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The Essential Worker Gift Guide – If There’s Any Group That Deserves A Gift Right Now It’s These Heroes

Welcome to our final gift guide of 2020 and folks, I believe we saved the best for last. This one is special to me because I got to interview some of my dear friends that are HEROS, ask them what would make them feel loved and cared for this year, and call it work. Although the inspiration for this gift guide is a result of horrible circumstances, I hope it can help you give (or receive) something extra thoughtful this year. Let’s get to it.

Nurses & Healthcare Workers

My best friend, Jamie, whom I’ve known since literal birth is an ER nurse and her boyfriend Connor is a nurse in the ICU. It’s safe to say they have stressful jobs during a “normal” year, but Covid 19 has certainly exacerbated their everyday work stressors. To put it in her own words, “[The most challenging thing is] the patients are sicker and there are more of them! This puts pressure on us to provide more complex care for a higher influx of patients. In the ER we are getting one sick patient after another, we can’t go a night without having to perform multiple intubations (breathing tubes) for these sick & hypoxic (low oxygen) Covid patients. This makes nurses become “on edge”, thinking to ourselves “will we ever have a normal night again??”. In the ICU where Connor works, the patients are also very sick, but since family can’t come see the patients it’s more sad for him since he sees patients take on this virus pretty much alone. Also, the “no visitors” rule has made everything even more stressful. Family cannot come back to the ER even to help their grandmother communicate with staff if she doesn’t speak English (for example).”

From Connor: “Another tough thing is how all of it is compounded by the fact that isolation and other precautions seem like such obvious measures to us yet we have to argue for these points and defend them to people who don’t agree with us. Feeling like the entire country is working against you makes all the hard moments even harder because you know it’s not gonna be over any time soon.”

Guys, I don’t know about you but this makes me want to somehow give every nurse and healthcare worker and entire year off and a million dollars. But since I can’t do that, Jamie gave me some really amazing gift ideas that will make them feel loved and cared for.

1. Travertine Spa Steam Shower Spray | 2. Cypress CBD Balm | 3. Oil Diffuser + Essential Oil Relax Blend

1. Travertine Spa Steam Shower Spray : Eucalyptus shower spray makes your shower feel like an actual spa and helps relieve stress and sinus congestion
2. Cypress CBD Balm: This CBD balm or any CBD product can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation which Nurses can never get enough of.
3. Oil Diffuser + Essential Oil Relax Blend: Nothing is more soothing than an essential oil diffuser and a relaxing lavender blend and this oil diffuser from Target is both minimal and chic (and only $28!).

1. FlashPatch Rejuvenating 5-Minute Eye Gels | 2. Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm | 3. The Body Lotion

1. FlashPatch Rejuvenating 5-Minute Eye Gels: Eye masks for those long overnight shifts are lifesavers and these ones are great because they are 5-minute ones so they could be applied during break.
2. Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm: Aesop hand lotion is expensive (BUT SO GOOD) and I can’t think of anyone more worth splurging on.
3. The Body Lotion: I’ve heard so many people (aka influencers) rave about Neccessaire products and this body lotion is supposed to be the best for all skin types.

1. P.F. Candle Co. – Sunset Candle | 2. Garden Mint Candle | 3. No. 06 Neige de Printemps Candle

1. P.F. Candle Co. – Sunset Candle: I simply can’t imagine the smells that nurses are in contact with day to day, so a great smelling candle is a much-appreciated gift for them to come home to. I absolutely love this candle and recommend it to everyone. It smells fantastic and the tin vessel can even be used as decor when the candle is all gone.
2. Garden Mint Candle: Here is a rec from Sara which she describes as “herby, but not floral, minty, but not like a pack of gum. It’s like mint mixed with soil wet from a summer rain, and old bookstore on a crisp overcast fall day.”
3. No. 06 Neige de Printemps Candle: This candle is another one of Sara Tramp’s favorite and she loves candles more than anyone I know so you know it’s gonna be good.

