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25 Perfect Gifts for Physical Therapists and Students

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With graduations and holidays just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to create a post about functional and thoughtful gifts that are perfect for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students!

Many of these gifts can be purchased on Amazon Prime, so they’re perfect for any last-minute shopping. The items on Etsy, Physiomemes, or other websites may take longer to ship, so make sure to double check the shipping times if you want to purchase any of those items.

1. Christmas Tree Ornaments

(Physical Therapist, PT, Snowflake)

My younger sister bought me the Christmas ornament on the left! Although I’m not a male and I don’t have red hair, I love it anyways. 



2. Coffee Tumbler or Mug

(Sipping on my tensor fascia latae, Putting the hip in hipster, Drink coffee)

If your loved one drinks coffee every day (or multiple times a day), they could probably use more mugs! 



3. Wine or Pint Glass

(Wine glass, Wine tumbler, PT Pintglass)

Everyone needs to relax once in a while, so you might as well drink from something that makes you laugh! These are some of my favorite glasses, however, Etsy and other websites have a ton of other options, and some are customizable as well!



4. Funny Clothing from Physiomemes

(Physiomemes website)

Support a creative physical therapist by purchasing clothes from Physiomemes! Not only are the clothes well-made, but they’re hilariously nerdy at the same time. The clothes are seasonal and are changing, so the clothing above may not be available for purchase.



5. Skeleton-themed Clothing

(Socks, Onesie, Hoodie)

Every clinician and student has to learn about the entire skeletal system, so these gifts might be perfect for your loved one! I personally owned skeleton socks and a tank top, and although they weren’t the most anatomically correct, I loved wearing them!



6. Physical Therapy Themed Jewelry

(Charm Bracelet, Stethoscope Necklace, Necklace with Charms)

Jewelry always makes a perfect graduation or holiday gift! Many of the jewelry options on Etsy were customizable, so you’re able to add a name or graduation year.



7. Anatomy Coasters

(Circle coasters , Clear coasters, Wooden coasters)

Nerdy coasters to match nerdy wine glasses! What more could you ask for? In all honesty, if I didn’t have student loan payments to worry about, I’d probably splurge for those wooden coasters. 



8. Nerdy Artwork 

(Heart, Spine, Runner)

If I didn’t create my own artwork, I would 100% purchase something from the first website! There are so many beautiful pieces that it’s hard to choose just one! Artwork is perfect for a bedroom, bathroom, or physical therapy clinic.



9. Medical and Rehabilitation Themed Books

(How far can you go?, Run, Don’t Walk, My Stroke of Insight, Complications, Ghost Boy, Tuesdays with Morrie)

Tuesdays with Morrie is one of my favorite books of all time. Although I have not read the other books yet, they are on my list to read in the near future! Each book is somewhat related to physical therapy or the medical field, and has been highly recommended by other students and clinicians.



10. Educational Textbooks

(Anatomy Trains, Flashcards, Ortho Notes)

While I have not purchased any of those books and flashcards, they are highly recommended among students and clinicians.

I have used the Ortho Notes during my clinicals, and found it to be a helpful resource to read when I had some downtime. There are a whole series of the Clinical Examination Pocket Guides (Neuro, Ther-Ex, and Pediatrics!), so there is a perfect book for everyone.



11. Customized Gait Belt

(Watermelon, Giants)

One of my physical therapy school classmates had a gait belt of the Maryland flag, and excitedly showed it off to other people! Gait belts are used in every physical therapy setting, although more commonly used in hospitals or nursing homes. 

These customized gait belts are not easily cleaned, so they may not be used by physical therapists in hospital or nursing home settings. There are gait belts that are easily sanitized, but finding interesting designs may be more challenging.



12. Retractable Name Tag Holder

(Flowers, Superwoman, PTA)

These are perfect for any setting when you need to swipe your name badge often, particularly in hospitals. Students and clinicians are often given a generic badge holder, but I was always a little jealous of the nurses who had cute ones!



13. School Supplies

(Daily Planner, Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens, Dry Erase Board)

I used my planner, colored pens, and dry erase board constantly during physical therapy school. I personally loved the Staedtler pens enough to buy a second set. As a physical therapist, I still use a planner and colored pens to improve my productivity.

Other supplies that I always need: sticky notes, sharpies, highlighters, and flashcards.



14. Foam Roller

(Foam roller)

I own this exact foam roller and use it pretty frequently! I love that it’s about 3 feet long, so I’m able to lie down on it sideways. I also love that there’s a solid core, so it’s able to maintain the shape even after years of use.

If you’re a little strapped for cash, they do make a smaller version that works just as well.



15. Neck Warmer

(Neck warmer (black), Neck warmer (beige))

I own the beige neck warmer, and it was perfect to help my neck muscles after hours and hours of constant studying. Although it had a somewhat unpleasant smell the first few times I used it, I highly recommend the product! It’s a lot cheaper than other versions you’ll find online, as well.



16. Grooming Products

(Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Gift Set, Sky Organics Lip Balm, Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer)


I don’t know about you, but I always have a small bag of grooming supplies at work and school. I tend to keep hand sanitizer, lotion, nail clippers, breath mints, hair ties, mini hair brush, bobby pins, and chapstick with me at all times. 

Each item ranges from $1-4, and a small bag of these items is perfect for any working professional or student. I personally recommend Burt’s Bees and Bath & Body Works products, but I’m sure that any brand is perfect!



Honorable mentions:

17. Food
18. Alcohol
19. Gift cards (coffee, Target, professional clothing stores, etc)
20. Certificate for a massage, manicure, pedicure, or hair cut
21. Watch (Fitbit, Apple watch, Garmin, etc)
22. Bluetooth headphones (I own the Jaybird X2 and love them!)
23. Coffee or espresso maker
24. Tea kettle or teaset
25. Water bottle




What gifts would you want to receive for the holidays or graduation? Comment below to add to this list!

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2 Comments

    • Katie - My Road to PT

      Ooh, shooting is so much fun! I haven’t done that in a few years. Great way to relieve some stress 😉