21 New Hire Employee Kits to Welcome New Team Members in Style

First impressions matter, especially in the realm of business. When a new employee joins your company, it's not just an opportunity for them to embark on a new chapter in their career; it's also a chance for your organization to make a lasting impression.

This is where the power of employee welcome gifts comes into play. Gone are the days when a simple handshake and a desk were enough to make newcomers feel welcome. Today, more and more companies are embracing the idea of giving new hire gifts or employee welcome gifts as a way to express their appreciation and set the stage for a positive working relationship.

In this blog post, we'll delve into why this seemingly small gesture can make a big impact and why it's a smart move for companies looking to foster a sense of belonging, boost morale, and ultimately, cultivate a thriving workplace culture.

New Hire, Welcoming Box Ideas

1) Hello Awesome

New Hire Gifts | Shadow Breeze

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This welcome kit has the perfect balance of useful office items, personalized items, and snacks. The insulated tumbler can be engraved with your employee's name or your company logo if desired.

Price: 

$69.99

What can be branded: 

The tumbler, the notebook, the gift packaging, and the welcome card.

 

2) A Toast To You

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

With glass flutes, sparkling white tea, and snacks, your new hire can celebrate their new journey with you! An excellent way to welcome them, creating a sense of friendship and appreciation from the start.

Price:

$ 79.99

What can be branded:

The personalized greeting card.

 

3) You're Golden

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This gift has a crowd favorite scented candle, thank you pop up cards, a gold pen, delicious gourmet caramel popcorn, and a Sugarfina bento box with a variety of three different gummy candies. It's a great way to thank them for joining the team.

Price:

$96.99

What can be branded:

The gift box, and the greeting card.

 

4) Keep on Pro-Caffeinating

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This welcome kit will set their mornings right and boost their energy. A perfect gift for new hires who like their coffee hot all day.

Price:

$109.99

What can be branded:

The gift box, and the greeting card.

 

5) Best Sweets in the House

 Snack Gifts for Employees | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This new employee welcome package is filled with a variety of high quality snacks: cookies, wafer cubes, stroopwafels, gummy bears, rolled wafers, popcorn, lemon bites, and cream bites. A perfect way to show how generous your company is!

Price:

$74.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging and the greeting card.

 

6) Break Time

 Employee Welcome Gift Boxes | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This welcome kit includes a set of stylish and comforting items; your new hires can maximize their afternoon breaks and have a good night's sleep at their new apartment (especially if they’d moved to join the company!), plus a sleek notebook to jot down ideas and take note of tasks.

Price:

$74.99

What can be branded:

The packaging, the notebook, and the greeting card.

 

7) Color Me Happy

 Happy to Have You on the Team Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This welcome kit will add color to their day and will spark productivity and creativity! The Say Hello to Happy notebook contains inspiring quotes and uplifting artwork that will motivate them to improve everyday.

Price:

$52.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

8) Dream Big

 Dream Big New Hire Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This welcome kit will inspire your new employees to chase their dreams--with beautiful designs, modern typography, bold sentiments, striking artwork, and periodic typeset quotation featured in the Dream Big and Dare to Fail notebook and the inspirational pop-open cards that will set their mood everyday.

Price:

$52.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging and the greeting card.

 

9) Hooray!

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

Your new employees can celebrate their personal efforts, and new work milestones to come. A perfect welcome kit that will make a lasting first impression about your company’s sunny workplace culture.

Price:

$119.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

10) Kick Off the Morning

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This elegant new employee welcome kit helps them start their day with their much-needed caffeine, matched with complementary snacks and a golden spoon that is useful for both coffee and eating on-the-go.

Price:

$74.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

11) Love Snack, Baby Love Snack

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

Welcome your new employees with a delightful snack gift box, filled with an assortment of delicious treats to fuel their productivity and creativity. Show them that they're a valuable addition to your team with this delectably curated new hire welcome kit.

