Last year I wanted to bring some sort of holiday gift to the pediatric GI department where Edward gets his Remicade infusions. We are there for hours and hours each time, and it used to be every 7 weeks but now it’s every 5 weeks which is basically once a month, and it’s been years now so we’ve gotten to feel warmly about everyone there.
But I couldn’t decide what to bring. The nurses are always talking (amongst themselves, I mean, not to us, but the nurse’s station is right outside the door so we can hear them) about how they have to eat better and exercise more, and also I imagine that MOST people who bring holiday gifts would bring treats? Perhaps I am wrong. But I know Paul’s office is always just FULL of treats in December. (But probably not this year, with the pandemic.) I would love to bring treats if they’d love to have treats, but I don’t want to BURDEN them with treats. And in a pandemic there is the additional issue of whether they’d feel comfortable with food brought in, even though (1) the overwhelming evidence seems to be that food does not pose a threat, and (2) I’d be bringing something made by someone else—like treats from a bakery or grocery store.
Anyway, last year I got overwhelmed and did nothing, and felt at peace with that decision until AFTER our December appointment, when I wished I’d powered through it and done something, ANYTHING. Holiday tasks feel overwhelming beforehand and wonderful afterhand, in my experience: like, even when it’s NOT in a pandemic I always dither and fret about the mail carrier, and I always feel SO HAPPY AND GLAD after I’ve put the gift card in the mail box. So I made a note for this year to DO SOMETHING FOR THE PEDIATRIC GI DEPARTMENT.
Here are the things I’ve considered:
1. Grocery store fruit tray. For $20-25, I can get a nice big tray of assorted fruit, which should feel somewhat treat-like while still fitting into most people’s eating plans, and without adding to the possible overload of cookies/bars/etc.; I could add a container of caramel dip and a container of chocolate dip, or anything else I see sold by the fruit trays, to increase the treatness for anyone who would LIKE to increase the treatness. Downside: fruit this time of year may not be terrific and it doesn’t last long; also, I’d have to go to the grocery store to get it (I’m okay with that, but in a pandemic anything “going inside a store” has to count as a downside).
2. An order from O&H Danish Bakery. A dear friend sent me two of their Kringles, and they were SO DELICIOUS AND FUN. They’re big oval ring-shaped danish, and you cut off pieces and eat them. And they freeze gorgeously: I cut a bunch of pieces and put them in baggies in the freezer before my children could locust everything up, and I took out a piece every afternoon to have with my coffee, and it was glorious. Anyway, I could send the department a few Kringles, or there are also other holiday packages involving, say, two Kringles and two coffee cakes, things like that. Downsides: could possibly be adding to burden of too many sweets/treats; also, rather expensive. Upside: they’d be shipped, so they’d arrive as a surprise and I wouldn’t have to be there! (I don’t like the part where I’m bringing in things and people might feel they have to make a big deal about it, and in the case of our Remicade appointments different people keep coming into the room so maybe they’d ALL say something, and it’s so agonizing.)
3. An order from See’s Candies. This is another of my own favorite special treats, and I feel like I could put together a nice selection of chocolates and candies. Downsides: again, expensive and adds to potential overburden of sweets. Upside: again, SHIPPED, so I don’t have to be there; also, they keep for a fairly long time, so they wouldn’t have to be eaten at the same time as any other possible resident treats.
4. A bunch of assorted things that I can get with Drive-Up at Target: basically the pandemic care package concept. Like, what about some of those four-packs of bottles/cans of Starbucks coffee? And a big parcel of those snack-size chip bags! And some packs of festive Milano and/or Pepperidge Farm cookies! And some hand lotion! And so on. Upside: this would be super fun for me, and everything would KEEP really well in case they didn’t want it now. Downside: heavy/bulky to lug through the hospital; also, I was estimating the cost and it would be comparable to the Kringles/See’s ideas, but for something that doesn’t seem like it has the same impact.
