Wondering what your new employees expect to see in their welcome kit?

We’ve created a list of 19 thoughtful items to help you improve your new employee onboarding and create a better experience for your new hires from day one.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• What’s a new hire welcome kit and why is it important?
• 19 essential items to include in your new hire welcome kit
• 6 examples of real companies that created great new employee welcome packs

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What’s a New Hire Welcome Kit & Why is it Important?

19 Items to Include in Your New Employee Kit

6 Onboarding Kit Examples

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s a New Hire Welcome Kit & Why is it Important?

A new hire welcome kit is a welcome package that companies give to new employees, usually on their first day on the job.

The package typically includes a collection of items that the new employee will need on the job, such as:

• Branded items like T-shirts or hoodies
• Tea or coffee mugs
• Backpacks or tote bags
• Other useful office supplies

When it comes to boxes with welcome gifts, companies should take care with the quality of the products that they choose to include in their packages.

The company swag that new employees receive on their first day of work needs to properly represent the culture that the company wishes to promote. 

Benefits of a new employee welcome package

An employee welcome package is more than just a gift box. Its purpose is to make your new hire feel welcome, foster a sense of belonging, and create a positive outlook on the company culture. 

That’s why welcome kits shouldn’t be overlooked. 

New team members will be happy to use social media to post photos of their onboarding packages, especially if the gifts they receive are of high quality. 

A tasteful welcome kit creates a good first impression of the corporate culture—and improves retention rates.

But there are many other benefits of a new employee welcome package: 

Shows appreciation for the people you chose to work with. Employees will feel valued by the management, which gives them a sense of belonging. 

Sets a positive tone for the entire workplace experience. It’s hard to be an employee in a new company, so a surprise gift box can make them feel like they’ve made the right choice. 

Inspires workers to respect the company values. A good onboarding kit will reinforce and integrate new employees into the corporate culture.

Companies can also use these kits to welcome remote employees to their new jobs and not compromise on the personal touch in this dispersed workforce. 

Now that you know the importance of new hire welcome kits, you can start creating your own. 

Wanna know what items to include? 

Take a look at the 19 items you can put in a new hire welcome kit. 

19 Items to Include in Your New Employee Kit

The items in this list are a mix of products that a new employee could use at work, along with objects that are more personal and can be beautifully personalized. These items can also be used by new hires outside of their workplace.

Item #1: CEO Welcome Letter

Welcome letters have the potential to get a new employee’s career off to a fantastic start—and boost retention rates. 

A recent survey by Glassdoor says that a good onboarding process improves retention rates by 82% and makes employees feel valued and seen by leadership. 

Your letter to new hires should include: 

• General expectations
• Core values of the company
• Appreciation for the new hire

Pro Tip: Investing in a customized journal that has a message from the CEO on the first page is a great way to show off your company’s culture. 

Price Range: $4 – $7

Item #2: Coffee Mug

Another item that’s very popular with companies in terms of their welcome packages is a coffee mug.

Why is that a good gift idea?

Simply because everyone drinks coffee (or tea, or any other hot drink) and with their own mug, new hires will feel part of the team while also being integrated into the corporate culture. 

Employees can save time and prepare their own coffee at work—if the workspace gives them the option. 

Pro Tip: Mugs are the perfect canvas for writing an inspirational personalized message your new hires will see every morning. 

Price Range: $8 – $10

Item #3: T-shirt

The third item on our list is an old-time classic: the t-shirt. It’s an item that’s always useful to have and worn by everyone.

The key with t-shirts is to make them look more like fashion pieces than just clothing items with a giant logo that are doomed to hit the bottom of the drawer right away.

Given that a t-shirt is a garment that someone can actually wear, a small, tasteful logo on the shirt can promote the company’s motto and increase brand visibility.

Now, if you’re worried about giving your new hires t-shirts that may not fit, we’ve got the solution for you. All you need to do is allow them to choose the style and size they prefer in a seamless way (pardon the pun). Read our guide to know more.  

Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality eco-friendly swag for a more sustainable lifestyle. T-shirts can be made with organic fabrics and water-based dyes that don’t harm the environment. 

Price Range: $14 – $19

Item #4: Water Bottle

A water bottle is an essential and eco-friendly object that companies should consider giving to all their existing and new staff.

First of all, a reusable water bottle saves tons of plastic bottles.

Plus, it’s a practical and tasteful item that a new employee could use at work as well as during their leisure activities. Last but not least, it increases brand visibility. 

Pro Tip: Encourage a healthier lifestyle by inspiring people to drink more water with a motivational quote on the bottle. 

Price Range: $13 – $16

Item #5: Employee Handbook

Creating an employee handbook is one of the best things you can do to bring new employees up to speed faster.

An employee handbook is a document that includes important information that staff members may need to refer to, possibly daily. The information is usually about the terms and conditions of employment. 

As most policy forms and resources are on company Intranets, you could also consider giving your new hires a journal that they can use in meetings.

Pro Tip: In customized employee handbooks you can include a message from the company CEO to make new hires feel part of the team. The message may also include links to important HR resources that employees can easily access to find answers they may need early on in their new job. 

Price Range: $4 – $6

Item #6: Stickers

Stickers are our next playful item for new hire kits.

These are primarily used as laptop or portfolio stickers, inexpensive enough that you can include a selection in a pack that will likely have something in there for everyone. 

Stickers might not seem useful, but they are a cost-effective method for new hires to express themselves and be proud of their new role by sticking them on various items at home. 

Pro Tip: Encourage creativity with on-brand stickers that are fun. They can contain an inspirational or motivational message that will foster a positive work environment.

Price Range: $4 – $6

Item #7: Wood Block Stacking Game

How high can you go before the tower tumbles down? 

Well, that’s something your team members will find out with this classic and exciting tabletop game.

It’s an entertaining activity that tests your steadiness of hand and challenges gravity. 

You pull out block by block until the tower comes crashing down—and causes tons of laughter! 

It’s a nice new hire welcome gift because board games bring people closer and it’s excellent for communicating how you are all a part of a team that fits together.  

Pro Tip: The storage container can be engraved with your company’s logo or a personalized artwork that suits the employee’s personality. 

Price Range: $15 – $20 

Item #8: Blue-Light Glasses

Blue-light glasses can be a convenient gift both for employees who work in an office and those who work from home.

Some people consider getting blue-light glasses because they are said to reduce eye strain when you’re using digital devices. 

These glasses are very useful for those who spend hours working in front of screens and for that reason, they can be an appropriate gift for a new employee.

A new employee will appreciate a company that cares about their well-being.

Pro Tip: Select an attractive unisex frame that you can customize in your brand’s colors so your employees will wear them with pride.  

Price Range: $4 – $5

Item #9: Throw Blanket

Who doesn’t love a quality, branded throw blanket around their house?

With lines between work and home now blurred due to employees working from home, it’s not uncommon to include a blanket or other personalized home items in new hire welcome packages. 

Employees will appreciate having an item that warms them—body and spirit—while also being a nice addition to any working space. 

A durable and comfortable blanket makes a great branding item. Not only will people use the blankets, but they will be reminded of your brand with each use. 

Pro Tip: Choose blankets made from organic fabric, such as recycled cotton, or traditionally handcrafted. 

Price Range: $10 – $60

Item #10: Candle

A slightly more personal and special gift idea for new hires is a candle.

Specific smells of candles can have a soothing effect on the brain. Our brains associate scents with emotions and memories, so different scents can trigger different emotions.

For example: 

• Peppermint and spearmint for enhancing focus and improving memory
• Orange scent for a jolt of energy
• Jasmine for positive feelings and energy levels
• Lavender for alleviating stress and promoting relaxation

Candles can be easily customized with the company brand on them. 

Pro Tip: Choose eco-friendly and non-toxic candles made with sustainable ingredients like beeswax or coconut wax. 

Price Range: $6 – $10

Item #11: Tote Bag

What’s a nice, eco-friendly, and useful item that should be included in any onboarding kit? 

