What Is an Employee Onboarding Kit?
An employee onboarding kit, also called a new hire welcome kit, is a curated collection of branded merchandise, company resources, and practical workplace essentials designed to welcome new employees and help them feel connected from day one. Whether onboarding takes place in the office, remotely, or in a hybrid environment, a thoughtfully designed welcome kit helps reinforce company culture, improve the employee experience, and create a memorable first impression.
Employee Onboarding Kits That Make a Lasting First Impression
The first few days of employment play a major role in how new team members perceive your company. A well-designed employee onboarding kit helps transform a standard first day into a meaningful welcome experience. More than just company swag, a new hire welcome kit communicates your culture, values, and commitment to employee engagement from the moment a new employee joins your team.
At The Branded Things, we help organizations create custom onboarding kits that are thoughtful, useful, and aligned with their brand. Whether you're welcoming a handful of new employees each quarter or managing onboarding programs across multiple locations, we handle everything from product sourcing and packaging to kitting, warehousing, and fulfillment.
What Should Be Included in an Employee Welcome Kit?
The best onboarding kits combine practical items employees will use every day with branded pieces that help them feel connected to the organization. Popular employee onboarding kit items include:
- Branded notebooks and journals
- Company apparel such as t-shirts, quarter-zips, and hoodies
- Drinkware including tumblers, mugs, and water bottles
- Tech accessories like chargers, mouse pads, and webcam covers
- Welcome letters from leadership
- Employee handbooks and onboarding resources
- Backpacks, tote bags, or laptop sleeves
- Snacks and wellness items
What Separates a Great New Hire Welcome Kit from a Forgettable One?
The most effective onboarding kits start with purpose. Instead of asking, "What products should we put in the box?" the better question is, "How do we want new employees to feel?"
A memorable onboarding experience creates a sense of belonging, reinforces company culture, and helps employees feel valued from day one. Great onboarding kits reflect the company's brand identity, contain items employees will genuinely use, and deliver a polished presentation that feels intentional rather than generic.
That means carefully curated products, premium packaging, personalized messaging, and a clear connection to your company's culture and values. A thoughtfully designed kit can help employees feel connected before they even log in for their first meeting or walk through the office doors.
From Concept to Delivery
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Employee Onboarding FAQ's
An employee onboarding kit is a welcome package given to new hires that typically includes branded merchandise, company resources, and workplace essentials designed to help employees feel connected and prepared.
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