If you’re searching for occupational therapist gifts to give as a thank you, to a future OT, for the holidays, or special occasion, this list has you covered.
These ideas are fun, useful, and some, a little silly!
With that said, here are the top 20 occupational therapist gift ideas to surprise your favorite OT buddy or to splurge on yourself.
Comfortable Pumps
When you are working with clients, comfy shoes are occupational therapy must-haves.
It’s one of the most needed wardrobe items (besides the ever-so-comfy scrubs).
These particular shoes are an OT favorite because of the cloud foam liner.
You feel like you are walking on clouds because the shoe is extremely lightweight.
Final Verdict: For the OT who loves comfy apparel.
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Coping Skills for Kids Workbook
If you work with kids, this is another occupational therapist must-have tool.
It teaches a child how to cope with stress, anxiety, and anger.
These are common emotions youngsters, unfortunately, go through.
Especially, when they feel like they are looked at or treated differently among the masses.
To know that you (their OT therapist) are helping them to feel self-confident and independent is an amazing feeling to have.
Final Verdict: If you need a handy tool to positively show a child how to navigate their emotions.
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Handy Herbert Handwriting Glove
Do you work with kids?
If you answered yes, this is a great way to keep them engaged while they are practicing writing with a pen, pencil, or crayon.
There are several ways to utilize your adorable Handwriting Herbert Glove.
- Take it on appointments to have kids practice their perfect tripod pencil grip
- Wear Herbert to make a silly statement during therapy activities
- Use it as a fidget to stimulate restless fingers
Final Verdict: For the OT who needs an entertaining prop to keep their sweet patient engaged and smiling.
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Fitbit Health and Fitness Smartwatch
This is a popular gift item to split among the office or friends.
It’s a much-needed tool to use for patients who need an alarm or timer during therapy sessions.
The larger screen makes it easy to read too.
On a personal level, the Fitbit supports your health and lifestyle in many ways:
- Track your fitness activity (like the steps you take, heart rate, calories)
- Control your Smart home devices
- Check the weather or news
- and MORE…
Final Verdict: For the active OT or person who needs an alarm or timer for their patients.
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WhiteCoat Clipboard
Do you need to store patient-sensitive documents?
Do you like to feel organized and prepared when you visit your patients?
If these questions ring true, an occupational therapist clipboard may be the item you need.
It’s extremely lightweight and holds up to 100 sheets without creasing the pages.
Plus, access specialized medical reference information quickly on the outside of your clipboard to keep you compliant and informed.
Final Verdict: If you thrive on living an organized life, this clipboard will serve you well during appointments.
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Before Patients, After Patients Coffee Mug and Stemless Wine Glass Set
I mean who doesn’t need a little coffee in the morning or a relaxing glass of wine at night?
This set comes with a simple 11oz coffee mug and a 15oz wine glass
If you need a unique, cute, and silly gift idea to put a smile on your OT’s face, this humorous gift may do the trick.
Final Verdict: It goes without saying that if you are a coffee fanatic and wine lover, this is the perfect gift set for you.
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OT School Evaluation Checklist (Downloadable)
This super handy checklist is designed for the OT student to reference during evaluations.
Everything you need to look for and remember is listed to provide you with a thorough evaluation and treatment for your patients ages 2 to 12 years.
Developed by pediatric occupational therapists, rest assured your “i’s” will be dotted and “t’s” will be crossed.
The checklist is downloadable and often gifted with the WhiteCoat Teal Clipboard mentioned above.
Final Verdict: For the OT student who needs a guided tool to use during evaluations.
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OT Badge Holder
If you are sick of wearing the same boring ID card every day, spice it up with this stylish badge holder.
It is attached to a retractable badge reel that pulls out to 33 inches.
Plus, it’s very easy to wipe the plastic button down to keep it clean.
Final Verdict: This is a great gift for all OT’s or the upcoming student graduating into their newfound profession.
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Occupational Therapist Assistant Hoodie
Who does not love wearing a comfy hoodie?
If you need an occupational therapist assistant (OTA) gift this one you can’t go wrong with.
It comes in several vintage distressed colors like black, navy, royal blue, and heather gray.
Final Verdict: This hoodie makes the perfect surprise for the current student or future OTA.
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Bamboo Tumbler
Enjoy your favorite beverage on the go!
This stylish tumbler holds up to 17oz.
It keeps coffee, tea, and other drinks super hot or icy cold for the majority of the day (or up to 12 hours).
Its multi-functional use makes this tumbler a tea infuser and strainer all in one.
Make loose-leaf tea or use it as a fruit-infused water bottle.
Final Verdict: For tea lovers or water drinkers, this is the perfect gift option.
P.S. If you are gifting this to a person who loves tea, click here for our recommended low-cost sampler to get.
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Stainless Travel Tumbler
Since we’re on the topic of tumbler’s, this rose gold travel mug is super sheek.
Nothing else like stainless steel can keep your drinks hot or cold for as long as you want.
Plus, the OT medical symbol on the front is beautifully subtle.
Final Verdict: An affordable and chic travel mug to enjoy your favorite drink.
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Occupational Therapist Hand Towel
This goofy hand towel is a unique and customizable gift idea.
The saying, I’m a proud occupational occupational therapist mom of a freaking awesome daughter…yes, she bought me this, will surely stir up some laughs.
