It’s the holiday season in a very short time, so I thought I’d put together a list of last minute presents!  These are presents that would work for anyone, but are particularly suited for medical students, residents and busy physicians.

A really good water bottle

None of us drink enough water at work …. having a water bottle does help!  There are many out there but make sure the one you choose doesn’t have BPA in it.  Glass and steel bottles are probably the safest, but BPA free plastic bottles are fine, too.   As an added bonus, you can put something in the bottle before you wrap it… chocolates or another favorite candy, gift cards to Starbucks, etc.

Photo credit and link to a site listing “best” water bottles

 

Pandora One

Listening to music you like without commercials is a great gift for listening while studying, in the clinic or in team rooms.  Pandora can be played on any computer but also has apps for mobile devices.  There are other sites, too, but this one is my personal favorite.

Here’s where to go for a gift certificate.

 

iPad

I am a total fan of my new iPad Pro, which has taken over as my computer on a lot of days.  Because of it’s amazing power, there are medical apps, like this anatomy app that won’t run on other iPads.  But the iPad mini may be a better choice for students and residents …. mostly because it fits in the pocket of a white coat.  Make sure you get a cellular network plan with the wireless option, if this is the gift you choose.

Link to information on the iPad mini

Anatomy Coloring Book

This is a great combination of the proven stress relief of adult coloring books and learning anatomy.  (or reviewing it, even for docs in practice) Don’t forget to order the pencils, too!

Link to order

 

Electric Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers in general are an amazing kitchen tool… but the modern electric pressure cooker is also a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer which makes it the single best kitchen appliance for students and residents.

 Link to order

 

Prepped meals (ready to cook)

If they like to cook, but don’t have the time to find the healthy recipes and prep the meal, this is a great idea.  Check out Green Chef, Blue Apron, and Hello Fresh as examples.  You might want to search locally to see if there others close to you.

Photo Credit

 

A gift card to get them started with Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix is perfect for both men and women that either a) hate to shop for clothes or b) love to shop for clothes but don’t have time.  It’s a service many of my friends use and love, so I can personally recommend it.  After you sign up, they send 5 items a month (or at whatever cadence you want).  You send back the ones you don’t want and get billed for the ones you keep.

Photo credit

 

A membership to a local museum

If there are museums in the area that correspond to an interest this could be a great gift. Museums like the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, etc. are a great way to enjoy time off. Include a note that says you are giving this to them as a break from their studying or work!

Photo credit

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season, peace in your lives and on earth and a New Year filled with health, happiness and joy!