14 Best Gift for Nurses of 2026

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Nurse gifts flood the market with heartfelt slogans and clever humor, but the quality often stops at the packaging. Mugs whose gold trim fades after a few washes, candles that look bigger in photos than on a desk, and sticky notes that refuse to stick are common disappointments.

This guide cuts through that mismatch. We look at tumblers that keep coffee hot through a 12-hour shift, gift sets that feel generous without falling apart, and personalized charms that survive the daily grind.

Rather than gambling on a photo, you can check which materials actually hold up. The best nurse gifts strike a balance between emotional impact and real-world longevity—so the nurse can actually enjoy the item shift after shift.

Our Top Picks
MAYICIVO Nurse Gift Set
Best OverallMAYICIVO Nurse Gift Set

All-in-one appreciation kit with tote, tumbler, candle, socks, and heartfelt extras.

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ALBISS 14oz Nurse Mug
Best Budget MugALBISS 14oz Nurse Mug

Pink marble ceramic mug with gold trim and gift boxed with spoon.

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SANDJEST Nutrition Facts Tumbler
Best Humorous TumblerSANDJEST Nutrition Facts Tumbler

Nutrition-facts themed 20oz tumbler with double-wall insulation for hot and cold.

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WDYM Nurses Edition
Best Party GameWDYM Nurses Edition

Card game with 300 nurse-humor captions and 75 photo cards for 3+ players.

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Gemwi Before Patients Set
Best Wine & Mug DuoGemwi Before Patients Set

Mug and stemless wine glass set with humorous before/after patients design.

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OASSIE Proud Nurse Tumbler
Best Sentimental TumblerOASSIE Proud Nurse Tumbler

Sincere 20oz tumbler inscribed with ‘Proud of the work you do’ message.

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Erostars Stethoscope Name Tag
Best Personalized CharmErostars Stethoscope Name Tag

Personalized stethoscope charm engraved with name and birthstone.

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Best for Complete Gift Basket

MAYICIVO Nurse Gift Set

MAYICIVO Nurse Gift Set

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Mixed: canvas, stainless steel, glass
  • Capacity: Tumbler 20oz, tote 17x13x7"
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Pre-curated nurse gift kit
  • Price: $$

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This set arrives fully assembled in a ribbon-tied gift box, with eight pieces that strike a balance between practicality and sentiment. The canvas tote uses thick, sturdy fabric that holds its shape under daily loads, while the double-wall tumbler keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24. A lightly scented candle burns up to 40 hours, and the included socks, keychain, and decorative ribbon add a polished finish.

Gifters who want a substantial, no-fuss present for Nurses Week, graduation, or retirement will appreciate not having to source each item separately. The preset candle fragrance and sock design mean the set won’t suit every nurse’s taste; this is a gift for someone who enjoys a curated assortment of small luxuries rather than a single statement piece.

💡 Tip: The candle can be swapped for a different item if the recipient dislikes scents — the tote and tumbler alone make a strong gift.

Pros

  • Complete, ready-made gift basket that feels substantial and thoughtful.
  • High-quality materials across all components; tote is thick and sturdy.
  • Beautiful presentation with attractive colors and elegant packaging.

Cons

  • The candle scent and sock style are predetermined; recipients particular about fragrances or apparel may not use them.

For a multi-item nurse gift that arrives ready to give and looks more expensive than its mid-range price, this bundle is a strong choice.

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Best for Elegant Single Mug

ALBISS 14oz Nurse Mug

ALBISS 14oz Nurse Mug

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Ceramic
  • Capacity: 14oz
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Nurse message, gold trim
  • Price: $

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The pink marble ceramic and gold lettering give this mug a sophisticated look that belies its low cost. The included gift box and gold spoon make it presentable straight from the mailbox. Unlike multi-piece nurse gift baskets, this focuses on one high-feel item, which suits recipients who would value a single graceful piece over a handful of smaller trinkets. Gold trim can fade with dishwasher use despite the safe label, so hand washing is the safer route to keep it looking fresh.

💡 Tip: Hand wash the mug to preserve the gold trim — the dishwasher-safe label applies to the ceramic body, not the metallic print.

Pros

  • Pink marble finish with gold print looks far more expensive than it is.
  • Arrives in a gift box with a matching gold spoon, no extra wrapping needed.
  • Sturdy ceramic build feels substantial and holds 14 ounces.