1. Winc Wines | 2. Pink Esme Glassware and Coaster Gift Set | First Leaf Wines

It’s official, nurses love wine! At least I know my nurse bff does :). I can’t wait to have wine nights with her again and since there is no such thing as too much wine, a wine club subscription would be a wonderful gift, or a single bottle of wine and new wine glasses is also a great move no matter what.

1. YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler | 2. Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug | 3. Purist Mover Vacuum Water Bottle with Element Top  | 4. Kokeshi Nurse Travel Mug

Travel coffee mugs are always welcomed gifts as nurses are working 12-16 hours shifts sometimes back to back so caffeine is essential. Also, reusable water bottles are never a bad thing because they need to stay hydrated during those long shifts!

1. Lapel Pins | 2. Seabrook Jacket | 3. Women’s Micro D® Fleece Jacket

Nurses can put pins on their badges and these ones from Etsy are very cute and sentimental. Also, work jackets with lots of pockets are necessary for trauma shears, pens, tape, note pad, etc. Jamie says these Patagonia and Columbia ones are Nurse go-to’s.

Lastly, Jamie suggested “Notes of love & support from close family and friends to look at when work gets tough and you need a little motivation.” UM YES. This is everyone at EHD’s favorite thing to gift. It’s so sweet and you can make it a double git by putting your notes in a beautiful vessel or mug.

Teachers

Here in California, teachers are still doing distant teaching for the most part and it’s not how anyone prefers to teach or learn so adjusting to this has been especially stressful. To get the whole picture, I spoke with my cousin and best friend, Makena, about what her and her students have been going through this year:

From Makena: “I think the biggest challenge for me and my students is not having the same class community and connections. For example, we can’t hug, high five, or fist bump when someone does something great or greet each other in the morning. We still celebrate the students but it just looks different and doesn’t feel the same. Also, being able to hold students accountable is more challenging. I can tell a student 100 times a day to turn their camera on or turn in their work but they still won’t because they aren’t physically in front of me which ultimately leads to a loss of learning for them.”

I can scarcely imagine what that is like so besides oh I don’t know…UNIVERSALLY BETTER PAY what do teachers really want this year?? (hint: it’s not just Starbucks gift cards).

1. Coffee and Espresso Maker Bundle with Aeroccino Frother | 2. Retro Mini Fridge | 3. Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

1. Coffee and Espresso Maker Bundle with Aeroccino Frother: A Nespresso machine is a baller gift and if you can swing it and any teacher would be forever grateful.
2. Retro Mini Fridge: A lot of teachers are doing their zoom classes in their own classrooms, and Makena said having a mini fridge in her classroom when she’s teaching from there would be a dream!
3. Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker: This a miniature Keurig that could totally fit on a desk so it could be perfect for a home office or bedroom (if that’s their makeshift office for now).

1. Winc Wines | 2. Pink Esme Glassware and Coaster Gift Set | First Leaf Wines

Spoiler alert, teachers love wine too! Especially after this year, a bottle of wine or wine club subscription would be a much appreciated gift, and nice wine glasses are an added bonus.

1. Varia Sculptural Vase | 2. Heartleaf Philodendron | 3. Golden Coast Candle + Match Cloches | 4. Glass Mug

There are always little things you can give to a brighten a teacher’s day. But lately, things they can look at while they are teaching or grading that also make their space feel beautiful are extra special.

1. Varia Sculptural Vase: A unique vase (perhaps filled with compliments??) is a beautiful gift.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron: Everyone needs plants in their home or office because they literally bring life to a space and make everyone happy.
3. Golden Coast Candle + Match Cloches: This is another candle that I love and these match cloches are stunning.
4. Glass Mug: These mugs are really chic and would be a super cute gift paired with coffee or yes, a Starbucks (or local coffee shop) gift card.

1. Michael’s Gift Card | 2. Target Gift Card | 3. Flair Pens

1. Michael’s Gift Card: Teachers are always dipping into their own pockets to make their students learning experiences better. A gift card to Michael’s or any craft store will absolutely save them some money.
2. Target Gift Card: Like I said, teachers absolutely need better pay, but since we can’t control that before the end of the year, a gift card to Target is great because they can buy school supplies OR treat themselves to something special.
3. Flair Pens: Makena uses these pens all the time for grading and other projects and says she can never have too many of them!