Do you have other ideas? And I hope we can all remember that, as when discussing teacher gifts, no one likes to hear their careful and lovingly-intended ideas called “crap” or “junk” or “a waste” or whatever, and that too much of that kind of talk makes people just give up and do nothing instead, and with bad unfestive feeling about it too. And also, we should all keep in mind that there is no single Right Answer that meets every department everywhere: for example, some departments get too many sweets and feel burdened, while others hardly get any and would greatly enjoy getting more. So if for example you are or know a nurse, perhaps you could list things your/their department would love to receive, rather than dishearteningly listing all the stuff that gets thrown in the trash immediately. And if you have brought gifts to medical staff in the past, I hope you will feel free to say what you decided on, without this cautionary paragraph making you feel self-conscious that other people will criticize it.
Would you be able to do some kind of a recurring gift? For example, a box of See’s every months, or every 2-3 months? Something that would spread out the “treat burden”?
A pretty blooming plant, if that’s something that would be allowed for the nursing station?
Obviously a heartfelt note of thanks, which is always appreciated. Maybe a nice photo of you and Edward that they could tack up on their bulletin board.
Is there a nice bread bakery in your area that would deliver? For example, a Great Harvest or Breadsmith? They can do some very nice treats that feel more wholesome.
I did research on this when a friend of mine died and the nurses were amazing. It seems that treats are always appropriate except in the ICU; they like savory things as well as sweet (chips and salsa!); they like sodas and coffee; and unscented hand creams are a good gift as well.
Oh geez, medical people may SAY those things, but we will hoover up anything you bring! We love all food! My unit would be thrilled with any of those things you suggested. We get donuts and candy a lot. Sometimes if someone is a local business owner, we get something specific from that business. A fruit plate/fruit basket would be well-received. We like cheese/cracker/nuts platters. Honestly, we’ll eat anything.
I would stay away from plants. I know when I worked in critical care, live plants weren’t allowed because they can bring in bacteria/fungi. I doubt they’re allowed in that unit because of the immune systems of their patient population.
A card or note is always a good thing and if there were any specific staff members that went above and beyond, filling out a patient comment card and mentioning their name(s) specifically will go directly to their manager and be put in their file for their next review.
But really, I’m a nurse in a cath lab – about as cardiology focused as you can get – and any food would disappear within hours.
I would do an assortment of coffee and tea! They can use it in their break room coffee place or split it up among them, and tea bags are easy to take home.
How about a selection of prepacked yummy but more healthful treats? Like bags of SmartFood white cheddar popcorn, Nature Valley biscuits (they come in almond and coconut and both are SO DELICIOUS), Black Forest Juicy Burst fruit snacks, Snack Factory pretzel crisps, and the like. And a thing of Vitamin Water, which I had for the first time last week and it was also delicious, more treat-y than plain water, but less guilty than a full-calorie soda.
This is a great idea, packaged so less sanitary concerns and something for everybody (savory! Sweet! Gluten free!)
(I work in hospitals/doctors office and food is always welcome)
I talk about wanting to eat better and exercise more, but I do also love a good treat, particularly around Christmas. :) I was in a situation a few years ago where I saw a medical team every day for 6 weeks around Christmas time. I made them cookies and they seemed to like them. I even got a recipe request.
And then when my dad was in hospice at Christmas time, we made cookies for the staff who took care of him and they were either really good actors or they liked them.
So baked goods might be fine. I also like your fruit tray idea because it does take into account people who can’t have baked goods for one reason or another.
I think the fruit tray is a pretty darned good idea even if fruit is sub-optimal this time of year. But really I came in here to say THANK YOU for your last paragraph, because it so perfectly sums up everything that I hate about how these kinds of questions can go sideways BUT FRAMES IT POSITIVELY which is just downright genius. So thank you.
