Few angels on this planet can compare to the nurses who work in labor and delivery, and I believe they deserve a gift or two. These men and women can be true godsends during the labor and birthing process. They’re the calmers of fears and the keepers of the ice chips. A good labor and delivery nurse knows when a mom needs quiet and when she can use a little cheering on. And they’re there to support parents as they begin the most challenging and rewarding journey of their lives. We’re so grateful for all that they do, and that’s why these miracle workers deserve to be spoiled! Whether you want to buy them something nice or create something yourself to share your gratitude, we’ve got you covered.
Gift Ideas To Thank Your Nurses in Labor and Delivery
Here are some great gift ideas for the nurses who have helped you along your birthing journey:
1. Cookies and Treats
This is a super easy but always appreciated gesture. There are so many companies out there that offer amazing treats any nurse would love. Some great ones are Crumbl Cookies, Tiff’s Treats, Great American Cookies, and Sprinkles Cupcakes. Many places change their menus often, so it’s a good bet that no one at the hospital will get sick of a cookie. 😉 You could also bring a box of donuts or even candy if you prefer! Whatever you choose, a sweet treat is a nice gift to thank the nurses in labor and delivery for being such an essential part of your special day. Some of these companies even deliver!
2. Meals/Food
Labor and delivery nurses often work long 12-hour shifts and have to pack small meals so they can eat quickly, or they may even skip meals. We can’t have that! They are working hard, so they need some nourishment. Your nurses will definitely appreciate it if you bring them a fun or substantive meal to enjoy, like a sandwich tray, pizza, Chick-fil-A nugget tray, etc. This way any of the nursing staff that helps you can grab something to help nourish their bodies. It’s a simple way to show that you care about your nurses and that you appreciate all their help.
This is actually what one of my doula clients did for her nursing team and doctor! She owns a restaurant, and when she gave birth to her baby, the father (her husband) made sure someone from their restaurant brought lots of food for the birthing team. It was a big hit with the hospital staff! Just like the nursing staff cares for their patients, this act of generosity made them feel cared for in return.
3. A Self-Care Grab Basket
After all their hard work, I believe nurses deserve a bit of pampering! This is why you can get something nice like this or put together a grab basket filled with different self-care items, like nail polish, nail files, hand sanitizer, claw clips, scrunchies, face or eye masks, shower steamers, etc. is a great thank-you gift to give your nurses. Those hands that stroked your brow and helped your baby to latch are constantly being washed and get super dry, so lotion is also an excellent addition! You might even include a bottle of bubble bath or a bath bomb so your nurse can relax after a long, exhausting shift.
4. A Color-Themed Basket
This is actually one of my favorite ideas! You could curate a color-themed gift basket with snacks, drinks, candy, beauty items, and the like. Some families will choose the color according to the gender of their baby — for example, pink items (for girl), blue items (for boy), and green items (if they don’t know the gender). All you have to do is get a basket in your color of choice (it could even match your theme, like a pink, blue, or green basket) to display the gifts and start filling it. You could even fill a clear glass jar with smaller items like gum, chapstick, and bite-size treats. Your labor and delivery nurses will love getting a fun array of gifts!
Here are some ideas for what to put in your color-themed basket:
- Team pink: Bubblegum, pink claw clips, strawberry granola, Poppi soda, under-eye masks, strawberry Starbursts, protein bars, nut snack packs, strawberries & cream truffles, pink lemonade electrolytes, and pink badge clips
- Team blue: Dark chocolate blueberries, electrolyte powders, Chips Ahoy, blue badge clips, berry Mike and Ikes, blue hair clips, Extra peppermint gum, blueberry fig bars, trail mix, Kind bars, blue chapstick, and blue pens
- Team green: Starbucks coffee cans, pistachio packs, Nature Valley bars, original Mike and Ikes, sour cream and onion Pringles, Extra spearmint gum, Sour Patch Kids, mini Sprite cans, apple cinnamon fig bars, and Andes chocolate mints
5. Cute Compression Socks
Nurses are obviously limited in what they can wear to work, but many of them wear compression socks to help with their circulation. They are constantly on their feet, so including some cute and comfy compression socks as your gift, like Comrad, Bombas, and FIGS, is a really helpful gift that will be able to use and benefit from over and over. Your nurse will appreciate this thoughtful gift and they will think of you every time they wear them.
6. A Gift Card
Don’t freak out when I say “gift card.” It doesn’t have to be extravagant; even $5 to $10 would be appreciated! It’s just a little something for your nurses to use and enjoy when they’re away from the hospital. Here are some ideas they’d love:
- Stores: Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, Ulta, Bath & Body Works
- Music or audio subscriptions: Apple Music, Spotify, Audible
- Food: Starbucks, Chipotle, Panda Express, Cheesecake Factory, Panera
- Food delivery services: Doordash, Instacart, Uber Eats, Grubhub
- For anywhere use: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards
- Multi-use: Fast food, retailers, restaurants, and other multi-brand cards
7. A Snack Basket
Again, long shifts and many patients mean that nurses must eat quickly and on the run. I love this idea of putting together a basket of grab-and-go snacks to share! Think of simple things like granola bars, trail mix packages, and individually wrapped snacks and chips. Make it something that your nurses can enjoy between patients and during their breaks.
8. A Handwritten Note
Your thoughts don’t cost a thing but will undoubtedly touch your nurse’s heart. A sweet note thanking them for being a part of your special day and expressing how much you appreciate their hard work and kindness is a beautiful way to brighten their day. You can even write this in your postpartum room and have someone hand deliver this to your nurse in L&D. You never know when someone needs that extra word of encouragement! And your thoughtful words and appreciation are sure to brighten her day.
It’s the Thought That Counts
When you give birth to your baby, you realize how essential it is to have supportive people around you as you labor and welcome your baby into the world. If you have your baby in a hospital, your nurses will truly make all the difference in the world. If they’ve made your labor and delivery experience a good one, let them know with a token of your appreciation.
A labor and delivery nurse’s hard work isn’t always recognized. They often run from room to room, patient to patient, with hardly a moment to think. Acknowledging that they made your birth experience great will make your nurse (and you!) feel good. There’s no need to spend a lot of money — just be creative and have fun choosing a gift for your labor and delivery nurses that you think they would enjoy. Thoughtfulness matters, so no matter what you do, they’ll appreciate the gesture.