Cons

  • Gold trim can lose its shine in the dishwasher; hand washing is the only way to guarantee longevity.

For a budget-friendly nurse gift that looks more expensive than it is, this mug hits the mark. Hand washing will preserve the gold finish; occasional dishwasher use may cause gradual fading.

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Best for Humor Coffee Tumbler

SANDJEST Nutrition Facts Tumbler

SANDJEST Nutrition Facts Tumbler

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Stainless steel
  • Capacity: 20oz
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Humorous nutrition label
  • Price: $$

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Where the top pick’s warmer message aims for the heart, this tumbler targets the funny bone with a nutrition label styling that lists nurse-relevant stats. The double-wall vacuum insulation holds heat for hours and keeps cold drinks chilled, making it a practical everyday mug for coffee or water. The stainless steel body and printed graphics hold up well to hand washing. The sliding lid covers the sip opening neatly, though it is the one part that can crack under daily use — a minor nuisance, not a dealbreaker, for someone who appreciates the humor and function.

💡 Tip: Hand wash only and handle the lid gently to extend its life; a backup lid is cheap insurance for a daily-driver mug.

Pros

  • High-quality stainless steel with crisp, spot-on nutrition-facts graphics
  • Excellent temperature retention keeps coffee hot for hours and water cold well into a shift
  • Clever, witty design that nurses genuinely find delightful

Cons

  • The sliding lid mechanism can crack over time with regular use, occasionally needing a replacement

A fun, insulated tumbler that works well for coffee and water, with only the lid’s occasional fragility as a tradeoff — factor a spare into your long-term budget.

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Best for Nurse Party Game

WDYM Nurses Edition

WDYM Nurses Edition

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Cardstock
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Nurse-specific humor
  • Price: $$

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This nurse-specific party game pairs 300 caption cards with 75 photo cards and an easel to fuel group laughter at any gathering of three or more. It’s tailor-made for unit celebrations, nursing school parties, or as a graduation gag gift—the humor is rooted in the shared absurdities of clinical life. Adult-oriented and unapologetically niche, the jokes will land hard for a room of nurses but will puzzle anyone outside the profession. For a nurse who thrives on dark humor and can round up at least two colleagues, it’s a gift that actually gets used.

Pros

  • Hilarious nurse-specific humor that lands with any group of healthcare workers.
  • Makes a memorable gift for nursing students, new grads, or team-building events.

Cons

  • Requires a minimum of 3 players—not usable as a solo gift or one-on-one.
  • Jokes rely on nursing inside knowledge; non-medical players will be excluded from the fun.

For a nurse who can assemble a small group and enjoys dark medical humor, this game turns a party into a core memory. Skip it for anyone who’d prefer a quiet, personal token or lacks a healthcare-savvy crowd.

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Best for Coffee & Wine Duo

Gemwi Before Patients Set

Gemwi Before Patients Set

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Glass
  • Capacity: Mug 11oz, glass 18oz
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Humorous nurse quote
  • Price: $

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While single humor tumblers are common, this set pairs a Before Patients coffee mug with an After Patients stemless wine glass, covering the full shift arc. Both pieces feel solid and arrive in gift-ready packaging. The gold lettering is delicate — hand washing is non-negotiable to keep the print crisp. It’s a lighthearted duo for nurses who enjoy coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at night, and who don’t mind the extra care step.

💡 Tip: Hand wash only with a soft sponge to keep the gold print from fading.

Pros

  • Delightful before/after humor makes it an instant nurse-appreciation gift
  • Good build quality and solid feel for both the mug and wine glass
  • Cheerful design and ready-to-gift packaging out of the box

Cons

  • Gold lettering can fade or peel with washing; hand wash only to preserve the print

For a playful nurse gift under $20 that pairs morning coffee with evening wine, this two-piece set delivers smiles — just plan on hand washing.

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Best for Sentimental Daily Cup

OASSIE Proud Nurse Tumbler

OASSIE Proud Nurse Tumbler

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Stainless steel
  • Capacity: 20oz
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Heartfelt appreciation message
  • Price: $$

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The OASSIE tumbler separates itself from the witty nutrition-facts option in this set with a clean, modern design and a message that consistently resonates. Build quality holds up — no peeling or finish flaws — and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps coffee hot for over six hours or water cold all shift.