Due to pandemic issues we cannot have communal food at my hospital. Everything has to be individually portioned. No one is allowed to gather around food like in before times. So previously I could bring in a pan of brownies or veggie tray, but that is currently not allowed under our rules. I don’t want to discourage you, but I think Target snacks would be your best bet even though it is a pain to lug through the hospital. This way people can grab and tuck away for when they have a chance to eat. I have been bringing in granola bars, cracker packs, and individual fruit (like a 5 lb bag of mandarins or bag of apples, etc) for my staff. I think you are amazing for thinking of them.
I came here to say this. My husband works in a hospital and yesterday the hospital administration sent an email reminding people not to have any shared food at work because of the pandemic. I do think individually wrapped snacks/drinks would work well.
Ooooh. Mandarins are in season right now…
I’d do a selection from Target. I’d do some of the individual bags of trail mix in a couple flavors, mini bags of smart pop or pirate booty, clementines, maybe cheese sticks and candy canes. That’s a bit of a balance between treat/snack/diet friendly. The individual packaging feels like a safer choice right now.
It’s so nice you are thinking of the healthcare team! I work at a hospital and, due to the pandemic, all food items must be wrapped individually or will be thrown away. Your hospital might be different, but your ideas like pandemic care package items or coffee and tea might be safer and appreciated. Also, our employees love getting individual nice hand cream tubes they can keep in their pockets. Happy holidays Swistle!
Cheryl’s Cookies are individually wrapped, freeze well, AND can be shipped! I just ordered a box of 36 for my daughter’s daycare staff.
My ex-mother in law has sent me several packages of Cheryl’s cookies, and they are amazing! Not too pricey, either.
My mom is a retired labor and delivery nurse. She always spoke fondly of people who ordered some pizzas for the department to enjoy. Labor and delivery often get slammed on second shift (her shift) and they often have to skip dinner or shovel in a quick PBj at the nurse’s station as second shift was frequently poorly staffed for the demand that could walk in at any moment.
If you go in in the morning, could you bring pan of breakfast casserole and a fruit tray? Breakfast casserole reheats well.
Coffee coffee coffee anything coffee.
-Gift cards to nearby coffee place
-Pods if they’re a Keurig office (a quick call to the front desk will help figure that out)
SF Bay makes compostable, delicious K-cups sfbaycoffee dot com
-Delivery of a coffee crate thing
I agree with coffee! Came here to say the same thing. I’m a nurse practitioner at a cancer center. We have food brought in constantly (mostly sweets) even when it is non-holiday times. Some coffee gift cards maybe?
Communal food isn’t banned in our center (yet) but there is so much of it, sometimes it goes to waste.
It’s not uncommon for one person to take a group order, so a card could be spread out among several recipients/a team.
The things that have the biggest impact on my husband and his office/hospital staff are TREATS and nice words. And listen, I have a hard time with this myself, and it might feel overwhelming if there are multiple people you would want to include, so I am not pressuring, but the kind notes/comments my husband gets from patients are things he keeps FOREVER.
But also: TREATS. Your Kringle idea sounds amazing. The fruit platter ALSO sounds amazing, and it sounds like it’s rare that any food remains after it appears so I don’t think even fruit would have a chance to get icky. Chocolates would be AWESOME. I bet a selection of coffee drinks and snacks from Target would be snapped up in an instant. I think ALL your ideas are great and you can’t go wrong.
I like the fruit idea. But instead of a tray, I would consider a basket with apples and citrus since citrus fruit is in season this time of year and usually very good.
I like the pre-wrapped treats idea, with a nice bag of mandarin oranges, and maybe some interesting teas you have found in your research and/or maybe a few non-food things like hand creams or chapsticks. That seems perfect because even in the before times there would sometimes be free food at my (non-medical) office and it would look great but I wouldn’t be hungry right then. So it was excellent when there was something I could squirrel away in a pocket for later. But I agree that doing anything is better than nothing. Even if it isn’t the perfect something for the situation, it’s so nice to be remembered and appreciated.
