National Intern Day Gift Ideas to Show Your Support

Interns bring fresh energy and new perspectives to your workplace. Celebrate National Intern Day with curated gift ideas that inspire, motivate, and show appreciation. From learning subscriptions to wellness perks, make their journey truly memorable.

When it comes to the workplace, nothing beats the interns. They are young and energetic individuals who are a crucial part of any team they are in. They provide a fresh perspective on the company's daily business and procedures. Being tech-savvy, they also apply their technical skills to bring innovative and nuanced social media marketing or engagement ideas. 

Interns are often considered as the first step towards becoming a full-time new hire, and their contributions to the team are an excellent way to gauge their potential fit within the company culture. 

So, it is only justifiable to express your gratitude for their invaluable contributions, and what is the best day to honour them giving a gift on National Interns Day is an awesome start. 

How did National Interns Day come into the picture? 

It was in 2017 when WayUp founded National Interns Day to encourage companies to commemorate and appreciate interns. It is celebrated in July, on the last Thursday. Employers can celebrate this day in several ways. 

  • By hosting a virtual luncheon 
  • By honoring both past and present interns 
  • Highlighting successful intern-generated ideas 
  • Developing new strategies for internships 

Why is it important to celebrate National Interns Day? 

Interns form a crucial part of a team, who help introduce innovative ideas to help create better strategies for efficiently tackling commercial problems. They may work in the shadows but execute the task with hard work and dedication. 

For them, National Interns Day is celebrated. There are various reasons to celebrate this day. Let's take a look at them. 

Thank you interns

1. To show appreciation 

Small efforts are crucial in the grand scheme. Such is the case with interns. Though they are assigned minor tasks, their contribution is essential in ensuring the smooth flow of operations. 

So, it becomes necessary to appreciate them to show that you care. It motivates them to work even harder to give it all. National Interns Day is the best way to do so. 

2. To strengthen the workplace bond 

Gifts carry a lot of emotional weightages (in a positive sense) to the one who receives them. That's why when you give a gift to someone, it reflects sincerity and a sense of concern. 

So, when employers gift interns, it leaves a deeply warm impression on their minds. They feel safe and welcomed at the workplace, which helps them open up to others. This opening up strengthens the bond between the interns and the employee, thereby increasing the company's overall performance. 

3. It boosts company culture 

Brilliant products and services are necessary, but these are not the only reasons that help the company's overall image and reputation. There is one more crucial thing to it. It is the company culture, i.e., how well the company treats its employees and others. Celebrating National Interns Day helps boost the business culture, thereby boosting the company's overall image. 

Now that we have discussed National Interns' Day and its importance in the work culture, let's now look at some of the best gift ideas that you, as an employer, can give to the interns to express your appreciation. 

25+ Thoughtful gift ideas for interns for National Interns Day 

Here are 20 intern-friendly gift ideas, grouped by intern-centric categories, each thoughtfully curated to appreciate, motivate, and leave a lasting impression on interns. 

Growth & entertainment subscriptions 

Interns thrive in environments where learning is encouraged and downtime is valued. Subscription-based gifts that offer both upskilling opportunities and light entertainment demonstrate care for their holistic development. 

  1. Udemy or Coursera subscription – Unlock continuous learning across business, coding, marketing, and design with self-paced courses. 
  2. LinkedIn learning pass – Support career development with expert-led courses on leadership, tech, communication, and more. 
  3. Grammarly premium access – Help them communicate clearly and confidently in reports, emails, and cover letters. 
  4. Amazon Kindle or Google Play books credit – Fuel knowledge with eBooks on productivity, career, or industry-specific topics. 
  5. Spotify Premium or Netflix subscription – Let them recharge with music, podcasts, or movies after a productive day. 

Experiential gifting 

Interns value real-world exposure and memorable experiences that broaden their horizons. Experiential gifts help them explore interests, build confidence, and create lasting memories beyond the screen. 

  1. Coffee chat with an industry mentor (via experience platform) – A guided session with a professional to gain career insights and ask burning questions. 
  2. Virtual masterclass access (Design, Writing, Tech) – Learn from top creators and professionals across industries. 
  3. Stand-up comedy or improv show tickets – A fun outing to break the routine and share laughs with fellow interns. 
  4. Online mixology or cooking class – A creative and interactive way to unwind while learning a life skill. 
  5. Museum or cultural pass (Digital or On-site) – Explore local culture, history, and art for personal enrichment. 

Wellness & self-care 

Internships can be overwhelming. Support their mental and physical health with wellness-focused gifts to help them de-stress and recharge. 

  1. Headspace/calm membership – Guided meditation for focus and stress relief. 
  2. Online Fitness class pass (Cult.Fit, ClassPass) – Flexible workouts to match their schedule. 
  3. Digital Spa or wellness voucher – A virtual treat for relaxation and mindfulness. 
  4. Yoga App subscription – Help them maintain balance and flexibility. 
  5. Wellness store e-gift card (Nykaa/HealthKart) – Self-care products delivered to their door. 

Food & beverage treats 

A quick coffee, delicious snack, or comfort meal can go a long way in brightening an intern's busy day. These everyday indulgences are practical, appreciated, and add a personal touch to their work experience. 

  1. Starbucks gift card – Let them enjoy their favorite coffee or refreshers during long project hours. 
  2. Chipotle or panera bread voucher – A hearty, healthy meal that feels both comforting and convenient. 
  3. SnackNation subscription box – Monthly delivery of curated healthy snacks to keep energy levels high. 

Tech & electronics 

Interns rely on tech to stay connected, collaborate, and deliver results. Gifting them smart, functional gadgets reflects appreciation and supports their digital-first lifestyle. 

  1. Wireless mouse or keyboard voucher – Upgrade their remote or on-site work setup for seamless multitasking. 
  2. Bluetooth earbuds gift card – Great for Zoom calls, focus time, or winding down with music after work. 
  3. Portable power bank gift voucher – Ensure they stay powered up during commutes or long workdays. 
  4. Smart notebook (rocketbook) gift credit – Blend handwritten notes with digital storage for eco-friendly productivity. 
  5. Amazon or best buy gift card – Let them choose their own tech essentials—from accessories to gadgets. 

Swag & branded merchandise 

Interns love feeling like part of the team. Swag with your company’s branding creates a sense of belonging and leaves them with a lasting reminder of their journey. 

  1. Custom branded t-shirt or hoodie – A comfy, casual way for interns to wear your company pride. 
  2. Eco-friendly branded tote bag – Perfect for carrying laptops, notebooks, or groceries in style. 
  3. Personalized water bottle or tumbler – Keep them hydrated while subtly promoting your brand. 
  4. Desk accessories Kit (Mousepad, pen, notepad) – Functional and professional, with a personalized touch. 
  5. Company logo laptop sleeve – Sleek protection for their device, showing off their internship creds. 

Go beyond a Thank You: Show interns they matter 

Interns are more than just temporary team members—they're future leaders, creators, and contributors to your company’s culture and success. Recognizing their dedication with meaningful, personalized gifts not only boosts morale but also helps foster a deeper sense of belonging and motivation. 

Whether you're looking to deliver digital learning subscriptions, wellness perks, curated experiences, or branded swag, having a flexible and scalable rewards platform can make all the difference. That's where a solution like Xoxoday Plumv can help you automate, personalize, and deliver memorable intern gifting with ease. 

Ready to reward the talent that’s shaping tomorrow? 
Book a free demo with Xoxoday Plum and build an intern appreciation strategy that goes beyond just saying “thank you.” Make it memorable. Make it matter. 

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