PA Gift Buying Guide
Stuck on what to give your favorite PA? Regardless if it’s holiday gift shopping, birthday, PA week or for graduation, these gifts are usually a big hit! Fair warning, I’m a great lover of all things Amazon (I can order things from my phone? Yes please!) and if it means you don’t have to drive anywhere to get them, it’s an added bonus!
This list is mostly tools, equipment and services! If you are looking for an amazing PA book selection, check out PA Books.
Gifts For the New Graduate PA:
A Practice Suture Kit- I love this suture kit, especially for new graduate PAs working in urgent care or the ER. Don’t forget to get sutures also!
Don’t Forget the Sutures! You’ll need at least 4-5 packs to start with, the more, the better!
A clipboard the fits in a white coat- seriously, this was my prized possession while in PA school (and when I graduated). There are handy tables on it too!
Every Day PA Tools
Trauma Shears For the ER PA– this pair has a clip that keeps them handy (and from getting lost in your bag of plenty)
Littman Master Cardiology Stethoscope- This is my hands-down favorite stethoscope. It’s so special, it’s like a child to me. I once had to use my husband’s stethoscope when I sent mine in for maintenance and was so happy to get it back. If your favorite PA needs a good stethoscope, look no further!
Stethoscope Name Tag- An engraved nametag means when your favorite PA forgets their stethoscope in room 3, someone will actually return it instead of placing it in a drawer!
An Otoscope for Home- PAs with kids are always wondering why they ever got rid of their otoscope from PA school! I bought this and use it regularly. The light source is exactly right and it fits normal otoscope covers.
PA Apparel and Gear
Some of these companies are founded by PAs! Support the profession while also getting some really great swag!
Medthusiast Tshirts- Andrea is an amazing Pediatric ICU PA and founded this fantastic medical apparel company. This t-shirt is definitely my favorite, but there are so many other amazing medical tshirts, mugs and stickers.
Medthusiast Mugs– I LOVE this quote.. like, really, really love it, and the typography.. and the fact that its also a Medthusiast product and I can support a PA, is also awesome!
Medelita Lab Coats- Lara, an amazing Emergency Medicine PA, founded Medelita and I have been so impressed with their company and love their lab coats! Though a little pricey, a well-fitting coat is a great investment!
Medelita Scrub Jackets– For those PAs who don’t “white coat”, a scrub jacket may be a great alternative! I hate fleece for a million reasons, and so this fabric is perfect. It’s warm but breathes and is moisture-wicking , has a ton of pockets and is very comfortable.
Embroidered Scrubs- One of the best ways to make scrubs look professional is to get them embroidered. Again, I’m a huge Medelita Fan! Their embroidery is impeccable.. it’s crisp and not too thick (I’m picky) and paired with their awesome scrubs, it would be an amazing gift.
Fun Compression Socks! Back in my youth, I would have laughed if you suggested those old white nylon looking things, but now they are in fun colors, look more like socks and really help with “aching” legs at the end of a long day.
Yes, there are boring compression socks too.. Still great for tired legs and feet, but less loud.
Hoka One One Shoes– Speaking of tired feet and legs, HOKA One One Shoes are known as great running shoes, but can also make a world of difference after a long 12 hour shift!
Give the Gift of Time.
PAs are often so busy, simple tasks like grocery shopping or pleasures like reading a book can be daunting! Give them gifts that could help them save time, like food delivery or a subscription to an audio book service. My favorites are:
Audible – Many PAs have a long commute to work, the ease of Audible has really made audiobooks accessible on the go and has finally allowed me to “read” some of my favorite classics, while also getting in some great non fiction (the TED Talks book was amazing). Give your favorite PA this gift, and you won’t regret it.
Amazon Services- Imagine getting the gift of a clean house! Or someone to fix that cabinet door! The people offering their services get rated just like amazon products do, so you know what you are getting. Genius, and seriously, the best. gift. ever.
Amazon Fresh or Amazon Prime Pantry- if your favorite PA is anything like me, grocery shopping is one chore I don’t mind, but never really have time for! Grocery Delivery is a new and amazing time saver! They’ll thank you, I’m sure of it!
Pre-PA Gifts
So, I did have to add a few awesome Pre-PA Books below, but there are lots of great items Pre-PA students would appreciate!
MyPAbox– this amazing tool was created by PAs for Pre-PAs who are trying to apply to PA school. It will help them search for PA Schools, get organized by saving the documents and test scores, while also keeping track of their shadowing and patient care experience hours.
PA School Interview Guide- So we are probably biased, but this is a great resource for Pre-PA students who are applying to CASPA next year! You can read Savanna Perry’s great post here.
Surviving PA School– John Bielinski has done a great job, and provides a fantastic plan and insight for those who were accepted to PA school, which will help them get through the toughest 2 years of their life. You can see his interview here!
Give the Gift of CMEs!
Help your favorite PA brush up on important topics while also earning CMEs! John Bielinski, a PA who owns CME4Life has been an amazing supporter of Empowered PAs! Consider giving the gift of CMEs to your favorite PA or PA student! Not only are these courses educational, but fundamental!