We appreciate receiving boxes of chocolates etc that are individually wrapped/ have a long shelf life at this time of year so we can store some away for later if we are overwhelmed at the time of receiving. It’s especially fun to have “Merry Christmas” treats in the darkness of late January and February
Go with the assortment of pre-packaged goods, mixing sweet and savory. It’s pandemic-friendly, can be stored, and variety for all.
I had fun after my last baby was born doing a snack pack assortment (treats and granola bars and dried fruit and things like those little Altoid tins and gum packs). Basically individually packaged stuff that could be grab and go. I found a divided wicker basket at Michaels so it was fun to play Tetris to see how it would all fit. Oh, and I added some white board pens (since they were always running out or missing in the rooms) and some of my favorite pens. Even though charting was done on computers, I noticed all the staff still had tiny notebooks and pens on them.
I know you don’t like phone calls, but it seems like calling the nursing station and asking about what restrictions are in place these days because of the pandemic might narrow your options so that you can stop worrying about All The Choices and just pick from what’s available for you to do/bring.
I have to say that travel-sized hand lotions in unscented hypoallergenic or mild scents if allowed (and if you’re thinking about this one you might ask about whether scents are okay when you’re asking about the food stuff) seemed like a genius idea when I read it above. Who washes their hands or spritzes them with drying sanitizer more than medical staff? I’m guessing no one!
Trader Joes and I think Sam’s Club carry O&H Kringles! So you wouldn’t have to ship anything!
I’m thinking the prepackaged things are the way to go. I came to say that we are moving and leaving our beloved preschool, and I did an Edible Arrangement fruit tray. Chocolate dipped fruit (also some not dipped) with curbside pickup, and they seemed SO GLAD to have fruit instead of sweets. However, it seems sensible that unpackaged things would not be allowed in a hospital. Protein and granola bars, popcorn, dried fruit maybe or trail mix, all sounds fun. Maybe some holiday themed, chocolate dipped pretzels or something. Somebody mentioned Altoids or gum which also seems nice.
The fruit tray is a great idea, along with some suggestions I saw above about snacks or coffee and tea. My youngest son spent a lot of time inpatient and one thing we did was have lunch delivered fo the nurses. I know the unpredictability of medical stuff can make it hard for nurses and the like to actually have time to eat lunch, so we always did something that was easy to grab and go. Chipotle, Jimmy Johns, Firehouse Subs, and other places like that all usually have good catering options. And that way they can grab a burrito or half a sandwich or whatever when they have time.
All your ideas are wonderful and would be eaten up quickly! We all complain but also love the treats around Christmas. A few times we have got a lovely assortment of teas/coffee which was a huge hit because we haven’t had it very often. But honestly, all those ideas would be so welcome, so appreciate and cherished!
I just finished chemo for breast cancer last week! (YAY me!) I brought the nurses donuts. Then, because I wanted to make things a little more personal, I took a note card and wrote, thanks for being my lifesaver, signed it, and attached it to a pack of lifesavers. I know it was small, but as I sat there getting my last infusion, I saw most of the nurses put the lifesavers in their pocket and stick one into their mouths now and again. They seems genuinely touched by the little treats!
Congratulations!!!
Can you do the Target treat box, and just have it shipped to them? Then you don’t have to worry about carrying it around or anyone’s reactions. And you can do an assortment of all kinds of stuff. I guess it depends on how much you were planning on spending, but the free shipping threshold is $35.
Of your ideas, I like the care package one best. Fun for you, practical AND treat like for the nurses. If you do travel sizes and snack packs it wouldn’t be too big. Would Edward like to make a thank you sign to go with it?
Another idea is to get them a gift box of Florida oranges. Upside: shipped, treat like without being candy/cakes (though I have seen boxes that include chocolates or orange flavored candy). Downside: might be too late/unavailable now because of everyone ordering everything under the sun for shipping.
