Unintentional and violence-related injuries take the lives of 4.4 million people each year globally. Additionally, approximately 10 percent of the total years living with disabilities is attributed to injuries. These are among the emergencies aided by paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Paramedics and EMTs are first responders who provide emergency medical services (EMS) to save lives. Most work full-time, while others work more than 40 hours weekly. Their job can also be vigorous and stressful, occasionally involving life-or-death situations. Despite the nature of their work, they’re among the most overlooked medical professionals in the healthcare field.

Giving gifts is one way to show gratitude and appreciation to paramedics and EMTs—whether a loved one or not. But with an array of options available, what are the most practical gift ideas you can give?

Key Takeaways Paramedics and EMTs are usually overlooked in the medical field. One way to recognize them is by giving gifts as tokens of appreciation.Gifts are thoughtful and functional items that show your gratitude for their hard work. Choosing a gift involves knowing the receiver’s needs and preferences to ensure the item matches their job and lifestyle.

Our Top Picks

We researched, tested, and listed the best gift options for paramedics and EMTs below. Our tests and research are anchored on features, reviews, functionality, and affordability. We aim to give you high-quality items that won’t exhaust much of your savings.

These affordable products can show your thoughtfulness since they are created for medical professionals. Our recommendations ensure the perfect gifts to make your paramedic and EMT loved ones feel appreciated and recognized.

Image	Product Name	Best Of
	FriCARE Dual Head Stethoscope	Best Budget Stethoscope	↓ Jump to Review
	Maelstrom Tac Force 8	Best Budget EMS Boots	↓ Jump to Review
	DALINDA Lunch Bag	Best Budget Insulated Lunch Bag	↓ Jump to Review
	Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit	Best Budget First Aid Kit	↓ Jump to Review
	MEUUT 8″ Trauma Shears	Best Budget Trauma Shears	↓ Jump to Review

1. Best Budget Stethoscope: FriCARE Dual Head Stethoscope

The FriCARE Dual Head Stethoscope is a dual-head and stainless steel stethoscope. Many users were surprised with its good acoustics, as it can pick up quality sound despite its low price. The dual-head function lets users hear high- and low-frequency sounds from the heart and lungs.

This stethoscope has a name tag, user manual, and replaceable ear tips and diaphragm. You can easily remove the diaphragm’s metal ring to prevent cross-contamination. Moreover, the latex-free, matte-finish tubing is easy to clean and can resist stains, sweat, and oil.

However, the earpieces can be uncomfortable for some users, and the tubing may not be soft and flexible. Still, it’s a good gift that won’t break your bank. It is ideal for medical students and settings where stethoscopes are easily lost.

2. Best Budget EMS Boots: Maelstrom Tac Force 8

Although these boots are water resistant, they’re not entirely waterproof. You might want to consider its waterproof version if the recipient is based in a state with lots of rainfall. Regardless, this Tac Force 8 is a cheap but comfortable, professional, and supportive boot for heavy-duty activities.

3. Best Budget Insulated Lunch Bag: DALINDA Lunch Bag

Be careful of the potential leaks because this lunch bag is not entirely leakproof. However, it’s still great for various occasions and daily use. It’s a stylish and practical gift choice with functionality that can keep paramedics and EMTs’ food fresh during their shifts.

4. Best Budget First Aid Kit: Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit

For these reasons, the Johnson & Johnson all-purpose first aid kit is among the perfect gifts you can choose. 

This portable and compact kit contains essential supplies, including gauze pads, cleansing wipes, antibiotic creams, bandages, and instant cold packs. These lifesaving items can be used indoors and outdoors to treat scrapes, minor cuts, itches, pains, burns, and insect bites.

What we didn’t like about this kit is that it doesn’t have spacers to organize the supplies. It also doesn’t include essentials like gloves and a CPR face shield. Nonetheless, we could still distinguish the items because almost every supply has its own box. It is a practical and handy first-aid kit for usual emergencies.

5. Best Budget Trauma Shears: MEUUT 8″ Trauma Shears

The reviews noted that this medical scissor may only be good on the first use. For some, it can be too heavy. One review said that the shears were too small for adult male hands. 

Regardless, these experiences may not necessarily mirror your own. The MEUUT 8″ Trauma Shears remains a budget-friendly gift with functionality ideal for medical professionals.

