Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming. First impressions matter—and not just for new employees. For companies, the onboarding experience is a prime opportunity to showcase their culture, express appreciation, and set the tone for a productive and long-term relationship.

One powerful, often underestimated tool in onboarding? Promotional products.

A well-designed branded welcome kit or desk drop isn’t just a collection of swag. It’s a thoughtful gesture that communicates inclusion, professionalism, and care—right from day one.

Let’s explore how promotional products can elevate your employee onboarding program, along with creative ideas to help you stand out.

Why Promotional Products Matter in Onboarding

Here’s what the data tells us: employees who have a positive onboarding experience are 69% more likely to stay with a company for three years. Promotional products play a surprisingly influential role in creating that experience.

Here’s how they help:

  • Reinforce company culture: Branded items embody your values and visual identity, helping new hires feel part of the team.
  • Increase comfort and confidence: A well-stocked starter kit gives employees the tools they need to succeed.
  • Build excitement and pride: Swag can create a sense of anticipation and pride in joining the organization.
  • Spark engagement: Items like branded notebooks, games, or snacks offer easy conversation starters and social media moments.

Essential Elements of a New Hire Welcome Kit

The most effective onboarding kits blend function, fun, and brand storytelling. Here are some go-to components:

1. Branded Apparel

A soft tee, hoodie, or cap with your logo helps new hires feel like part of the team—especially in hybrid or remote roles. Choose modern, stylish pieces they’ll actually want to wear.

2. Office Essentials

Include useful tools like:

  • Custom notebooks
  • Logo pens or styluses
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Mouse pads or wrist rests

Bonus: It saves them a shopping trip and gets their workspace up and running.

3. Technology Accessories

For digital-forward teams, consider:

  • Webcam covers
  • Branded USB drives
  • Bluetooth headphones or chargers
  • Cable organizers

These accessories support productivity and convenience, whether employees are in-office or remote.

4. Personal Touches

Go beyond the basics by including:

  • A welcome letter from leadership
  • Company value cards or mission statement
  • A small treat (e.g., locally sourced snack or coffee sample)
  • A voucher for lunch on their first day

These extras help build emotional connection and show that your company genuinely cares.

The Power of the “Desk Drop”

For in-office employees, a “desk drop” is a fun surprise waiting at their workspace on day one. Think of it as a mini-event just for them. Popular items include:

  • Branded desk plants
  • A nameplate or custom mug
  • Inspirational quote cards
  • A QR code linking to a welcome video

Desk drops are especially powerful for new team members walking into an unfamiliar environment. They add warmth and personality to the onboarding experience.

Adapting Onboarding Swag for Remote Workers

Don’t let distance dilute your onboarding impact. Ship personalized welcome kits to remote hires in time for their first day. Pro tip: Include instructions to open the box during a virtual onboarding session for a shared unboxing experience.

What to include:

  • A branded backdrop or virtual meeting light
  • Cozy socks or a lap blanket with your logo
  • Desk toys or fidget gadgets
  • A team photo or welcome collage from current employees

This helps remote workers feel just as celebrated and included as their in-office peers.

Explore how branded welcome kits and employee onboarding swag enhance engagement, boost morale, and create a sense of belonging from day one.

Making It Strategic: Best Practices

To get the most value from your onboarding promotional products, follow these tips:

  • Plan ahead: Coordinate with HR and IT to ensure swag arrives on time.
  • Personalize when possible: Add first names or roles for a more meaningful experience.
  • Keep branding tasteful: Subtle, stylish logos encourage more frequent use.
  • Choose quality over quantity: One high-quality item is more impactful than a handful of forgettable trinkets.
  • Update seasonally: Refresh your swag options to stay aligned with seasons, holidays, or company milestones.

Measuring Impact

Track how your onboarding swag supports larger HR goals:

  • Survey new hires for feedback on their welcome experience
  • Monitor early engagement metrics like Slack participation or all-hands attendance
  • Track retention rates over time for employees who received onboarding kits versus those who didn’t

These insights can help you optimize your onboarding process and justify investment in branded merchandise.

Final Thoughts

Promotional products are more than marketing tools—they’re cultural connectors. When thoughtfully integrated into your employee onboarding program, they help new hires feel seen, supported, and proud to be part of your company.

From their first day onward, these branded touches become part of an employee’s personal story with your organization—one they’ll remember long after they’ve unpacked their welcome kit.