Starting residency is exciting and terrifying in the best way. Years of late nights, lost weekends, and endless studying lead up to residency…and you can finally collect a paycheck. The first few months are a blur of new workflows, new people, new city (sometimes), and the sudden realization that your body still needs basic maintenance even if your attending and seniors don’t care. The best gifts aren’t “doctor-themed.” Without further ado, here’s a list of suggestions for the intern (first year residents are generally called interns) in your life. These are all the things that should help make their lives easier and their nervous system slightly less crispy.
Everything below is something I’d actually want if I were starting intern year again (or something I’ve gifted people who were about to enter the trenches). If you want more ideas, let me know!
The Gifts (from the collage)
1) Tower28 SOS Beauty Spray — $28
The simplest “I’m living in hospital air and touching too many surfaces” reset. Great for face/chest/anything irritated after a long day.
2) Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks — $22
Perfect for post-call puffiness or “I have to look awake at 7 a.m.”
3) Manta Sleep Mask — $38
Night float, naps, post-call recovery, roommates, daylight, loud neighbors. If they can sleep better, they will survive better.
4) Ikagi Weekly Pill Case — $90
This is the kind of adult organization that actually sticks. Useful for supplements, meds, travel, or just feeling like your life isn’t scattered.
5) Thorne Creatine — $44
Evidence-based, practical, and not wellness-cringe. Helpful for strength/training energy and general maintenance.
6) oHHo Seltzer Multipack — $44
A treat option for decompressing — but important note: this is THC-infused, only gift this to someone who’s into it and not subject to workplace drug testing / strict hospital policies.
7) OOFOS Men’s Slide — $60
This is the “I care about your joints” gift. Recovery slides are a post-shift miracle, especially if they’re on their feet all day.
8) Owala SmoothSip Slider — $30
A low-drama coffee/tea tumbler that will actually get used. Residency is 40% caffeine logistics.
9) Ghia The OG Spritz Variety Pack — $80
A “celebratory but not alcohol” gift that still feels special. Great for Match Day / graduation / first paycheck energy.
10) Wellow Signature Compression Socks — $30
Unsexy but elite. Compression socks are the quiet difference between “fine” and “my legs hate me.”
11) Type A Belt Bag — $72
Hands-free, wipeable, and built for shift life. (Yes, this is my brand.)
I hope you find some inspiration in this list. If not, feel free to drop a comment of message me for more ideas. At the end of the day, all they have to do is survive intern year and then things usually get better :)
Until next time,
Abid
