It's your first day at a new job, and the initial jitters kick in. You're excited, but the unknowns loom large. That's where inclusive onboarding comes in, creating a welcoming environment for new employees. And one of the best ways to do this? Thoughtful onboarding gifts. These gestures can set the tone, making new hires feel seen and valued. This article will share practical and thoughtful ideas for gifts that leave a lasting impression, helping you create a warm welcome.
Giftpack’s company-branded swag takes this to the next level, offering tools that make your onboarding gifts memorable and meaningful.
Why Give Onboarding Gifts For New Hires?
Picture your first day at a new job. A mix of excitement and nerves, right? That's what onboarding gifts help with. Whether it’s a branded notebook or a box of treats, these small gestures say, “We’re excited to have you here.”
When paired with friendly introductions and an inviting environment, onboarding gifts create a memorable first day. They help transform the anxiety of stepping into a new role into enthusiasm, setting the tone for a positive working relationship.
Reflects Your Company Culture
An onboarding gift speaks volumes about your company’s values and culture. For instance, if your organization prioritizes wellness, including healthy snacks or a reusable water bottle can highlight that focus. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to show new hires what your company stands for. A great onboarding experience is also tied to retention.
Research from SHRM shows that poor workplace culture is one of the biggest reasons employees leave. A simple gift package that reflects your company’s identity can start new hires with the right impression, making them feel like they’re part of something bigger.
Bridges the Gap for Remote Workers
Remote work makes it tough to build personal connections, but onboarding gifts can help. Sending a package to a new hire’s home shows you’re thinking about them, no matter where they are.
For remote employees, these gifts are more than just items. They’re a physical representation of the team they’re joining. These touches, from branded gear to personalized notes, help remote workers feel included and valued from day one.
Drives Employee Retention
Hiring is costly, so keeping your new hires engaged and happy is a smart investment. Statistics show that about 31% of new employees leave within the first six months, often due to a lackluster onboarding experience.
A thoughtful welcome gift can make a lasting impression. It helps establish a positive emotional connection between the employee and the company, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.
Shows Employees They’re Appreciated
Who doesn’t love feeling appreciated? A warm welcome gift sends the message that the company values its employees from day one. It sets the stage for an ongoing culture of recognition and appreciation, which research shows is critical for employee morale and productivity.
A SHRM study found that workers in companies with poor cultures often feel unappreciated, leading to dissatisfaction and disengagement. Employees in companies with strong cultures overwhelmingly feel cared for.
Jumpstarts Productivity and Engagement
Equipping your new hires with the necessary tools, including a few surprises, can energize them to dive into their roles. Essentials like a laptop and access credentials are critical, but a “Welcome to the Team” kit with branded items, snacks, or office supplies can amplify their excitement and sense of belonging.
Cultivates Brand Advocacy
A swag-filled onboarding gift, think:
- Hoodies
- Mugs
- Pens
Delight your new hires and turn them into ambassadors for your brand. When employees proudly use branded gear daily, it subtly promotes your company to their networks. Including branded items in onboarding gifts also plants the seeds for employees to become advocates who are proud to represent where they work.
Related Reading
• Small Business Onboarding • Onboarding Remote Employees • Onboarding Phases • New Team Member Announcement • Onboarding Meeting • New Hire Onboarding Survey Questions • New Hire Orientation Survey • Onboarding and Training • Onboarding Goals
26 Practical Onboarding Gifts For New Hires
1. Make It Personal with a Personalized Notebook
A personalized notebook sends a clear message: You matter. Engrave the cover with the new hire's name, initials, or a motivational quote to show it's not just any notebook. It's theirs. It's ideal for jotting down thoughts, drafting plans, or organizing tasks. This simple customization shows you recognize them as individuals from day one.
2. Branded Apparel: Wear Your Team Spirit
Outfit your new hires with branded apparel that feels good to wear. Quality:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Stylish polo shirts
Build an instant connection to the company. Choose comfortable fabrics and trendy designs to ensure these items become favorites they’ll wear proudly.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eco-Friendly with a Reusable Water Bottle
Gift a sleek, reusable water bottle. Choose a stainless steel or BPA-free option with your company logo to promote hydration and sustainability. Look for features like insulation and ergonomic design to ensure it’s a favorite accessory for work and play.
4. Customize That Classic Coffee Mug
A coffee mug is a staple, but customization makes it special. Add a motivational phrase, an inside joke, or even the new hire’s name. Pair it with gourmet coffee or tea sachets for an extra thoughtful gesture.
