Employee onboarding kits people actually use
What to put in a branded welcome kit for new hires, how to plan quantities and sizes, and how far ahead to order.
Updated September 30, 2026
Why onboarding kits work
A welcome kit on a new hire's first day tells them the company planned for them. Items they use every week (a hoodie, a bottle, a notebook) keep the brand in front of them long after orientation.
What to include
- One piece of apparel people will wear: a soft tee, crewneck or hoodie in a neutral colour
- A drinkware item: an insulated bottle or tumbler
- A notebook and a good pen
- One useful tech accessory, such as a charging cable or a laptop sleeve
- A printed welcome card signed by the team
Planning quantities and sizes
Order for your next quarter's hiring plan, not just this month's start dates. Kits that ship to remote hires need a sizing form before the order is placed; a simple size run (S to XXL) covers most teams, with a few extra of the middle sizes.
Timing
Decorated items take time to produce and ship. Ask your supplier for production times when you request the quote, and allow extra time before busy seasons such as back-to-school and the December holidays.