gifts for new doctors

16 Great Graduation Gift Ideas For Doctors

If you’re like us, sometimes you find yourself stumped, trying to find the right gift for the upcoming medical school graduate or the new doctor in your life. We go through the year, seeing great present ideas here and there, but we never seem to write down or remember what those great gift ideas were! Well, we’ve got you covered. We’ve assembled a list of 16 great graduation gift ideas for doctors, priced lowest to highest.

Before we dive in, if you’re acquainted with a physician’s spouse or partner, let them know you want to help make their medical journey a little easier. Just send them this link so they can learn more about us or provide us with their contact details and we’ll send a personalized invitation on your behalf, complete with everything they need to join The MedCommons Circle—a web-app fostering community and understanding among physician spouses and partners.

Now let’s get started!

Time 

$0+

This is one of the most valuable gifts for the doctor in your life. Channel your inner child and create a coupon book of things you can do to provide more time for them to rest or be with family.

If you’re home improvement inclined, some ideas are monthly lawn care, handyman services, and house cleaning. Babysitting or grocery shopping is also a helpful idea. Want to spend a little cash? A food delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats comes in handy after a long day at work!

Compression Socks 

$15+

Long hours in the operating room can take a toll on muscles and cause leg & foot swelling. It can also cause health issues such as swelling, back pain, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Many doctors opt for compression stockings to help combat the problems before they start. 

Some brands that have cult followings, such as Rogue and Vim & Vigr (which are super stylish), tend to be more expensive. Fear not! You can find compression stockings for around $15 easily on Amazon or even at your local Costco. 

Sound Machine 

$20+

If you have kids in the house or live on a busy street, then a sound machine is an absolute “must” gift for any doctor. For a mere $20, you won’t only be giving a physical gift, you’ll be giving the gift of better, more sound sleep which translates to improved physician wellness. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. 

Scrubs 

$22+

Gone are the days when doctors have to walk around the hospital in blue, frumpy scrubs. Stylish options reign with scrub-sets from companies like Figs and Grey’s Anatomy. Make your gift a bit more personal by adding their name to the pocket of their scrub top. (If you’re not sure whether or not to include their first name in the personalization, leave it out to be safe. Some doctors don’t like to include their first name on their scrubs.)

relocation Planner

$29+

This relocation planner is a thoughtful graduation gift for a doctor who’s family is preparing to move in the coming year. The Founder of Move Mama Move and her family have relocated over twelve times for medicine, so she knows what’s involved in a successful (and unsuccessful) move. Digital and paper planners are available; however, the Premium Home Search + Relocation planner is by far the most popular.

ROSCBox 

$29.99 + Monthly Subscription Option

The ROSCBox is a curated box service that is crafted by folks who want to provide snacks, support, encouragement & resources to physicians-which makes this subscription box a great gift for doctors! Most boxes contain some sweet/salty snacks, swag, and a monthly wellness challenge. Purchase one box or a monthly subscription if you want to really lift someone’s spirits!  

NodPod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask 

$30.00

Acting as both a sleep mask and a stress reducer, the Nodpod gentle pressure sleep mask is a hit for the doctor who needs to help calm their overactive mind and relieve some stress from a heavy workload. It’s heavier than most masks, providing that ‘weighted blanket’ feel across both eyes. It can be put in both the freezer and the washing machine.

Loupes 

$30+

Much like bidets, loupes are something you don’t know you need until you use them. They’re a lifesaver in the ER, used to help doctors with nose bleeds and getting small things out of small crevices. 

You can find nice loupes on Amazon for a great price. The recommended focal length when buying is 2.5x420mm. Be sure to put the gift recipient’s name on them because as soon as the other ER doctors find out how great they are, they’ll be gone! 

The Essentials Suture Kit 

$99

Years of medical school prepared them for this moment: a loved one with a minor laceration. 

Why not gift the supplies they need to show off their mad suturing skills with The Essentials Suture Kit from PreparedPhysician.com. This kit comes with everything an up-and-coming medical resident needs to sew up a laceration safely and effectively. 

Noise Cancelling Headphones 

$100+

Silence is golden… and so are noise-cancelling headphones when you’re studying for exams. 

If you’re on a budget, you’ll find generic versions on Amazon for around $100. Be sure to read the reviews carefully on any generic brands because the purpose is to give the gift of silence… if they’re not noise cancelling then that purpose is defeated. Of course, you may want to opt for quality brand name versions like Beats or Bose, of which will likely run upward of $300. Expect these to deliver the quality and noise-canceling features you’re seeking.

Ororo Heated Vest

$130+

Calling all loved ones of a surgeon! If you’ve ever been in the unfortunate situation of being rolled into an operating room, you know they can be extremely cold (queue the heated blankets!). The Ororo heated vest does the trick when it comes to making those freezing ORs more tolerable for our resident life-savers.

Ember smart mug

$130+

The Ember Smart Mug is unique in that it has a smart battery that allows users to set their drink to a specific temperature and keep it at that temperature for as long as the built-in battery lasts or all day on the warmer. With varying sizes and styles, this is an ideal gift for doctors with a long commute or one frequently on the move in and out of their office.

Patagonia Better Sweater 

$150+

If you think the new doctor in your life may run cold, then Patagonia Better Sweaters are THE hot item when it comes to hospital fashion. We’re not sure how or when this trend started, but they really are a ‘healthcare worker thing’… and we’re here for it. 

Solo Stove 

$230+

Enjoying a relaxing evening outside the hospital doesn’t get better than this. Solo Stoves let you enjoy the time gathering around a campfire without inhaling smoke or smelling like smoke when you walk away. From firepits (for the backyard enthusiast) to grills (for the chef) and camp stoves (for the outdoorsman), you’re sure to find one of their products that appeals to the physician in your life. 

Add a bottle of wine or some S’mores ingredients with the fire tool accessory to really take this gift to the next level.

Tiffany Caduceus Pen 

$300

If you’re looking for an heirloom gift idea for doctors, the Tiffany Caduceus Clip ballpoint pen is a classic. It’s not frilly or over the top. It’s an elegant gift that subtly acknowledges the significant accomplishment of becoming a doctor.

lululemon x Peloton Mirror 

$999 + Monthly Subscription Fee

We know. This is a pricey item, but 80+ hours a week in training wears on both mind and body. It also leaves very little time for a medical resident to do much more than eat and sleep, much less take the time to drive somewhere to exercise. 

Because of the investment, both initial and ongoing, The Mirror is probably something more for family members to gift a loved one. If you’re looking for a gift that will truly improve someone’s life, though, then this is it.  Added bonus: The Mirror also offers a 15% Healthcare Worker Discount.

We have personal experience with the physical and mental health benefits from The Mirror. It can definitely be a game-changer for improved mental wellness.

That’s a ‘wrap’ on our top 16 great graduation gifts for doctors! 

Remember, it doesn’t matter if your gift is $15 or $1000. The most valuable gift you can give a healthcare worker is the gift of support and encouragement. A simple note, a tighter hug, or a phone call to let them know you’re thinking about them goes a long way. You never know what cases they’ve encountered in the hospital. Your simple gesture might just help get them through a tough day.

Interested in more articles about new doctors? Check out these:

7 Tips for the Spouses of New Medical Residents

Residency Wellness Programs: 15 Great Ideas To Get Spouses, Partners, and Families Involved  

How to Manage Stress During an On Call Residency

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