5. Set the Tone with a Warm Welcome Letter
A welcome letter from the CEO, manager, or team creates a warm first impression. It should convey excitement about their arrival and detail how their role fits into the company's mission. Adding a personal note about their background or why they were chosen makes it even more meaningful.
6. Office Supplies Kit: Equip for Success
An office supplies kit filled with premium pens, sticky notes, and a high-quality notebook helps new hires hit the ground running. Consider adding unique items like branded paper clips or a mouse pad for a personal touch.
7. Get Tech-Ready with Essential Gadgets
Gifting tech essentials like a wireless mouse, ergonomic keyboard, or noise-canceling headphones sets new hires up for success, especially if they're remote. It shows you care about their comfort and productivity from day one.
8. Backpack: Stylish and Functional
A reliable backpack is a godsend for employees who commute or travel. Choose a durable, custom-branded option that fits laptops and other essentials. It’s both practical and stylish.
9. Snack Pack: A Treat for Every Taste
Everyone loves snacks. A delightful addition is a curated mix of healthy options like:
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
Indulgent treats like:
- Chocolates
- Gourmet cookies
Include locally sourced goodies to reflect your company’s community ties.
10. Freedom to Choose with Gift Cards
A gift card to a famous coffee shop, food delivery service, or bookstore lets new hires pick something they love. It’s a versatile gesture that shows you value their preferences. Include a small note explaining your choice for a personal touch.
11. Brighten Their Space with a Desk Plant
A small, low-maintenance desk plant like a succulent or pothos adds life to their workspace. Proven to reduce stress and improve air quality, it’s a thoughtful and practical gift. Include care instructions to ensure it thrives.
12. Plan for Success with a Work Planner
Help new hires stay organized with a stylish planner. Choose one with sections for daily tasks, goal tracking, and reflection. Add handwritten notes or motivational stickers for an extra thoughtful touch.
13. Headphones or Earbuds: Sound and Comfort
Quality headphones or earbuds are invaluable in noisy environments or for remote work. Opt for comfortable, durable options with good sound quality. This gift supports productivity and shows you care about their comfort.
14. Carry in Style with a Branded Tote Bag
A branded tote bag is both practical and stylish. Perfect for carrying work essentials, it should be durable and sleek. You can add a quote or design that reflects your company’s personality.
15. Team Introduction Card: Faces and Names
Meeting new people can be overwhelming. A team introduction card with photos, names, roles, and fun facts helps new hires connect quickly. It’s a small gesture that makes onboarding more personal.
16. Stress-Relief Tools: Ease First-Day Jitters
A wellness kit should include stress-relief tools like:
- Stress ball
- Fidget cube
- Essential oil roller
These items promote wellness and show that your company values mental health.
17. Customized Lanyard: Functional and Fun
A branded lanyard for keys or ID badges is a functional gift. Make it unique with charms, their name, or a motivational slogan. It’s practical and reinforces team identity.
18. Encourage Wellness with Fitness Accessories
Items like a branded yoga mat, resistance bands, or a pedometer encourage a healthy lifestyle. This gift shows your commitment to supporting wellness in and out of the workplace.
19. Subscription Perks: Support Personal Growth
Offer trial subscriptions to services like Headspace for meditation, Spotify for music, or Skillshare for learning. These perks support well-being and personal growth.
20. Company Swag: Fun and Connection
Fun branded items like stickers, pins, or magnets help new hires feel connected to the company. They add personality to their workspace and act as conversation starters.
21. Stay Charged with a Portable Charger
A portable charger is practical for employees on the go. It’s a lifesaver during long workdays and shows you’re thinking about their convenience.
22. Notebook and Pen Set: Classic and Classy
Choose high-quality notebooks and pens with sleek designs. Look for leather-bound covers or refillable ink pens. Personalization, like a monogram, makes this gift special.
23. Books: Fuel Their Interests
Send books that help new hires expand their skills or align with company values. From personal interests to career-related topics, it’s a thoughtful gesture.
24. Powerbank: Essential Backup
A power bank is crucial for those who work while traveling. Look for options with decent capacity. Ideally, it should be at least 10,000 mAh to keep devices charged.
25. Local Gifts: Explore the City
For new hires who’ve moved, gift tickets to local events like:
- Concerts
- Plays
- Sports games
It’s a great way to introduce them to the local scene and build bonds with coworkers.
26. Photo Frame: Make It Personal
A photo frame encourages new hires to personalize their workspace. It’s a small touch that makes the office feel like home. For a fun touch, include a company-themed photo.
