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Meta New Hire Swag: What's Inside Facebook's Welcome Kit
Meta New Hire Swag: What's Inside Facebook's Welcome Kit
Meta New Hire Swag: What's Inside Facebook's Welcome Kit
From laptop bags to branded shirts, here's a closer look at what new hires receive when they join one of the world's biggest tech companies.
From laptop bags to branded shirts, here's a closer look at what new hires receive when they join one of the world's biggest tech companies.
From laptop bags to branded shirts, here's a closer look at what new hires receive when they join one of the world's biggest tech companies.
Feb 19, 2026
Feb 19, 2026
Feb 19, 2026
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min read
When people search for "Meta new hire swag," they're usually curious about one thing: what does one of the world's most influential tech companies give new employees on their first day? Meta (formerly Facebook) has shaped how we connect online, and their approach to welcoming new team members reflects its evolution from startup to tech giant.
The Meta new hire experience has changed significantly over the years, especially following the company rebrand and the shift to remote work. What used to be an extensive campus-based onboarding with immediate access to company stores has evolved into a more streamlined approach that balances efficiency with employee choice.
In this article, we'll explore what Meta includes in their new hire packages based on real employee experiences, examine what makes their approach work, and share actionable lessons your company can use to create welcome kits that make new hires genuinely excited about joining your team.
Why Employee Swag Matters at Meta
Meta's approach to employee swag reflects the company's scale and its transition from Facebook's campus-centric culture to a more distributed workforce. Swag serves several important purposes at Meta:
Building connection across distances – With thousands of employees working remotely, branded items create a tangible connection to the company and its mission. When you can't walk into a Facebook campus store, receiving swag becomes more meaningful.
Preserving culture through change – The rebrand from Facebook to Meta represented a major shift in company identity. Swag helps bridge that transition and maintain cultural continuity even as the brand evolves.
Respecting employee choice – Meta's voucher-based approach and internal store model give employees control over what they receive. This autonomy reflects the company's trust in its people to make their own decisions.
For companies of any size, these principles matter. Swag isn't just about distributing branded items; it's about creating belonging, communicating values, and showing new hires they made the right choice joining your team.
What's inside the Meta new hire kit?
Based on employee experiences shared across industry forums and onboarding discussions, Meta's welcome package arrives in stages and emphasizes employee choice. Here's what new hires typically receive:
Pre-boarding package
Before your first day, Meta sends an early package that builds anticipation. This typically includes branded socks and sometimes other small apparel items. It's a thoughtful touch that keeps new hires engaged during the waiting period between accepting an offer and actually starting.
This pre-boarding moment matters more than you might think. Starting a new job creates anxiety, and receiving something before day one signals "we're excited you're joining us" in a tangible way.
Technology essentials
On day one, new employees receive the core technology they need:
Laptop and phone: Meta provides employee choice here: typically a MacBook for the laptop and a selection of smartphones. This choice element shows respect for individual preferences and ensures people get devices they're comfortable using.
Noise-canceling headphones: Rather than shipping headphones directly, Meta provides access to tech vending machines where employees can grab quality noise-canceling headphones. For remote employees or those near offices, this self-service approach gives control over when and what you need.
Backpack: A functional Meta-branded backpack comes standard to carry your equipment. Employees report these are quality builds designed to protect laptops during daily use.
For companies building their own new hire kits, quality tech accessories make a significant impact. PerkUp offers options like premium backpacks that combine durability with brand identity.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Galindo 22L BACKPACK
Apparel and branded items
Meta's shift from Facebook brought changes to how apparel is distributed:
T-shirt voucher: Instead of pre-selecting sizes and styles, Meta provides vouchers allowing new hires to choose from an internal company store. This customization ensures you get apparel you'll actually wear instead of items that sit unused.
This approach is smart; it shifts from "one size fits all" to respecting individual preferences. For your own team, consider offering a choice within your welcome kit. PerkUp's platform makes it easy to let employees select from curated options.
👉 Explore the BELLA + CANVAS Premium T-shirt
Online store access: After joining, employees gain access to Meta's internal swag store for hoodies, hats, water bottles, and other items. Availability varies, with popular items sometimes selling out quickly.