As a classroom teacher of 12 years, I will add that cases of la croix are a perennial favorite.
One time I had an OB that I really, really liked, so for my December appointment, I made a huge tray of various treats (because I loved everyone at the office too), and brought it in…where they had me put it on the table in the staff room that was COVERED in so many treats that they were never going to make it through all of them. That was discouraging, but then I thought, “Wait! I don’t have to have a holiday for an excuse! I can bring things to regular appointments at random times of the year that aren’t gift giving/treat occasions!” And from that point on, I started bringing treats or fresh bread to random appointments or places where I regularly go where the people are kind and helpful and thanking them for whatever kindness or help they’ve been giving me: a doctor’s office, a counselor’s office (one time I brought fresh chocolate chip cookies to one of my children’s appointments and tried to hand them to the receptionist who stared at me so long that I was worried she was allergic to gluten or something, but, actually, she was just so stunned that it took her a minute to take the plate; she said nobody had EVER brought them treats before), the post office in our small town where we had to go pick up our mail every day, the grocery store where a certain person helped me every time my WIC card wouldn’t work…just anywhere I regularly went where someone kindly did something for me.
After my first baby was born (in the summer), my mother (a nurse) ordered pizza to be sent to each shift for the next 24 hours to try to make sure everyone who had helped us would have a chance to have some. People were still talking about that in an excited way when we had to come back a couple days later for some reason I can’t remember now.
So, my idea is: food is good (although there might be pandemic considerations right now, as previous commenters have mentioned), and don’t feel like you are on a deadline and must do something right now or you will have missed your chance because whatever you do will be appreciated, and possibly even more so at a random time. (And if you wait, you could possibly scope things out in person at your next appointment, if that is preferable to calling, to find out what is allowed In These Uncertain Times.)
Maybe a variety of small scented candles? I feel like lighting a candle is a sign of hope in these strange times. A quick search on Amazon cane up with this: YYCH Scented Candles, Anxiety Reducer Jasmine, Rose, Vanilla, Bergamot, fig, Lavender, Lemon, Spring,Strawberry, Rosemary, Aromatherapy Organic Massage Candles, Hand Poured Natural Soy Wax – 20 Pack (….sorry; I can’t get the link to work!)
Oooh, something I can speak on. I’m a nurse, not currently doing patient care, but still subject to all of the policies in the hospital.
EVERYTHING in our world must be individually wrapped at our hospital. I’m not saying a fruit tray won’t get eaten, but we have been told absolutely no shareable food that isn’t in its own neat tidy plastic container. No potlucks, no homemade cookies/candy, nada.
I don’t know how many people you are looking at, but I’d aim for a box of something fun and sweet in quantity like snack packs of cookies, something salty/savory like chips or trail mix packages, and then maybe a box/bag of those cutie oranges for those crazy healthy folks. If you want drinks in there, grab a 12 pack of whatever soda is on sale and maybe one of those flavored water things. Or just a case of bottled water.
If you have just a nurse or two, gift card to a fast food/starbucks is always nice. Whatever the fast food place in the hospital may not be a *real* whatever and they may not take gift cards. The children’s hospital I worked at had a faux Chick Fil A but a real Starbucks.
Lastly, and I’m sure that you have done this, but for your readers, at the hospitals I have worked at, there are sometimes metrics for raises that involve being mentioned on surveys/mentions from patients/comment cards. Good or bad, but especially good, please mention people by name if they do something that helps you or a family member out. I open up the notes app on my phone when I’m admitted and keep track of nurses/techs/PT etc so I can make sure and recognize the really great folks who went the extra mile to get my IV or was super supportive after surgery or whatever. SOOOO, all of that to say, if you haven’t dear Swistle, a note on your lovely stationary collection to the manager would be amazing.
