How to Choose Christmas Gifts for a Dentist

Many patients choose to give gifts at Christmastime to health professionals, including dentists.  In order to choose the most appropriate gift for your dentist, taking some time to secure a little information about what he or she likes will often provide valuable clues in what to buy.  With a little effort, you can identify and give a gift that will delight your dentist and bring a little more holiday cheer to the season.

Providing some sort of Christmas gift to professionals who provide services throughout the year is very appropriate.  This includes finding a gift for your dentist.  In order to choose the right gift, it is important to take several factors into consideration, including the personality of your dentist, the profession itself and the amount of money you can afford to spend.

• Keep the religious affiliation of your dentist in mind when shopping for the idea gift.  While a secular Christmas gift is often appropriate, keep in mind that your dentist may be a deeply religious person who affirms a belief system other than one of the many expressions of Christianity.  When this is the case, a more generic holiday gift may be in order, one that has no ties to any specific religious expression.


• Consider the personality and hobbies of the dentist.  One who is outgoing and enjoys sports may be delighted by something as simple as a sweatshirt bearing the insignia of his or her favorite sports team.  Tickets to a game may also be very welcome.  If you know your dentist is a movie buff, DVDs of movies in the genres he or she likes would be very appropriate.  If you happen to know the name of the dentist’s favorite restaurant, a gift certificate covering a meal for two may be ideal.


• Think about focusing on gifts associated with the profession.  Fruit packaged in a container in the shape of tooth is a whimsical gift that is likely to be enjoyed.  A mug or casual shirt with a funny slogan related to dentistry is also likely to bring a smile to his or her face.  Something that is more subdued, such as an engraved business card holder or a brass nameplate for the dentist’s desk are also options.


• Create something yourself.  If you bake, creating some munchies for the dentist and the office staff is perfectly appropriate.  If you want to add a touch of whimsy, decorate the container with a bow made of cheap toothbrushes, serving as a subtle reminder to brush after eating.  Alternatively, clients with an artistic flair can present a vase of cut flowers or even a container of live green plants that are enlivened with red and green bows and accents, representing the holiday. 

The important thing to keep in mind is that the Christmas gift should convey your appreciation for all the support your dentist has provided over the past year.  By keeping the cost within budget and using a little creativity, it is possible to come up with a gift that is right for your dentist.