After more than a year working tirelessly through the coronavirus pandemic, many healthcare workers are understandably exhausted. A recent nationwide poll by the Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation found that 62% of healthcare workers say worry or stress related to COVID-19 has had a negative effect on their mental health. And 55% feel “burned out” going to work. Despite the stress, however, the majority of those surveyed said they still feel “hopeful,” “optimistic” and “motivated” going to work each day.

This year, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to recognize that hero-level hard work, and thoughtful gifting is a welcome part of any thank-you initiative or employee appreciation program. Next month brings National Nurse Week and National Hospitals Week, both ideal times to recognize essential healthcare workers. However, there’s no need to limit gifting to certain set times during the year. An unexpected, but heartfelt thank you would be cherished any time of the year.

Here are some creative gifting ideas to help you and your clients put the care in healthcare.

The Sweetest Way to Send a Message

This food gift box (HRK-LG) from Chocolate Inn/Lanco with the message “Not all heroes wear capes” is packed with delicious snacks

Sweet treats and nourishing snacks are always welcome – whether as individually wrapped items distributed in the break room or as a part of a cleverly themed kit mailed directly to workers’ homes. Hicksville, NY-based Top 40 supplier Chocolate Inn/Lanco (asi/44900), for example, offers a wide selection of food gifts tailored specifically to healthcare workers. Food gifts tend to be well-received because “they provide comfort and sustenance, especially on breaks during long shifts,” says Deborah Gaspar, marketing director at Chocolate Inn/Lanco.

In the last year, food gifts have become even more popular, Gaspar says, adding: “Chocolate/candy sales have spiked during COVID, with almost a 25% increase year-over-year.”

Cookies, individual candy packs and hot chocolate bombs work well. Or consider putting together a food gifting kit that can be used afterhours and includes a mix of food items and related kitchen utensils: pasta night, s’mores night, Taco Tuesday and Waffle Wednesday are all possibilities.

Thanks, It Has Pockets

This mixed media vest (5296) from Charles River Apparel is cozy and stylish and has deep pockets, perfect for storing paperwork and medical instruments.

Comfort has been king when it comes to style. Receiving a plush hoodie or fleece jacket is the sartorial equivalent of a warm hug. “Gifting a piece of apparel to a nurse and other essential healthcare workers shows you understand their needs and want to give them something useful,” says Wayne Best, chief marketing officer at Top 40 supplier Charles River Apparel (asi/44620).

Charles River recently launched its Ashby mixed media vest for men (9296) and women (5296), which Best says is ideal for healthcare workers since it provides “comfort, warmth, style and large pockets for the instruments and paperwork they carry with them day to day.”

Consider packaging apparel in a stylish tote bag to punch up the presentation and double the gifting opportunity.

We’ve Got You Covered

This golf-size umbrella (2421JH) from Peerless Umbrella is a fun and practical way to thank healthcare workers for the “coverage” they provide.

Umbrellas are a fantastic and useful gift, with universal appeal – who doesn’t have to deal with rainy weather now and again? Pair a brightly colored umbrella with a card thanking workers for “having their patients covered.” Supplier Peerless Umbrella (asi/76730) created a flipbook with an array of umbrella options – from inverted models with vibrant, photorealistic sublimated designs, to compact mini-umbrellas for the more budget-conscious. The supplier also suggests items like tote bags and tri-fold tech organizers for healthcare workers.

Skip the Shipping and Go Digital

MediaTree Rewards offers various rewards packages that could be a great way to help procrastinating clients, since its digital gift cards can be distributed in a day.

Need a quick-turn gift idea for clients that hit you up with last-minute requests? Consider putting together a digital rewards package. Parsippany, NJ-based MediaTree Rewards (asi/70303) lets people send gift cards directly via email, and since there’s no physical product that needs to be created and shipped, turnaround time is 24 hours max. MediaTree offers gift card products that allow customers to pick from all the national retailers that deliver food, including GrubHub and Uber Eats. It also has digital movie rental vouchers. Try pairing the two for a winning dinner-and-a-movie night in.

Spa Kits and Other Sleeper Hits

This at-home spa kit (1711505) from Stuff A Mug (asi/89971) includes a customizable eye mask, body lotion, bath salts, comfy socks and tea and honey sticks.

The Washington Post poll of healthcare workers found that nearly half of those surveyed were experiencing sleep disruption – either insomnia or sleeping too much – due to the worry and stress of the job. Gifts that promote self-care and better sleep can’t resolve all the stressors of the job, but they can help with decompression during off-time. “Stress relief has been a big category for healthcare workers,” Gaspar says.

Aromatherapy candles, bath bombs, sleep masks, fuzzy slippers and plush robes, spa kits, cocktail kits, custom jigsaw puzzles and adult coloring books are all smart ideas to help workers unwind. Blankets and beach towels have also been welcome items throughout the pandemic.

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