Joining a new job can be exciting, but it also brings many new experiences. Meeting colleagues, understanding workplace culture, and adapting to company processes take time. A well-designed new employee welcome kit helps ease this transition, making new hires feel comfortable and valued from day one. More than just onboarding materials, a thoughtful welcome package represents the company’s identity and creates a sense of belonging.
But what makes a great welcome kit? It should go beyond simple gifts to create a sense of belonging and provide useful tools for success. With 33 percent of employees considering leaving within the first 90 days due to poor onboarding, companies today focus on personalization, practicality, and engagement. In this guide, you will explore must-have items, creative ideas, and how a well-planned welcome kit can improve employee satisfaction and retention.
New hires feel valued and connected from day one, which helps ease their transition into the workplace and builds a sense of belonging.
Practical tools like tech gear and office supplies, combined with personal touches such as custom gifts or welcome notes, encourage engagement and motivation.
Thoughtful, high-quality items such as branded swag and cultural guides create a lasting impression and help improve employee retention.
What is a new employee welcome kit?
A new employee welcome kit is a collection of useful items and resources given to a new hire on their first day. It usually includes things like company-branded merchandise, office supplies, important documents, and a welcome letter.
Onboarding kit helps new employees feel comfortable and connected to the company. It introduces them to the company culture, provides essential tools for their role, and makes them feel valued. A well-designed welcome kit can boost motivation, encourage engagement, and create a great first impression of the workplace.
What to include in an onboarding kit?
A new employee welcome pack is more than just a gift. It helps new hires settle in, understand the company, and feel valued from the first day. Whether working in the office or remotely, a welcome pack should include important resources, company branded items, and thoughtful gifts. Here are seven key things that should be in every welcome pack.
- Office essentials – Basic supplies like notebooks, pens, sticky notes and planners help employees stay organized. A water bottle, coffee mug and small plant make the workspace more comfortable.
- Company swag – Branded items like T shirts, hoodies, tote bags, keychains and laptop stickers create a sense of belonging and also promote the company.
- Informational materials – A handbook with company policies, an organizational chart to show team structures and an FAQ document can help employees adjust quickly.
- Tech essentials – Employees need the right tools for their job. This can include a laptop, mouse, headphones, software access and security passwords to start working without delay.
- Wellness and fun items – Small gifts like stress balls, puzzles, wellness guides or fitness vouchers can help employees relax and enjoy their work environment.
- Personalized welcome touches – A welcome letter from the CEO, a custom item with the employee’s name or a small gift based on their hobbies can make them feel special.
- Remote work support – Remote employees should receive their welcome pack by mail, digital copies of important documents and virtual onboarding sessions to stay connected.
12 items to add to your new employee welcome kits
Starting a new job is a big deal—and your welcome kit sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s more than just a box of goodies; it’s your first handshake, your first “we’re glad you’re here.”
Whether you’re onboarding remote employees or welcoming someone in person, the right mix of practical tools and thoughtful touches can make them feel like part of the team from day one. Here are 12 impactful items to include in your new employee welcome kits:
Informational packet
Company swag
Water bottles & mugs
Desk vibes: plants & decor
Snacks
Tech essentials: headphones, mouse, & tech case
Backpack
Starter office supplies
Gift cards
Knowledge boost: notebooks, books, & culture docs
Fitness items
Sticker swag
Informational packet
Compile all the necessary documents a new employee needs, print them, and place them in a high-quality folder to include in the welcome kit. Your new hire packet might include:
- Welcome letter – A personalized message from leadership introducing company values.
- Employee handbook – A guide covering policies, workplace conduct, and HR procedures.
- Benefits form – Details on health, insurance, and other employee benefits.
- Company directory – Contact details for key people within the organization.
- Schedule information – Work hours, meeting schedules, and important events.
- Agendas for onboarding – Outlines for the first few days or weeks to help the new hire settle in.
- Culture and strategy guide – Insights into company mission, values, and long-term goals.
Company swag
Branded swag isn’t just free stuff, it’s a vibe. T-shirts, tote bags, keychains, and stickers emblazoned with the company logo create an immediate bond between employees and the organization. New hires feel like part of the crew the moment they slip on that tee or slap a sticker on their laptop.
Beyond the office, these items double as walking billboards, imagine an employee rocking a sleek company backpack at the gym or sipping from a branded mug at a café.
High-quality, practical swag (think soft tees or sturdy totes) shows appreciation and sparks pride. Bonus points if you tailor it to your team, tech startups might toss in funky socks, while outdoor brands could opt for a branded cap.
Water bottles & mugs
A reusable water bottle and a well-designed mug are small heroes of the workday. A sleek, branded bottle, thick stainless steel with a leak-proof cap, keeps employees hydrated, cuts down on plastic waste, and reinforces company identity every time they take a sip.
Pair it with a ceramic mug featuring the logo, an inspiring quote, or even their name for a personal touch. All these daily-use items anchor routines, offering comfort in a new environment while subtly promoting sustainability. Fun fact: studies show hydrated employees are 12% more productive, swag that works overtime!
Desk vibes: plants & decor
Nothing says “welcome” like a workspace that feels alive. A low-maintenance desk plant, succulents, snake plants, or pothos, brings nature indoors, purifies the air, and cuts stress (NASA backs this up: plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours). Pair it with small decor like a branded desk organizer or a framed “You Got This” quote to add personality.
Pro tip: Include care instructions to keep those green buddies thriving.
Snacks
A snack stash is a universal love language. Toss in a mix of healthy picks (granola bars, dried fruit, nuts) and a few indulgent treats (chocolate, pretzels) to keep energy up and spirits high.