Characteristics of an Excellent Gift for a Paramedic

Gifts are items you willingly give to loved ones. But they’re not just random items you instantly thought of. A good paramedic or EMT gift must possess characteristics beyond your willingness.

Let’s examine what constitutes a good gift below.

Memorable

Gifts for paramedics, EMTs, and other medical professionals should evoke positive feelings and emotions to make them memorable. These items can even have sentimental value when you remember and consider your loved one’s needs and interests. This sentimental value enables the receivers to remember you and your efforts and appreciate your gifts more.

A memorable gift isn’t necessarily outlandish because the costs shouldn’t measure it. Similarly, it doesn’t have to be huge because size doesn’t matter when you’ll always be remembered for it. Thus, excellent and memorable gifts should always be meaningful rather than lavish.

Personalized

Gift-giving is a way to express love, gratitude, respect, and appreciation. It is considered the symbol of your relationship with the receiver.

Most gifts are personalized to bring joy and satisfaction to the recipients. Personalizing your gift can also strengthen your relationships with your loved ones.

You can personalize your gifts by going for custom and handmade items like photos, artwork, clothing, and home decorations. You may even gift a handwritten letter or attach a sticky note with a short message to the gift. Whichever option you choose has your personal touch and the receiver’s preferences, making the gift more valuable.

Unique wrapping

Choosing a gift is one thing, but presenting it is another. Presenting involves wrapping, transforming even the cheapest item into a sumptuous gift.

Many people think that wrapped gifts look like actual gifts because they expect them to be colorful and decorated. Without these elements, any present may appear “naked.” Wrapped gifts can also make positive impressions and create a surprise effect that intrigues the receiver.

That’s why unique wrapping is a way to make gifts more fun and creative. Paying attention to wrapping can show your desire to delight and surprise your loved ones. Moreover, you make your receiver more curious and anticipate your gift because they wonder what it is—even if they have an idea of what’s inside.

You can make your wrapping unique by choosing eye-catching materials, such as eco-friendly packaging, handmade gift wraps, and velvet fabrics. You could watch tutorial videos or seek assistance from a loved one. If you don’t have time, professional gift wrapping is an option.

Thoughtful and useful

The best gifts are thoughtful and well-researched. Your receiver should see that you remembered their needs, interests, and preferences. Since you’re gifting your loved ones who are medical professionals, you must give practical gifts that benefit their lifestyle and work.

Other Gift Ideas for Paramedics

You don’t have to limit yourself to the top five gifts above. There are many options to choose from, which you won’t run out of.

Here are the other gift ideas you can give to your paramedic, EMT, or medical professional loved ones:

Personalized and funny EMT t-shirts or hoodies

Clothes like t-shirts and hoodies are classic gift ideas. They are necessities that provide body warmth and skin protection.

While clothes may seem trivial gifts, they are versatile items. You can do many things in one shirt or hoodie to make it a significant gift. For one, you can personalize them with custom paramedic or EMT-related designs.

These designs—like the Star of Life logo—can be printed or embroidered on the fabrics. The logo could be embedded as a little accent on one side of the chest area or cover a significant space on either the front or back area. You may also choose an EMT shirt or hoodie with the Thin White Line flag design.

Furthermore, shirts and hoodies printed with funny paramedic or EMT-related slogans are available—like “It’s not road rage if you have sirens.”

Coffee mugs

Many people love drinking coffee while working and off-duty. They drink caffeine to boost their alertness and prevent sleepiness. It can be true for medical professionals, as they typically work long hours weekly. For these reasons, coffee mugs are another perfect gift for paramedics and EMTs.

Your loved ones could have an emotional attachment to coffee mugs. With these items, they may feel a sense of ownership or use different ones for different drinks. Either way, you can personalize them with paramedic or EMT-inspired designs.

Like shirts and hoodies, mugs can be printed with the Star of Life logo, Thin White Line flag, and funny EMT slogans. You can also request to print the receiver’s name for more personalization.

Additionally, you can choose travel mugs and tumblers since paramedics and EMTs are usually on the go. These items will allow your loved ones to bring their beloved drinks while traveling.

