AD – GIFTED | One of the very few silver linings that’s come out of COVID-19 is a heartfelt appreciation for all that our wonderful healthcare workers do. And I think one of the best ways to show this is to make up a self-care gift basket, to say thank you. One of my dearest friends, Sarah, is an oncology nurse at Addenbrookes, the internationally renowned transplant and major trauma hospital in Cambridge. So who better to ask what an exhausted healthcare worker would love to receive in a self-care gift basket when they come off shift?
What should you include in a self-care gift basket for healthcare workers?
If you’re new to making a self-care gift basket for healthcare workers, here are a few things Sarah said you could consider. Healthcare workers in particular tend to work in very drying environments. Central heating, air purifiers, constant handwashing, and the extra COVID precautions are all taking their toll on skin, hair, nails, and general wellness. So choosing pampering and nourishing products to help with both physical and mental health is key.
On that note, Sarah suggested including something to help calm the mind when they come off shift. For example, you could choose a good book, a favourite CD or DVD, or a selection of podcasts for them to listen to. And here are some more self-care kit ideas to help you create an uplifting self-care starter kit for your healthcare worker friend(s).
Self-care gift basket ideas for healthcare workers
One of the first things Sarah does when she gets home, after washing her hands with some lovely handmade artisan soap, is to have a bath or a shower. Partly because of COVID, and partly because it’s the perfect way to unwind both physically and mentally with some uplifting and cleansing aromatherapy bath salts* or shower steamers*. She also likes to burn her favourite White Company Spa Restore Candle for extra Zen-like vibes.
Next on the self-care checklist is some cosy loungewear to snuggle up in. Like some fabulously luxurious White Company cashmere Bed Socks, paired with a cosy dressing gown, and a good book. Sarah loves her gin so this organic Tinkture rose gin would definitely hit the sweet spot. But if your healthcare worker friend isn’t a gin fan, some restorative herb teas* and delicious organic chocolate* (yum) would be ideal too.
If more pampering is required (and let’s face it, why not), here are some other things you could include in your self-care gift basket. A nourishing face mask or a balancing facial oil, some soothing honey-enriched hand cream* to make up for all that hand washing, and an intensive lip balm* to repair dry, chapped lips. Not forgetting a calming pillow mist or sleep spray* when it’s time for a snooze or for bed.
Slenderella *
A cosy self-care day wouldn’t be complete without some comfy loungewear, would it? So when Slenderella got in touch recently, I was absolutely thrilled to have the chance to work with them. They very kindly allowed me to choose this gorgeous purple Polar Fleece Shawl Collar Wrap Dressing Gown*.
Slenderella is a privately owned, family run, British company in the picturesque market town of Belper, Derbyshire. Belper is also steeped in history and famous for textile manufacture. Proud of their heritage, Slenderella strives to continue the fine traditions and exceptional quality of the British textile industry. In recent years, the company has established a reputation for designing quality ladies nightwear and lingerie that’s also excellent value for money.
Gown details
My dressing gown is a classic wrap style, belted, long length coat with a shawl collar and satin trim details for that touch of luxury. And the traditional 100% polyester polar fleece fabric will be absolutely perfect for keeping me warm this Autumn and Winter. It’s also finished with two very handy deep pockets and is available in blue and red as well as deep purple.
Stepping out of a bath or shower into this is the most wonderful cosseting and pampering feeling. It’s so soft and comfortable, ideal for cosy nights in or self-care days at home. And I think it would be perfect for Sarah or her healthcare colleagues to curl up in after a long and stressful shift. As you can see, our cat has already claimed it, so you know it’s a good gown!
Healthcare workers are both male and female
And because it’s not only ladies who are healthcare workers, I’ve tried to include gift basket suggestions that would be equally appreciated by their male counterparts as well. Healthcare workers and care workers, be they male or female, all do a bloody amazing job. We’re incredibly fortunate and blessed to have such dedicated and professional people to care for us.
So, with big thanks to Sarah for her input, I hope this post has given you some useful ideas on how to create an uplifting self-care gift basket to say a small, but heartfelt, thank you. And if you’re looking for some really fun gifts for any male healthcare workers, do visit this link*, I think you’re bound to find something to appeal. My favourites are the Bloody Mary Kit and the Single Malt Scotch Caramel Heart Tin – which would you choose?
Nurse Watch
Did you know most healthcare workers can’t wear a traditional wrist watch while on duty? So, a little extra gift that you might want to consider is one of these beautiful nurse watches, which they can pin to their tops. This Nurse Watch* for example, comes in stunning rose gold. And I think the beautiful scissor detail for the hands is absolutely wonderful.
You can even get the back engraved with a unique message for your healthcare worker friend too, for a truly special way of saying thank you. I’m sure Sarah is going to absolutely love this very personal extra thank you gift – who do you know that would love one too?