The Meta hoodie, while not as culturally iconic as Facebook's original version, remains a staple. For companies looking to create that same sense of identity, quality hoodies that employees genuinely want to wear make all the difference.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Embroidered Unisex Hoodie
Team-specific additions: Individual teams sometimes supplement the standard package with custom items related to specific products or initiatives. This creates variety but can lead to inconsistent experiences across the company.
Everyday essentials
While Meta's kit focuses heavily on the online store model, the types of items available reflect what employees actually use:
Water bottles: Reusable bottles encourage sustainable habits and reduce plastic waste. Even if not included in the initial package, quality drinkware remains popular in Meta's internal store.
For your team, including a premium water bottle from day one sends a message about wellness and sustainability.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Notebooks and pens: Despite being a digital-first company, physical notebooks remain valuable for capturing ideas and staying organized. These items blend practicality with brand identity.
👉 Explore the JournalBook Hardcover Bound Notebook
Accessories: Caps, beanies, and stickers let employees personalize their style while showing company pride. These smaller items add personality to the overall package.
👉 Explore the Yupoong Cuffed Beanie
What makes Meta's approach notable?
Meta's new hire swag strategy reflects their current phase as a company. Here's what stands out:
Emphasis on employee autonomy
The voucher system and online store model put power in employees' hands. You choose what fits, what style you prefer, and what you'll actually use. This respect for individual choice extends beyond swag to how Meta thinks about employee experience generally.
For companies building welcome kits, this teaches an important lesson: customization matters. When employees have input into what they receive, satisfaction increases, and items are more likely to be used.
Efficiency at scale
Managing welcome packages for thousands of employees across the globe presents logistical challenges. Meta's approach prioritizes operational efficiency: ship essentials, provide access to a store for everything else.
While efficient, this does sacrifice some of the emotional impact that comes from receiving a thoughtfully curated package that someone clearly spent time personalizing for you. There's a tradeoff between scale and sentiment.
Evolution from campus culture to remote reality
Facebook built its reputation partly on incredible office campuses where employees could grab swag anytime from physical stores. The shift to remote work required rethinking how to deliver that sense of connection through shipped packages.
The lesson here applies to any company: your swag strategy should match how your team actually works. Remote teams need different solutions than office-based ones.
Lessons Every Company Can Apply
Meta's approach teaches valuable lessons that companies of any size can implement:
1. Pre-boarding engagement matters
Sending something before day one keeps new hires excited and connected during the waiting period. It doesn't need to be elaborate; even small items signal "we're thinking about you and can't wait for you to start."
This reduces the anxiety that comes with starting something new and builds momentum toward a positive first day.
2. Balance choice with curation
Meta's voucher approach maximizes choice but minimizes the "unboxing moment" that makes receiving a gift special. The sweet spot is offering a curated core package that everyone receives, plus customizable elements based on preferences.
This approach combines the emotional impact of receiving something someone chose for you with the practical benefits of personalization.
3. Focus on items people actually use
Whether it's a quality backpack, comfortable hoodie, or functional notebook, the best swag integrates into daily life. When employees reach for their company-branded water bottle every morning or wear their welcome kit hoodie on weekends, you've created lasting value.
Invest in fewer items of higher quality rather than filling boxes with cheap trinkets that get tossed aside.
4. Create a complete first-day experience
One gap in Meta's current approach is the fragmented arrival of items: tech in one box, maybe some swag separately, plus direction to order other things yourself. This misses the opportunity to create a unified welcome moment.
Your company can design a complete package that arrives together and creates a genuine unboxing experience. Include a welcome note from leadership, arrange items thoughtfully, and make opening the box feel special.
Building Your Own Standout Welcome Kit
You don't need Meta's resources to create meaningful welcome experiences. Here's how to build kits that make new hires feel genuinely valued:
Start with the essentials
Every welcome kit should include items new employees can use immediately:
Quality apparel – A comfortable hoodie or premium t-shirt that people actually want to wear
Functional accessories – Backpack, water bottle, or notebook that fits into daily routines
Personal touches – Welcome note, team introduction, or guide to company culture
These basics create a foundation that works for companies of any size or budget.