Maybe see if you can get fruit kabobs? A friend did that over the summer when we did a Distanced Cookout, and served them in plastic cups so you could just grab a cup and walk over to your corner and sit. Doesn’t require touching the food with your fingers, too.
I also second the suggestion for pens and/or white board markers.
And I agree with others that calling and asking – do they have a favorite post-it note that admins won’t pay for? Fancy office supplies are always appreciated in office settings in my experience and really aren’t that expensive. Plus, fun to shop for!
OH – I mentioned Edible Arrangements above. They did have boxes of fruit cups, either with chocolate or without. It was pretty pricey, but might be a thought depending how many items you need.
What about your heartfelt note now and the addendum “look for our treats in a few weeks — during the doldrums of the winter!” Then mark your calendar for February 1st (approx) and send anything you’re thinking of. They won’t have the overabundance of Xmas stuff and it’ll be a standout.
I’m in the UK so I don’t know if the mentality about this stuff is quite different here (and for what it’s worth I totally agree with you about food not really being the issue in the spread of Covid) but I think I’d be tempted to go for something individually wrapped rather than something that could have shared contact? So individually wrapped Sees over a fruit platter for example?
In any other year I think the fruit plus cute dipping pots sounds absolutely perfect! Such a lovely refreshing change from the other treats hospital staff might get given. But I wouldn’t want you to fall foul of the rules of the hospital and the staff not be able to have it.
I vote fruit tray or an edible arrangements platter/ bouquet, or an assortment of nice teas, or something savoury like one of those trays that has mixed nuts and pretzels (I see them often at the grocery and covet).
As someone who used to work in a hospital, my experience was that anything was appreciated. There was a true feeling of thankfulness that someone thought of us, not matter what the actual gift was. Therefore, you probably can’t go wrong. I will say that fresh fruit is great for about a day or so and then if not consumed creates a fruit fly situation that is super annoying.
Our office always loved those giant bins of assorted popcorns. There was something sweet or savory depending on a person’s preference and generally avoided any concerns re: nut allergies that often come with other sweet treats. In typing this I did just remember that during COVID any items that are large and to be shared are not currently permitted so I guess the popcorn thing is not the best idea from me this year. Your son’s hospital may have different rules but we’re in a very strict “NO SHARING” workplace setting right now.
I’d say this year, focus on small things that are individually packaged or wrapped!
At my mom’s hospital, thank you notes that mention a staff member by name ARE brought to the attention of everyone at the next staff meeting and considered in yearly employee reviews/etc. so even if you can’t afford to buy gifts for your nurses a thank you note can really make a difference!
I’d go with a coffee gift basket that way things are individually wrapped and you don’t have to deliver it in person.
I love that you would think to do something for the staff at Edward’s hospital. I work in a hospital OR and right now we can not have any shared food items, which is very sad this time of year. In normal times any of your suggestions would be greatly appreciated – food is hoovered up like you wouldn’t believe no matter how much we talk about eating better!
I would go with individually wrapped snacks. I also like LeafyNell’s idea of whiteboard pens or pocket size notebooks & pens. A variety of coffee and tea would also be appreciated. I also like Heather’s suggestion of a note to look forward to something in Jan/Feb… by then the holidays are long over and it’s dark and dreary and we would really appreciate a treat.
And I do agree with everyone who mentioned thank you notes and positive feedback on comment cards – they can make a difference on someone’s annual review or get a whole department recognized.
Seconding clementines, bananas, individually wrapped snacks, and beverages.
We just took homemade cookies to my sons oncology clinic. I made up several bags – one each for for his doctor, his assigned nurse, art therapist, front office staff, and child life specialist. I then brought a container for all other nurses and docs to share. If they couldn’t eat the container cookies, at least those on his care team got to enjoy them. I also think they would’ve said the6 couldn’t accept them but maybe not?!
I also like the idea of bringing something in January or February when we could all use a little pick me up.
Your ideas are lovely and I know the staff will be so appreciative that you thought of them.
