Top holiday gifts for physicians and med students in 2024

It’s holiday gift-giving time! What do you get for DOs and osteopathic medical students (including yourself) who have worked so hard all year long? DOs and medical students are so much more than just their profession—we have other interests, inspirations and hobbies as well. So instead of new scrubs, a stethoscope or the latest and greatest in medical gadgets (all legitimate, of course), most of the ideas below will help your DO or student nourish their other passions.

To curate this list, I drew from my own experience of purchasing and receiving gifts as an osteopathic medical student and then DO over the years, and asked some young physician parents for an assist. I also have a great team who helped me curate new and unique gifts on offer in 2024.

From a “smart” water bottle to a coffee subscription and LEGO sets, there’s a little something here for everyone on your list. Don’t forget to also treat yourself—or share these ideas with your loved ones!

For the DO hobbyist

Craft kits

Help your DO find a new hobby or project to decompress with while getting their creative juices flowing. Check out the kits from Craft Club, paint-by-number kits on Pink Picasso or search your local craft store for ideas.

LEGO set

LEGO sets aren’t just for kids. Invite your DO to tap into nostalgia and put some of their hands-on training to work by building a LEGO set and watching the model come to life.

For the DO gamer

Controller stand accessories

Help them organize their gaming gear with a controller stand for their console of choice, whether Xbox/PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. Or give their device a facelift with a removable skin, like these from Decal Girl. There are so many options to match your DO’s personality and style.

For the DO foodie

High-quality knife

A high-quality knife can level up your cooking prep and “mise en place,” a French term for the process of organizing and preparing your ingredients and tools before cooking. You can never go wrong with a classic chef’s knife (Food and Wine tested options at different price and skill levels).

For the active DO

Smart water bottle

Help them stay on top of their hydration with a smart water bottle. A removable Bluetooth sensor syncs with fitness trackers and health apps to track water intake, and the glowing base reminds users to sip.

Compression socks

Is your DO constantly on the go? (Or maybe standing or sitting too long at their computer, or in the OR.) Gift some compression socks, like these from Bombas, to help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

For the DO-to-be

Loop earplugs

Available in different noise filtering levels, Loop earplugs can help your future DO focus on cramming questions or escaping for a song or two.

Coffee subscription

Give the gift of caffeine with a coffee or tea subscription box for those days your student is exhausted on the way to a lecture, was up late studying or had a particularly long rotation. Atlas Tea Club and La Colombe offer flexible options.

Meditation app subscription

Medical school can be a stressful time. Support your future DO’s wellness with a subscription to a mindfulness or meditation app and nurture their body, mind and spirit.

For the DO bibliophile

Book of the Month subscription

Give your DO an escape to look forward to each month in comfort of their own home. Available in a variety of subscription options, recipients get books curated to their taste.

For the new parent DO

Food delivery

The last thing a new parent wants to do is figure out what to make for dinner. Ipsa delivers easy-to-prep high-quality frozen meals to your DO’s door on the date requested. This can be a good option for a new mom or dad who is still trying to get the hang of parenting—while also navigating the needs of their patients.

Care packages

You could also consider a care package, like the new parent care package from Spoonful of Comfort, or one from Care Crates, which allows you to customize items to your DO’s specific taste and style. This provides a personal touch to a self-care gift.

Noise machine

DO parents may find this noise machine so effective for their baby’s sleep that they will be tempted to borrow it to help with sleeping during night blocks. The Rest noise machine blocks out environmental noise, replacing it with white noise, rain sounds and even lullabies. Pair it with a sleep mask for your DO to support that deep REM cycle between feedings and hospital shifts.

Baby carrier

DOs are busy and want to keep their little ones close when they have time. They can carry their mini future DO in a baby carrier like this one to remain hands-free for other tasks while getting some cuddles.

For the DO animal lover

Pet camera

Long days and nights seeing patients doesn’t mean your pet has to suffer. The Furbo pet camera allows your DO to check in with their pet throughout the day and even feed them treats!

Pet subscription box

Here’s a way to do something good for your DO’s pet and for shelter animals across the country. The Rescue Box offers a monthly box of toys and treats (for cats or dogs) delivered to your DO’s doorstep. Best of all? For each box purchased, Rescue Box provides funding to feed 60 shelter animals per month too.

For the DO traveler

Universal adapter

Wherever they go, make sure your DO can stay connected with a universal power adapter, like this one from Epicka. Aim to find one that is compatible with outlets in many countries and regions.

AirFly Pro

Upgrade your DO’s economy flying experience with the Twelve South AirFly Pro. This handy device allows your traveler to use their own earbuds to watch/listen to inflight entertainment.

For the DO empty nester

A DO who has recently become an empty nester suddenly has a little more of the one thing there never is quite enough of: time. Distract your DO with interesting ideas to fill that time—at least until the grandkids start arriving!

Cooking class

Gift a cooking class—whether local or online—to help your DO learn new techniques or hone their skills. Groupon can be a great, affordable place to look.

A curated trip

Give your DO the world—literally. Contiki offers prepackaged trips all over the globe that offer a variety of experiences.

For the DO (or resident) far from home

Many DOs and students will find themselves living apart from family or away from home for a time as they complete their training and pursue their professional goals. Send your student or DO something to show you miss them.

Homesick candle

Gift your DO the scent of home with a candle from Homesick. Available for a variety of states and cities, like one for the Lone Star State, these candles offer your DO comfort while they’re away from home.

Taste of home

Send your student or DO a basket from their home state or city, including snacks they may not be able to find in their current location, like these gift baskets from The Maryland Store. Search to see if there’s a basket for your area, or curate one on your own.

Digital frame

Help your DO stay connected with a digital frame. Some, like the Skylight frame, allow others to send photos from their phones straight to the frame. Make this an even better gift by hunting down some photo ideas to send their way to share memories!

For the proud DO

Bonus gift idea: Check out the AOA’s store for #DOProud merchandise and AOA gear.

Related reading:

11 great holiday gifts for doctors and med students in 2023

The lost third space: Rediscovering community and connection in modern society