Price:

$99.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

12) Make It Pop

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

Make your new hires' first days memorable and celebrate them in style. This set contains glass champagne glasses and a confetti cannon, laying the groundwork for a productive and enjoyable work environment.

Price:

$99.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

13) Mindfulness

 Mindfulness Employee Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

Show new hires your company values and how you recognize the importance of the mental and emotional health of your existing employees. This set of journaling items and aromatherapy candles will calm their nerves and clear their minds.

Price:

$84.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

14) My Space

 Employee Gifts for the Office | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

Customized items make new employees feel more welcomed and special. This customized set is filled with office supplies to complete their office desk and make them feel they belong: a leatherette notebook, pen, tumbler, and a desk plant.

Price:

$84.99

What can be branded:

The notebook, the rosewood pen case, the tumbler, the gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

15) Night Writer

 Premium Notebook and Pen Gifts for Employees | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

The jitters and excitement of working on a new job might overwhelm your new hires. This employee onboarding kit includes handcrafted top grain leather notebook and a rosewood pen, perfect for recording their first impressions and memorable first experiences with the team and the company.

Price:

$119.99

What can be branded:

The rosewood pen case, the leather journal, the gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

16) Morning Silence

 

What your new employee will love about this gift:

The perfect welcome kit to inspire and jumpstart your new hires' journey with your company. It includes a variety of four different teas, a golden mesh tea ball with handle, a tea scoop, and a beautiful mug.

Price:

$84.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

17) Relax

  Employee Relaxation Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

Show your company values and promote work-life balance to your new hires. This self-care gift demonstrates your company's commitment to employee well-being and make them feel valued and supported from day one.

Price:

$79.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, the tumbler and the greeting card.

 

18) So Happy You're Here

 So Happy You're Here Employee Onboarding Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This set of office supplies will fuel their productivity. Add personal touch to your employee welcome kits with this personalized tumbler engraved with the recipient's name.

Price:

$49.99

What can be branded:

The insulated water tumbler, the gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

19) Too Gouda To Be True

  

What your new employee will love about this gift:

High-quality cheese and meat selections, combined with an eye-catching presentation, makes a perfect welcome kit. New employees will appreciate the effort and attention to detail, which will reflect positively on your company culture.

Price:

$89.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

20) You're a Gem

  You're a Gem Employee Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

A variety of delicious snacks to keep your new hires energized during their first days, and scented candles to calm their nerves and shake off nervousness. This employee welcome kit does not only offer a quick pick-me-up, but also builds a positive workplace experience that values well-being.

Price:

$69.99

What can be branded:

The stainless steel insulated water tumbler, the gift packaging, and the greeting card.

 

21) You're Tea-rific

 Employee Tea Gifts | Shadow Breeze

What your new employee will love about this gift:

This tea set is a nice welcome kit that promotes new employees' well-being and encourages them to live healthy lifestyles. It also fosters socializing and bonding over a warm beverage. New hires can invite colleagues for a quick conversation or discussion with this elegant set.

Price:

$99.99

What can be branded:

The gift packaging, and the greeting card.

Build Your Own Gift

If you want to create your own custom gift for new employees, our "Build Your Own" gift section has hundreds of items that can be added to create the perfect gift. Click below to see our build your own gift selection, to add anything you want, and nothing you don't.

 

What To Put in a DIY New Hire Welcome Kit?