And lastly, because I know that distant learning and teaching is extremely stressful and difficult, I asked Makena what parents can do to help make it a little easier. She said, “I always ask parents to have open communication with me. Some of them are at home with their children and they might be able to tell if their child isn’t understanding the work quicker than I can through a screen. Reach out in a supportive and kind way and let us know your kid is having trouble! We want to help. Also, try not to take out the frustrations of the pandemic/being at home with your children all day on us. We want to be back in the classroom with your kids & we have no control over when we are able to do so!”

Delivery Drivers

My fiancé Rocky works for a fastener warehouse and since they are supply chain company, their doors have been open this entire year. As is the case for every essential business, the new protocols and regulations simply make work more stressful. A lot of workers are forced to essentially relearn their jobs and add additional tasks to their plates. In Rocky’s case, he wears many hats including delivering orders to customers, and customer service is certainly affected (i.e. having to set packages outside instead of face to face) and pragmatically speaking, normally he would be able to go into a business and use the restroom or wash his hands which is no longer the case due to new restrictions. From Rocky: “On my route, I basically know where all the Targets are because I know I can stop there and use the restroom without being hassled”. While that’s a niche problem for sure, it’s things like this that us nonessential workers would probably never think of! And no, I can’t do much about the lack of restrooms, so I asked what are some small things that would make his and his coworker’s work/life a little easier during this time.

1. Compression Socks | 2. Gel Insoles | 3. Nike Cortez

1. Compression Socks: Compression socks can keep your legs from getting tired and achy. They can also ease swelling in your feet and ankles which is something probably every essential worker could use.
2. Gel Insoles: Yes, delivery drivers drive a lot (obviously) but they often have to walk around and lug packages too. GOOD gel insoles are an amazing stocking stuffer or gift.
3. Nike Cortez: Rocky has these sneakers and wears them to work often. They are just very comfortable and have great support, plus they look good.

1. Yeti Cooler | 2. Face Mask | 3. Bento Box

1. Yeti Cooler: Drivers often have to eat out for lunch because they are in their trucks/vans all day. A cooler lunch box would be a great gift so they can keep their perishable lunch foods fresh.
2. Face Mask: Apparently, this mask is great for working out which makes me believe it would be perfect for any essential worker. It is made with cooling technology which is ideal when you have to wear a mask for prolonged periods.
3. Bento Box: This is a bento box that would be a great gift for anyone who wants to start bringing lunch to work every day. It is great for leftovers and paired with a lunchbox or reusable water bottle would be an amazing gift!

If you don’t personally know a delivery driver, this year it might be nice to gift your postal worker or amazon delivery guy a little gift if you can swing it! Even homemade cookies or a gift card would make anyone feel seen and cared about:)

Retail & Food Industry Workers

Retail and food industry workers are unsung heroes. Think the cashier at your grocery store, the Postmates delivery person, the waiter or waitress at your favorite restaurant. All of these workers are putting their lives and loved ones at risk just so the rest of us can get the things we want and need. Additionally, with restaurants opening and shutting down constantly here in California, the emotional and financial whiplash is doubly exhausting. Another best friend of mine Fiona, (YES ALL MY FRIENDS ARE HEROS), works in a restaurant and over the course of this year I’ve been witness to the struggles she’s experienced in her industry. With customers on edge and at times noncompliant, customer service is extra difficult. Plus she’s forced to wear a mask for 8 hours straight which is uncomfortable and unpleasant, and it seems waiters and waitresses are just underappreciated and overworked. Fiona is seemingly ALWAYS working double shifts that are short-staffed and since seating is limited her restaurant is even busier than normal. I WANT TO JUST TAKE AWAY ALL THAT STRESS but can’t which is the worst. Instead, I asked her what gifts would bring some joy and relief for her and other food industry/retail workers.

From Fiona: “I really appreciate locally made items and I think others would too. A lot of people don’t realize there are so many cool items made near them or from places they’re from and it’s a fun surprise to find out that your gift is made locally. It makes it that more special!’

