Gifts for Interns (They're People Too)
Welcome to the machine, kid.
Why It's Tricky
Interns are precious, fragile creatures experiencing corporate life for the first time. They still believe in inbox zero, show up early to meetings, and ask questions with genuine enthusiasm that will absolutely be crushed by Q4. Giving a gift to an intern is part appreciation, part hazing ritual, part 'here's what you're in for.' It's a welcome to the professional world that acknowledges both the excitement they feel and the soul-crushing reality they're about to discover. Be nice to them—they'll be your boss someday if they don't burn out first.
Gift Ideas
- -A 'Survived My Internship' certificate suitable for LinkedIn humble-bragging
- -Coffee gift cards because they definitely can't afford their caffeine habit
- -A nice notebook for all the things they'll learn and immediately forget
- -Business card holder for the 500 cards they'll collect and never look at again
- -A book on the industry that's actually useful (not some corporate propaganda)
Things to Consider
- *They're poor—gift cards are genuinely appreciated, not tacky
- *Remember: whatever you give might end up on their social media
- *Make it useful for their next step—they're not staying forever
Get Gift Ideas That Actually Land
Get intern gift ideas that won't patronize them (too much).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much should I spend on an intern gift?
- $25-50 is perfectly appropriate. More than that feels like you're overcompensating for underpaying them, which... actually, maybe you are. But still, keep it reasonable. They'll appreciate the thought regardless of the price tag.
- What's the best going-away gift for an intern?
- Something for their next chapter: a nice portfolio/bag for interviews, a LinkedIn recommendation (free but valuable), or a genuine offer to be a reference. Also acceptable: a card signed by the team and an explanation of how to actually use their 401k when they get a real job.
- Is it weird to give an intern a funny gift?
- Depends on your relationship. If you've built rapport and they get your humor: yes, funny is great. If you've barely interacted and they're nervous around you: stick to a nice card and gift card. Don't terrify them more than corporate already has.
- Should I give all interns the same gift?
- Absolutely. Interns talk, and any perceived favoritism will become content for their group chat within minutes. Equal treatment also protects you from any appearance of impropriety. Keep it fair, keep it consistent.