Christmas Gift Ideas for Medical Students and Doctors

It is only November so, depending on which camp you fall into, you may love or loath discussing Christmas this early. Some people start talking about the festive holiday as soon as summer finishes and others prefer to save as much magic for the actual days themselves. However, whether you need to start budgeting early for Christmas presents or you are just being forced to think about Christmas due to the songs playing in shops, this post might help you pick out some great items for medical students and doctors.

Gifts that Improve the Healthcare of People in Desperate Need

People get interested in careers in medicine because of a desire to help other people and cure ailments. Sadly, there are millions of people living without access to a doctor or basic vaccinations. To fight this, many charities offer charity gift programmes which enable you to buy the gift of health for someone in need on behalf of someone else. The gift recipient here receives a personalised gift card and the knowledge that someone’s health has been protected in their name. Popular charity presents like these include childhood jabs, malaria tablets, TB testing kits and medical support for new mums.

Gifts for Energy

Whether studying for those all-important exams or working the night shift in a hospital, there are a lot of demands placed on those who work in medicine. One thing they can always use more of is energy!

There are a few different ways you could give the gift of energy:

• A work survival kit to help them keep going, containing energy drinks, cereal bars with oats for slow release energy, fruit and a jar of marmite. Marmite contains plenty of naturally occurring B vitamins which are used by the body to unlock energy from nutrients.

• Anything that can help with relaxation and getting a good night’s sleep, to be ready for the challenges ahead. Think bath oils, lavender scented moisturising lotion, a good book to unwind with in bed - even a voucher for a massage!

• Something which will help with exercise, such as a new yoga mat or iPod armband. As any doctor will tell you, exercise has the benefit of increasing energy and endorphins

Equipment for their Trade

Okay, so buying the latest medical machine is not really an option, but smaller things that can help a doctor bring a personal note to their work are bound to be enjoyed. For example, it’s possible to buy stethoscopes in different colours - one in their favourite shade might help to brighten up their day!
Even if it’s not directly medical, some nice basics for their office will make a difference, such as a nice pen or moleskin notebook. A lovely plant to sit on the windowsill will bring cheer to doctors and patients alike, and help to oxygenate the room.

I certainly feel as though I’ve got the creative-present-buying juices going just by writing this post, so I do hope that it’s been useful for you too. If you have any other ideas that will make great presents for people working and studying in the medical industry, please share in the comments!
This is a guest post by Liz who is a supporter of World Vision and their charity gifts website, Must Have Gifts. They have also posted a number of ideas for charity Christmas gifts here.

Written by Liz who is a supporter of World Vision and their charity gifts website, Must Have Gifts. They have also posted a number of ideas for charity Christmas gifts here.