12 Thoughtful Remote Onboarding Gifts For New Hires
1. Branded Welcome Letter with a Video Message
Nothing beats the impact of a heartfelt introduction. Sending a branded welcome letter paired with a personalized video message from the team or leadership instantly makes new hires feel valued.
This simple gesture sets the tone for an inclusive onboarding experience. It humanizes the process and offers your new colleagues a glimpse into the company’s culture. It reassures them they’re joining a team that genuinely cares.
2. Weighted Blanket
Remote work is about comfort; a weighted blanket takes it up a notch. It’s more than a cozy gift; it’s a thoughtful nod to mental well-being. These blankets are known to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. By offering one, you’re not only providing relaxation but also showing an investment in your new hire’s overall health.
3. Customized Desk Organizers
A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. Help your new hires maintain an organized workspace with personalized desk organizers. This gift is both functional and memorable.
It adds a personal touch to their home office while ensuring everything has its place. When someone’s space is in order, they can focus better on their tasks.
4. Webcam Light Ring
Virtual meetings are the norm in remote work. A webcam light ring ensures your new team members look professional and confident on screen.
It’s a practical tool that enhances virtual communication by providing better lighting during video calls. This simple addition can greatly affect how employees present themselves and engage with others.
5. Adjustable Stand-Up Desk
Working from home shouldn’t mean sitting all day. An adjustable stand-up desk encourages movement and flexibility. It promotes better posture and comfort, crucial for employees who spend long hours at their desks. By offering this gift, you’re helping them maintain energy levels and avoid fatigue.
6. Desk Treadmill
A desk treadmill offers active team members a way to stay physically engaged while working. This innovative gift shows you care about their physical well-being as much as their professional contributions. It promotes health and energy, allowing employees to move and work simultaneously.
7. Ergonomic Chair Cushion
Many remote workers rely on standard chairs, which can lead to discomfort. A high-quality ergonomic cushion supports posture and reduces back pain. This gift makes long work sessions more comfortable, emphasizing your concern for their health and well-being.
8. Aromatherapy Diffuser
A calming workspace is crucial for focus and stress management. An aromatherapy diffuser paired with essential oils like lavender for relaxation or citrus for energy sets the tone for a serene home office environment. It’s a thoughtful gift that emphasizes mental well-being and creates a positive atmosphere.
9. Digital Tickets to Concerts
Even remote employees need a break. Offering digital tickets to concerts or special events provides a fun escape from the daily grind. Consider asking your team about their favorite type of music or event to make this gift personal and meaningful. A VIP ticket can make them feel even more special.
10. Offer Fitness Membership
Promote wellness and health by gifting a fitness membership. This can foster camaraderie among remote team members as they engage in group classes and bond over shared interests. Offering this gift in a Zoom meeting adds an element of surprise and excitement.
11. Donate to a Charity
Donating to a worker’s favorite charity is a gift that spreads positivity throughout the organization. It aligns with company values and culture while making employees feel better about their work. This gesture shows you care about more than just the bottom line.
12. Buy a Charging Block
Many remote employees work away from home, such as in coffee shops or shared spaces. A charging block ensures their devices stay powered and connected, even outside working hours. It’s a practical gift that’s useful both professionally and personally.
Related Reading
• How to Influence Culture in the Workplace • How Long Does It Take to Onboard a New Employee • How to Onboard Remote Employees • How to Onboard New Employees • How to Improve Onboarding Process • How to Create an Onboarding Process • How to Improve Connection in the Workplace • How to Build High Performing Teams • Effective Onboarding • Remote Onboarding Best Practices • Best Onboarding Programs • Fun Onboarding Questions for New Hires • Onboarding Activities
5 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Onboarding Gifts For New Hires
1. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Onboarding gifts are a mishmash of low-quality, generic items. When you fill a new hire's welcome kit with:
- Pens
- Mugs
- Mousepads
You’re sending the message that they’re just another cog in the wheel. This approach can lead to disengagement and low morale. Instead, choose a high-quality item that makes your new hire feel valued.
Whether a stylish jacket or a cutting-edge gadget, a single well-chosen gift can speak volumes about how much you care. If they can use it daily, it will constantly remind them of your appreciation.
2. Make It Personal
Generic gifts are not only forgettable, but they can also feel impersonal. When everyone gets the same thing, it’s hard to feel special. Choose gifts with a story. For example, a card explaining how a gift was made from recycled materials can create a sense of community and connection.
Handmade items from small businesses can also deliver one-of-a-kind experiences that make new hires feel like they’re part of a team. When a gift feels personal, it shows that you care, and that can inspire a culture of caring and high performance in return.