This fits gifters who want a durable, everyday vessel that expresses genuine gratitude without gimmicks. Nurses who value a quiet reminder of their impact will appreciate the inscription. Hand wash only and the 20oz capacity define its limits: it’s not for those who rely on the dishwasher or need a larger 40oz tank for marathon shifts. If your recipient craves humor, the witty tumbler in this set is the better match.

💡 Tip: Hand wash only — the dishwasher can fade the inscription over time.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality with no notable defects or finish flaws
  • Keeps drinks hot or cold effectively for the full shift
  • Heartfelt message turns it into a meaningful appreciation gift

Cons

  • Hand wash only — not dishwasher-safe
  • 20oz capacity may feel small for nurses who prefer a larger vessel on long shifts

If the goal is a simple, well-made tumbler that carries a sincere message from one shift to the next, this OASSIE option delivers consistent quality and emotional weight.

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Best for Custom Stethoscope Charm

Erostars Stethoscope Name Tag

Erostars Stethoscope Name Tag

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Stainless steel
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Personalized name & birthstone
  • Price: $

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Unlike multi-piece gift baskets that spread value across trinkets, this stethoscope name tag focuses on one personalized detail—laser-engraved lettering and a birthstone accent that make a standard stethoscope feel one-of-a-kind. It’s ideal for nursing students, new grads, or as a symbolic Nurses Week gift under $15. The jewelry-style construction means the stone can pop out and the metal may bend if shoved into a pocket or banged against equipment—this charm thrives in low-contact settings like clinic lockers or desk storage, not on a busy med-surg floor.

💡 Tip: Attach the charm to a stethoscope that stays in a clinic bag or locker—avoid wearing it during vigorous movement or in pockets to preserve the stone and metal.

Pros

  • Laser engraving and birthstone create a premium, personalized look on any stethoscope
  • Attaches easily to standard tubing and stays secure during light movement
  • An affordable, memorable gift for nursing graduates or new healthcare staff

Cons

  • Gemstones can detach and the metal may bend under rough handling—best for gentle use

A thoughtful, elegant choice for nurses who keep their stethoscope in controlled environments—not for those in fast-paced, hands-on roles where the charm could catch and snap.

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Best for Large Inspirational Tumbler

SANDJEST 40oz Nurse Tumbler

SANDJEST 40oz Nurse Tumbler

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Stainless steel
  • Capacity: 40oz
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Inspirational nurse quotes
  • Price: $$

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The motivational quotes and pretty design hit the mark for nurse appreciation, and double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold through a 12-hour shift. The lid can crack if dropped and may leak when tipped, so this tumbler is happiest sitting upright on a desk or breakroom table rather than bouncing around in a bag.

Pros

  • Stylish, uplifting nurse-themed design with affirmations that resonate.
  • Excellent temperature retention — keeps drinks cold all shift long.

Cons

  • Lid can crack from drops and may leak when tipped — not suited for bags or active carry.

A thoughtful desk companion for nurses who want a pretty, motivation-emblazoned cup to keep drinks cold during long shifts, provided they don’t need to toss it in a bag.

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Best for Small Humorous Candle

BFJLIFE Nurse Candle

BFJLIFE Nurse Candle

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Glass, soy wax
  • Capacity: Small jar 2.75×3.25"
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Funny nurse label
  • Price: $

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The BFJLIFE candle’s lavender scent is pleasant and relaxing, the glass jar looks cute, and the label gets a genuine laugh. Size is the tradeoff: the jar is noticeably smaller than photos suggest, so the humor drives the purchase. For a desk or bathroom gag gift, it works; for those expecting a substantial candle, it falls short.

Pros

  • Humorous label that delivers the intended laugh for nurse-themed gag gifts
  • Relaxing lavender fragrance suited to small spaces like a desk or bathroom

Cons

  • Jar dimensions can be smaller than listing images imply; best treated as a novelty, not a full-size candle

Best when the laugh is the priority and you’re gifting to a nurse who will appreciate a small desk or bathroom candle for the humor.

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Best for Budget Laugh Candle

Kedofa Last Nerve Candle

Kedofa Last Nerve Candle

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Glass, soy wax
  • Capacity: 7oz jar
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Funny sticker label
  • Price: $

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The "Nurse’s Last Nerve" candle delivers an immediate laugh with its relatable humor and a gentle lavender aroma, making it an easy, budget-friendly add-on for a care package. The label is a sticker, not fired-on print, and may peel over time — treat this as a disposable joke, not a keepsake.