Do you know any healthcare workers who would appreciate a self-care gift basket? Which self-care items would you include? Are there any treats I’ve missed off?
* This post features gifted items and affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer) but all opinions are my own.
These are all such lovely ideas, especially with Christmas coming up! That dressing gown looks so cosy x
Thank you – and yes, it really is so cosy and comfy! x
So many lovely ideas in this post! I love nothing more than fluffy pjs and slippers!
Rosie
Thank you – yes, me too 🙂
I love ideas like this! My best friend suffers with depression and every now and then a make her a spa day box. It really lifts her spirits.
Thanks for sharing 💜
Ah, that’s so kind of you, she’s a very lucky friend 🙂
This is such a generous and thoughtful idea, Lisa! I’m sure any healthcare worker would be overwhelmed by such kindness. It’s a wonderful idea to give back in this way. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Kathy, that’s such a lovely thing to say! x
The gown looks super cosy I feel in dry winter season we all want this stuff. Thanks for sharing
It’s so cosy, I absolutely love it 🙂
This is such a good idea! I’ve been trying to think of things I can get the doctors and nurses that have looked after my husband with this illness and this sounds perfect!
Oh that’s great, I’m so glad it was helpful!
These are good ideas. Our health care workers really need extra love and appreciation. They have been working extremely hard. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Thank you, Fadima, I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
As a healthcare worker, I would love a self-care gift basket like this. It would be even more special filled with things I enjoyed like books, hot chocolate and some cosy slippers.
Oh I’m so glad you like this, that’s wonderful and I hope someone reads this and treats you too!
Now this is what a gift should look like. I always say not to buy anything that would just gather dust. These items would be lovingly used to take care of the people who need it most right now. Great ideas!
Thank you so much, Brooke, that’s so kind and I hope any recipient would feel the same way 🙂
Wonderful ideas! It’s so good to give back. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, that’s good to hear 🙂
This is an amazing and heartwarming idea, Lisa! Sometimes it’s so easy to forget that there are people behind the face mask and that they get tired and sad too. Thanks for sharing this amazing idea!
Loren | Plaid and Sugar
Oh thank you, Loren, that’s very kind of you to say so – I know how hard my friend, Sarah, works and how much the occasional care box means to her so it was great to get her input and do her justice 🙂
This is a really lovely idea! It must be so hard for healthcare workers everyday so having a little pamper hamper must be lovely. I love the look of that loungewear, that’s all I seem to be wearing at the moment! X
Thank you, Aaliyah, I know Sarah loves her occasional pamper box so I hope other healthcare workers would enjoy something like this too – and yes, that dressing gown is soooooo cosy! x
Amazing post! I love how you have dedicated this post to healthcare workers and the robe looks lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, that’s very kind – and yes, it is!
This is such a lovely idea and a great way to show support to our healthcare workers. I love how you have included aromatherapy bath salts, they’re the perfect way to relax so are well suited to in the gift basket!
Thank you – I don’t think you can beat aromatherapy and essential oils for unwinding and relaxing 🙂
I love the idea of putting together a gift basket for our healthcare workers. They have dealt with so much stress and anxiety recently while continuing to put the well-being of our communities first with their work each and every day. The least that we can do is to say thank you, and a gift basket is a great way to do that.
Thank you, Britt, that’s exactly how I feel, they deserve all the love and thanks we can give them 🙂
Oo, I love the variety of items you share! Bath salts, teas, chocolates, and candles go together so well and make the best of gifts. I have never heard of shower steamers, but they sound amazing!
Loving the rich purple color and soft-looking fabric of the gown! Even I want to relax in that.
Thanks for sharing some wonderful ways to show our gratitude to healthcare workers. 🙂
Thank you, Jaya! And shower steamers are the shower equivalents of bath salts for people to use in the shower 🙂 And the robe is just gorgeous, so soft and cosy 🙂
This is such a wonderful idea for a self care basket and what a lovely way to show support and thanks to our healthcare workers! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you, Lucy, I’m so glad you agree! x
This is such a lovely post and idea! I love nothing more than cosy pyjamas xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk
Thank you, Della, and yes, I agree 🙂 x
This is such a lovely idea Lisa! I did something similar for a friend of mine who was drafted from her job in cancer treatment to cover COVID during the first wave.
It felt great to do and she really loved it as well x
Thank you, Claire. Sarah was asked to switch to COVID cover but had to refuse as her son is vulnerable and she didn’t want to put him at risk. Glad your friend loved her gift basket! x
Thanks for sharing ! I really suck at picking gifts for people, plus healthcare workers are going through a lot with the pandemic, this is such a great way to show support ! Xx
You’re welcome, I’m so glad it was helpful! x
I know several healthcare workers that would enjoy such a basket – I used to be one! I love the items that provide rehydration and that dressing gown is gorgeous! A great idea which helps to give back!
