Fresh ideas interns will actually use, post, and remember
If your intern welcome kits still include the same notebook-pen-tumbler combo from 2016… it’s time for an upgrade.
Yes, those items can still work — but only when they feel intentional. A great intern kit doesn’t just check a box. It creates a moment. It says, “We’re glad you’re here.” It helps interns show up, settle in, and feel like they’re joining something that actually pays attention.
Let’s build something better.
What Makes Great Intern Swag?
It’s not about avoiding common items. It’s about relevance, execution, and intention. The best kits hit four key goals:
- Useful at work and outside the office
- Reinforces team culture or brand values
- Fun enough to post, wear, or talk about
- Something they actually keep
Want help choosing items that won’t get tossed on day one? The Branded Merch Playbook breaks down real examples, practical product ideas, and why certain items get used again and again. It’ll help you skip the cliché filler and create intern kits people remember.
Get the PlaybookHere’s how to pull that off with summer-specific merch your interns will actually love.
🔥 1. Cool-Down Gear for Summer Interns
It’s hot. They’re commuting, exploring the city, walking across campus. Give them gear that makes summer easier.
- Portable fan – USB-powered or clip-on versions are surprisingly useful
- Cooling towel – Perfect after a walk or outdoor team event
- Mini lunch cooler – Branded, compact, and perfect for intern potlucks
- Branded summer cap – Choose a clean 5-panel or unstructured style they’ll actually wear
✨ 2. Culture-Driven Conversation Starters
Swag can build team connection when it’s done right. Give interns ways to belong faster and spark conversations naturally.
- Company trivia deck – Flashcard-style stories about your founding, milestones, and quirks
- Icebreaker cards – Great for onboarding lunches or virtual meetups
- Stickers or pins – Highlight inside jokes or core values in a playful way
🧳 3. Intern-on-the-Go Essentials
Your interns are mobile. Some are traveling, some hybrid, some exploring after work. Give them gear that goes with them.
- Branded belt bag or sling pouch – Functional, on-trend, and logo-visible
- Foldable picnic blanket – Perfect for team picnics or park lunches
- Slim power bank – Add a fun phrase like “Intern mode: always charging”
- MagSafe phone grip or PopSocket – Sleek, useful, and guaranteed daily visibility
🧑💻 4. First-Day Desk Setup (That Actually Feels Thoughtful)
Small details can make a first day feel meaningful.
- Custom nameplate or acrylic plaque – Their name + their team
- Phone stand – Keeps the desk clean and functional
- Screen cleaning kit – A simple touch that always gets used
Include a handwritten note or a QR code linking to a welcome video from leadership to elevate the moment.
📸 5. Instagrammable Add-Ons
If you want interns to share their welcome experience, make it easy.
- “Intern Squad” mini desk sign – Cheesy, yes. Shareable, absolutely.
- Branded card with QR code – Link to a reel, playlist, Slack emoji pack, or a welcome message
- Custom enamel pins or patches – Great for backpacks, jackets, or lanyards
✏️ Wait… What About Tumblers and Notebooks?
They aren’t bad. They’re just expected.
But when you upgrade the finish, personalize the insert, or design something interns actually want to show off, they’re still great additions. It’s not the item. It’s the delivery.
Final Thoughts: Your Intern Kit Is Part of Your Brand
Your summer intern kit is often the first physical interaction someone has with your brand. It can feel like a cheap afterthought… or like a statement that your organization invests in people.
Design with intention. Add moments of surprise. Make it fun.
And if you need help building a kit interns actually talk about? We do this every day — and we can create one tailored to your team.
➡️ Ready to build your intern kits?
See real merch examples and get a custom mockup at
www.BRND.agency
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