Welcome Kit for New Employees: Must-Have Essentials and 30 Gift Ideas to Inspire You

A new job marks an exciting chapter, but it can also bring a mix of nerves and anticipation. For employers, the goal is to make this transition as smooth and welcoming as possible. This is where a thoughtful welcome kit for new employees becomes invaluable. 

Discover must-have essentials and inspire your own new employee welcome kit with 30 creative gift ideas.

What is a welcome kit for new employees?

A welcome kit for new employees, also known as an onboarding kit or new hire kit, is a curated collection of materials, tools, and gifts. 

This bundle can:

• Introduce new team members to an organization 
• Help them feel special and excited about their new role
• Include practical elements, like an employee manual or pens
• Showcase creativity, brand, and company culture

The benefits: Why employee welcome kits matter

A welcome kit is a simple yet effective way to help new hires ease into their role, start with momentum, and support the onboarding process. Here are some ways they can benefit your organization.

Encourage employee engagement

A welcome kit shows new hires that their employer is invested in their well-being and success. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to become engaged and committed team members. 

In fact, studies show that a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%, according to Brandon Hall Group.

Reinforce your company’s culture

The items chosen for a welcome kit can subtly communicate your company’s values and personality. For example, eco-friendly products signal a commitment to sustainability, while high-tech gadgets might indicate an innovative, forward-thinking environment. 

Set employees up for success

A welcome kit equipped with essential tools and resources directly contributes to a new employee’s productivity. Providing necessary office supplies, technology, or even a comfortable item for their workspace ensures they have what they need to start strong. 

What are the essentials of an employee welcome kit?

The contents of an employee welcome kit vary depending on company culture and budget. However, some core elements consistently provide a helpful, encouraging introduction to your organization.

Informational Materials

Providing key information upfront helps new hires navigate their initial days and understand the company’s foundational aspects. This might include:

• A Welcome Letter: A personalized letter from a manager, executive, or even the team sets a positive tone for the whole package.
• Company Handbook: This document compiles key policy statements and outlines important policies, procedures, and employee expectations.
• Organizational Chart: Understanding the company structure, reporting lines, and recognizing key people is crucial for new hires. 
• Benefits Information: An overview of health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks is essential.
• IT Login Details and Support Information: Providing necessary access credentials and contact information for technical assistance ensures a smooth start.

Office Supplies

Equipping new employees with basic tools allows them to begin their work without delay. These fundamental items often include:

• Notebooks 
• Pens
• Water Bottles or Mugs

Company Swag

Branded merchandise helps new employees feel like part of the team and promotes company visibility. There’s something special about walking into your new office and seeing colleagues proudly wearing company t-shirts or sipping from branded mugs—it creates an immediate desire to be part of that shared identity. Essential swag items often include:

• Branded T-shirt, Hoodie, or Polo
• Logo Stickers
• A backpack or tote

Budgeting for employee welcome kits

Determining the ideal budget for employee welcome kits involves balancing impact with financial realities. There’s no universal “right” answer for how much they cost,  but the most effective welcome kits aren’t always the most expensive, either. 

The true value lies in the thoughtfulness and utility of the items.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make an impact. For instance, a comfortable company t-shirt, a branded notebook and pen, and a personalized welcome card can create a significant positive impression without breaking the bank. 

Personalizing employee welcome kits

Personalizing welcome kits can make a real difference in how new employees feel about joining your team. The biggest benefit? It shows you’ve made a genuine effort to understand and cater to each individual.

The magic happens when new employees realize you actually listened during the interview process. Maybe they shared that they’re into hiking, love reading, or are excited about learning a new skill. When their welcome kit reflects those interests, it shows you see them as more than just a resume. 

Examples of personalization include:

• An employee’s favorite foods or candy 
• Coffee gear for someone who’s a coffee enthusiast
• A local restaurant gift card for someone relocating from another city
• A desk plant for someone who mentioned gardening as a hobby

However, personalization can be more time-consuming and potentially more expensive to manage, especially for large organizations with high hiring volumes.

A balanced approach often works best. You can maintain a core welcome kit that applies to all new employees, then add a personalized touch through a voucher for your company swag store. 

This allows new hires to select items that genuinely appeal to them, ensuring personalization at scale with minimal overhead. 

30 Gift Ideas for New Employee Welcome Kits

From practical necessities to thoughtful touches, these gift ideas offer something for every budget and company culture.

Branded Essentials

These everyday essentials let new employees show their company pride while getting real utility from each item.

1. A custom tumbler with logo 

A tumbler, adorned with your company logo, is designed for both hot and cold beverages, keeping drinks at their ideal temperature for hours.

YETI Rambler Tumbler (20 oz) from $37.82

2. A company logo mug 

A classic ceramic mug featuring your company is ideal for a morning coffee, an afternoon tea, or even holding pens on their desk. 