When it comes to welcoming new employees into your company, a well-curated welcome kit can go a long way in making them feel valued and excited about their new role. It's an opportunity to provide them with the essentials they need while showcasing your company culture and brand. So, what should you include in a new hire welcome kit? Here are some thoughtful suggestions:

  1. Personalized Welcome Note: Start by crafting a warm and personalized welcome note addressed to the new employee. It sets the tone for their journey and shows that you're genuinely excited to have them on board.
  2. Company Swag: Include branded merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or pens that showcase your company logo. These items not only create a sense of belonging but also allow the new hire to proudly represent the organization both inside and outside the workplace.
  3. Information Pack: Provide an information pack that includes an employee handbook, company policies, and any other relevant documentation. This helps the new hire familiarize themselves with the company's values, procedures, and expectations.
  4. Desk Essentials: Consider including practical items such as notebooks, sticky notes, and pens to help the new hire hit the ground running. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also demonstrate your commitment to their productivity and success.
  5. Tech Tools: Depending on the nature of their role, provide necessary tech tools such as a company laptop, headphones, or other equipment they may need to perform their tasks effectively. Ensure they have the necessary software and access to relevant platforms.
  6. Snacks or Treats: Include some snacks or treats to make the new hire's first day or week a little sweeter. It's a small gesture that can make a big impact, fostering a sense of hospitality and showing that you care about their well-being.
  7. Company Merchandise or Product Samples: If applicable, consider including samples of your company's products or services. This not only gives the new hire an opportunity to experience what the company offers but also allows them to better understand the business they are now a part of.

 Remember, the key is to strike a balance between practicality, personalization, and representing your company's values. By curating a thoughtful new hire welcome kit, you're setting the stage for a positive onboarding experience and signaling to your employees that they are an essential part of your organization's success.

New Employee Welcome Kit Q&As

What are the Benefits of Employee Welcome Packages?

Employee welcome kits offer several benefits that contribute to a positive onboarding experience and overall workplace satisfaction. A welcome kit:

  • Boosts employee engagement and morale
  • Creates a positive first impression
  • Fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion
  • Reduces new hire anxiety and uncertainty
  • Provides essential information and resources
  • Sets clear expectations from the start
  • Enhances company culture and values
  • Improves employee retention and satisfaction
  • Promotes effective onboarding and integration
  • Encourages open communication and relationship-building

Should I Include an Employee Handbook in My Employee Welcome Kits?

Yes, it's a good idea to include an employee handbook in your employee welcome kits. An employee handbook serves as a handy reference guide for new employees, providing them with important information about your company's motto, policies, procedures, and culture. 

When employees receive an employee handbook, they can understand their roles, duties, and expectations better. It also contributes to the development of a consistent framework when dealing with challenges in the workplace and supports a positive work environment.

What Should I Not Put in My New Hire Welcome Kits?

When looking for welcome kit ideas, focus on items that will make a good first impression and provide useful information to your new employees. Avoid improper, irrelevant, or wasteful items. Here are some items you should not include in your new hire welcome kits:

 

  1. Confidential or sensitive information: Do not include any sensitive employee data or exclusive company information in the welcome kit. This type of data should be given only when necessary and through secure channels.
  2. Overly personal gifts: While it's nice to include thoughtful gifts, avoid anything that might be too personal or could make the recipient feel uncomfortable, such as clothing, perfumes, or religious items. Better use branded apparel and items with your company name, the recipient's name, custom stickers, and even a handwritten letter to add a personal touch to your welcome package.
  3. Controversial or political materials: Keep your welcome kit neutral and avoid any materials that could be seen as controversial or political in nature.
  4. Cheap or low-quality items: Including cheap or low-quality items can give a negative impression of your company. Invest in items that reflect your company's stands and culture, like useful, stylish, and eco-friendly products.
  5. Unnecessary paper materials: In today's digital age, consider providing important documents and resources electronically instead of printing them out. This not only promotes a sustainable lifestyle and helps reduce paper waste but also makes it easier for employees to access and search for information.
  6. Items that may trigger allergies: Be cautious about including food items, especially those that may contain common allergens, such as nuts or gluten. If you do choose to include food, opt for allergy-friendly and inclusive options.
  7. One-size-fits-all approach: Remember that each employee is unique, and their tastes and needs vary. Consider offering a choice in the welcome kit to cater to individual preferences. You can include a section about employee welcome kits on your pre-onboarding survey to know what your potential new hires prefer.