I love that idea so much so please do that if you can safely. But since everyone’s “local” is different here are some other options that you can buy online.

1. Heating Pad | 2. Massage Gift Card | 3. Foam Roller | 4. Bath Bomb

When you are on your feet all day your body suffers. Working at a restaurant or in retail somehow can make EVERY INCH of your body sore. A heating pad is great for lower back pain and a roller can help ease leg muscle pain and cramps. When massages are a thing again, a massage gift card is amazing but in the meantime, good bath bombs are almost as good as a relaxing spa day.

1. Robe | 2. Stripe Pajama Set | 3. Boyfriend Jogger | 4. Goodee Hoodie

1. Robe: When I worked in a restaurant, I would shower as soon as I got home to get that overwhelming grease smell off my body. I am sure I am not the only one, and nothing is better than putting on something uber comfy like this plush robe after a rejuvenating shower.
2. Stripe Pajama Set: I love matching pajamas so I may be biased, but I think pajama sets are so lovely to have and make you feel put together even after a hard day.
3. Boyfriend Jogger: I have these joggers and they are so soft and cozy. They also hold their integrity well and I should know because I am a very restless sleeper, but when I sleep in them they don’t stretch out as much as my other ones do.
4. Goodee Hoodie: I think this hoodie is so cute and it’s co-designed by Goodee and Kotn, which are both awesome sustainable brands.

1. Flowers | 2. Card | 3. Cocktail Kit | 4. Milk Bar Gift Box

1. Flowers: Sending flowers to someone, especially when you can’t see them in person, is such a special gift. Plus it’ll brighten up their day and home.
2. Card: A handwritten note letting them know you care and are proud of them is so special. I love this one that says “Until we hug again” on the front.
3. Cocktail Kit: A cocktail kit is always a fun gift. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant or in retail you know a stiff one is almost required after a long shift.
4. Milk Bar Gift Box: This is a sampler gift box from Milk Bar who make the most delicious cookies, but an even sweeter gift is personalizing a gift box with their favorite drinks and snacks. Fiona and her boyfriend always do this for each other on birthdays and it’s very cute and thoughtful.

1. Blanket | 2. Eye Mask | Oil Diffuser + Essential Oil Relax Blend

1. Blanket: This blanket is so cozy (my mom has one and I love using it when I am over at my parent’s house) and blankets, in general, are great gifts because they can be expensive but you can never have enough of them.
2. Eye Mask: Eye masks are great for people who work late nights thus sleep in late and this one by Lunya is made with moisturizing silk AND doubles as a headband that you can use while washing your face.
3. Oil Diffuser + Essential Oil Relax Blend: Again, a diffuser and essential oils are so great to have when you are having a tough day (ahem, or year).

Last but not least, everyone I spoke with said they’d love Postmates, Doordash, or Grubhub gift cards. Working in such circumstances means cooking a meal is sometimes unthinkable but ordering food can be expensive, so these gift cards are always welcome.

These are just the few essential workers that I know and love, but of course, there are many more industries/workers/people in general that are working SO HARD not to mention those that have lost their jobs due to the virus. If you know other essential workers (or are one–we see you and THANK YOU) ask them what would make them feel loved this year and please, as always, let us know in the comments if you can.

Now I have to give a HUGE OVERWHELMING THANKS to my three best friends for first being goddesses and angels of this earth, and also for making this gift guide possible. I can’t wait to squeeze you all. xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: How to Bring “Winter” In (Without Going Full Holiday…Yet) With Target

Fin
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Izzy
4 years ago

The best gift you can give them is to practice social distancing and wear a mask so that their jobs can go back to “normal” that much sooner! I think another great idea would be to offer to pay for a week of cleaning service for their home or a wash & fold service. I know when I am working crazy hours, all I want is to come home to a clean home. I don’t have a dishwasher or laundry machines so those chores mean even more hours on my feet, which is the last thing I want when I stumble in the door exhausted. If they are working double shifts the laundromat might not even be open when they are home. Plus, you’ll be providing work for cleaners who often have low profit margins and might not be doing so hot right now – I bet a lot of people who are experiencing financial stress have cut back on dry cleaning and housekeepers.