Reflect your unique culture
Meta's swag reflects their evolution and scale. What should yours say about your company?
If sustainability matters, choose eco-friendly products and highlight that choice. If innovation is core to your identity, include cutting-edge accessories. If wellness is a priority, focus on items that support healthy habits.
Your swag choices communicate your values more loudly than any mission statement.
Make it memorable
The best welcome kits create moments that new employees remember and share. This comes from:
Thoughtful packaging and presentation
Personal notes that make people feel seen
Quality items that exceed expectations
Timing that creates excitement on or before day one
When done well, your welcome kit becomes something new hires photograph and post about, extending your brand reach organically.
Conclusion
Meta's approach to new hire swag reflects their current reality: a massive company balancing efficiency with employee experience while navigating brand evolution and distributed work. They get important things right, particularly around employee choice and pre-boarding engagement.
Your company has an opportunity to learn from what works at Meta while creating something more personal and cohesive. You can design welcome kits that make people genuinely excited about their first day, create memorable unboxing moments, and add thoughtful touches that build connections from the start.
The question isn't whether you can match Meta's scale; most companies can't. The question is whether you can create a more thoughtful and meaningful welcome experience. With the right approach and tools, the answer is absolutely yes.
Start by understanding what you want new hires to feel about your company after their first week. Then work backwards to design a welcome kit that creates exactly that impression. With PerkUp's platform, you have everything you need to turn that vision into reality.
Ready to create welcome experiences that meet Meta's standard?
New hire onboarding sets the tone for your entire employee relationship, but executing memorable welcome kits at scale requires the right platform and approach. PerkUp makes it simple to deliver thoughtful onboarding experiences, whether you're welcoming five new hires or 500 across 65+ countries.
With access to over 60,000 gifts, 5,000+ gift cards, and both On Demand swag (minimum of just 1 item) and bulk swag options from brands like Nike, Patagonia, and The North Face, you can create personalized welcome kits that make every new employee feel genuinely valued from day one. Our 200+ HRIS integrations automate the entire process, ensuring kits arrive before your new hire's start date without any manual tracking.
Plus, with strategic warehouses across the US, UK, Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, we deliver locally to reduce shipping times and costs by up to 30%, while cutting CO₂ emissions by 95%. All customs and duties are prepaid whenever possible, so there are no surprise fees for you or your new hires.
See how leading companies like Microsoft, Wise, and Product Hunt are transforming their new hire experiences with PerkUp. Book a demo today to discover how we can help you create welcome kits and automated onboarding programs that drive engagement, retention, and culture from the very first day.
When people search for "Meta new hire swag," they're usually curious about one thing: what does one of the world's most influential tech companies give new employees on their first day? Meta (formerly Facebook) has shaped how we connect online, and their approach to welcoming new team members reflects its evolution from startup to tech giant.
The Meta new hire experience has changed significantly over the years, especially following the company rebrand and the shift to remote work. What used to be an extensive campus-based onboarding with immediate access to company stores has evolved into a more streamlined approach that balances efficiency with employee choice.
In this article, we'll explore what Meta includes in their new hire packages based on real employee experiences, examine what makes their approach work, and share actionable lessons your company can use to create welcome kits that make new hires genuinely excited about joining your team.
Why Employee Swag Matters at Meta
Meta's approach to employee swag reflects the company's scale and its transition from Facebook's campus-centric culture to a more distributed workforce. Swag serves several important purposes at Meta:
Building connection across distances – With thousands of employees working remotely, branded items create a tangible connection to the company and its mission. When you can't walk into a Facebook campus store, receiving swag becomes more meaningful.
Preserving culture through change – The rebrand from Facebook to Meta represented a major shift in company identity. Swag helps bridge that transition and maintain cultural continuity even as the brand evolves.
Respecting employee choice – Meta's voucher-based approach and internal store model give employees control over what they receive. This autonomy reflects the company's trust in its people to make their own decisions.
For companies of any size, these principles matter. Swag isn't just about distributing branded items; it's about creating belonging, communicating values, and showing new hires they made the right choice joining your team.
