National Intern Day isn’t just another date to slap on your company calendar and forget.
It’s your golden opportunity to give the ultimate shoutout to a vital part of your team: your interns.
These career-driven professionals are present-day difference makers who bring energy, curiosity, and a much-needed ✨ good vibe ✨ to your company.
They’ve been boosting morale with committed excellence, showing up with hot takes in meetings, and dropping the occasional genius idea that makes your senior team say, “Wait… that’s actually brilliant.”
Full stop: interns deserve more than a weak round of applause or a leftover donut.
So instead of tossing them a generic thank-you card or a sad sticker that says “You Did It!”, let’s make them feel awesome today.
🔎 Want to make your interns feel truly appreciated?Jump into thoughtful appreciation ideas for interns to celebrate their hard work: |
This year, we’re going beyond bare minimum recognition. We’re talking curated gifts, viral-worthy shoutouts, and moments that make interns feel part of the squad.
Here are the most fun and creative intern gifts and appreciation ideas to make them feel valued!
Ways to Appreciate Interns at Work
When interns feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stay engaged, share new ideas, and view your company as a place they want to grow long-term.
These intern appreciation ideas go beyond the basics to build a stronger internship program and company culture. Our goal is to help you tap into something that will resonate with your hardworking contributors, regardless of whether you work with one sole intern or an entire class of all-star internships.
1) Set Up a Digital Gift Storefront
“Let them choose their adventure—and their gift.”
A custom digital storefront gives interns the freedom to pick a gift that fits their style. From desk accessories and portable chargers to water bottles with a cheeky twist, the options are endless.
You can curate your company catalog with items that scream, “We appreciate you,” without actually screaming. Don’t forget to include your company logo on a few items for a subtle bragging point.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Letting them choose their own gift is empowering and fun. It gives interns a sense of control and individuality, allowing them to select something that genuinely fits their lifestyle. It’s like giving them a mini-bonus with personality.
Try this: Stadium’s Intern Appreciation Shop is a thoughtful way to recognize your interns’ dedication and hard work. Instead of a one-size-fits-all gesture, offer a custom digital storefront where they can choose from curated gifts like personalized mugs, desk accessories, wellness bundles, and more. It’s a modern, meaningful way to say “thank you” while giving interns a sense of autonomy and appreciation.
2) Bring Something Fun Into the Office
“Free coffee? Games? A DIY trail mix bar? Count us in.”
Make the breakroom buzz by bringing in something unexpected—espresso machines, build-your-own donut walls, or a mini arcade for an hour.
It’s the perfect way to turn intern appreciation into a mini party (without needing an event planner). Add some music, a few fun decorations, and boom—you’ve got a vibe.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: It’s a break from the norm and a chance to enjoy spontaneous fun. A midweek latte or mini celebration signals to interns that your workplace knows how to mix business with a little pleasure. It turns ordinary days into core memories.
Company Spotlight: Inter Miami CF
When it comes to appreciation, Inter Miami CF knows how to perk things up. For Employee Appreciation Day, the team brought in a full-on coffee station—because nothing says “we see you” like a custom latte during the morning rush.
3) Send Out an “Intern Spotlight” to the Team
“Let your intern shine—and connect.”
Celebrate National Intern Day by featuring star interns in your company’s newsletter or dedicated Slack channel. Include their name, role, a fun fact, their professional goals, and how the team can support them.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Everyone loves a little spotlight. Giving interns a voice and some space to share their goals and quirks helps them feel human, not just helpful. It sparks real connections with the team, ones that last beyond their internship.
Pro-tip: Share the love with your Summer interns too! Team members returning to school or ending their internship are perfect candidates for an end-of-internship thank you gift.
4) Connect Remote Interns with a Virtual Activity
“Just because they’re remote doesn’t mean they’re forgotten.”
From cooking classes to scavenger hunts, virtual team building activities give remote interns a chance to bond with other employees. Confetti makes it easy to plan, schedule, and host engaging events.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Virtual doesn’t have to mean invisible. A well-executed virtual hang makes remote interns feel like they’re not missing out. It’s social glue in digital form and a reminder they’re not just Zoom squares.
