Spending the holidays away from home is often part of the deal with travel nursing assignments. But just because you’re far from home doesn’t mean you can’t bring holiday joy and cheer to your travel nurse friends.

If you’re looking for the right gift to send to a travel nurse colleague - or maybe you just need gift ideas for yourself - these 10 gifts are sure to be a hit!

1. Food from home

A favorite meal can be one of the things you miss most when away from home. You can brighten a nurse's day by sending the recipe and ingredients so they can prepare a dish that evokes treasured memories.

2. Tennis shoes

A good pair of tennis shoes can function as practical travel nurse shoe wear, as well as an option for a comfortable run. The duality of this gift is a gift that keeps on giving.

3. Eye mask

Every nurse knows a good night’s sleep is imperative to an energetic shift. A nice eye mask is the perfect gift for nurses looking to catch some shut-eye. It will block out light to make sleeping easier.

4. New book

Do you travel nurse friends love to read? Do they have a favorite author? Treat them to a new book. It is perfect for unwinding after a long shift or mentally recharging during a break.

5. Gift cards

Nothing beats trying out a new restaurant or shopping at a new store, especially in new cities. Gift cards to local businesses can give a nurse an excuse to get out and experience a new city.

6. New outfit

Even though it's necessary, wearing scrubs all day can get a little boring. Your nurse might enjoy having a chance to show off a handsome polo shirt or cute sundress on their day off.

7. Good music

The right tunes are soothing to the soul. Help your nurse give his or her spirit some medicine with a new iPod or mp3 player and their choice of music to download. You can also purchase iTunes gift cards if he or she already has a music player.

8. Chocolate bandages

Nurses will appreciate having a bandage come in the form of a tasty treat. There are many websites that sell candies molded to look like nurse equipment. And let’s face it… everyone loves chocolate.

9. Syringe pens

Nurses will love this novelty item. They’re perfect for everything from taking nurses' notes to jotting down thoughts in a personal journal.

10. Personal journal

Give your nurse a chance to chronicle their day during each travel assignment. The memories will remind them why they love nursing.

The right gift will always brighten the holidays and make a nurse feel like a million bucks. What’s the best nursing gift you’ve ever received?