What to put in an employee welcome kit

A welcome kit is often the first physical thing a new employee receives from your company. Done well, it says “we’re glad you’re here” before anyone says a word.

The essentials

• A bottle or flask — used every day, so your logo is seen every day.
• A notebook and pen — for the first week of meetings and notes.
• A T-shirt or hoodie — the quickest way to make someone feel part of the team. Ask for sizes in advance.

Thoughtful extras

• A laptop backpack or sleeve for hybrid teams
• A desk organiser or mouse pad
• A mug for the office kitchen
• Eco-friendly picks like a bamboo bottle or seed-paper pens

The finishing touches

Put everything in a branded box, and add a printed welcome card signed by the team or the founder. Personalising each kit with the new joiner’s name — on the diary or the box — makes it feel made for them.

Keep a few kits ready

If you hire steadily, order kits in batches and keep some in stock so every joiner gets one on day one, not week three. Choose items that don’t depend on size (or keep a spread of sizes) so they’re always ready.