Medical assisting students are pretty special. Not only are they staying up late to study, take tests, write papers and read textbooks, but they’re also working to pass clinicals and ultimately help people like you—all at the same time!
So this holiday season, don’t forget these hardworking healthcare students. Gifts for medical assistants may seem difficult to find, but we’re here to help. These practical present ideas will make this season as a medical assisting student a bit easier and a lot more fun.
15 Holiday gift ideas for medical assisting students
1. Personalized stethoscope
When you think of a medical assistant, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Scrubs, a clinic and … a stethoscope! The stethoscope is an iconic gift, and there’s no doubt your medical assisting student will be using one—so why not get it personalized?This ensures no one else will take your student’s stethoscope and it is something he can use for years to come.
2. Writing utensils
Medical assistants do a lot of writing—from charting your blood pressure to writing down your symptoms—and need pens that will last. Medical assistant pens should be black or blue and have grips for added comfort. Try a nice ballpoint or rollerball pen. If you want to add on to this gift idea, throw in some stationary—while medical assistants may not write patient information on there, they can use it to jot down notes as they answer phones.
3. Comfortable (and stylish) shoes
Medical assisting students are on their feet for long periods of time throughout the day during clinicals. Clogs are helpful in easing sore feet, and Dansko clogs are a favorite among medical professionals. They also come in a variety of patterns and colors so not only will your student’s feet benefit from these supportive shoes, but their monotone scrubs can be spiced up with a pop of color.
4. Medical assistant tote bag
Your student likely has a computer, papers, books and other tools to carry around every day. Gifting a tote bag could be the solution to helping your medical assistant stay organized and collected. Try a personalized bag with a medical assistant theme for added thoughtfulness.
5. Caffeine
Not only do students pull late nights—medical professionals do too! Combine both, and you have one individual who needs a lot of caffeine. Whether it’s a gift card to their favorite café so they can grab a cup of joe on the go, or some coffee pods to fuel their single cup brewer at home, they’ll appreciate the boost of energy. Or for a more permanent present, a sturdy thermos to transport their favorite beverage would fit the bill.
6. Relaxation package
Staying up late and studying for hours can often lead to fatigue. Not to mention all of that pouring over books and jotting down notes can elicit sore muscles. Gift your medical assisting student with a gift card for a massage, some at-home spa products or sign them up for a yoga class to help clear them rejuvenate in the new year.
7. Humorous medical-themed paraphernalia
You have to keep a sense of humor when you’re in a medical profession! Bring a smile to your medical assisting student’s face with a funny T-shirt. We like this “I Found This Humerus” one. But if you’re worried these are too corny—remember that they can always make their way into a white elephant gift exchange someday.
8. A maid or housecleaning service
Who would say no to having their place professionally cleaned? Medical assisting students are incredibly busy people, so a gift card for a housecleaning service could be an excellent holiday gift. Looking to save money as you shop this year? Gift them a homemade gift certificate and do the dirty work yourself!
9. Soap and bath products
Medical assistants come in contact with all kinds of germs and diseases every day. For your student who is beginning clinicals, a gift of luxurious soap could be the answer to killing those germs while also moisturizing over-washed hands. Add this to a spa-themed gift basket of bath products—think bubble bath or bath salts—to help your student unwind and relax.
10. Genetic testing kit
Your medical assistant student is learning all about chromosomes and genes, so why not have them test their own genetic data? Genetic testing kits such as 23andMe are a fun way to discover one’s heritage and other DNA-based traits. While these kits may be a bit pricey for some, your student will love learning about their lineage through science.
11. Medical prints
A dorm, apartment or house is always more complete once you deck the walls with artwork. Gift your medical assisting student with some vintage medical art prints to decorate their home or office. Take a look at DictionArtand Fine America Art’s selections of medical prints to find the perfect health-related piece for your special student.
12. Operation game
While medical assistants won’t be yielding a scalpel anytime soon, the classic Operation game is a fun way to learn some anatomy. The medical assistant in your life will practice their hand-eye coordination and quick thinking skills as they work to “operate.” If they’ve got kids, this could be a cute way to teach them a little about working in the medical field as well.
13. Comfortable clothing
As healthcare practitioners, medical assistants wear scrubs. But in their free time, they will need comfortable, cozy clothing. If you are looking for medical assistant clothing to relax in, look for fleece sweatshirts and sweatpants. You can even get medical assistant-themed clothing so your student can proudly let everyone know about their healthcare career.
14. DIY medical assistant gift
If the holiday season is putting a strain on your budget, have no fear. Everyone appreciates a homemade gift, and medical assistants are no exception. Create a medical assistant student survival kit with your student’s favorite foods, coffee, lotion, hand sanitizer, and anything else you want! They will love the creativity and thoughtfulness of this gift.
15. Medical assistant jewelry
Help your medical assisting student accessorize with medical-themed jewelry. Try a medical assistant charm bracelet or personalized necklace. For the male medical assistant, keychains are an alternative way to express medical assistant pride.
We made the list … now check it twice!
Now that you have a list of gifts for medical assistants, there’s no reason not to give back to your future healthcare worker. Show that you truly care with one of these thoughtful gifts, or use this list as a springboard for inspiration.
Are you a medical assisting student? This is your chance to throw in your own input for great gift ideas in the comments below. And while you’re at it, be sure to pass this article along to friends and family as a way to give them some ideas for their holiday shopping.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in November 2015. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2017.