Waterproof notebooks and pens

Waterproof notebooks won’t get soaked when you accidentally spill some liquids. These items are also usable during rainfall, making them perfect gifts for EMTs, paramedics, and medics.

Suppose your loved one is providing medical assistance outdoors, and the rain suddenly pours while they’re jotting down their patient’s vitals. When they use a waterproof notebook, they won’t worry about it getting soaked and damaged while writing. Their notes won’t smudge and will remain intact, preserving the necessary patient information.

You might also want to consider a waterproof pen to pair with a waterproof notebook so your loved one can maximize efficiency while providing medical aid.

Throw blankets

Throw blankets are short and versatile, primarily used as bedroom accessories and decorations. They’re also finishing touches for beds without footboards. But their functionality extends beyond aesthetics and style.

Since they are short and versatile, they can keep your loved one warm in any room. If your loved one doesn’t have a throw blanket, it might be time to gift them one.

Choose a throw blanket with a paramedic or EMT-inspired design, such as the Star of Life and Thin White Line flag. You may also pick one with a cute and funny EMT slogan or illustration. You can even personalize it by requesting to print your loved one’s name in a specific area.

Custom wallets

Custom wallets are personalized items that combine style and functionality. You can customize them with name embossments, monograms, and unique designs. They also have spacious interiors with dedicated compartments for cash, credit and debit cards, coins, receipts, IDs, and business cards.

You can emboss a custom wallet with the Star of Life logo or Thin White Line flag with the receiver’s name on it. One type of custom wallet to gift your loved one is a firefighter wallet. Firefighter wallets are made of repurposed firefighting gear, ideal for firefighters and first responders like EMTs and paramedics.

Keepsake boxes

Keepsake boxes are wooden storages of memorable items. These boxes are the perfect gifts for paramedics and EMTs who like to keep their meaningful items in one storage. They can store the gifts given by people they saved through the years in these keepsake chests.

Choose a keepsake chest based on the kind of gifts your loved one has received. Consider the size and material to ensure durability and longevity. Pick one with the Thin White Line flag or the Star of Life logo. You can buy a ready-made one or customize it and have the receiver’s name pyrographed on the wood.

Pillows and acupressure mats

Since an EMT or paramedic’s job involves lots of physical work, the strenuous activities can strain their muscle and joints. When they express they struggle with body pains, gifting them with support pillows and acupressure mats might be ideal.

Support pillows help relieve muscle tension and soreness and promote good sleeping positions for better sleep. Acupressure mats are at-home alternatives when professional acupuncture or massage isn’t possible. These mats stimulate the body’s pressure points to relieve sore and tight muscles. 

You can buy these items as a set so your loved one can have a support pillow and an acupressure mat as one gift.

Keychains

Keychains, also called keyrings, are small chains made from metal, wood, acrylic, or plastic. They are designed to hold our keys securely.

Nowadays, their functionality has expanded beyond holding keys. Keychains have been considered fashion statements and sold as merchandise or souvenirs that mirror our interests and personalities.

If you choose keychains, pick ones with EMT or paramedic-inspired designs. You can buy the Star of Life or the Thin White Line keychains. You can also purchase custom keychains and have the receiver’s name stamped, printed, pyrographed, or embossed on your chosen material.

Image by Mat Napo on Unsplash

Pocket knives

Pocket knives are portable and can be folded to keep the blades safe and hidden. These items are used to cut various materials on the go.

Suppose your loved one is aiding a car accident victim. A pocket knife can help them cut the injured person’s clothing and bandages if they don’t have trauma shears. If the victim is stuck in their seat, the knife can be a seatbelt cutter so they can transport the patient to the ambulance.

The great thing about pocket knives is you can also customize them. Add a personal touch by engraving the receiver’s name, the Star of Life logo, or the Thin White Line flag.

Bottle openers

Like keychains, bottle openers combine style and usability. You can give your loved one a bottle opener with an engraved paramedic or EMT-inspired design. If you want to give a keyring and a bottle opener, combine them and gift your loved one with a bottle opener keychain.

As a medical professional, the receiver also administers medicines to their patients. Some medicines are packed in glass bottles, which could be challenging to open. You can gift a medicine bottle opener so they can open medicine glass bottles easily. This opener is also handy on the go, particularly when your loved one needs to open a tight metal cap to provide medicine.

