Gifts for Interns: 25 Ideas to Say Thank You

Bringing an intern onto your team is an exciting moment. They arrive with fresh perspectives, boundless enthusiasm, and often represent the future talent pipeline for your company. While their contributions are invaluable, it's equally important to make them feel like a valued part of the team from day one. One of the most impactful ways to do this? A thoughtful intern welcome gift or a token of appreciation at the end of their term.

This isn't just about handing over some freebies. A well-chosen gift for interns is a powerful gesture. It communicates that you see their potential, appreciate their hard work, and are invested in their experience. The right gift can significantly enhance their internship, boost their morale, and leave a lasting positive impression of your company culture. So, if you're looking for the best intern swag or truly thoughtful gifts for interns, you're in the right place. Let's dive into some ideas that strike the perfect balance between practical and personal.

More Than Just an Intern Gift – Investing in Future Talent

Interns are more than just temporary help; they're an investment in your company's future. They bring new ideas and a willingness to learn, and often, they're evaluating your company as much as you're evaluating them. An intern welcome gift or an intern appreciation gift sets the stage. It’s a tangible way to say, "We're glad you're here," and "Your work matters." This simple act can foster loyalty, encourage engagement, and even influence their decision to pursue a full-time role with you down the line. This guide offers a curated list of gifts for interns that they'll genuinely appreciate, covering everything from desk essentials to memorable keepsakes.

Practical Essentials for Their Desk & Beyond

Interns are often juggling studies, their internship, and possibly other commitments. This makes them a little different than normal employee welcome gifts. Gifts that make their daily grind a little smoother are always a win. These items show you’re thinking about their practical needs.

1. High-Quality Notebook & Pen Set: Every intern needs a reliable place to jot down notes during meetings, training sessions, and while working on projects. A smart-looking notebook and a smooth pen feel professional and are incredibly useful.

2. Insulated Water Bottle or Coffee Tumbler: Keeping hydrated (or caffeinated!) is key to a productive day. A durable, branded water bottle or a sleek coffee tumbler will be used daily, whether they're in the office or working remotely.

3. Stylish Tote Bag or Backpack: Interns often carry a laptop, notebooks, and personal items. A sturdy, stylish tote or a comfortable backpack is a practical gift they’ll use long after their internship ends.

4. Portable Power Bank: In today's connected world, a dead phone or tablet battery is a mini-crisis. A portable power bank is a lifesaver for students and young professionals who are always on the move.

   • Find one here: Anker Portable Charger on Amazon

5. Desk Organizer: A tidy workspace can lead to a tidy mind. A simple desk organizer can help them keep their pens, sticky notes, and other small items in order, making their temporary desk feel more like their own.

   

Professional Development & Career-Focused Gifts

Show your interns you're invested in their future. Gifts that contribute to their professional growth are both thoughtful and incredibly valuable as they navigate the early stages of their careers.

6. Industry-Relevant Book: Choose a well-regarded book about your industry, a biography of a leader they admire, or a classic on career development. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

7. Personalized Padfolio or Stationery Set: A professional padfolio for interviews or meetings, perhaps with their initials, makes a sophisticated statement. Quality stationery is also a nice touch.

   • Consider this: Personalized Leather Padfolio on Etsy

8. LinkedIn Premium Voucher (e.g., 3-6 months): As interns look towards their next career steps, a LinkedIn Premium subscription can be an invaluable tool for networking, job searching, and accessing learning resources.

9. Noise-Canceling Headphones for Focus: Whether in a bustling open office or a busy home environment, good quality noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer for concentration and productivity.

10. A Mentorship Coffee Meeting: Offer to facilitate a 30-minute virtual coffee and career chat with a senior leader in the company. This kind of access and advice can be more valuable than any physical gift.

Branded Swag That Builds Team Spirit

Company swag, when done well, can make interns feel like they truly belong. The key is to choose high-quality, stylish items they’ll actually want to use and wear. This is where you can really curate the best intern swag.

11. Comfortable Company Hoodie or Quarter-Zip: This is often the most coveted piece of company apparel. Opt for soft fabrics and a modern fit.

12. Fun & Unique Company Socks: A surprisingly popular and trendy item! Custom socks with a cool design related to your brand can be a fun, low-cost way to show personality.

13. Branded Laptop Sleeve: Practical and professional, a laptop sleeve protects their tech while subtly promoting your brand.

14. High-Quality Branded Stickers: Interns love to personalize their laptops, water bottles, and notebooks. Provide a few cool, well-designed stickers featuring your logo or company motifs.

15. Company Branded Cap or Beanie: A versatile accessory that’s great for casual days or outdoor activities.

Wellness & Appreciation Gifts

Internships can be demanding. Gifts that encourage relaxation and show you care about their well-being are always appreciated. These intern appreciation gifts demonstrate a human touch.

16. Curated Snack Box: Who doesn’t love snacks? Put together a box of gourmet treats, healthy options, or local goodies. It’s a welcome pick-me-up during a busy day.

    • Get inspired: Work From Home Snack Box on Etsy

17. Desk Plant (Succulent or Air Plant): A small plant can brighten up their workspace and add a touch of nature. Choose something low-maintenance like a succulent or an air plant.

    
    

18. Self-Care Kit: A small kit with items like a stress ball, a nice candle, quality lip balm, or soothing hand cream can be a thoughtful reminder to take a break.

19. Gift Card to a Local Coffee Shop or Lunch Spot: A simple but effective way to say "thank you" and treat them to a coffee break or lunch on the company

    • • Need help: Give them a "choose your own restaurant" gift card

20. A Heartfelt, Handwritten Thank-You Note: Never underestimate the power of a sincere, handwritten note. Acknowledging their specific contributions and wishing them well is often the most meaningful gift of all.

Unique & Memorable Keepsakes

Sometimes, the most cherished employee thank you gifts are those that serve as a lasting memento of their experience.

21. Personalized Internship Ornament: If their internship concludes around the holiday season, a custom ornament commemorating their time with your company can be a lovely keepsake.

22. Custom "Best Intern Ever" Mug: A fun and personal way to show appreciation that will bring a smile to their face with every cup of coffee.

    • Check this out: Best Intern Ever Mug on Amazon

23. A Framed Team Photo: If they’ve become part of a close-knit team, a framed photo can be a wonderful reminder of the people they worked with and the connections they made.

24. An Experience: Depending on their interests and your budget, consider tickets to a local museum, a sporting event, a concert, or a relevant workshop.

25. Offer to Write a Strong LinkedIn Recommendation: This costs nothing but time and can be incredibly valuable for an intern’s future career prospects. Make it specific and highlight their accomplishments.

Bonus Option: Still unsure what to give your intern? Try letting them pick their own gift. GiftYouPick by Corporate Traditions let's them choose exactly what they want from millions of options. The best part no fees, minimums, shipping, or contracts. 

A Small Gesture with a Big Impact

Choosing the perfect gift for interns doesn’t have to be complicated. The most successful gifts are those that blend practicality with a personal touch, show genuine appreciation, and align with your company culture. Whether it's an intern welcome gift to kick things off on the right foot or an intern appreciation gift to thank them for their hard work, the goal is the same: to make your interns feel seen, valued, and like an integral part of your team.

Remember, investing in a positive intern experience is an investment in your company’s future talent pool and its reputation as a great place to work. A thoughtful gift is a small gesture that can leave a big, lasting impression.