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9 Amazing Gifts To Show Your Appreciation To NICU Nurses

Are you looking for meaningful gifts for your NICU nurses but feel like no matter what you give them, it won’t be enough to express your sincere gratitude? In this blog post, you'll find the most thoughtful gift ideas that help show your appreciation to NICU nurses for taking such loving care for your little one.

Thoughtful gift ideas for NICU nurses include both sentimental and practical presents. From photo collages and thank you cards to sweets and self-care items, any of these would make a great gift that will undoubtedly brighten up the NICU nurses' day.

Whether you are currently staying in the NICU or finally ready to go home, or even if your little one has been discharged from the unit months or years ago, showing your appreciation for the NICU nurses is always a great idea. 

Here I’ve put together a list with amazing gift ideas that allow you to express sincere gratitude to NICU nurses who tirelessly take care of your baby. 

But keep in mind, you don’t have to give any gifts to the NICU staff at all, and you may be surprised, how meaningful a simple thank you can be for them.

Thank You Notes To Express Your Heartfelt Gratitude

Gratitude message for nurses

One of the simplest, but at the same time, most valuable things you can do to express your deep gratitude to the NICU nurses is to send them a handwritten thank you note.

It may seem that there are no right words that can ever show your appreciation to NICU nurses for everything they have done for your family, but a simple thank you will mean the world to them. 

A handwritten thank you card is a thoughtful way to let your NICU nurses know how much they mean to you and how you are grateful for their whole-hearted support and unremitting and tender care during all your NICU stay. 

A small thank you note it's not only a sign of your genuine appreciation but also the opportunity to recognize the NICU nurses' hard work and effort. A heartfelt note of appreciation will undoubtedly lift their spirits and make them feel like a part of your family.

Photo Collage For A Sentimental Reminder Of Your Little One

Photo collage

NICU nurses took care of your little one for months, so it's not surprising that they became almost like family. 

And although discharging your baby from the NICU is the happiest day for everyone, your nurses will miss their little patient as soon as you go home.

So how about surprising your favorite NICU staff with a cute photo collage? 

NICU nurses are often wondering how their little patients are doing once they return home, and they are always glad to receive any updates of NICU graduates. And a photo collage is one of the best ways to keep them updated with your little one’s progress.

A lovely collage with photos of your smiling baby and heartfelt wishes will serve as a thoughtful reminder to NICU nurses of how vital their work is and how much they mean to you and your baby. 

Angel Figurine For A Beautiful Keepsake

Angel figurine

Staying in NICU is one of the most stressful and tough times for parents, but NICU staff make everything possible to provide them and their little one with care, comfort, and support. 

They are like guardian angels that watch over their little patients for days and nights. 

Like no one else, NICU nurses help new parents go through this difficult NICU journey. So if you are looking for a thoughtful gift to express your appreciation to your favorite NICU nurses, lovely angel figurines are a perfect option. 

A beautiful angel figurine is a truly symbolic gift for every NICU nurse. Such a decorative figurine will undoubtedly become a sentimental reminder of your little one for years to come.

An elegant angel figurine is a small but thoughtful gift that lets your NICU nurse know how much you are grateful for their loving care and sincere kindness. 

Gift Basket To Treat Them With Tasty Snacks

Fruit gift basket

If you are looking for a thoughtful gift to express your appreciation to NICU nurses, look no further than a gift basket.

Rest assured, you can never go wrong with a basket full of tasty treats.

During your stay in NICU, you probably have noticed how difficult the nurses' work is.

So how about showing your care and giving your NICU nurses a basket with delicious treats so they can have good snacks during their short breaks?

Make a delivery or, if possible, show up with a gift basket at the hospital and express your gratitude to your NICU team. They will undoubtedly be sincerely grateful for such a kind and thoughtful gesture. 

Whether it will be a basket with fruits, homemade baked goods, or tasty sweets from the local grocery - it's all equally appreciated. And although a gift basket can't make nurses’ work easier, it, at least, will make their long-hour shifts a little bit tastier. 

Self-Care Gift Set For Perfect Wellness Reset

Self-care gift box

NICU nurses work so hard during their long shifts, taking care of little patients and their parents, so they barely have enough time to take care of themselves.