3. Convey Your Sustainability and Diversity Values
Basic gifts can also communicate that your company doesn’t care about the environment. This is especially important if you have corporate sustainability goals. Consider giving a sustainable gift and sharing how it was grown and harvested or how the manufacturer has a take-back recycling program, for instance.
Your new hire will understand your company weaves its commitment to sustainability into everything you do. Hooking a new hire into your values at the start can make them feel included.
4. Use Branding to Create Inclusion
Onboarding kits are when heavy corporate branding can help build a sense of connection. Getting branded attire allows new employees to develop a new identity as part of the team. Like Superman putting on his cape, your employees reinvent themselves as they come to a new role. Play into this desire to strengthen their new association with your company by giving gifts featuring your brand logo. This will encourage a sense of inclusion among your employees.
5. Choose the Right Final Touch
The box that onboarding gifts come in is an often-overlooked part of your welcome message. Consider giving employees a well-crafted box they can reuse, like one made from recycled wood. Sustainable, aesthetically pleasing packaging can be the final piece in conveying your company values and making recipients feel like real thought went into their gift.
Be thoughtful and intentional if swag is part of crafting the best onboarding experience for your new hires. Consider your budget and the values you want to convey. Select quality items that make your new hire feel confident they’ve made the right choice coming aboard.
A Quick Tip
At Giftpack, we’re all about making corporate gifting a breeze while ensuring each gift leaves a lasting impression. Our client gifting service uses AI to craft personalized gifts from a catalog of over 3.5 million products, delivering meaningful connections worldwide.
Try Giftpack's client gifting service for free today.
Why is The New Employee Onboarding Experience Important?
Setting the Stage for Engagement and Success
The onboarding experience is about more than just paperwork and introductions. It's the first step in integrating new hires into your company's mission and values. When employees feel welcomed and aligned from day one, they're more likely to engage with their work.
Research shows that 89% of employees who undergo a strong onboarding process are more engaged. This engagement leads to higher productivity and a sense of belonging, which boosts morale and reduces turnover.
Retaining Talent and Reducing Costs
Think of onboarding as an investment. It typically costs around $4,100 per new hire, but losing an employee can cost twice their salary. Since 70% of employees decide whether to stay or leave within the first month, that initial experience is crucial.
Poor onboarding can lead to early resignations, especially when new hires must be properly trained and integrated. Investing in a comprehensive process saves money and strengthens employee loyalty.
Training for Job Readiness
Onboarding is your chance to prepare new hires for their roles. When paired with effective training, onboarding reduces the learning curve and minimizes early errors.
Poor training can lead to higher turnover, as unprepared employees may feel overwhelmed. A seamless onboarding experience provides structured learning opportunities, mentorship, and clear expectations, boosting confidence and job performance.
Making a Lasting First Impression
First impressions matter. During onboarding, new hires form opinions about company culture, leadership, and how valued they feel. A positive experience reassures them they made the right choice.
A thoughtful onboarding process reflects your commitment to employees, fostering loyalty and belonging. When new hires see that the organization has invested in their success, they're more likely to reciprocate by committing to the company.
Related Reading
• New Hire Orientation Presentation Ideas • Fun Ways to Introduce New Team Members • New Hire Training Plan • HR Onboarding Checklist • Best Practices for Onboarding New Employees • New Hire Orientation Best Practices • New Employee Checklist • New Employee First Week Schedule Template • New Hire Welcome Kit
Build A Meaningful Employee Recognition Program With Ease with Giftpack's Client Gifting Service
A new hire walks into the office, anxious about starting a new job. But then they receive a personalized welcome gift. Suddenly, they feel appreciated and connected. This is the magic of an inclusive onboarding process. One tool that can help you create this magic is Giftpack. Giftpack is a company that simplifies the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift. Using a custom AI algorithm, Giftpack creates highly customized scenario swag box options for you.
From a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products worldwide, Giftpack curates the most fitting gifts by considering the following:
- Individual's basic demographics
- Preferences
- Social media activity
- Digital footprint
With a wide range of locally and globally sourced gifts, Giftpack ensures that personalized gifting is accessible and achievable on a large scale, delivering meaningful connections across the globe.
Using Giftpack's client gifting service, you can easily create personalized gifts for your new hires that will make them feel valued and welcome.
Make your gifting efficient and improve employee attrition rates with Giftpack AI Visit our product page to unlock the power of personalized employee appreciation gifts.
Click this Banner to book a call
Ask us anything about Corporate Gifting