These are just my thoughts as someone who works in patient care in a hospital- currently we aren’t allowed trays of shared food, so sadly they would be discarded. And to be honest, for me personally, it’s stressful to eat at work right now. Not only because of concerns about surfaces, contamination, etc, but also because the break room has strict limits on how many people can be in there at once (based on rules about square footage and social distancing), so often there is nowhere comfortable to eat or relax. It’s a bummer. I live on protein bars that I eat outside…
What I’d really love is a few nice tubes of hand cream. My hands are so dry and cracked- I wash them all day over and over and use a pump of hand sanitizer dozens of times a day. My hands are like sandpaper and it’s really painful. I’m picturing those nice little round mini tins of Nivea hand cream, or small tubes of Burts Bees hand butter. Or whatever thick balm or cream you find.
Bless you! Thank you for what you’re doing. Your idea is so lovely and useful.
I absolutely vote number 4- we are always delighted to find goodies like bags of chips or mini cookie packs in our teacher work-room. And stuff like that is both individually packaged and keeps, so if there’s a lot of treats one day/week they can still be available later on.
One year I ordered a giant pack of off-brand k-cups from groupon (it was a random flavor mix) and divvied them up to my department and they were very pleased. If you think it’s likely they have a keurig machine in their breakroom that might be a good option. I’d pack it in a box and write a thanks note directly on the box so it’s there as long as the coffee lasts :)
Everyone has such good ideas! I’m a nurse and the most recent gift I received was a Dr. Fauci lapel pin. Best! Gift! Ever!
I saw some 10 pin packs going on Etsy for around $25. So, a little steep, but would fit nicely into a gift basket.
Pre-wrapped snacks seem like your best bet These Days.
But you know what they would probably also love? Handwritten notes from you and Edward, ideally on nice cards that could be hung up somewhere. Healthcare workers are seeing some of the worst these days – not getting enough PPE, COVID deniers, etc – a note thanking them for what they’ve done for you, especially this year, would probably be welcome!
If you are in a state that has a lottery, a strip of $1 scratchies can be lots of fun. It’s different, and usually someone wins something (a few dollars, or a free ticket), but the chance to win a much bigger prize is there. In Texas, I can opt for tickets that support the VA. Other states may have other options.
…and your note can say, ‘We felt like we hit the lottery when we found this team!’ or something.
Yes! I didn’t see your comment before I posted mine. But it really is fun in the office that day!
This is so thoughtful. I work in a medical clinic. We get lots of treats, both homemade and store-bought. All are appreciated. We do have one patient who calls to find out how many people are currently on staff, then she purchases that number of low dollar ($2-$5?) scratch-off lottery tickets, and places them into individual, unlabeled envelopes with cards. It’s fun and exciting every year. You could do a version of it just for the nursing staff or include the whole office if it’s small enough.
I work in a hospital, and actually shared food in the staff room or on the unit is a huge risk factor and is *not allowed* on my unit at the moment. But individually packaged treats and sweets, or coffee pods and tea bags are great ideas.
Harry and David pears? Those are individual pieces / not shared. And they’re just darned good – so healthy but also feel “treat” like.
Or the savory target treats – I’m not a nurse but I am an adult human and sweet things make me a little woozy these days – I need protein too. Mixed in with the chocolates and candy canes I’ve love to have mini wrapped Babybel cheeses (fairly shelf stable, right?), mini cracker packs, mini pretzel sticks and individual PB cups (unless there are potential allergy issues), small hand lotions and small chapsticks? In a big fun plastic basket, with a sign that says something cutesy like “Ho Ho Holy crap! What a year, right? Please take a treat for your hands, faces, and tummies, and our deepest thanks!” Or something WAY BETTER THAN THAT but you know.
May I suggest wait a month and make it for Valentines? “Love all the staff here!” Then sweets would be a treat, the break room would not be filled with snacks and you can inquire next visit about shared food policy.