.png){kind=small}
The best intern gifts strike a balance between professional utility and personal thoughtfulness, helping young professionals feel valued while giving them tools they'll actually use as they launch their careers.
Professional Development Gifts
Books remain timeless professional gifts. Classics like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie or "The Start-up of You" by Reid Hoffman offer insights that resonate whether someone is entering finance, tech, or nonprofit work. Industry-specific titles or a biography of a leader your intern admires shows you've paid attention to their interests and aspirations.
For something more experiential, arrange a coffee chat with a senior leader or a session with a professional mentor. These conversations often prove more valuable than any physical gift, offering interns insider perspective and potentially lasting professional connections. Some companies have formalized this through mentorship platforms, but even an informal introduction can open doors.
A professional headshot session might seem unconventional, but it's incredibly practical. As interns update their LinkedIn profiles and begin applying for full-time positions, a polished photo helps them stand out and present themselves with confidence. Many will use that headshot for years.
Custom Apparel and Branded Swag
Company-branded merchandise serves a dual purpose: it creates a sense of belonging during the internship and becomes a memento afterward. The key is choosing items interns will actually want to wear or use, not just stuff that ends up in a donation pile.
Custom socks have emerged as a popular option because they're useful, fun, and offer creative design possibilities. If you're curious about what custom socks could look like for your intern program, get a free custom design from our designers.
Other practical branded items include insulated water bottles, laptop sleeves, and quality tote bags or backpacks that can handle a daily commute.
The personalization doesn't have to stop at company branding. Using strategies of corporate gifting can help you maximize this impact. Adding an intern's name or initials to a padfolio, notebook, or bag elevates a standard corporate gift into something special.
Practical Office Essentials
A high-quality notebook and pen set is a classic for good reason. Look for something like a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 notebook paired with a smooth-writing pen. These items get used constantly during meetings, training sessions, and brainstorming, and they project professionalism in a way that spiral notebooks don't.
Tech accessories consistently rank among the most useful gifts. Portable chargers are practically essential for anyone commuting or traveling. Wireless earbuds help with focus during deep work and make video calls smoother. A quality laptop sleeve or stand protects equipment while adding a touch of personal style to their workspace.
Noise-canceling headphones represent a bigger investment but can be transformative, especially for interns working in open office environments. Of course, specific remote employee gift ideas apply if they are working from home. Being able to tune out distractions and focus on meaningful work is a skill that serves people throughout their careers, and the right headphones make it easier to develop.
Even simple desk accessories—a good lamp, a comfortable mouse, a cable organizer—show attention to an intern's day-to-day experience. These practical items acknowledge that their comfort and productivity matter to the organization.
Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas for Interns
Gift cards offer flexibility without feeling impersonal when chosen thoughtfully. A coffee shop card acknowledges those early morning commutes. A bookstore card encourages continued learning. An Amazon or Target card lets interns choose exactly what they need, whether that's professional clothes for interviews or kitchen supplies for their first apartment.
Handwritten notes carry more weight than their cost suggests. A genuine message from a supervisor or team member highlighting specific contributions and wishing them well creates a keepsake many people save for years. Pair this with a small token—a nice pen, a desk plant, some quality chocolate—and you've created a memorable gift on a minimal budget.
Experience-based gifts can be surprisingly affordable. A lunch or coffee outing with the team, a happy hour celebration, or tickets to a local event create shared memories.
Some companies arrange group activities like escape rooms or cooking classes that cost less per person while building lasting connections.
Consider also what interns might need but not buy for themselves. A professional-looking padfolio for interviews, a set of quality business cards, or a subscription to a relevant industry publication all fall into a reasonable price range while supporting their career trajectory.
End-of-Internship Farewell
Public acknowledgment goes a long way. Recognizing interns in front of the team—whether at an all-hands meeting, a dedicated celebration, or even a thoughtful Slack message—validates their contributions and helps them feel like genuine members of the organization rather than temporary visitors.
Certificates of completion might seem old-fashioned, but they serve a practical purpose. Interns can add them to portfolios, share them on LinkedIn, and reference them in applications. A well-designed certificate that outlines their role and accomplishments becomes a tangible credential.
Consider creating a memory book or card signed by team members. Colleagues can share specific memories, inside jokes, and well wishes. This personal touch transforms a professional relationship into something more meaningful and gives interns something to look back on fondly.
If your intern has been exceptional, a strong recommendation on LinkedIn or a standing offer to serve as a reference provides value that far exceeds any physical gift. Helping them secure their next opportunity is perhaps the most impactful farewell gesture possible.
How Much to Spend on Intern Gifts
For most situations, somewhere between twenty-five and seventy-five dollars hits the sweet spot. This range allows for meaningful gifts without creating discomfort. At the lower end, you can provide quality branded merchandise, gift cards, or thoughtful office supplies. At the higher end, you might spring for tech accessories, professional development subscriptions, or premium items.
Consider the length and nature of the internship when calibrating your budget. A summer-long intern who contributed significantly to a major project warrants more recognition than someone who spent a few weeks shadowing. Similarly, unpaid or lower-paid interns might appreciate gifts with more practical value, acknowledging that they've sacrificed financially to gain experience.
If your company has multiple interns, consistency matters. Create a standard gift package so no one feels singled out negatively. You can still add personal touches—a handwritten note, a book tailored to their interests—while maintaining fairness in the overall value.
Remember that the thought behind a gift often matters more than its price tag.
Wrapping Up
The most effective intern appreciation combines tangible gifts with intangible recognition. A quality item paired with genuine gratitude, public acknowledgment, and ongoing support creates an experience that stands out in a sea of forgettable internships.
Whether you choose professional development resources, branded merchandise, practical essentials, or simple heartfelt recognition, the goal remains the same: making early-career professionals feel valued, supported, and excited about their futures.