Are you looking for a gift for a new occupational therapist (OT)? While you probably can’t go wrong with acknowledging their accomplishment in any way you see fit, below are five ideas to get the wheels turning! OTs can work in a variety of settings, so if you know where your new occupational therapist will be working, you can always customize your gift further! I work as a school-based OT, but OTs can work in a variety of different settings with almost any population!
Gift Cards
Gift cards of any kind are always well-appreciated gifts. Your OT has likely spent a lot of money to complete the schooling required to be an OT, and would welcome any kind of monetary gift! If you know your OT is going to work in pediatrics [specifically schools], you may want to consider a Teachers Pay Teachers [TPT] gift card! They can use it to purchase some activities when they are first starting out! Below are some of my favorite activities from Simply Special Ed that can be purchased on TPT or through the Simply Special Ed Shop:
- Fine Motor Centers
- Visual Craft Bundle
- Visual Recipe Bundle
- Cut & Paste Fine Motor Sheets Bundle
- Simple Letters Bundle
- Simple Sensory Self-Regulation Toolkit
Customized OT Swag
OTs are so proud of all the hard work they’ve put in to getting their degree, and are so excited to start working as a therapist! They want to show it off! I would say most of us are very passionate about occupational therapy, so any gift customized specifically for us is a win! Not only does it give your OT the opportunity to rep their new profession, but it’s a great conversation starter regarding what OT is when they are in conversation with people! Below are some affiliate links for some “OT Swag” that you can purchase on Amazon:
ID Badges & Lanyards
In most settings that an OT can work, they will need to wear an ID badge of some kind. I love to change up my lanyard and/or extendable ID badge clip frequently. I support several small businesses by doing so, and they make great gifts! You can also find them on Amazon like this one [affiliate link].
Books
OTs tend to be lifelong learners! Books on a variety of topics, especially related to their new place of work, make great gifts! One of my favorite books to gift to new OTs [like my fieldwork students] is See Occupational Therapists Run! It gives great, practical advice from an OT on how to thrive in the profession by taking care of yourself. Even books that promote inclusion or that they might be able to use in their practice would be great!
Cards/Homemade Gifts
Honestly, some of my favorite gifts have been handmade cards or notes from those who love and encourage me! I keep these gifts hung above my desk as encouragement on the tough days. If you are a fieldwork supervisor looking for a gift for your outgoing Level 1 or 2 student, consider having your students/patients make a gift for them! It is a great keepsake!
I hope you were able to come up with the perfect gift for your new OT! Need any gift ideas for paraprofessionals or other school staff? Check out these blogs [by Whitney & Erica] for inspiration! Are you interested in becoming an OT? Check out this blog on how to become an occupational therapist for some more information!