The towel comes in other sayings to accommodate the person gifting it like I’m a proud occupational occupational therapist dad of a freaking awesome son…yes, he bought me this.
Final Verdict: This makes a fun gift for all occasions from a son or daughter for their parent who is an occupational therapist.
P.S. This hand towel is a great item to give along with a kitchen set, grill set, beard kit, spa basket, or scented soaps.
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Professional Development Course
This is a nice gift option if…
- You are a colleague coming together with your co-workers to split
- You are a school looking to invest in your employee
This is a top-of-the-line interactive professional development course to offer.
This course supports therapists who work in schools on how to understand student behavior through a sensory lens.
Final Verdict: An informative course that provides tools on how to effectively implement sensory interventions to encourage all kids to learn in a positive environment.
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Occupational Therapist Coloring Book
Dive into the ultra therapeutic activity of coloring!
Coloring is an amazing outlet to relieve anxiety and relax the mind.
There are over 30 relatable and humorous phrases that only those in the OT world can appreciate.
Enjoy getting creative as each page encompasses eye-catching swirls, patterns, and other cool designs.
Final Verdict: This is the perfect gift if you are artsy and like to color.
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Occupational Therapy Jewelry Key Chain
This personal keychain is a heartfelt gift to make you feel special.
It is a nice gesture if you know someone that has gone through a difficult time or to reinforce positive words of encouragement.
The stainless steel charm is a versatile piece to match many styles of clothing and accessories.
Final Verdict: An inspirational gift to encourage or comfort you.
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Occupational Therapy Toolkit
If you work with adult patients who have physical disabilities, chronic conditions, or geriatrics, this is one of the top reference guides to have on hand.
It comes with 354 illustrated patient handouts which are organized by 97 treatment guidelines.
It is up to date with current research and best practices.
Final Verdict: A wonderful guide if you work in acute care, home health, or hospital-based outpatient.
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Rolling Backpack
We know that going to your appointments never happens empty-handed!
That’s why a rolling backpack is a sweet token to show you care.
Stuff your laptop, clipboard, and any other items you take with you on your appointments.
The backpack rolls so no weight is put on your back and it’s just big enough.
Final Verdict: A convenient travel bag to take the essential items you need for your appointments.
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Essential Oil Diffuser
If you are a student or are studying to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, then a little relaxation may be what you need.
Even if you are a certified OT or OT assistant, those long working days require much-needed downtime.
This aromatherapy diffuser changes in various mood settings to soothe and calm your mind.
Breathe in incredible aromatherapy smells while you chill out or go to bed.
Final Verdict: A soothing way to relax and unwind after a hard-working day.
P.S. Since oils are not included, click here for our top recommended budget-friendly oils to get with this diffuser.
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OT Reference Set
If you are working in the field of adult rehabilitation this is a wonderful quick reference guide to keep handy.
It’s literally small enough to fit into your pocket.
There are 16-double sided plastic-laminated pages that focus on the following topics:
- Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)
- Range of Motion (ROM)
- Weight-bearing classifications
- Vitals
- Lab values
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Hand anatomy and MORE …
Final Verdict: A helpful and useful gift if you work in an adult rehab facility.
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Foam Roller
If you like massages or a little pampering, this self-massage tool is surely a mood booster.
Its multi-dimensional surface helps improve flexibility, mobility, and balance.
Included is a free video library that shows you how to use the foam roller along with various movements you can do.
Final Verdict: This makes a great gift if you enjoy massages or who need a little TLC to work out those tight muscles, knots, or kinks.
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Thank You!
I want to wrap up by extending my gratitude to thank you for being here!
Do you have other occupational therapist gifts to recommend?
Let us know in the comments below. ♥
Was this information helpful to you? If so, you’d make our day by sharing it. 🙂
About the Author
Lindsey is the co-founder of The LENN Foundation and content creator of the Intensive Therapy for Kids blog.
When she isn’t busy playing Godzilla with her son or chasing around her mischievous Rottweiler pup, she loves creating experiences and memories with her loved ones (traveling, watching a good flick, trying new n’ yummy restaurants). Speaking of restaurants, one of her favs is Taco Bell!
Most of all, she is grateful for her supportive circle of family, friends, and to live out her passion for helping kids with Cerebral Palsy (like her sweet nephew Lenny).
If you’re curious about The LENN Foundation, you may see the kids’ helped and feel-good content here. ♥
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The contents of the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
There are several items listed here that would be useful for me. Among my top items are a rolling backpack and a whitecoat teal clipboard.
Having a rolling backpack is very convenient because there are days I need to carry a lot of weight.
Thank you very much for this list! I need to bookmark it.
Thanks for sharing!
There are some good gifts here. I have a sister who is a nurse and she is always saying how her feet hurt. I’ll have to check out these shoes for her. I really like the bamboo tumbler with tea infuser and strainer. That looks like a classy gift for really anyone. My wife is really into essential oils, she may be interested in the essential oil diffuser. This is a good collection if interesting and classy gift ideas.
Awesome Al! Thanks for your feedback.
Hello there,
This is a very cool article. I was surfing online and I did stumble upon what I was looking for. Your 18 fun ideas would be useful for a lot of people out there. I will be definitely sending the link to this article to all my friends as they will really appreciate it. My wife already extending her gratitude to thank you for this helpful article. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your feedback!