The ultimate gift guide for dental assistants
As the holiday season ramps up, it’s important for dental leaders to think about what they may want to give dental assistants at their practice. Giving a holiday gift shows appreciation and acknowledges the value of dental assistants.
Below is a list of useful gift ideas for dental assistants that are well-suited for work, home, or day-to-day activities.
Wellness products
With the many hours spent taking care of patients, it’s essential for dental assistants to take extra time to rest and recharge. A gift that promotes mental or physical wellness is perfect for dental assistants to help them feel their best.
At-home spa kit: After a long day at the office, nothing feels better than having a self-care night. The best spa kits include a little bit of everything, and dental assistants can use them whenever they need extra relaxation. Some products to consider including in your kit are scented candles, bath salts, hair and face masks, compression socks, lip balms, nail polish, lotions, and a note of encouragement.
Essential oils: There are numerous health benefits to aromatherapy and many ways to use essentials oils. Studies have shown that essential oils can help reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, improve mood, and more. Lavender is commonly used to relieve stress and anxiety, lemon to improve mood, chamomile to promote relaxation, and peppermint to soothe physical pains.
Massage therapy certificate: With the physical demands of the job, massage therapy can help dental assistants address stress and areas of pain. There are various styles, pressure levels, and durations of massages to choose from. This gift can help dental assistants reset and feel their best for the new year.
Journal: Journal options are nearly endless, and many can even be personalized with initials or a company logo. Keeping a journal offers several mental and organizational benefits. Whether it’s used as a safe spot to process thoughts or a place to keep grocery lists, journals are a useful gift because of their versatility and convenience.
For the Office
Dental assistants rely on personal items they bring to work to help them feel their best throughout the day. These items are often used daily, making them suitable gifts that keep on giving.
Supportive footwear: Dental assistants are on their feet most of the time, so it’s crucial for them to have comfortable shoes to wear. Healthcare workers highly recommend brands like HOKA, Brooks, and Allbirds for their levels of support and durability. You can tailor footwear based on the recipient’s tastes, so they won’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. Some brands even allow you to customize shoe colors!
Water bottle or insulated tumbler: Hydration is essential, and having a convenient way to drink water is especially needed during a busy day of patient appointments. Travel tumblers are also good for taking tea or coffee on the go. Water bottles and travel tumblers from brands like Owala, Hydro Flask, and Stanley are popular choices for their durability, insulation, size, and color options.
Canvas tote: Tote bags make a stylish and practical gift for dental assistants to carry work essentials, lunch boxes, and other personal items. Brands like L.L. Bean and Baggu offer collections of high-quality tote bags to choose from. You can even add a personal touch with embroidery, patches, and pins!
Insulated lunch box: If you know someone likes to bring food from home, a durable lunch box might be the way to go. Many brands offer insulated coolers, stainless steel bento boxes, and dual-compartment options to keep food fresh all day. If your practice often has a full fridge, consider adding the recipient’s initials.
Electronics
Headphones: Bluetooth headphones are handy for travel, home projects, and simply listening to your favorite songs without a cord getting in the way. Brands like Sony, JBL, and Bose offer both earbuds and over-the-head style headphones. This is an ideal present for the office’s designated DJ and other music lovers on the team.
Fitness tracker: A digital fitness tracker can help health-minded individuals monitor personal stats on sleep, daily activity levels, workouts, and more. Fitbit, Apple, and Garmin offer many popular models of wristwatch trackers in a variety of colors and styles.
Bluetooth tracker: Portable trackers, like AirTags, are good for dental assistants who travel so they can easily keep tabs on personal items such as passport or luggage right from their phone. These devices provide real-time location updates and are convenient to keep on a key chain or in a purse, so recipients never have to worry about losing their house keys again.
Miscellaneous
Gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop: A gift card is fitting for someone who’s always on the hunt for the best spots in town. Treating the recipient to a meal or cup of coffee can inspire them to try a new menu item or share dinner with a loved one.
Meal kit service: Making dinner can be overwhelming for busy schedules. A gift card or subscription to a meal kit delivery service brings the joy of a home-cooked meal right to their doorstep. Brands like Blue Apron and HelloFresh offer extensive menus with well-balanced meals that can be customized by diets, family size, and ingredient preferences.
Puzzle: Cozying up with a jigsaw puzzle is a great way to pass the time during the chilly winter months. With thousands of images and sizes to choose from, you can find a puzzle of a dental assistant’s favorite movie poster, dream travel destination, or most listened-to album. You can even create your own puzzle design with a custom photo!
Still not sure what to give to the dental assistants in your office? A prepaid gift card or cash is always appreciated and lets them select something they’ll truly enjoy.
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