Necklaces and bracelets

Necklaces and bracelets are accessories worn around the neck and wrist. Although medical professionals aren’t allowed to wear such items in the hospitals, they can wear them off-duty. You can customize these items based on your loved one’s preferences or buy ones with Star of Life or Thin White Line pendants.

Glass breakers

Glass breakers are portable tools specifically designed to break glass windows in emergencies. These safety devices are great gifts for EMTs and paramedics, particularly when breaking a car or house window in an emergency. You can buy this together with pocket knives and seatbelt cutters.

Sticker sets

Stickers can be matte, transparent, or glossy. Their graphics can be texts, illustrations, or labels with significant information. You can gift your loved one with EMT or paramedic-designed sticker sets to stick on their cars, phone cases, or laptops.

Sticking an EMT or paramedic sticker on a car is beneficial for public emergencies. For one, people can identify your loved one as a first responder through a sticker if they’re around the scene. People can call your loved one’s attention to provide medical assistance as quickly as possible.

Carved wooden American flag

If your loved one needs new wall decorations, you can gift them a carved wooden American flag with the Thin White Line or the Star of Life. This decoration can accentuate their walls while emphasizing the value of their profession. They can hang this wooden decor in their bedroom or living room.

Leatherman multi-tool

Leatherman multi-tools are portable and versatile devices built with different apparatuses in one instrument. A Leatherman multi-tool has up to 21 tools, including cutters, glass breakers, knives, saws, screwdrivers, bottle openers, and electrical crimpers. They can fit on backpacks, glove boxes, and first aid kits.

With a Leatherman multi-tool, your loved one has a handy tool with multiple purposes on the go. They instantly have a seatbelt cutter and a glass breaker in one device should they aid a car accident victim.

How To Choose the Perfect Gifts for Paramedics

Choosing a gift doesn’t have to be time-consuming and stressful. You can pick the best gifts even when shopping at the last minute when you know what to search for. These tips can help you find and buy the perfect gifts faster and easier.

Know your loved one’s needs and preferences

Talk to your loved ones before shopping or researching options on physical stores, Amazon, or Etsy. Ask about their needs and preferences. Determine whether they like minimalist or maximalist items. 

Suppose they say they could use some trauma shears since they don’t have one for personal use. Consider this and find a suitable one for their work.

Consider their personalities

Consider whether your loved one is outgoing or more introverted. Are they more sentimental or practical? Remembering your loved one’s personality will help you choose the best gift that matches their style and interests.

Buy a gift based on the occasion

Most of us only have time to buy gifts for graduations, birthdays, Father’s or Mother’s Day, and holidays like Christmas. Take advantage of these occasions to make your loved one feel special.

The items below might be the perfect gifts for each occasion:

• Father’s Day gift: EMT shirt or a silicone watch band with a heartbeat or Star of Life design
• Graduation gift: EMT or paramedic books and review materials for the national certification exam
• Birthday gift: A customized decanter set
• Christmas gift: Something that the receiver has been longing for

Gift an experience

Experience gifts are ideal if your loved one doesn’t like material ones. They can be gift cards, vouchers, or certificates that provide services. 

For example, give a massage gift card so your loved one has time to relax while off-duty. Remember to notify that the receiver may need to pay the remaining massage expenses, as not all gift cards cover the entire service cost.

Show Your Gratitude With These Tokens of Appreciation

Gifts are thoughtful ways of recognizing a paramedic, EMT, medic, or medical professional’s healthcare service and hard work. These are tokens of appreciation for saving you or a loved one’s life. 

Some of your loved ones may be paramedics or EMTs, too, so gifts are ways to make them feel that a relative cares for them beyond their profession.

The perfect gifts for paramedics or EMTs are not one-size-fits-all. They are still humans with different needs and preferences. Choose something they prefer with a functionality suitable for their job and lifestyle.

Did you or a loved one suffer from injuries from an accident recently?

The Personal Injury Center is dedicated to helping you and your loved ones maximize your rights and compensation in an accident. When ready, we can connect you with an experienced personal injury attorney who can deliver the appropriate legal help.

A personal injury lawyer advocates for your rights and provides adequate support to ensure you get the rightful compensation as a plaintiff in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gift Ideas for Paramedics