Instead, focus on including items that are practical, eco-friendly, informative, and reflect your company's culture. Some examples include a branded welcome letter, branded company swag, office supplies, a copy of the employee handbook, and information about accessing company resources and tools.

What Items Are Best for a Swag Pack?

A swag pack is a package of branded products designed to promote your company and leave a good impression on recipients such as employees, clients, or event attendees.

 Here are a few common and useful items to include in a swag pack: 

  1. Customized company t shirts or apparel
  2. Reusable water bottles or tumblers
  3. Branded tote bag or backpacks
  4. Tech accessories
  5. Pens and notebooks
  6. Desk accessories
  7. Snacks or treats
  8. Customizable items

Remember to include items that are aligned with your company brand and culture, and consider using eco-friendly or sustainable materials whenever possible. A well-curated swag pack can leave a lasting impression and contribute to a positive brand image.

Should I Send a New Employee Welcome Packet Before New Employees Start?

Yes, new employee onboarding kits make new employees feel appreciated and ready for their first day on their new job. You can include important information such as corporate policies, an employee handbook, an explanation of benefits, and an introduction to the entire team.

 You can also include documents they need to complete before starting, such as tax filings or non-disclosure agreements. Providing this information in advance encourages new employees to evaluate it in their free time and come prepared with any questions or concerns they may have. This sets a good tone for their onboarding experience and lays the groundwork for their success in their new company.

How Can I Know If My New Employee Welcome Kits are Improving Our Employee's Experience with Our Company?

To determine if your new employee welcome kits are improving the employee experience at your company, gather feedback through surveys, questionnaires, and check-ins during the onboarding process. Ask new hires if the welcome kits are useful and relevant, and ask suggestions for improvement.

You can also monitor employee retention rates and engagement metrics. Compare these figures before and after implementing or updating the welcome kits to identify any positive changes.

Other Than a Welcome Kit, What Else Can I Do to Help a New Hire Feel Welcomed?

Aside from a welcome kit, try sending a personalized note from the team to welcome new employees. You can also establish a mentor or buddy system to ensure they're guided during their onboarding process. Also, maintain communication before their start date, sharing relevant information and updates to prepare them for their first day.

You can organize team introductions through meetings or lunches to help new hires build relationships with their coworkers. And of course, make sure their workspace is set up with all necessary tools and resources for a productive start.

How Much Should I Spend On a Welcome Kit for New Employees?

This depends on your company's budget, size, and culture. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but consider these when allocating budget for your welcome kits:  

  • Purpose and contents of the kit: Decide what you want to achieve with your welcome kit and what items will be included. If the goal is to make a strong first impression and convey company culture, you might invest more in branded merchandise and high-quality items. If the focus is on providing essential tools and resources, the budget may be more modest. 
  • Employee experience and engagement: Consider how the welcome kit contributes to the overall employee experience and engagement. A well-thought-out welcome kit can positively impact a new hire's perception of the company, so it may be worth investing in quality items that reflect your brand values and culture.

A good starting point could be to allocate a budget of $50 to $200 per welcome kit, depending on the factors mentioned above. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and creating a memorable, positive experience for your new hires. Remember that a thoughtful and personalized welcome kit can leave a lasting impression, regardless of its cost.

What Company Can Help Me Fulfill My Welcome Packages?

Discover Shadow Breeze's unique and customizable gifts, perfect for elevating your company's new hire welcome kits. Our curated gift boxes are packed with stylish, practical, and branded items that will make new employees feel welcomed and equipped to start their new journey. Every item is made to create an unforgettable first impression and leave a positive brand image to your new team members.

We care about our clients and their gift recipients, and we handle all the important details for your gift boxes. We offer same-day shipping. Contact our corporate gifting experts for more creative gift ideas and see how we can make your gifting process a breeze. 

June 12, 2023 — Matt Graham

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