DIY NICU Nurse Gift Ideas
September is NICU Awareness Month, so here are some DIY NICU nurse gift ideas that will help you honor amazing healthcare professionals in the neonatal unit.
Because for many families, a NICU stay involves a long-term stay and a dedicated team of doctors and nurses working together to treat their child.
And while most people assume preterm babies are the only ones admitted to the NICU, full-term babies may be admitted, for example, due to breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or hypoglycemia.
A neonatal unit can therefore be a very complex and high-stress environment.
So in 2014, the nonprofit Project Sweet Peas established NICU Awarness Month in order to, “increase awareness of the challenges faced by families and medical professionals in the NICU…[and] expand resources for NICUs nationwide, ensuring that these critical care units have access to the tools and support they need to provide the best possible care for our tiniest and most vulnerable community members.” Source: NICU Awareness
Handmade Gifts For NICU Nurses
And since a large part of that care comes from NICU nurses in neonatal units across the United States, NICU Awareness has designated September 15th as Neonatal Nurse Day.
I therefore compiled a fun list of handmade gift ideas for NICU nurses that will allow you to make something extra special for a healthcare hero.
Any one of these DIY projects can be included in a larger gift basket or given to someone on its own.
All of them, however, will make your NICU nurse(s) feel appreciated for all of the care they give to your child and you!
DIY NICU Nurse Gift Ideas
A silicone wristlet key chain is a DIY gift that is easily customized and takes less than 20 minutes to make.
You can also find focal beads that honor nurses to add that special touch!
A mug cake kit is the perfect gift for nurses that need a little sweet treat during their shift breaks.
A reversible scrub cap is a daily-use item that never goes out of style.
This DIY gift idea allows you to use two different fabrics so have fun making it special for the nurse recipient.
If you want to take an extra step to recognize some super special NICU nurses, drop a note of thanks on the Wall of Gratitude to recognize their lifesaving work for moms and babies.
A handmade bracelet stack that includes an inspirational mantra is a unique and thoughtful gift for a special NICU nurse.
Make the set in a combination of the nurses's favorite colors or, you could make it green for NICU awareness or purple for preemie awareness.
This mini self care kit can be personalized with a UV DTF or vinyl sticker along with a variety of products like body butter stick, lip balm, compressed hand towels, and hair ties.
Plus the tiny suitcase is sure to make an long-lasting impression!
A DIY travel pillow is not only something people use on an airplane. This portable pillow can also be used during a shift break or in the car for a quick cat nap.
This handmade travel pillow is also a great gift for any travel neonatal unit nurses who you meet during your NICU stay.
Depending on its size, a water-resistant boxy bag can be used for a variety of things. Smaller sizes cn be used as a make up bag or dopp kit, while the larger ones can be wet bags for clothing after the gym or a change of clothes after a long day at the hosptal.
This is another DIY NICU nurse gift idea that you can customize using specific fabrics and zipper colors.
Mini buckets are all the rage and since so many of them are BPA-free and food safe, they are the perfect snack container.
Once again, all you need is a UV DTF or vinyl sticker to customize the bucket with a fun motivational saying or the nurse's name.
Show The NICU Some Love too
If you’re still in a crafty mood after making gifts for the NICU nurses, here are some handmade donations that many NICUs regularly need.
Show Some Love To Your NICU Nurses
It’s always a good time to show appreciation for the NICU nurses in your baby’s neonatal unit.
But since September is NICU Awareness Month and September 15th is Neonatal Nurses Day, presenting a gift to your nurses this month makes it extra special.
And even the smallest of handmade gifts makes the show your gratitude next level.
So I hope that you are excited to make at least one of these DIY gift ideas.
