If you are married to, dating, friends with, or a parent of a doctor, it can be difficult to find gifts that they will not only appreciate, but also find useful.  Like me, you have probably Googled “Best Gifts for Doctors” hoping to come up with some helpful ideas, but the only results display mugs, t-shirts, and bobble heads – none of which was what you were actually going for.  I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate a good recommendation.  It saves me time and helps me give something that will be enjoyed.  I have put together a list of doctor gifts that have been well-loved in our home as well as with other physician friends and clients.  None of the products are sponsored – meaning the companies did not approach me to promote them.  Some of the items do have Amazon affiliate links. It’s the holidays and many companies are offering specials, so I always encourage you to shop around for the best deals.

1. Audible Membership

We LOVE, LOVE, SUPER LOVE our Audible membership.  That was what I received for Christmas last year and it has been a fabulous gift.   I listen when I exercise, when I am driving kids to and from school and after-school activities, and when I am cleaning the house.  With all the textbooks and journal articles doctors read, they often don’t have time to read for pleasure.  Your doctor can download audiobooks to almost any device and listen to them as he or she is running, driving to and from the hospital, and even walking through the hospital corridors. Audible usually has a couple different specials going on when you sign up for the first time. Right now, you can either get a , or  get your first 3 months at Audible for 50% off (only $7.49/month).  If you think your Dr. will use it, go with the 50% off – it’s a better deal.  The other thing I really like is that all of their books are 100% guaranteed, so if you get one and don’t like it, you can return it and choose a different title.

There are several fun and interesting medically related non-textbooks your doctor is bound to love!

My personal favorites include Atul Gwande’s Better, Complications, Checklist Manifesto and Being Mortal.

He or she may also enjoy How Doctor’s Think by Jerome Groopman, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder.

(Of course I always have my favorite relationship books that I recommend as well –  Love Sense and Hold Me Tight, both by Dr. Sue Johnson.)

2. Sleep

WHITE NOISE MACHINE

Ok, you can’t really give them sleep (although that would be one of the best gifts for doctors), but you can at least help improve it so the time you spend together is more effective.  A quality eye mask and white noise machine will help with those nights on call.  I joke that the hospital is like a casino.  It never sleeps and gives the illusion of noon 24 hours a day.  The bright corridor lights shine through call room doors and exhausted residents are often kept awake by the noise they hear from the hall.  Many residents can’t sleep with ear plugs or they will not hear their pager going off.  This white noise machine is the answer.

I use it outside my therapy office door to muffle the noise going both directions – out of my office into the hall and from the hall into my office.  It is just white noise, so there are no birds chirping, ocean waves, or thunderstorm options – which I know a lot of people find distracting.  It is small enough to throw in an overnight bag or even leave at the hospital.

WORLD’S BEST CLOCK

We LOVE this clock! In fact, we have one in every bedroom in the house.  You don’t even have to fully wake up to see what time it is.  The clock projects the time in large red numbers up on the ceiling so you barely have to open an eye to realize what time it is.  Power outages and daylight savings time can inevitably make one late for work, but this clock runs on a backup battery if the power goes out and automatically adjusts for time changes.  Seriously, you just have to take my word for it and thank me later. It’s so cool.

3.  Sound Control

Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker

This slick little blue tooth speaker is small enough that your Dr. can transport it to and from school, work, and the operating room with ease.  He can use it in the car to listen to audiobooks (with the above mentioned Audible membership), or the recorded lecture she missed when she chose to meet you for lunch last week instead.  Many operating rooms are equipped with sound systems for the doctors to control the music, but some are not.  One surgeon’s wife told me the OR is her husband’s favorite place to use it.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

There are other times, however, when the need is not increased sound, but rather the reduction of it.  Living with others – whether that be family, kids, or roommates, makes it difficult to study at home and block out all the extra noise.  Make it easier for your Dr. to study at home – even with the commotion of day-to-day life.  These noise cancelling headphones are extremely effective!  Okay, in truth, I cannot even begin to explain how much I love these.  I am one of those that cannot concentrate with outside noise.  I could never figure out how my roommates could study with their music on. I needed it to be silent, and I’m sure you can imagine how frequently I get silence at home with four children. When I saw these, I was honestly skeptical.  Could they really cancel noise? Were they really worth the money?

I usually use them without music and can say they SIGNIFICANTLY reduce noise around me. They don’t eliminate all sound, but it is enough to help me concentrate. With music, the sound reduction is even more effective.

These are a little pricey for a medical student or resident budget though.  This year, when your parents ask what to do for gifts, this may be the best suggestion you can give them!

