to share how their day went a bit more creatively? These unique glasses will make a great conversation starter (or conversation stopper) when it's one of those bad days. 

MDF Instruments Best Gifts for Graduating Nurses Glasses

Ready to Celebrate a New Hero Joining the Ranks of Healthcare Workers?

Nurses deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their hard work and dedication to the healthcare field. A thoughtful gift can be a great way to show appreciation and support for a new graduate or a seasoned nurse.

From practical items like stethoscopes and scrubs, to personal touches like a customized piece of jewelry or a relaxing spa day, there are endless options for the perfect graduation gift for a nurse. No matter what you choose, be sure to consider the recipient's personality and interests, and thank them for their tireless efforts in caring for others.

We hope our list helped you find the best gift ideas for your favorite new nurse's graduation!

Buying Guides

What to know before buying a stethoscope

Top MDF Sphygmomanometers for Home and Professional Use

Looking for finding the best sphygmomanometers for home, professional, or clinical use? Read on to find the most reliable and accurate blood pressure cuffs.

How to Succeed in Nursing School: 15 Nursing School Tips for Aspiring RNs

Don't let your nursing studies overwhelm you. Discover the best nursing school tips & tricks that will help you study and get through nursing school successfully.

An Exploration of Hospital Budgets and Best Practices

Read our article to find out everything you need to know about hospital budgeting and a few best practices.

Inventory Management and Best Practices For Hospitals | MDF Instruments

Hospitals have to deal with high volumes of inventory daily. Read our guide on healthcare inventory management to discover tips on how to tackle this issue.