5 Holiday Gifts For Essential Workers

Express your gratitude for heroes on the frontlines

Photo1 by Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash; Photo2 by Anna Shvets from Pexels; Photo3 by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

This pandemic has demonstrated the importance of the everyday heroes on the front lines of our health system and our economy. For these citizens, working from home is not an option. Some are the people we’ve always admired; the doctors, nurses, and first responders who are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Others are the unseen and unsung essential workers we don't usually recognize: postal workers, garbage collectors, grocery store clerks, delivery people, and others. These may be family members, friends, or neighbors working tirelessly to keep society functional while we await the vaccine rollout.

This holiday season is difficult for everyone, but especially so for these people. Essential workers must risk daily exposure to continue their work. Many are isolating themselves from elderly parents or other vulnerable loved ones to reduce the risk of an unintended exposure. The first service you can do for them is to do your part to curb the spread of the disease: wear a mask, wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and postpone holiday gatherings until next year.

You could also consider adding them to your holiday shopping list! Here are a few suggestions for gifts that will express your gratitude and brighten their day this winter.

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Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Moisturizing Lotion

Nine months of frequent handwashing, the drying effect of alcohol based hand sanitizers, and the chaffing effect of prolonged facemask use has left essential workers with some seriously dry skin. Add one of these daily use unscented moisturizers to any care package you prepare (link, 6 pack link, 3 pack link).

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Personal Protective Equipment & Supplies

Essential workers are likely going through loads of personal protective equipment and related supplies. Consider making a cloth facemask or purchasing a supply of respirators, face shields, or hand sanitizer.

Photo by Shrey Gupta on Unsplash

Water Bottle

On the go or in the hospital, hydration is key to make it through a busy day. This model by Hydro Flask is highly rated and a perennial best seller. For a budget option, you can’t go wrong with the Nalgene bottle.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Socks

Essential workers often spend long periods of time standing or walking. With winter approaching, a good pair of merino wool socks will keep their feet warm and comfortable.

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

A Weighted Blanket

If you have a heftier budget to pamper the essential worker in your life, consider a weighted blanket. The weight induces a calming effect for a restful night’s sleep.

With the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine, we now have hope for a clear end to the pandemic in 2021. We can get there together by physically distancing whenever possible. For most of us, that means working from home and expressing our thanks to those essential workers unable to do so.

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