4. Time

I used to believe the old adage that you can’t buy time, but not anymore.  I absolutely believe you can buy time and if there is any group of people who need extra time, it is physicians and their families.  Talk about the gift that just keeps giving…..a year’s worth of lawn service, house cleaning, babysitting, and dry-cleaning would significantly lighten their load (literally) and allow more time for you to be together.  One woman told me her mother-in-law would send her a check for a house cleaner every month for a year.  It was one of the best gifts she has ever received.

A subscription for local grocery delivery/pick-up or even one-time service gifts like professional car detailing are great for busy doctors.  If your favorite Dr. does not already use Amazon Prime’s free two-day shipping, a year membership would be an appreciated gift.   You could even give it to her the first of December so she can try it out free for 30 days and save time doing her holiday shopping.

5.  Connection

A Digital Photo Frame for his or her desk is a great way for the medical student to the retired physician to feel more connected to family. I would highly recommend one like this that connects to the WiFi so you can add pictures via `email, Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, etc. That way you can update it remotely, and your busy physician doesn’t have to even think about it. She’ll be pleasantly surprised when she looks over and notices pictures taken that morning already displaying in her office.

Keep her connected to kids – even when she has to work late. 

Children can pick out two copies of their favorite story and give one to mom to take to work with her.  That way Mom can still read bedtime stories over Skype or FaceTime while the kids at home are looking at their own book.

Some of our all-time favorite children’s book read-a-louds include How I Became a Pirate, The Very Lazy Ladybug , and Press Here.  (Okay, Press Here is probably the most fun book we have ever purchased.  It is great for mom or dad to read over FaceTime and have the kids actually press the dots through the phone).  My number one recommendation to keep at work is The 20th-Century Children’s Book Treasury: Picture Books and Stories to Read Aloud.  There are 44 read aloud classics in this collection so Dr. Dad will always have something available to read when bedtime comes and he is unable to be home.

Easy Ways to Connect with the Family at Home

When the doctor is home, family games are a great way to spend time together and with the kids.  I’ve included some of our family favorites for a variety of ages.

For Young Children: Shadows in the Forest, Zingo, Spot It

Better for older children, but can be adapted for younger kids:  Qwirkle, Blokus, Cover Your Assets, LEGO Creationary Game

Best for children 10 and up: Telestrations, Ticket To Ride, Forbidden Island, The Game of Things, Ligretto.

6. Relaxation

I would HIGHLY recommend this massager.  We have been through several different kinds of massagers through the years, but this one is still our favorite.  We’ve had it for several years and it is still going strong.  It has three different speeds – which really matters when your muscles are sore.  I also really like that by holding onto the handles, you can raise and lower it along your whole back.  It also has a heat function which is nice.  After long days on their feet, your Dr. will appreciate this one.

7.  Fun

I don’t know what it is about this Remote Controlled Helicopter, but  it seems to be a hit for husbands and boyfriends.  My daughter got it for her birthday one year and I have to admit, it really is cool.  She has generously had to share it with many husbands and dads who have been at our home.  EVERYONE wants to play with it!  One wife tells me it has been one of her husband’s all-time favorite gifts.  He chases the kids around the house with it as they squeal with delight. Not bad for a gift under $20!

Find gifts that will help them laugh.  Hundreds of studies have shown the health and emotional benefits to laughing. Laughing decreases stress, increases our pain tolerance, elevates mood, enhances memory and problem solving abilities and improves physical health and relationships. Laughter really is the best medicine – even for the doctor.  Chances are if you are an Office fan, it has been years since you have seen them.  The full seasons are only a few dollars now and would make a great stocking stuffer.  Another favorite of ours is Brian Regan. He is a hilarious, clean comedian who gets a surefire laugh from us every time. His DVD’s and CD’s make excellent gifts and a great at home date to snuggle up to.

Find local activities that you wouldn’t normally do because of money and time constraints and give a gift certificate along with a solid date on the calendar.  When we were in NC, there was an indoor water rafting center. We always meant to go, but never scheduled it.  I regret that now.  If we don’t plan time for fun, life usually gets in the way and it never happens. Find a local zip line park, a shooting range, or the closest ski resort – anything to get away and enjoy life OUTSIDE of the hospital.

8.  Vacation

Ok, let’s be honest – the thing your Dr. needs most is a vacation.  If he or she is married, the thing they need most is time away alone together.  If you happen to be the parent of a Dr. I’m sorry to say that most likely what they need is NOT a family vacation.  Most likely they need time with each other – without kids.  You could probably achieve the status of WORLD’S BEST GIFT EVER if you offer to watch their children and help them pay for a week away together.  It really doesn’t matter where they go as long as it is alone and relaxing.  I have previously mentioned how much I love cruises for this reason.