C-Handle Coffee Mug (11 oz) from $4.40

3. A branded blanket 

A plush, soft blanket, subtly embroidered or woven with your company’s logo, offers a touch of comfort for chilly office environments or cozy work-from-home days. 

Field & Co. Cambridge Oversized Sherpa Blanket from $54.93

4. A notebook customized with your logo 

There’s something satisfying about putting pen to paper that no digital device can replicate. (And, research shows we actually retain information better when we write it down by hand!) 

That’s why a sturdy notebook with your company logo and high-quality, lined pages makes a great addition to any welcome kit. It’s perfect for taking notes during meetings, brainstorming ideas, or simply organizing daily tasks.

Baronfig Confidant Hardcover Flagship Notebook (5.4″ x 7.7″) from $15.38

5. A company-branded pen 

What good is a crisp new notebook without a reliable pen to go with it? This sleek, company-branded pen provides a professional and practical tool for all their onboarding tasks and beyond.

Reborn Recycled Aluminum Pen from $1.80

6. A branded T-shirt

Made from soft, comfortable fabric, a branded t-shirt is perfect for casual days at the office, weekend errands, or even the gym.  

Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 T-Shirt (Unisex) from $10.97

7. A company-branded water bottle 

Whether they’re in back-to-back meetings, working from home, or hitting the gym after work, having a reliable water bottle means employees are never stuck feeling dehydrated. And every time they use it instead of grabbing a disposable bottle, they’re doing something positive for the planet.

Elemental Classic Bottle (25 oz) from $27.23

8. A logo tote bag 

A sturdy tote bag, showcasing your company logo, is perfect for both home and the office. It’s spacious enough to carry a laptop, paperwork,  groceries, or gym essentials. And, if the role involves travel, it doubles as a great conference tote or carry-on for the plane! 

Color Accent Canvas Tote Bag from $10.07

9. A branded laptop sleeve 

Nobody wants to be the new hire who accidentally damages their work laptop while in transit. Prevent this awkward scenario with a custom-fitted sleeve, featuring subtle company branding. Its padded interior and sleek design make it a win for both the employee and the company.

The Millennial Laptop Sleeve/Bag from $25.02

10. A custom microfiber cloth with logo 

From iPads to eyeglasses, microfiber cloths provide a convenient way to remove smudges, dust, and fingerprints from screens and lenses used every day. These cloths are safe for delicate surfaces and are always great to have on hand.

Custom 6″ x 7″ Microfiber Cloth from $0.85 each

Practical & Productive Items

These functional tools address the everyday work needs that new hires might not think to ask for.

11. An employee handbook 

A comprehensive guide provides all the essential information about company policies, benefits, and culture, helping new employees quickly understand the ins and outs of their new workplace.

12. An onboarding checklist 

A structured checklist guides new hires through their initial tasks and milestones, ensuring a smooth and organized onboarding process from day one to their first few weeks.

13. A list of key contacts 

A clear, concise list of important contacts for various departments — like IT support, HR, and team leads — helps new employees know exactly who to contact for assistance.

14. A set of high-quality headphones/earbuds 

Whether they’re jumping on video calls, trying to focus in a noisy office, or just want to listen to music while working, quality headphones are essential. Clear audio and a comfortable fit make all the difference during long workdays.

JBL Tune Flex 2 True Wireless Headphones from $102.33

15. A pair of blue light glasses 

Across industries, office jobs have one thing in common: We spend a lot of time staring at screens. Blue light glasses protect the eyes from strain caused by prolonged screen time, filtering out harmful blue light and contributing to overall comfort during long workdays.

Blue Light Glasses from $3.90

16. An ergonomic mouse pad with wrist rest 

While blue light glasses protect our eyes from all that screen time, our wrists need some love, too. Designed for comfort and injury prevention, a mouse pad features a supportive wrist rest, reducing strain during extended computer use and promoting good ergonomics.

Feltro Upcycled Mouse Pad from $13.22

17. A small whiteboard and markers 

Perfect for quick brainstorming, jotting down reminders, or working through problems visually,  a personal whiteboard is great for easy erasing and editing that you can’t get with a pen and paper. 

18. A set of sticky notes in various sizes 

An indispensable office staple, these sticky notes come in multiple sizes, perfect for quick reminders, flagging pages, or leaving messages, keeping important tasks top of mind.

19. A lunch bowl

Nothing beats having a roomy, leak-proof bowl for packing a delicious and energizing lunch for new employees who are in back-to-back onboarding meetings. Microwave, oven, and freezer safe, it’s also helpful during that first week when they’re still learning where the good lunch spots are!