Izzy
4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

Oh! One more idea is an Apple Watch (if you wanna get spendy). Mine allows me to view my calendar and notifications hands-free, meaning I can free up space in my pockets and avoid using my grubby fingers all over my phone. The watch won’t get ruined by water, and is easy to clean. It also tracks your sleep and activity which might help someone who is trying to practice self-care during an extremely difficult time. Depending on their job it might not be ideal (do they scrub in for procedures or wear gloves often? Might be iffy) but something to consider! Ditto with bluetooth earbuds – I am often walking around and handling equipment at work and nothing enrages me more than getting headphone cords snagged on stuff. Again, depends on their role but could be a good choice, and there are some very affordable options.

Sharon
4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

To second Izzy’s comment, the most helpful way to thank healthcare workers right now is to ease our burden by avoiding indoor gatherings and keeping our communities safe – we’re #allinthistogether!

Shauna
4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

YES! I am a NP in an outpatient office setting and the number of times I walk in to see a patient and they have their mask off is incredibly infuriating. WEAR YOUR MASK PEOPLE. I am sick of arguing with people about them! If you don’t want to elsewhere, do it at a gd doctors office where there are SICK people around. Ok end rant ;)

Kim
4 years ago
Reply to  Shauna

Amen! I’m an NP in an ICU. Wear your mask! And, unless you’ve stepped foot in a medical environment anytime over the last several months, you should not be deescalating the seriousness of this pandemic.

Rusty
4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

Oh, Izzy, you said it all!

4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

And also please let’s skip the third-party food deliveries, too. Small businesses are losing substantial revenue, and these delivery companies take a toll. Restaurants are really struggling now.

Tara
4 years ago

I agree on social distancing also – but having been a nurse myself ( I’m retired and home with my kids now) – sending food to the ER or ICU unit would be super helpful also. If a shift is crazy, often you don’t get time to eat or use the bathroom, so having food already around helps you eat on the run. Even something like donuts- it doesn’t necessarily have to be healthy as long as you can shove it in your mouth ? and roll.

Izzy
4 years ago
Reply to  Tara

I’ve been wondering if food/flower delivery is even allowed right now, but definitely worth trying! I hope it is, because everyone loves food and I am always bummed when I get flowers at home and can only see them in the small window between getting home and then passing out before I go back to work! If anyone is sending food, I’d recommend something in single servings like the donuts Tara mentioned, so people don’t have to worry about shared utensils or slicing things up! Donuts, muffins, halved sandwiches, fruit skewers/kebabs, wraps, pizza, breakfast sandwiches, etc. I’m sure Harry & David or something similar would be appreciated as well.

Sara
4 years ago
Reply to  Tara

I second this! The non-profit I’m on the board of has done this a couple times during the pandemic. We partner with local restaurants to cater in some “grab and go” style meals for the staff. It was very appreciated.
I’ve also seen a large group of restaurants locally (I’m in St. Louis) encourage patrons to donate a little extra when we place a carryout order, and they use those funds to donate meals to the hospitals as well. I think as long as they are individual portions (rather than buffet style) they have been allowed and encouraged here.

Rusty
4 years ago
Reply to  Tara

Tara, when Melbourne, Australia , had an outbreak people delivered loads of meals for them in appropriate containers.
They learned to provide meals that anyone could eat and landed on nutritious vegetarian because it covers all the various faith and religious groups, without offending or causinb someone to miss out.
The recipients said it was the best thing!