So now it's time to repay their kindness and take care of them a bit.

Give your NICU nurses a lovely gift set filled with various self-care items that will help them boost their wellness. Such a thoughtful gift is a perfect way to show how much you appreciate their work and remind them to take a break.

You can put in your gift box relaxing and pampering items, like hand creams, bath salts or bombs, natural soap, scented candles, and essential oils. Such wellness products will undoubtedly come in handy for any nurse.

A gift set packed with quality self-care items makes a great gift idea. This practical gift is aimed to make your favorite NICU nurses feel a little more relaxed and ready for their next 12-hour shift. 

Compression Socks For All-Day Comfort

Colorful compression socks

Nurses spend hours on their feet running here and there caring for each patient.

They barely have time to sit during their long shifts, so it's no wonder they often complain of swelling and fatigue in their feet.

So how about giving your NICU nurses a pair of compression socks that will help them stay comfortable while they tirelessly care for their little patients? 

Beyond providing comfort, compression socks promote blood circulation and oxygen flow, preventing vascular problems. Such socks alleviate aches and pains for swollen legs, varicose veins, and calf fatigue, making them a must-have thing for every nurse. 

Pair of compression socks is undoubtedly a thoughtful gift idea for your NICU nurses. It's hard to believe, but such a small wardrobe accessory helps nurses do their amazing job throughout their long shifts.

Badge Clips To Add A Cute Touch To A Scrub

Nurse's badge clip

Badge holders are a key accessory for all medical professionals.

They not only help keep the ID badge highly visible but also can add a little style to the medical uniform.

So why not celebrate NICU nurses that took care of your little one with lovely badge clips?

Badge holders make a small but absolutely charming gift that every nurse will undoubtedly appreciate. Such a practical accessory will securely hold their ID always on hand so they'll never misplace it.

Nurse badge clips and reels come in a variety of cute designs, colors, and shapes, so you'll definitely find something special for your favorite NICU staff. By the way, you can make your gift even more thoughtful just by adding personalization to badge holders.

Surprise your dear NICU nurses with trendy and cute medical badge clips that will help them dress up their scrubs in a stylish way. Besides, such a lovely accessory will serve as a great reminder of you and your sweet little baby.

Delicious Cake To Celebrate Your Little One’s Discharge

Chocolate cake

Leaving the NICU after long weeks or months of staying is a joyful occasion that deserves to be celebrated.

And what's a celebration without a cake? 

Show up in the hospital on your baby's graduation day with a big tasty cake and invite the NICU nurses to celebrate this important day! 

And although the nurses will definitely be happy that your baby will finally go home, they will right away miss your little one. So a sweet, delicious cake will brighten such a bittersweet moment.  

Whether you baked a cake in your kitchen or bought it from a local store - either way, NICU staff will highly appreciate such a tasty present. A delicious cake is an excellent way to say thank you to the NICU staff who cared for your baby during all your NICU stay.

Gift Cards 

Gift card

There are no wrong ways to show your appreciation and admiration to your child's NICU nurses.

So if you are looking for a nice small gift but don't have time for shopping because of preparing for your little one's discharge, gift cards make a great choice. 

It's a common belief that a gift card is an impersonal gift that couldn't express sincere feelings to a recipient. But I want to assure you that your NICU nurses will be grateful for such a gift. 

Gift cards for coffee shops, restaurants, local shops, or online marketplaces undoubtedly make an excellent gift idea to surprise your favorite NICU nurses at your baby's discharge.  

One important point, beforehand check the hospital's policy if nurses are allowed to accept gift cards.


Surprising your favorite NICU staff with a small, thoughtful present is a great way to let them know how grateful you are and how much they mean to your family. I’m sure your NICU nurses are sure to appreciate such a sincere gesture. 

About the Author

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Hi! I'm Yasia, founder of giftideaspace.com. I’m passionate about gift-giving, and I’m here to help you choose perfect gifts for your loved ones. I will always provide you with the best possible gift ideas and explain, based on statistics, scientific studies, and my own experience, why one or another gift is the best option to surprise your recipient.