Ello Duraglass Lunch Bowl from $21.54 each

20. A portable phone charger/power bank 

A wireless charging pad ensures devices stay charged on the go, providing peace of mind and connectivity whether staff are in the office, commuting, or working remotely.

UV Phone Sterilizer with Wireless Charging Pad from $15.35

21. A reusable lunch box or bag 

An insulated and stylish reusable lunch box encourages employees to bring their own meals, promoting healthier eating habits and reducing waste.

Kyoto Bento Lunch Box from $17.27

Comfort & Wellness

These thoughtful touches show you care about employee well-being beyond just work productivity.

22. A small desk plant (e.g., succulent) 

A low-maintenance desk plant, like a succulent, adds a touch of nature and vibrancy to workspaces and is known to improve mood and air quality.

Mary Jane Potted Plant Bag from $8.55

23. A hand sanitizer 

A convenient, travel-sized hand sanitizer promotes hygiene and provides a quick way to keep hands clean throughout the day, especially in shared office environments where germs can spread all too easily.

Hand Sanitizer Bottle (1 oz) from $1.17

24. A lip balm 

A small, personal touch, moisturizing lip balm provides everyday comfort, especially in air-conditioned offices or cold climates.

All Good SPF 15 Lip Balm from $5.40

25. A high-quality hand cream 

A nourishing hand cream helps combat dry skin, providing a small moment of self-care during busy workdays.

26. A stress ball or fidget toy

A tactile stress ball or fidget toy offers a discreet way to manage stress, improve focus, or simply provide a brief, calming distraction during intense work periods.

27. A desk calendar 

A stylish and functional desk calendar helps new employees keep track of important dates, holidays, and meetings, making it a practical addition to their workspace. (Plus, it prevents that disorienting “wait, what day is it?” feeling that happens when work gets busy and the days start blending together!). 

Wooden Perpetual Calendar from $10.85

28. A set of company-branded stickers 

Fun and versatile, these branded stickers allow employees to personalize their laptops, water bottles, or notebooks. Offer multiple options to choose from, and they’ll enjoy personalizing their gear with the designs that speak to them most. 

Custom Cut Sticker from $0.22

Fun & Engaging Extras

These extras aren’t essential, but they’re the kind of thoughtful surprises that people remember and talk about

29. A gift card to a local coffee shop or restaurant 

A thoughtful gesture, this gift card encourages new hires to explore local amenities and enjoy a complimentary coffee or meal, making them feel welcomed to the neighborhood.

30. A list of employee perks & discounts 

A curated list of exclusive employee benefits, such as discounts on local businesses, gym memberships, or software, highlights the added value of working at the company.

Examples of employee welcome kits

Observing how other companies design their welcome kits can provide excellent inspiration for your own.

Printfection

As a company specializing in swag, we here at Printfection naturally practice what we preach. Our employee welcome kits include a range of our own products, such as notebooks, drinkware, wearables, and other accessories. 

We frequently send out work-from-home items, demonstrating a commitment to making life more manageable for our staff, especially during times of remote work. 

Barnraise Communications

(Credit: Erika Stutzman Deakin, Barnraise Communications)

Employee welcome kits don’t need to be extravagant to be effective. Barnraise Communications, a boutique content marketing firm, exemplifies this with its thoughtful kit. It features essential office items like a company-issued laptop and monitor, security key cards, and an employee handbook.

These items are crucial for helping new team members perform their jobs and understand expectations. Additionally, new hires receive a greeting card and a gift card to a nearby grocery store, which many employees use for lunch. 

Dispatch

(Credit: Dispatch marketing team)

The on-demand delivery technology company Dispatch welcomes its new employees with a blend of practical and fun branded swag. Dispatch’s kits include functional gifts like ballpoint pens that also serve as touchscreen styluses, and an insulated mug for use in the office or on the go. 

Google

Google’s comprehensive welcome kits frequently feature high-quality tech gear such as noise-canceling headphones, a personalized message, and various branded swag items. 

These items, ranging from backpacks to water bottles, serve to reinforce the company’s innovative and employee-centric culture.

Netflix

Netflix’s welcome kits typically emphasize flexibility and trust, often including essential tech like a laptop, monitor, and keyboard. 

These kits also feature branded items such as t-shirts and small, thoughtful gifts that align with their distinctive freedom and responsibility culture.

Want an easy way to build your employee welcome kits?

As you can see, welcome kits play a vital and special role in onboarding new employees. They don’t just outline what you expect from new hires and provide resources to get them started; welcome kits also make newcomers feel like a valued part of the team from day one.

Ready to create an unforgettable welcome experience for your new hires without the hassle? 

Contact us today to learn how our comprehensive solutions can streamline your employee welcome kit program, from concept to delivery. Let’s make every first day a great one!

[Start Building Your Employee Swag Box Today → ]