What's inside the Meta new hire kit?
Based on employee experiences shared across industry forums and onboarding discussions, Meta's welcome package arrives in stages and emphasizes employee choice. Here's what new hires typically receive:
Pre-boarding package
Before your first day, Meta sends an early package that builds anticipation. This typically includes branded socks and sometimes other small apparel items. It's a thoughtful touch that keeps new hires engaged during the waiting period between accepting an offer and actually starting.
This pre-boarding moment matters more than you might think. Starting a new job creates anxiety, and receiving something before day one signals "we're excited you're joining us" in a tangible way.
Technology essentials
On day one, new employees receive the core technology they need:
Laptop and phone: Meta provides employee choice here: typically a MacBook for the laptop and a selection of smartphones. This choice element shows respect for individual preferences and ensures people get devices they're comfortable using.
Noise-canceling headphones: Rather than shipping headphones directly, Meta provides access to tech vending machines where employees can grab quality noise-canceling headphones. For remote employees or those near offices, this self-service approach gives control over when and what you need.
Backpack: A functional Meta-branded backpack comes standard to carry your equipment. Employees report these are quality builds designed to protect laptops during daily use.
For companies building their own new hire kits, quality tech accessories make a significant impact. PerkUp offers options like premium backpacks that combine durability with brand identity.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Galindo 22L BACKPACK
Apparel and branded items
Meta's shift from Facebook brought changes to how apparel is distributed:
T-shirt voucher: Instead of pre-selecting sizes and styles, Meta provides vouchers allowing new hires to choose from an internal company store. This customization ensures you get apparel you'll actually wear instead of items that sit unused.
This approach is smart; it shifts from "one size fits all" to respecting individual preferences. For your own team, consider offering a choice within your welcome kit. PerkUp's platform makes it easy to let employees select from curated options.
👉 Explore the BELLA + CANVAS Premium T-shirt
Online store access: After joining, employees gain access to Meta's internal swag store for hoodies, hats, water bottles, and other items. Availability varies, with popular items sometimes selling out quickly.
The Meta hoodie, while not as culturally iconic as Facebook's original version, remains a staple. For companies looking to create that same sense of identity, quality hoodies that employees genuinely want to wear make all the difference.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Embroidered Unisex Hoodie
Team-specific additions: Individual teams sometimes supplement the standard package with custom items related to specific products or initiatives. This creates variety but can lead to inconsistent experiences across the company.
Everyday essentials
While Meta's kit focuses heavily on the online store model, the types of items available reflect what employees actually use:
Water bottles: Reusable bottles encourage sustainable habits and reduce plastic waste. Even if not included in the initial package, quality drinkware remains popular in Meta's internal store.
For your team, including a premium water bottle from day one sends a message about wellness and sustainability.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Notebooks and pens: Despite being a digital-first company, physical notebooks remain valuable for capturing ideas and staying organized. These items blend practicality with brand identity.
👉 Explore the JournalBook Hardcover Bound Notebook
Accessories: Caps, beanies, and stickers let employees personalize their style while showing company pride. These smaller items add personality to the overall package.
👉 Explore the Yupoong Cuffed Beanie
What makes Meta's approach notable?
Meta's new hire swag strategy reflects their current phase as a company. Here's what stands out:
Emphasis on employee autonomy
The voucher system and online store model put power in employees' hands. You choose what fits, what style you prefer, and what you'll actually use. This respect for individual choice extends beyond swag to how Meta thinks about employee experience generally.
For companies building welcome kits, this teaches an important lesson: customization matters. When employees have input into what they receive, satisfaction increases, and items are more likely to be used.
Efficiency at scale
Managing welcome packages for thousands of employees across the globe presents logistical challenges. Meta's approach prioritizes operational efficiency: ship essentials, provide access to a store for everything else.
While efficient, this does sacrifice some of the emotional impact that comes from receiving a thoughtfully curated package that someone clearly spent time personalizing for you. There's a tradeoff between scale and sentiment.
