When welcoming new employees, the first impression is everything. An Onboarding Gift Kit sets the tone for their entire employment journey. It speaks volumes about your company culture, showcases appreciation, and encourages loyalty from day one.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through creating an unforgettable onboarding gift kit that not only delights new hires but also reinforces your brand values. From selecting items to final presentation, follow this step-by-step checklist to make the onboarding experience memorable.
Why is an Onboarding Gift Kit Important?
An onboarding gift kit does more than simply provide practical items; it creates an emotional connection between your new hire and your organization. Research indicates that companies with effective onboarding see an 82% improvement in employee retention.
A thoughtfully crafted gift kit:
- Enhances employee morale and motivation.
- Communicates company culture clearly and immediately.
- Strengthens employer branding.
- Boosts productivity and engagement right from the start.
Step-by-Step Checklist for Creating the Perfect Onboarding Gift Kit
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget
Before you start selecting items for your onboarding gift kit, it’s crucial to establish clear goals. Ask yourself:
- What impression do we want to leave with new hires?
- What’s our budget per kit?
- How many new hires will we onboard annually?
A typical budget breakdown for onboarding gift kits:
| Company Size | Average Budget per Kit |
| Small (1-50) | $25-$75 |
| Medium (51-250) | $75-$150 |
| Large (250+) | $150+ |
Step 2: Choose Branded Essentials
Items that new employees will frequently use are ideal for onboarding gift kits. This reinforces your branding and consistently reminds employees of their connection to your company.
Popular branded essentials include:
- Custom Notebooks & Journals: Ideal for daily notes and training sessions.
- Branded Pens & Stationery: Everyday utility that ensures continuous brand visibility.
- Insulated Water Bottles: Promotes sustainability while keeping your brand visible.
- Company-Branded Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, or jackets to foster a sense of belonging.
Award Maven offers custom-branded products tailored to your company’s style and values, ensuring your Onboarding Gift Kit truly represents your brand identity.
Step 3: Incorporate Practical Tech Items
Technology-based gifts showcase innovation and convenience, reflecting a modern, forward-thinking organization.
Consider these practical tech gifts:
- Portable Power Banks: Ensures devices stay charged during busy onboarding schedules.
- Wireless Earbuds: Ideal for remote meetings or focused work sessions.
- USB Flash Drives: Pre-loaded with welcome documents, company presentations, or personalized video messages.
- Laptop Bags or Sleeves: Essential protection for work devices, combined with style.
Step 4: Include Personalized Touches
Personalization creates an emotional connection, significantly enhancing employee experience and retention. According to Forbes, personalized gifts improve employee appreciation and engagement rates by over 70%.
Effective ways to personalize your onboarding gift kit:
- Handwritten Welcome Note: Simple, heartfelt, and deeply impactful.
- Personalized Coffee Mugs: Featuring employees’ names or personalized messages.
- Custom Lapel Pins: A subtle yet powerful form of recognition, ideal for ongoing visibility.
- Customized ID Holders or Keychains: Practical yet personal.
Award Maven offers fully personalized solutions to ensure every onboarding gift feels unique and intentional.
Step 5: Add Fun and Wellness Items
Introducing wellness-focused items demonstrates your commitment to employee wellbeing, improving their initial perception of company culture.
Consider including:
- Branded Stress Balls or Fidget Items: Reduces stress during onboarding.
- Desk Plants or Succulents: Enhance workspace and promote a calming environment.
- Healthy Snack Boxes: Nourish your new hires during their initial busy days.
- Mindfulness Kits: Include journals, tea, and relaxation accessories for holistic wellbeing.
Step 6: Design Outstanding Packaging
Packaging is more than just a container—it’s your first tactile brand interaction with new hires. Make your onboarding gift kits unforgettable with visually appealing and functional packaging.
Best practices include:
- Customized Gift Boxes: Brand-aligned colors and logo-imprinted boxes.
- Eco-friendly Packaging: Demonstrates your commitment to sustainability.
- High-quality Materials: A premium feel enhances the overall perception of value and care.
- Include Informational Inserts: Company mission, welcome letter, or employee testimonials.
Onboarding Gift Kit Example Checklist:
Here’s a concise, practical checklist you can use to assemble your gift kits:
✅ Custom-branded notebook
✅ Branded pen and stationery set
✅ Company T-shirt or hoodie
✅ Insulated water bottle
✅ Portable power bank
✅ Personalized welcome note
✅ Custom lapel pin
✅ Healthy snacks or wellness items
✅ Customized packaging & inserts
Award Maven: Your Trusted Partner for Onboarding Gift Kits
Creating the ideal onboarding gift kit doesn’t have to be complex or stressful. Award Maven simplifies the process by offering end-to-end service, from design and customization to packaging and fulfillment.
With Award Maven, you get:
- Fully Customizable Options: Tailored kits that represent your brand perfectly.
- Dedicated Support: Expert guidance throughout the design and ordering process.
- Efficient Turnaround: Timely delivery that matches your onboarding schedule.
- High-Quality, Memorable Kits: Premium gifts that truly resonate with employees.
Ready to create impressive onboarding gift kits that delight new hires from day one? By following this step-by-step checklist, you’ll build meaningful connections with your new employees, set a positive tone, and significantly boost retention and engagement—starting from day one.