Pros

  • Amusing concept that makes stressed nurses laugh
  • Pleasant lavender aroma creates a calming atmosphere

Cons

  • Label is a sticker, not printed on glass, looking cheap and may peel

For a quick, humorous gift to a nurse with a sarcastic streak, this candle hits the mark — just manage expectations on label quality.

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Mic Tai Cross Necklace

Mic Tai Cross Necklace

The stethoscope cross pendant and matching earrings create a distinct design that blends faith with nursing — a deeply appreciated gift for new nurses and graduates. However, material authenticity is uncertain; the set can cause skin reactions in those sensitive to non-sterling metals. It fits best as a symbolic costume piece, not fine jewelry.

Pros

  • Beautiful, unique stethoscope cross design symbolizes faith and nursing.
  • Makes a thoughtful, meaningful gift for medical graduates and nurses.

Cons

  • Silver content may not be genuine, and can cause skin reactions in those with metal sensitivities.

Choose this for a nurse or medical student who will treasure the faith-and-nursing design and has no metal sensitivities — but expect costume-jewelry longevity, not heirloom silver.

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Best for Stylish Premium Mug

Swig Life Scrub Life Mug

Swig Life Scrub Life Mug

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Stainless steel, painted
  • Capacity: 22oz
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Scrub Life design
  • Price: $$$

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The Scrub Life mug immediately stands out with its vibrant, glossy finish and comfortable handle that fits most cup holders. Triple insulation keeps drinks hot for a solid three hours and cold through a long shift, matching premium tumbler performance. The trade-off is exterior durability — the printed coat can peel with dishwasher use or rough handling, so hand washing keeps it looking fresh. At this price, it works best as a fashion accessory for nurses who appreciate the theme and treat it gently rather than tossing it in a work bag.

Pros

  • Eye-catching Scrub Life print with rich color that stands out as a nurse-specific accessory.
  • Copper-plated triple insulation holds heat for hours and keeps ice solid through a shift.

Cons

  • Lid can feel awkward to sip from and may leak if the mug tips over.

A stylish gift for a nurse who will hand wash the mug and wants a themed accessory that looks great in photos or at a desk, but skip it if the recipient needs a rugged daily driver.

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Best for Whimsical Desk Decor

Xqumoi Nurse Sticky Notes

Xqumoi Nurse Sticky Notes

Key Features

  • Material Durability: Paper
  • Capacity: 550 sheets
  • Personalization/Nurse Theme: Cute medical supply designs
  • Price: $

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The Xqumoi Nurse Sticky Notes set leans fully into its whimsical aesthetic with 550 sheets of cute medical-themed illustrations. The designs hit the mark for nurse gift baskets and nursing student desk decor, where charm outweighs utility. Actual stickiness, however, is a weak point — the adhesive can give way on even smooth surfaces, so treating these as cheerful desk accents rather than functional reminders avoids frustration.

Pros

  • Adorable, eye-catching nurse-themed illustrations ideal for gift giving
  • A unique novelty gift that pairs well with a larger gift basket or token of appreciation

Cons

  • Adhesion can be unreliable, causing notes to slip off surfaces; best viewed as decoration

A charming addition to a nurse-themed gift basket where visual delight matters more than sticking power.

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Ffnmu Nurse Keychain

FFNMU Nurse Keychain

The keychain’s cute stethoscope charm and sturdy build make it a sweet gesture. It’s designed to augment a larger gift, not stand alone. Budget-friendly and ready to tuck into a gift bag, it suits team-wide nurse appreciation without doubling the cost.

Pros

  • Cute, eye-catching design with a meaningful nurse message
  • Well-made and durable despite its delicate appearance

Cons

  • Smaller than some expect; may feel dainty for a keychain

For budget-conscious appreciation gestures across a nursing team or as a small token inside a gift basket, this keychain delivers sentiment without the bulk.

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How to Choose

The gap between a gift that earns a permanent spot on a nurse’s desk and one that ends up in a drawer comes down to material quality and honest sizing.