It’s a thoughtful nod that says, “We’ve got you covered.” Bonus: locally sourced snacks or options tied to company values (like organic bites for a sustainability-focused firm) add a storytelling layer. Employees munching happily at their desks? That’s instant warm-and-fuzzy vibes.
Tech essentials: headphones, mouse, & tech case
In today’s hybrid work world, tech gear is non-negotiable. A quality wireless mouse, ergonomic and smooth, beats a clunky touchpad any day, reducing wrist strain and boosting efficiency (studies link ergonomic tools to 25% less discomfort).
Add noise-canceling headphones for focus in open offices or crisp Zoom calls, employees can even unwind with a podcast on breaks. Tie it together with a compact tech case to corral chargers, USBs, and cables. Branded or not, this trio screams, “We care about your workflow.”
Backpack
A functional backpack is a great addition for employees who commute. It helps them carry their laptop, office supplies, or personal belongings with ease. A durable, stylish design makes it practical for both work and casual use. A branded backpack strengthens company identity and team spirit. It’s a useful and long-lasting welcome gift.
Starter office supplies
Basic office supplies help new employees get started without hassle. Notebooks, pens, sticky notes, and highlighters ensure they have everything they need. These tools support organization, creativity, and efficiency in daily tasks. A well-stocked starter kit prevents unnecessary trips to the supply closet. It also shows the company cares about their productivity from day one.
Gift cards
Gift cards are the ultimate flex, freedom with a personal twist. Whether it’s a coffee shop run, a bookstore splurge, or a food delivery treat, they let employees pick what sparks joy. A $10-$25 card to a spot that vibes with your culture (Starbucks for a fast-paced crew, Amazon for the bookworms) shows you get them. It’s a low-effort, high-impact appreciation.
Knowledge boost: notebooks, books, & culture docs
Equip minds as well as desks. A branded notebook invites ideas, to-dos, and doodles, while a book, think leadership gems like Atomic Habits or industry-specific reads, nudges personal growth. Add a slick document outlining company culture, values, and strategy (keep it punchy, not preachy).
Fun stat: 74% of employees say learning opportunities boost job satisfaction, start ‘em early!
Fitness items
Show you care beyond the 9-to-5 with fitness goodies. Resistance bands, a stress ball, or a branded gym towel encourage movement and balance. Tie it to a water bottle for a hydration-fitness combo. Companies prioritizing wellness see 21% higher productivity (per Gallup), it’s a win-win.
Sticker swag
Stickers are the confetti of welcome kits, cheap, fun, and full of personality. Company logos, quirky slogans (“Team Coffee > Team Sleep”), or local flair let employees customize their gear. They’re tiny morale boosters that stick around, literally.
Welcome kit inspiration
Many companies, both big and small, invest in thoughtful welcome kits to make new employees feel valued. A well-designed kit reinforces company culture, builds excitement, and strengthens brand identity. Whether you have a large budget or a simple approach, the goal remains the same—creating a memorable first impression.
Here are a few inspiring examples of remarkable employee welcome kits:
Google is known for its fun and engaging work culture, and this is reflected in its Noogler Welcome Kit. New hires receive a laptop bag, notebooks, pens, sticker sheets, and the signature colorful Noogler hat. This kit helps new employees feel part of the Google community from day one.
Source: Zavvy
Meta
Meta keeps its onboarding clean and professional by providing new employees with branded essentials, including a notebook, a beanie, a hoodie, and a company-branded mug. This kit not only fosters employee pride but also encourages social sharing, increasing brand visibility.
Shopee
Shopee embraces simplicity and brand consistency by offering a tote bag filled with a company-branded t-shirt, notebook, pen, ID tag holder, and a values handbook. The kit, designed in Shopee’s signature orange, helps employees feel connected to the company’s mission from the start.
Source: Medium
How to create a remarkable onboarding journey?
A great onboarding experience helps new employees feel welcomed, prepared, and excited to start their journey with your company. A well-planned welcome kit is more than just free stuff, it’s a way to introduce them to your company culture, values, and work environment. Here’s how to make it impactful:
1. Represent your company culture
Every company has its own identity, mission, and work style. Your welcome kit should reflect what your company stands for. Branded items like company swag, a welcome letter, and a culture guide help new hires understand and connect with the workplace from day one.
2. Make it practical
Give employees useful items that will help them at work and beyond. Think about office essentials like notebooks, pens, and a water bottle or tech gear like headphones and a mouse.
3. Add a personal touch
A little customization goes a long way. Instead of generic gifts, include a personalized welcome note or a customized item with their name. If the new hire mentioned a hobby in their interview, adding a small related item (like a book or a fitness tracker) shows you care.
4. Balance fun and functionality
A welcome kit shouldn’t feel boring. Mix work-related items with fun extras like snacks, stickers, or a small desk plant.
5. Focus on quality, not just quantity
A few well-made, thoughtful items are better than a box full of random stuff. High-quality materials and useful gifts make a strong impression and show that the company values its employees.
Final thoughts
A well-designed new employee welcome kit does more than offer a warm greeting—it plays a key role in shaping the employee’s first impression, building a sense of connection, and supporting a smooth start.
Onboarding kits sets the tone for company culture, reflects brand identity, and gives new hires the tools they need to succeed. By blending practical essentials with personal touches and thoughtful gifts, the kit becomes a symbol of care and intention. When done right, it helps employees feel valued, boosts motivation, and contributes to long-term satisfaction and retention.