Company Spotlight: Amare Medical Network
Amare Medical Network knows that team bonding doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. They brought their interns and staff together for a fun, confetti-filled celebration that gave everyone a chance to connect, recharge, and be appreciated.
5) Offer a Company-Funded Career Stipend
“Level up their professional growth.”
Whether it’s attending a virtual conference, upgrading their tech gadgets, or taking a course on AI, a small stipend can go a long way in helping interns gain valuable experience.
Think of it as a career-boosting employee perk that shows you’re invested in their future. Set a budget, provide a few options, and let them choose.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Letting them choose how they want to grow professionally is powerful. It shows you care about their career, not just their current tasks. Bonus: You might unlock hidden talents or inspire bold new ideas in return.
6) Send a Care Package
“Unexpected snail mail = instant day-maker”
A customized care package is a fabulous way to spoil your interns from afar. Fill it with custom notebooks (for all their million-dollar ideas), snacks, a glass water bottle, and maybe even a candle that smells like “Professional Growth.”
Top it off with a handwritten note that doesn’t read like ChatGPT wrote it.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: A surprise package shows them you’re thinking of them, especially when they least expect it. It’s a low-effort, high-reward move that adds joy to their day and makes them feel seen, even across a screen. Plus, who doesn’t love opening mail that’s not a bill?
Company Spotlight: Inovalon
This healthcare tech company knows that a little appreciation goes a long way, especially on National Intern Day. To celebrate their interns, they curated thoughtful care packages filled with personalized goodies and practical items to brighten their day.
7) Take Interns Out for a Thank You Dinner
“Break bread & build bonds.”
Invite your interns (and their mentors!) out to dinner to celebrate the end of the internship. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just intentional.
A relaxed and informal setting provides interns with space to reflect on their internship experience and connect with the team.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Good food, great vibes, and quality time? Yes, please. Sitting down together for a meal (without any laptops in sight) creates space for laughter, mentorship, and a stronger bond. And hey, free food always helps.
Company Spotlight: HUGO BOSS
This team didn’t just say “thank you”—they served it. To wrap up their internship program, the team took their interns out for a celebratory dinner, creating space to reflect, connect, and feel genuinely appreciated. It was more than a meal—it was a meaningful moment that showed interns they’re not just part of the team, they’re part of the future.
8) Give Them an Onboarding Gift (via Goody)
“Surprise and delight, right from the start.”
Interns don’t expect gifts on Day 1, so use that to your advantage.
Welcome them with a small swag bag including a tote bag, custom t-shirts, wireless earbuds, or a branded water bottle. Gift sending services like Goody make it a breeze to select and send a gift to your team members.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Swag is a love language. Interns get hyped about unboxing anything branded and cool. It helps them feel part of the squad instantly—and yes, it gives them something to flex on Instagram too.
Company Spotlight: Exiger
At Exiger, swag isn’t just stuff—it’s a symbol. During their intern appreciation celebration, the team handed out branded gear as a tangible thank-you and a way to reward their interns, but what stood out most was the message behind it: you belong here.
9) Shout Out Your Intern to Your Company or Network
“Recognition can go viral (and open doors).”
Courtesy of LinkedIn
A public shoutout on LinkedIn or your company page can help young professionals expand their network. Highlight what they’ve contributed to your team and tag them so they can share the post.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: A public shoutout feels BIG. It puts interns in front of new eyes—mentors, recruiters, future teammates—and helps them build their brand from day one. Plus, it shows you’re proud to be associated with their work.
Company Spotlight: USA Football
Sometimes, the best appreciation gift is visibility. Adam Hale took to LinkedIn to publicly shout out his intern—and we love to see it. Highlighting an intern’s contributions not only boosts their confidence, it helps expand their professional network at a critical early stage in their career.
10) Sit Down and Write Them a Well-Written Reference
“Put their excellence in writing.”
Take 15 minutes to write a thoughtful recommendation or offer to be a reference. Many interns don’t have professional references yet—your endorsement could help them land their next role.
Why interns will love this appreciation idea: Real talk: this can be a game-changer for their next job. Most interns don’t have decades of experience, and your endorsement gives them credibility. It’s the gift that keeps on giving well beyond the internship.