Anna
4 years ago
Reply to  Rusty

Absolutely. The local Sikh community took on the task of feeding my hospital so we spent April & May living on lovely home-cooked veggie curry and dal and it was such a morale boost. Very impressed with the work they do even in normal times to feed the hungry & grateful to everyone who donated food

Anna
4 years ago
Reply to  Tara

Also, I do appreciate that people want to do something nice for health workers (and honestly when more people were donating food it was great not to have to worry about preparing food to take with you on shift). A lot of us felt a bit guilty about all the attention during the first wave though as we were one of the few groups to still have a reliable income. So if you’re looking to donate somewhere, don’t forget organisations that help people who are struggling with food security due to the effects of the pandemic (Also needless to say if you’re unnecessarily meeting with others or traveling or not wearing a mask in the current situation, please skip the performative gratitude towards those of us who have to clean up your mess)

Izzy
4 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Agreed. I know a lot of the people experiencing homelessness in my city were avoiding shelters, or the shelters closed altogether to avoid spreading the virus. Contributing to an outdoor soup kitchen or similar effort would probably be much appreciated. Throughout the year I typically donate “hygiene kits” with travel sized toiletries, hand warmers, and small protein rich snacks. A lot of homeless folks can’t carry big items with them easily. Sanitizing wipes and baby wipes are always appreciated since it can be hard to find a place to wash hands or bathe, especially during the pandemic. It’s great to take care of the healthcare workers who are keeping us safe, but also great to help the people who currently don’t have anyone keeping them safe.

kb
4 years ago

This is really nice. My heart goes out to the all the healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, emts, hospital janitorial staff and nursing home staff. They truly are heroes. On a personal note, my husband is a grocery retail worker. While we are lucky to have a job, the amount of arguing he has to endure from anti-maskers takes its toll. We are lucky enough to live in an area where most people are caring and want to help others by taking precautions to not spread an infectious disease, but it still happens. I would say to anyone who, for whatever misguided reason, believe they have the right to yell at retail workers: if you know the store/state has a rule that says ‘masks required’ and you have a problem with that policy- then don’t go to that store. Period. Anything else is just performative aggression to people who are trying to protect their co-workers (some of have health conditions making them more vulnerable), their families and their community. Thanks!

Izzy
4 years ago
Reply to  kb

Agreed! And as someone who has worked a lot of service industry jobs, I’d say 99% of the time you are yelling at a person being paid minimum wage who has ZERO say in any policy decisions. Even if they magically agreed with you (they don’t) it’s not going to accomplish anything other than making you look like a selfish jerk. Even pre-pandemic, the number of adults who are completely willing to scream at a retail worker was so disturbing to me. Use your words and remove yourself from the situation if it’s not acceptable to you.

Rusty
4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

Someone in Melbourne, Australia, was arrested for abusing a retworker who insisted on wearing a mask before entry.
Hence, the term “What a Karen!” – it’s now a thing.
Her name was Karen.
So sorry to all the good citizen Karens out there.

Rusty
4 years ago
Reply to  kb

Yes!!!

Sierra
4 years ago

Another idea for teachers–a second monitor so they can see their students and their lesson plan at the same time! The organization Two Screens for Teachers matches teachers that need a second screen with donors that will buy them a second monitor:

Cheryl
4 years ago
Reply to  Sierra

Yes!! I am a teacher and the extra monitor is a Godsend!!

Sharon
4 years ago

we bought yeti water bottle for the nurses on my unit, and I commissioned an Etsy artist to design these stickers for them
– personalized name stickers
– essential workers club mask stickers

Michelle
4 years ago

This is a wonderful list—thank you! If I may offer a correction, though. You should have said “exacerbate”, not “exaggerate”. (Proofreader here!)

C Petry
4 years ago

My husband works in the ER so we made a little station out of a large tiered wooden tray that housed individual mini bottles of hand lotion (they get super dry from all the washing), chapsticks, bottles of acetaminophen and ibuprofen (this was the MOST requested item from workers!), essential oil sprays for the inside of their masks, roll on headache/stress relief, packets to add to their water like Liquid IV and Nuun. We just kept restocking the station every week or so for a couple of months and the workers were so appreciative. They still aren’t allowed to have any food delivered, but my husband said these more “essential” items were so appreciated. ?

isabelle
4 years ago
Reply to  C Petry

I bet IcyHot or Tiger Balm would be a great addition to this kit! Such a great idea.

Rusty
4 years ago
Reply to  C Petry

This list is fabulous!!!