Enter…

 ….a tote bag. 

Tote bags are extremely handy and lightweight, usually made of organic fabrics such as cotton.

What’s great about tote bags is that they can be reused trillions of times thus saving tons of plastic. 

Business leaders can communicate this beautiful message with their employees through a tote bag—and design it to inspire a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Pro Tip: Tote bags are not just for office use but also for grocery shopping. Try to make the tote bag stylish and spacious enough for employees to use it every day. 

Price Range: $3 – $4

Item #12: Hoodie

It’s time for another all-time classic—the hoodie.

As we mentioned already, for company swag to be worn outside, companies should keep in mind that such garments must be tasteful and of high quality.

Make sure that the hoodie is made with heavyweight, durable materials that keep employees warm during the chilly season. 

To make it complete, add your company’s logo and motto.  

Pro Tip: Like with the t-shirt, use high-quality and sustainable fabrics that don’t feel cheap or irritate the skin. 

Price Range: $25 – $80

Item #13: Headphones

With so many people using their phones to listen to music when they’re commuting, exercising, or just taking a break from work, a pair of good headphones is useful to everyone. 

Plus, consider buying noise-canceling headphones to increase productivity and focus. 

You can customize the headphones with your brand’s logo or other branding elements. 

Pro Tip: You can combine headphones with other useful gadgets, such as a mouse and/or mousepad. Tech lovers will adore high-quality items that they can use every day. 

Price Range: $30 – $200+

Item #14: Yoga Mat

Although not everyone does yoga, a high-quality yoga mat is still a fantastic gift for those who like exercise and want to be more active. 

Yoga mats (like other self-care and wellness items) are a great idea for a new hire gift, especially if there’s a designated space for exercise within the workspace.

Such a gift will show that the company cares about its employees’ well-being and fitness. 

You can go even further and buy eco-friendly mats, made with recycled or vegan materials, that don’t slip when used. 

Pro Tip: You can organize exercise activities with the whole team and encourage a more active lifestyle. 

Price Range: $25 – $57

Item #15: Snacks & Drinks

Did someone say butter toffee? What a sweet way for your team to power through the day!

You can make a selection of delicious, high-quality snacks and goodies, like nuts, dried fruits, and crackers, and place them beautifully in the welcome kit. 

Your new employees will be delighted to find a thoughtful bag full of goodies inside their onboarding box. 

Pro Tip: If possible, try to select snacks that your employees will love and follow their dietary restrictions. Be aware of any allergies. 

Price Range: $10 – $40

Item #16: Travel Mug

Who doesn’t want to keep their favorite beverage hot without burning their fingers? ?

If your new hire travels to the office every day, they’ll appreciate having a travel mug with them. 

Giving employees a high-quality, durable travel mug will simply make them happy, and that’s really what new hire welcome kits are all about. 

A stainless steel travel mug also promotes a sustainable lifestyle and cuts down on the harmful use of plastic cups.

Pro Tip: Buy high-quality mugs that are leak-proof and durable, so they don’t scratch easily if dropped. 

Price Range: $18 – $22

Item #17: Ballcap

Ballcaps are one of the best company swag items to go into your welcome kit for new hires. 

A baseball cap not only protects your head from the sun, but also from the cold, rain, and wind. Such an item allows employees to define their unique style and connect with others via the message branded on the cap. 

What’s great about the caps is that you can easily brand them with your company’s logo. 

Pro Tip: Caps don’t require sizing, unlike other apparel. One size is all that is required, which makes it rather inexpensive to make. 

Price Range: $10 – $13

Item #18: Backpack

Most companies include a branded backpack in their welcome package since it’s so useful and used by many new hires. 

Employees love backpacks because they can use them to carry essential items and even their laptop during their commute and outside of work. 

Make sure the backpacks are secure and comfortable to wear when traveling. 

Pro Tip: Choose backpacks that are durable and can support the weight of a laptop or numerous documents. 