Buy some vacation books and plan future trips together.

If you happen to not be the parent of said Dr., but rather the spouse, and if dream vacations are not quite in the budget yet, give the gift of dreaming about vacations together.  That’s several date nights right there – planning future trips together.  These travel books may help spark some fun ideas.

Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips

The Most Scenic Drives in America, Newly Revised and Updated: 120 Spectacular Road Trips

1,000 Places to See Before You Die, the second edition: Completely Revised and Updated with Over 200 New Entries (#1 New York Times Bestseller)

 9.  Comfort

During my DrH’s third year of medical school, he continually came home with a sore back from being on his feet all day.  His old running shoes were just not providing the support he needed on the job.  If you’re Dr. has not recently purchased a supportive pair of shoes and/or orthotics, a gift certificate for a new pair would probably be much appreciated.  Danskos and Merrells are two of the most popular and frequently worn among hospital staff.  Having said that, everyone has a different preference and it would be a gamble to just purchase these without having your Dr. try them on.  Certainly you should never buy orthotics without trying them on first.  A date to a running store or trip to the mall can help you know which brand of shoe would be the best purchase.

10.  Just for Him/Her

Just for Her

Stitch Fix

Chances are, if your Dr. Wife is still in training, she hardly has time to eat lunch, let alone go clothes shopping.  Then that meeting or conference comes up and she realizes she has nothing to wear and no time to do anything about it.  Stitch Fix is your solution!  It is an online women’s personal styling service that sends clothing based on individual preferences and specified needs.  Essentially, it’s like hiring a personal shopper.  She can go into the system and input all her measurements and style preferences as well as specific items she does or does not want to receive.  It can be as detailed as saying, nothing sleeveless or above the knee.  Then every month – or less frequently if she wants, they will send a package with 5 items.  Each time a package is sent, it is a $20 styling fee.  If she purchases something from the package, that styling fee is applied to the price of the purchase.   If she doesn’t like any of the items, she can send them all back and is only out the styling fee.  $20 for someone else to do the shopping is a great deal – and the best part is you don’t have to try and pick out any clothes for her!

 Olay Pro-X

If you can’t give her more sleep, she’ll be grateful for your help in making her look less tired.

The Olay Pro-X is a facial cleansing and exfoliating brush that brightens and smooths the skin.  It is waterproof, so she can use it in the shower without having to add any more time to her morning routine.  Buying cosmetics and facial products for someone else can be really tricky because skin types are so different, but Olay Pro-X is safe for all skin types.  I have used both the Clarisonic, the more expensive version, as well as this significantly less expensive brand and found them to be very comparable. Dermatology friends have even suggested this is every bit as adequate.  For a fifth of the price, at the very least, it is a good place to start.

Lush Bath Bomb

Just for Him

Suit Accessories

Suit Accessories are GREAT  STOCKING STUFFERS for Doctors!

It’s helpful to think of cufflinks and tie clips as men’s jewelry – an accessory to their ensemble as important as a woman’s earrings or necklace.  Just like with women’s jewelry, you can find them in any price range – from twenty bucks to $2000, and just like women’s jewelry – these should match your man’s personality.

1. Wow Factor Cufflinks – Need a stocking stuffer with a wow factor? These cufflinks are it!  They are a little more on the pricey side, but are sure to impress at that next job interview or business meeting.

2. Alma Mater Cufflinks – You can find cufflinks with almost every college logo. Find one to match his undergrad, med school, or residency training program.

3.  Tie Clips – You can find these everywhere from Kohls and JcPenny to high-end stores like Nordstroms and Brooks Brothers.

Fogless Shower Mirror

Household Tools

With these fun tools, your DrH will be much more anxious to tackle his Honey-Do List.   

1. Magnetic Stud Finder – Has your husband ever pulled out  his stethoscope and percussed the wall to find the stud when hanging pictures for you?  This stud finder will make that task much easier.  It uses magnets to find the nails or screws in the studs and then hangs hands free so you don’t lose your spot.  He’ll love it!

2. Ryobi Laser Level – I am actually really surprised to see such low reviews on this item on Amazon.  My mother gave it to my DrH for Christmas almost 10 years ago and every time he pulls it out to use it he says, “This is the best gift I have ever received!”  It suctions to the wall and shines a laser across the wall marking the exact level line.  It makes hanging anything a breeze!  If you are concerned about the low reviews, find a different brand.  This is the only brand we have used so I can’t speak to the value of another one.

Share your suggestions for other doctor gifts in the comments below!

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