Evolution from campus culture to remote reality
Facebook built its reputation partly on incredible office campuses where employees could grab swag anytime from physical stores. The shift to remote work required rethinking how to deliver that sense of connection through shipped packages.
The lesson here applies to any company: your swag strategy should match how your team actually works. Remote teams need different solutions than office-based ones.
Lessons Every Company Can Apply
Meta's approach teaches valuable lessons that companies of any size can implement:
1. Pre-boarding engagement matters
Sending something before day one keeps new hires excited and connected during the waiting period. It doesn't need to be elaborate; even small items signal "we're thinking about you and can't wait for you to start."
This reduces the anxiety that comes with starting something new and builds momentum toward a positive first day.
2. Balance choice with curation
Meta's voucher approach maximizes choice but minimizes the "unboxing moment" that makes receiving a gift special. The sweet spot is offering a curated core package that everyone receives, plus customizable elements based on preferences.
This approach combines the emotional impact of receiving something someone chose for you with the practical benefits of personalization.
3. Focus on items people actually use
Whether it's a quality backpack, comfortable hoodie, or functional notebook, the best swag integrates into daily life. When employees reach for their company-branded water bottle every morning or wear their welcome kit hoodie on weekends, you've created lasting value.
Invest in fewer items of higher quality rather than filling boxes with cheap trinkets that get tossed aside.
4. Create a complete first-day experience
One gap in Meta's current approach is the fragmented arrival of items: tech in one box, maybe some swag separately, plus direction to order other things yourself. This misses the opportunity to create a unified welcome moment.
Your company can design a complete package that arrives together and creates a genuine unboxing experience. Include a welcome note from leadership, arrange items thoughtfully, and make opening the box feel special.
Building Your Own Standout Welcome Kit
You don't need Meta's resources to create meaningful welcome experiences. Here's how to build kits that make new hires feel genuinely valued:
Start with the essentials
Every welcome kit should include items new employees can use immediately:
Quality apparel – A comfortable hoodie or premium t-shirt that people actually want to wear
Functional accessories – Backpack, water bottle, or notebook that fits into daily routines
Personal touches – Welcome note, team introduction, or guide to company culture
These basics create a foundation that works for companies of any size or budget.
Reflect your unique culture
Meta's swag reflects their evolution and scale. What should yours say about your company?
If sustainability matters, choose eco-friendly products and highlight that choice. If innovation is core to your identity, include cutting-edge accessories. If wellness is a priority, focus on items that support healthy habits.
Your swag choices communicate your values more loudly than any mission statement.
Make it memorable
The best welcome kits create moments that new employees remember and share. This comes from:
Thoughtful packaging and presentation
Personal notes that make people feel seen
Quality items that exceed expectations
Timing that creates excitement on or before day one
When done well, your welcome kit becomes something new hires photograph and post about, extending your brand reach organically.
Conclusion
Meta's approach to new hire swag reflects their current reality: a massive company balancing efficiency with employee experience while navigating brand evolution and distributed work. They get important things right, particularly around employee choice and pre-boarding engagement.
Your company has an opportunity to learn from what works at Meta while creating something more personal and cohesive. You can design welcome kits that make people genuinely excited about their first day, create memorable unboxing moments, and add thoughtful touches that build connections from the start.
The question isn't whether you can match Meta's scale; most companies can't. The question is whether you can create a more thoughtful and meaningful welcome experience. With the right approach and tools, the answer is absolutely yes.
Start by understanding what you want new hires to feel about your company after their first week. Then work backwards to design a welcome kit that creates exactly that impression. With PerkUp's platform, you have everything you need to turn that vision into reality.
Ready to create welcome experiences that meet Meta's standard?
New hire onboarding sets the tone for your entire employee relationship, but executing memorable welcome kits at scale requires the right platform and approach. PerkUp makes it simple to deliver thoughtful onboarding experiences, whether you're welcoming five new hires or 500 across 65+ countries.
With access to over 60,000 gifts, 5,000+ gift cards, and both On Demand swag (minimum of just 1 item) and bulk swag options from brands like Nike, Patagonia, and The North Face, you can create personalized welcome kits that make every new employee feel genuinely valued from day one. Our 200+ HRIS integrations automate the entire process, ensuring kits arrive before your new hire's start date without any manual tracking.