Material Durability

Ceramic mugs with metallic trim look lovely but the gold or platinum finish is often a thin applied layer, not fired into the glaze. Even a mug labeled dishwasher-safe can lose its shine after a few cycles; hand washing keeps it vibrant. Stainless steel double-wall tumblers resist breakage, but painted exteriors can peel if scratched against other items in a bag.

Glass drinkware and candle jars show off humor well, yet both are drop-prone on a busy nurse’s station. If the gift is for a nurse who works nights or moves between rooms, a lighter stainless steel tumbler or a shatterproof plastic alternative might last longer.

Capacity

A 14oz mug suits a quick coffee, but a nurse covering a 12-hour shift often refills several times. Tumblers ranging from 20oz to 40oz reduce trips to the breakroom, though the larger 40oz size becomes heavy to carry alongside other gear. Candles labeled with ounces or dimensions matter: those under 7oz are desk-side novelties, not room fragrances.

Multi-piece gift sets pack in small items—a 6oz candle, keychain, socks—so check individual sizes if the recipient expects a single substantial piece. When in doubt, a single well-sized 20oz insulated tumbler covers more daily need than a collection of tiny accessories.

Insulation Performance

Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps hot drinks warm for 6–12 hours and cold drinks chilled beyond a shift. But insulation only works if the lid is intact: a cracked slider or misaligned gasket lets heat escape. In practice, opening the lid frequently to sip reduces effective hold time to about 4–6 hours.

If a nurse reheats coffee in a microwave throughout the shift, a ceramic mug may be more convenient than an insulated tumbler, which can’t go in the microwave. Choose insulation for all-day cold water or for commutes, but don’t expect piping-hot coffee after 8 hours of intermittent sipping.

Dishwasher or Microwave Safety

Stainless steel tumblers almost always require hand washing—the vacuum seal can be compromised by dishwasher heat and detergents. Ceramic mugs with nurse slogans may say dishwasher-safe, but the safest route is still a gentle hand wash to preserve the lettering. Microwave use is strictly off-limits for insulated metal cups; only ceramic mugs (without metallic trim) can safely reheat coffee.

Quick clean-up matters during a break, so if a nurse values speed, check for dishwasher-safe labels on ceramic mugs—and then hand wash the decorative ones anyway if you want the design to last beyond a month.

Personalization or Nurse-Themed Messaging

Humor is the biggest category driver: nutrition-facts tumblers, before-patients wine glasses, and last-nerve candles all aim for a laugh. But match the joke to the recipient. A sarcastic candle sticker can land perfectly for one nurse while another prefers a heartfelt engraved message.

Personalized items like stethoscope charms with a name and birthstone add a sentimental layer, but they need delicate handling—nurses who work in fast-paced units may break or lose them. For a durable daily reminder, a clean, sincere quote on a stainless tumbler offers lasting motivation without fragility.

Common Mistake: A common oversight is trusting ‘dishwasher safe’ labels on decorative mugs—the gold print often dulls after a few washes, so hand washing is the only way to keep it vibrant.

FAQ

How can I stop my nurse mug’s lettering from fading?

Always hand wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap, and avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads. Even mugs labeled dishwasher-safe often use thin gold or platinum decals that wear down after repeated machine cycles. Air drying rather than wiping with a cloth also reduces friction on the design.

Do nurse tumblers really keep coffee hot for 12 hours?

In lab conditions with a fully sealed lid, many double-wall stainless steel tumblers maintain heat for 10–12 hours, but real-world use with frequent sipping drops that closer to 4–6 hours. The key is a tight-fitting lid and gasket; once the seal cracks, heat retention falls off sharply. For all-day warmth, pick a tumbler with a good lid track record and preheat it with hot water before filling.

Why are nurse candles so small when they cost more than regular candles?

The cost is driven by the humorous nurse-specific label and branding rather than wax volume. These are novelty items intended for a laugh on a desk or bathroom shelf, not whole-room fragrance. If you want a large, strongly scented candle, shop for performance candles without the nurse humor—otherwise treat the purchase as a gag gift and check listed dimensions to avoid size shock.

How do I stop my nurse tumbler lid from leaking?

Remove the rubber gasket ring and clean it thoroughly, then reseat it flush. If the slider mechanism has cracked or the rim is bent, the seal won’t hold—replacement lids are available for many brands. Hand wash only and avoid twisting the lid on too tightly, which can warp the plastic over time.

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