Jodie, that’s so good to hear, thank you so much for confirming they are helpful choices!
Gift baskets for healthcare workers is such a great idea. I like products which you include. Thank you for sharing.
New Post – https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/10/lumene-herkka-soothing-toner-gentle-eye.html
Thank you, I’m glad you agree 🙂
This is a delightful post to read – it’s never been more important than to show our appreciation to those who really have been on the front line of all of this. There are some great suggestions in here, and that dressing gown looks absolutely divine! Happy snuggling!
Oh thank you so much, Lindsey, that’s so kind of you – and yes, the dressing gown is sooooooo snuggly, it’s perfect for Autumn/Winter!
Thanks for sharing, these are great ideas for a gift this coming festive period, which is great for self care for anybody 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
You’re welcome, and yes I agree – they’d be perfect for Christmas too 🙂
This is such a sweet idea, especially with the stress that health care workers are under right now! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
Such thoughtful gifts! I personally would be so happy to receive the socks and robe!! So much comfort here
Yay, that’s exactly the response I was aiming for!
This is such a sweet idea! My partner is a healthcare worker and he’s not big on the “spa day” type stuff but I know he’d be so appreciative to receive something like this.
That’s just wonderful to hear, thank you so much, and to your partner for doing such an amazing job.
Super interesting blogpost! Thanks for your research!
Cheers
Lisa from joy della vita travel blog
Thank you, glad it was helpful.
This is so lovely, it’s such a wonderful thing to do! 🙂
Thank you, I’m so glad you agree! 🙂
Such an amazing post Lisa. A great idea to think about the healthcare personnel they are doing a great job and this is the best thing to do. That robe is really pretty and the inclusion of self care products is perfect.
Via | https://glossnglitters.com
Thank you so much, Via, I’m so glad you approve! X
This is such a lovely idea. Creating gift baskets can be so rewarding, especially when you see how much someone loves it. You’ve included some great items.
Thank you, Kelly, that’s very kind 🙂
I absolutely love this idea. I think any healthcare worker thoroughly deserves something like this. Not just this year but always. Slenderella look and sound like an amazing brand too! xxx
Absolutely, thank you, Jenny. And yes, Slenderella are a lovely brand to work with, and with some gorgeous clothing xx
Aww Lisa!
What lovely ideas! These all sound amazing and I’m sure they’ll be well appreciated ☺️
Thanks for sharing!
Love Lozza x
Thank you, Lozza, I certainly hope so! x
I was just reading about shower bombs and thought I should get them as stocking stuffers! (I’ll click on your link.) Making up a little package for health care workers is a great idea. My husband is one, and he would appreciate the socks, too! Thanks, Lisa!
–Sue
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
Thank you so much, Sue! For using the link and for confirming your healthcare husband would approve as well 🙂
This is such a lovely idea, Lisa, and I love all the things you’ve included. I am sure these gorgeous baskets would be much appreciated, by men and women!
Thank you, Katerina, that’s very kind of you, I hope so!
Love the dedication to healthcare workers!
Thank you 🙂
This is a really lovely idea Lisa! Healthcare workers are massive heroes and need all our love this year. Keep up the good work inspiring us to do better xxx
Oh thank you, Jenni, that’s so kind of you to say so! xxx
My boyfriend’s dad recently remarried and his wife invited us to her birthday this weekend. She works at a nursing home, and a self-care basket would be a great gift for her.
I also love the dressing gown you chose!
Ah, thank you, and I’m so glad this post gave you some ideas for your boyfriend’s new stepmother x
Such a lovely idea!! Knew it was coming…but I can’t believe we are in the thick of the pandemic again 🙁 This year has been surreal xx
Hayley || hayleyxmartin
Thank you, Hayley. And yes, it’s certainly been a year, who could have predicted all this?! 🙁 xx
These look like beautiful gifts to buy for self care and self love. That fleece wrap looks so warm and cosy! I love wearing cosy clothes and relaxing. Thank you for sharing these suggestions Lisa.
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren, I think anything that’s comfy and cosy would be a winner right now x
Aww, these are wonderful gifts for any healthcare worker. Being one myself, I know I would always appreciate hand cream- the handwashing and using the gel really does take their toll!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thank you, Aimsy, glad to hear you approve of our choices! x
This is such a sweet idea especially because of the times with this pandemic. 🙂
Thank you so much!
Wow!! you have some wonderful ideas here. There’s a lot of us that can use some self-care these days. And in those little gifts are huge for the self-care regimen.
Ah, thank you, that’s very kind, and yes, I quite agree!