Plus, with strategic warehouses across the US, UK, Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, we deliver locally to reduce shipping times and costs by up to 30%, while cutting CO₂ emissions by 95%. All customs and duties are prepaid whenever possible, so there are no surprise fees for you or your new hires.
See how leading companies like Microsoft, Wise, and Product Hunt are transforming their new hire experiences with PerkUp. Book a demo today to discover how we can help you create welcome kits and automated onboarding programs that drive engagement, retention, and culture from the very first day.
When people search for "Meta new hire swag," they're usually curious about one thing: what does one of the world's most influential tech companies give new employees on their first day? Meta (formerly Facebook) has shaped how we connect online, and their approach to welcoming new team members reflects its evolution from startup to tech giant.
The Meta new hire experience has changed significantly over the years, especially following the company rebrand and the shift to remote work. What used to be an extensive campus-based onboarding with immediate access to company stores has evolved into a more streamlined approach that balances efficiency with employee choice.
In this article, we'll explore what Meta includes in their new hire packages based on real employee experiences, examine what makes their approach work, and share actionable lessons your company can use to create welcome kits that make new hires genuinely excited about joining your team.
Why Employee Swag Matters at Meta
Meta's approach to employee swag reflects the company's scale and its transition from Facebook's campus-centric culture to a more distributed workforce. Swag serves several important purposes at Meta:
Building connection across distances – With thousands of employees working remotely, branded items create a tangible connection to the company and its mission. When you can't walk into a Facebook campus store, receiving swag becomes more meaningful.
Preserving culture through change – The rebrand from Facebook to Meta represented a major shift in company identity. Swag helps bridge that transition and maintain cultural continuity even as the brand evolves.
Respecting employee choice – Meta's voucher-based approach and internal store model give employees control over what they receive. This autonomy reflects the company's trust in its people to make their own decisions.
For companies of any size, these principles matter. Swag isn't just about distributing branded items; it's about creating belonging, communicating values, and showing new hires they made the right choice joining your team.
What's inside the Meta new hire kit?
Based on employee experiences shared across industry forums and onboarding discussions, Meta's welcome package arrives in stages and emphasizes employee choice. Here's what new hires typically receive:
Pre-boarding package
Before your first day, Meta sends an early package that builds anticipation. This typically includes branded socks and sometimes other small apparel items. It's a thoughtful touch that keeps new hires engaged during the waiting period between accepting an offer and actually starting.
This pre-boarding moment matters more than you might think. Starting a new job creates anxiety, and receiving something before day one signals "we're excited you're joining us" in a tangible way.
Technology essentials
On day one, new employees receive the core technology they need:
Laptop and phone: Meta provides employee choice here: typically a MacBook for the laptop and a selection of smartphones. This choice element shows respect for individual preferences and ensures people get devices they're comfortable using.
Noise-canceling headphones: Rather than shipping headphones directly, Meta provides access to tech vending machines where employees can grab quality noise-canceling headphones. For remote employees or those near offices, this self-service approach gives control over when and what you need.
Backpack: A functional Meta-branded backpack comes standard to carry your equipment. Employees report these are quality builds designed to protect laptops during daily use.
For companies building their own new hire kits, quality tech accessories make a significant impact. PerkUp offers options like premium backpacks that combine durability with brand identity.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Galindo 22L BACKPACK
Apparel and branded items
Meta's shift from Facebook brought changes to how apparel is distributed:
T-shirt voucher: Instead of pre-selecting sizes and styles, Meta provides vouchers allowing new hires to choose from an internal company store. This customization ensures you get apparel you'll actually wear instead of items that sit unused.
This approach is smart; it shifts from "one size fits all" to respecting individual preferences. For your own team, consider offering a choice within your welcome kit. PerkUp's platform makes it easy to let employees select from curated options.
👉 Explore the BELLA + CANVAS Premium T-shirt
Online store access: After joining, employees gain access to Meta's internal swag store for hoodies, hats, water bottles, and other items. Availability varies, with popular items sometimes selling out quickly.