Cynthia
4 years ago

Compression socks are a great gift! I’m a surgery resident and wear compression socks on all my long OR days. They’re kind of expensive so I don’t have that many pairs.

Izzy
4 years ago
Reply to  Cynthia

Compression socks + foam roller + yoga toes (toe stretchers) is a winning combo when I’ve been on my feet for hours. I even wear my compression socks when I know I’m going to be in the kitchen for a long time on the hard flooring!

M
4 years ago

Gift cards to restaurants or GrubHub or DoorDash or meal kits delivery. After a long shift in the ER, coming home to make a meal can be so overwhelming. Also, subscriptions to workout apps since the gyms are closed. Or Headspace is another great app. For those not wanting to spend a lot of money, write letters of gratitude.

Margaret
4 years ago

My church small group organized a gift basket for a nurse in our group. We made single-serve freezable home-made soups and freezable baked goods so she’d have easy meals when she got off a 12-hour shift plus mandatory overtime at the hospital in our flaming-red COVID hotspot of a county.

Rusty
4 years ago

Ryann, those are such great gift ideas and tailored so well for each group of frontliners. So thoughtful.
I can’t imagine wearing all the PPE that hospital staff have to wear…we see the sore faces and worn-red marks!
This is definitely a worthwhile post! :)

One point that got me tough, “no such thing as too much wine”.
There IS a thing called too much wine!
The data shows that more people are abusing alcohol in higher numbers since Covid (use of other drugs – alcohol is a drug – haven’t increased as much).
Please, be careful making comments based on your own experience or perception only. I know you did it light heartedly, but for many people, it could read differently. Trigger, even.

All these workers do so much to keep things ticking over and in caring for others.

Lindsay
4 years ago

I love this gift guide idea! Another thing I’ve been thinking about doing this year (that people I know have done for years) is gifting my mailperson and sanitation workers. I think I’m going to go with lottery scratch-off tickets, but there are a million ideas. Thanks for this post!

Rose McKewe
4 years ago

Let’s not forget a very important group of essential workers…law enforcement officers.

They risk their lives everyday and their profession has been under attack all year. It may not fit in with EHD target demo, but please everyone, give them some compassion.

As a wife of a police officer, I know they appreciate anything, even just a smile. Also – when places do drop off donations or meals to the officers, it is usually to those working day shift. To spice it up, try this for those working midnight.

Amanda
4 years ago

I know this has already been said, but these gifts mean absolutely nothing if you don’t actually do your part and stop unnecessary gathering where covid spreads. The absolute best gift you could give is to NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH ANYONE OUTSIDE YOUR BUBBLE!!!!!!!! And stop going to things that are unnecessary. Want to browse a store to find a cute accessory for the holidays? Not necessary. Want to bring your kids to take a photo with Santa? Well you may have just killed the poor man and his wife at home. If you must go out wear a mask at all times and keep distanced. But please for the love of god Christmas celebrations with people outside your bubble are not a necessity and at this point just selfish

Hannah
4 years ago

Appreciate this post. My dad has been in the hospital with pneumonia. The nurses have been wonderful and thankfully he is feeling better! Knowing they appreciate food was a good reminder – I just sent his nurses some milk bar cookies!

EHD Fan
4 years ago

Hi Emily and team – there are hundreds of lucrative affiliate links in this post. I think the best gift idea would be to donate the revenue from this post to a reputable organization supporting essential workers. Or at least disclose whether you are donating the revenue to essential workers or keeping it for your business.

And/or, I hope your friends who are essential workers were compensated for taking time out of their busy lives right now to write these suggestions and product lists!

Nancy
4 years ago

Thank you for not just suggesting homemade gifts for teachers. As a lifelong educator, I’m always slightly insulted (sorry!) to any suggestions that teachers just want “a nice note or gesture from your child.” Or baked goods. Gift cards and cash are also always welcome and never feel cold or generic, contrary to what others might say. My husband works until 9pm every night preparing for his classes or grading student work, and he never stops thinking about his students or how to improve their experience, whether there’s a pandemic or not. It’s nonstop.

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