Employee swag kits make a fantastic first impression on your newest hires. From apparel to stationery, there’s no shortage of welcome gift ideas for businesses to greet their new team members.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of new employee gifts with 10 excellent custom products. I’ll also share a few extra new hire welcome gift ideas. Bring out the warmest welcome with these top-notch, first-day-of-work gifts!
Why employee onboarding gifts are important
Let’s be honest. The hiring process is expensive in both resources and cost. On average, hiring one employee costs a company $4,000. It also takes about 24 days to get them in the door.
This hiring period places a burden on your HR department’s schedule and interrupts their other projects. Other members of your team are also occupied once training begins. All these factors make it important to consider welcome gift ideas to retain new employees.
Onboarding packets can start you off on the right foot with new workers. Including more than just your employee handbook makes new team members feel like they belong.
10 best new hire welcome gift ideas
Take a look at our selection of personalized items that every job candidate will appreciate. You will benefit, too, when they spread the name of your business by using these promotional items.
1. T-shirts
Custom tees are a no-brainer for new employee welcome gifts! Staff can show off their company pride wherever they go. Take advantage of this branding opportunity by encouraging workers to wear their tees as part of their uniform. Hooray for casual Fridays!
Top customized T-shirt: Gildan® Heavy Cotton T-Shirt — over 60 product colors, taped shoulder and neck seams, 100 percent cotton jersey, free delivery
2. Mugs
Make new hires immediately feel at home with custom mugs! They’ll sip their morning cup of joe at the office with your thoughtful gift.
Top customized mug: 13 oz. Ceramic Campfire Mugs — microwaveable, C-handle, free second-side imprint, measured to the brim
3. Notebooks
New employees have to learn a lot of information during onboarding. Help them achieve success with custom notebooks. Our notebooks come in a variety of materials such as durable vinyl and plastic at affordable prices.
Top customized notebook: Colorful Canvas Journal — 80 lined pages, elastic closure and pen loop, bookmark, polycanvas cover
4. Lanyards
Worried about employees losing their keys or IDs? Our handy and colorful lanyards make items easily visible and accessible. Add a breakaway clip to increase safety around machinery. These are one of our most popular welcome gift ideas because they are so practical.
Top customized lanyard: ¾-in. Economy Polyester Lanyard — free delivery and setup, satin polyester material, many eco-friendly lanyard attachments, options for compatible ID holders
5. Coasters
Custom coasters are a fun and unique gift for new hires. They can protect the surface of desks no matter what drinks your staff enjoy. They are extremely affordable when purchased in bulk so you can order them for the whole office!
Top customized coaster: 40pt Pulpboard Round Paper Coasters — absorbs water, free delivery, lightweight, white color makes imprints pop
6. Tote bags
Custom tote bags may be the most popular item in your welcome kits. Workers can use them to carry their personal essentials during their daily commute. They will show off your brand on the front wherever they use these bags.
Top customized tote bag: Polypropylene Promotional Tote — option for rush production, water-resistant material, one-color imprint on the front, free delivery
7. Stress balls
Give your new employees an outlet to vent frustrations or battle fatigue with custom stress balls. They can squeeze them to relieve tension and get back to work in a relaxed mood. Stress balls are increasing in popularity as welcome gift ideas.
Top customized stress ball: Round Stress Ball, durable polyurethane foam, plenty of product colors, a low minimum of 12, comfortable shape
8. Pens
Custom pens are a practical new employee gift for onboarding because typically there are many papers to sign. Give your employees a logo pen they can keep to use at the office or at home. Distribute any extras to your other staff members.
Top customized pen: Magnolia Pen — one-color imprint on the barrel, black ink, twist-action retractable pen, touchscreen stylus
9. Blankets
New hires will stay cozy in the office or at home with custom blankets! Totally Promotional has dozens of colors and minimums as low as 12 on select styles. This is a welcome gift they’ll truly appreciate.
Top customized blanket: Embroidered Fleece Promotional Blanket — 50 inches by 60 inches, 100 percent polar fleece, standard setup includes up to 5,000 stitches, tonal whipstitching
10. Umbrellas
Make the commute for new employees easier with custom umbrellas printed with your logo! We have compact, inversion, vented and curved-handled umbrellas.
Top customized umbrella: 60-in. Arc Golf Panel Umbrella — over 10 product colors, metal shaft, comfortable wooden handle, nylon canopy
Optional welcome gift ideas for new employees
Here are a few extras that can make your welcome kits even more special:
Snacks
Candy is a perfect gift because most people love it! Choose a selection of popular candies for your welcome gifts for new employees. Have a few sugar-free and allergy-friendly options for those with dietary restrictions.
You can’t go wrong when you gift baked goods! People will surely enjoy cookies, mini pies, donuts or whatever treat you choose.
Chips are another universally loved snack they will appreciate at their desks or break time. You might add a customized chip clip with each onboarding kit to keep those snacks from getting stale!
Refreshments
Coffee is a welcome gift idea that new staff will appreciate in the morning. Buy ground coffee or K-Cups if you have a shared coffee maker in your café. If not, consider instant coffee for when newbies need a quick cup!
Tea is an excellent addition or option for your welcome kit. Buy calming herbal teas and include some sweeteners.
Unsure if they drink coffee or tea? Hot chocolate is another excellent option. It is easy to buy kits with all the ingredients they need.
Gift cards
Gift cards are an awesome option to fit everyone’s tastes. This allows your employees to choose exactly what they want.
Patronize local businesses by purchasing your gift cards from area restaurants or coffee shops. Your employees will use them for lunch or drinks during the day.
Another gift card idea is for an office supply store. If new workers want extra items like calendars, headphones or photo frames, they can grab them anytime.
Amazon gift cards are a safe bet for everyone. New employees can use them to buy work clothes, items for their desks or whatever needs they may have.
Self-care items
Lotions, bath bombs, fuzzy socks, candles, hand sanitizer and lip balms are fantastic employee welcome gifts. These welcome gift ideas will let them know you appreciate them joining your team.
