Scrubs Gift Guide: Top Picks for Every Clinician

Scrubs make surprisingly thoughtful gifts. For healthcare professionals, they’re not just workwear—they’re a daily essential that helps them feel comfortable, confident and ready for anything their shift brings. Whether you’re shopping for a nursing student, a seasoned RN, or someone in a specialized role, the right scrubs show you understand how hard they work—and what they really need.

This guide walks you through how to choose the best styles, fabrics and colors to make your gift both personal and practical. Whether you're searching for gifts for nurses or gifts for doctors, you’ll find easy, thoughtful ideas for every kind of clinician.

How to Choose the Right Scrubs for Gifting

You don’t have to be in healthcare to pick out great scrubs. A few simple details—like color, fit and fabric—can make all the difference. Here’s how to choose a pair they’ll actually look forward to wearing.

Pick the Right Color

Color is more than just style in scrubs. Sometimes it's about workplace dress codes. If you know your pros favorite color or workplace requirements, even better. But if you're unsure, options like navy, black, grey and ceil blue scrubs are safe, universally accepted shades. For more info, check out our guide on Scrub Color Meaning.

Go for Multi-Pocket Styles

Ask any pro—pockets are non-negotiable. Between pens, phones, gloves and sanitizer, healthcare workers carry a lot. Look for scrub tops and pants with patch, cargo or zip pockets to help them keep everything close at hand and easy to find.

Choose the Right Fabric

The best-feeling scrubs balance softness, stretch and durability. Moisture-wicking materials help during long, busy shifts, while stretch fabrics (like Cherokee’s signature blends) move with them through every task. Comfort shouldn’t mean compromise—these fabrics deliver all-day performance and polish in one.

Don’t Forget Layering Pieces

It’s not just about scrubs, it’s about the basics, too. A cozy jacket, long-sleeve undershirt or compression socks make great add-on gifts. Layers keep them warm in chilly hospital settings and comfortable during overnight shifts.

Gift Ideas by Role

Every healthcare pro has a different routine—and the right scrubs can make their day just a little easier. Here’s how to match your gift to what they do best.

Nurses and RNs

No one juggles more than a nurse. Between long shifts, quick turns and constant multitasking, comfort and function are everything. Gift them scrubs that move with them and hold up shift after shift—joggers, multi-pocket tops and breathable fabrics are always a win. Stick with classics like navy, royal blue or ceil scrubs for a look that works anywhere.

Med Students and Grads

They’re just getting started, so help them build a work wardrobe that lasts. Durable, easy-care scrubs are perfect for clinical rotations, study sessions and everything in between. Most programs require colors like navy, black or grey, but you can make it personal with extras—a soft scrub jacket, fun badge reel, or compression socks that add comfort (and a little flair).

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs)

PCTs are constantly on the move, so flexible, breathable styles are the way to go. Look for fabrics that stretch and scrubs with plenty of pockets—they’ll appreciate the extra function. Burgundy, wine and grey are common uniform colors, so you can shop smart and still keep things fresh. For more ideas, check out our gift guide for patient care technicians.

Pediatric, ER or OR Staff

These roles call for scrubs that can keep up with a fast pace. For ER and OR staff, styles with PROTX2® odor control and added stretch are ideal. Pediatric pros, on the other hand, can have a little fun—bright colors or Tooniforms prints bring smiles to young patients (and to them). Think teal, hunter green or surgical blue for a professional look with personality. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Gift Guide for Pediatricians.

Scrub Gift Ideas Under $50

You don’t have to spend a lot to give something they’ll actually love. From soft scrub tops to comfy joggers and practical accessories, there are plenty of affordable ways to make their next shift a little better. Many Cherokee favorites come in under $50—so you can give quality, comfort and function without stretching your budget.

How to Wrap Scrubs as a Gift

Presentation counts. Fold their scrubs neatly into a reusable tote, wrap them in soft tissue with a handwritten note, or build a “shift starter kit” with little extras like snacks, lip balm and a badge reel. It’s a simple way to make something practical feel personal—and show them you really thought it through.

Scrubs are more than just workwear—they’re an everyday essential that helps healthcare pros feel confident and comfortable all shift long. And at Cherokee, we make it easy to find something thoughtful, durable and truly useful. Explore our women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs to find scrubs they’ll love to wear.