Price Range: $25 – $30

Item #19: Lunch Box

Lunch boxes are a wonderful idea for a new hire welcome kit. 

Not every employee wants to spend money and order food at the office every day. With a lunch box, they can bring their own food and cut down on costs and save time.  

Lunch boxes also help reduce food and plastic bag waste. 

Brand lunch boxes with your company’s logo or add the new hire’s name on the lid for personalization. 

Pro Tip: Choose lunch boxes made with eco-friendly materials that are durable, easy to clean, and reusable. 

Price Range: $13 – $16

6 Onboarding Kit Examples

In this section, we’re going to give you six examples of new employee welcome kits from real companies that simply nailed it.

Have a look. 

Example #1: Ogilvy Induction Box

Advertising agency Ogilvy, founded by David Ogilvy in 1948, is one of the most prominent advertising, marketing, and PR agencies in the world. 

Its kit is very stylish and the items in the box are both personal and professional, including: 

• Welcome letter
• A book on the eight virtues of a creative organization
• A personalized journal
• Office supplies, such as a pen and USB
• Fun origami activity

Also, this is a great example of a welcome kit that is well thought–out and of high quality. 

Example #2: Nike Welcome Box

Nike, the American manufacturer of athletic shoes, clothing, accessories, and equipment, is also a very good example of a company giving a compelling welcome package to their new hires that matches the company culture and style.

This kit is a minimal one that includes some essential items that a new employee at Nike can make use of, such as:

• A coffee cup
• Earphones
• Calendar
• Stickers
• A pin

Example #3: MOCA Interactive Welcome Kit

The third example comes from a digital marketing agency called MOCA Interactive. 

The company swag seems to be of high quality and, as you can see, there’s a wide variety of items: 

• A coffee mug
• Laptop cover
• Notebook
• Powerbank
• Earphones
• A pin
• Water bottle
• Shirts and other apparel

Example #4: BYJU’S The Learning App Onboarding Kit

Educational technology company BYJU’S gives new employees a pretty welcome package that features the company’s logo and color palette. The kit includes the following useful items: 

• Backpack
• Notebook
• Sustainable tote bag
• Personalized mug
• ID badge

Example #5: Nubank New Hire Kit

Another representative example of a cool onboarding box for new hires comes from the innovative neobank Nubank. 

This one includes a wide range of products that will be handy for a new employee: 

• Stickers
• Employee handbook
• Welcome letter
• Various office supplies
• Coffee mug
• Tote bag
• T-shirt

Example #6: LINE Friends Welcome Package

The last example is from a mobile applications and internet services company, LINE Corporation.

This is a great example of an imaginative, stylish welcome kit that helps promote a unified brand experience.

Here’s what a new employee in LINE will find in their package: 

• Desk organizer set
• Magnets
• Pencil set
• Employee card case
• Gift vouchers
• Sticker set
• Nameplate

This welcome kit even received a design award in 2019!

New employees receiving such high-quality and beautifully designed welcome kits will feel proud to be new team members.

And that’s what welcome kits for new hires should be all about. 

Now Over to You

So there you have it—a list of items that your new hires will be thrilled to find inside their welcome packages because they’re both useful and of high quality. 

These examples we provided can all be used as a source of inspiration for creating onboarding packages that showcase a well thought–out selection of objects that new employees will value.

Ready to build your own new-hire swag pack?

Click here to start. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some useful frequently asked questions when it comes to new hire welcome kits. 

1. How much should I expect to spend on a welcome kit?

The cost depends on how many items you want to include in your package. You are expected to spend anywhere from $20 to $100 on standard welcome kits, but you can find various existing kits at different price points. 

2. Can new employee welcome kits be branded with company names and logos?

Definitely yes. You can brand any welcome kit with your company name and logo. 

3. What should be in a new hire welcome kit?

A new hire welcome kit can include some of these branded items: 

• Coffee mug
• Notebooks and other stationery
• Tote bags, laptop covers, or backpacks
• Water bottle
• Branded apparel, such as caps, sunglasses, T-shirts, etc.
• High-quality snacks