The Meta hoodie, while not as culturally iconic as Facebook's original version, remains a staple. For companies looking to create that same sense of identity, quality hoodies that employees genuinely want to wear make all the difference.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Embroidered Unisex Hoodie
Team-specific additions: Individual teams sometimes supplement the standard package with custom items related to specific products or initiatives. This creates variety but can lead to inconsistent experiences across the company.
Everyday essentials
While Meta's kit focuses heavily on the online store model, the types of items available reflect what employees actually use:
Water bottles: Reusable bottles encourage sustainable habits and reduce plastic waste. Even if not included in the initial package, quality drinkware remains popular in Meta's internal store.
For your team, including a premium water bottle from day one sends a message about wellness and sustainability.
👉 Explore the PerkUp Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Notebooks and pens: Despite being a digital-first company, physical notebooks remain valuable for capturing ideas and staying organized. These items blend practicality with brand identity.
👉 Explore the JournalBook Hardcover Bound Notebook
Accessories: Caps, beanies, and stickers let employees personalize their style while showing company pride. These smaller items add personality to the overall package.
👉 Explore the Yupoong Cuffed Beanie
What makes Meta's approach notable?
Meta's new hire swag strategy reflects their current phase as a company. Here's what stands out:
Emphasis on employee autonomy
The voucher system and online store model put power in employees' hands. You choose what fits, what style you prefer, and what you'll actually use. This respect for individual choice extends beyond swag to how Meta thinks about employee experience generally.
For companies building welcome kits, this teaches an important lesson: customization matters. When employees have input into what they receive, satisfaction increases, and items are more likely to be used.
Efficiency at scale
Managing welcome packages for thousands of employees across the globe presents logistical challenges. Meta's approach prioritizes operational efficiency: ship essentials, provide access to a store for everything else.
While efficient, this does sacrifice some of the emotional impact that comes from receiving a thoughtfully curated package that someone clearly spent time personalizing for you. There's a tradeoff between scale and sentiment.
Evolution from campus culture to remote reality
Facebook built its reputation partly on incredible office campuses where employees could grab swag anytime from physical stores. The shift to remote work required rethinking how to deliver that sense of connection through shipped packages.
The lesson here applies to any company: your swag strategy should match how your team actually works. Remote teams need different solutions than office-based ones.
Lessons Every Company Can Apply
Meta's approach teaches valuable lessons that companies of any size can implement:
1. Pre-boarding engagement matters
Sending something before day one keeps new hires excited and connected during the waiting period. It doesn't need to be elaborate; even small items signal "we're thinking about you and can't wait for you to start."
This reduces the anxiety that comes with starting something new and builds momentum toward a positive first day.
2. Balance choice with curation
Meta's voucher approach maximizes choice but minimizes the "unboxing moment" that makes receiving a gift special. The sweet spot is offering a curated core package that everyone receives, plus customizable elements based on preferences.
This approach combines the emotional impact of receiving something someone chose for you with the practical benefits of personalization.
3. Focus on items people actually use
Whether it's a quality backpack, comfortable hoodie, or functional notebook, the best swag integrates into daily life. When employees reach for their company-branded water bottle every morning or wear their welcome kit hoodie on weekends, you've created lasting value.
Invest in fewer items of higher quality rather than filling boxes with cheap trinkets that get tossed aside.
4. Create a complete first-day experience
One gap in Meta's current approach is the fragmented arrival of items: tech in one box, maybe some swag separately, plus direction to order other things yourself. This misses the opportunity to create a unified welcome moment.
Your company can design a complete package that arrives together and creates a genuine unboxing experience. Include a welcome note from leadership, arrange items thoughtfully, and make opening the box feel special.
Building Your Own Standout Welcome Kit
You don't need Meta's resources to create meaningful welcome experiences. Here's how to build kits that make new hires feel genuinely valued:
Start with the essentials
Every welcome kit should include items new employees can use immediately:
Quality apparel – A comfortable hoodie or premium t-shirt that people actually want to wear
Functional accessories – Backpack, water bottle, or notebook that fits into daily routines
Personal touches – Welcome note, team introduction, or guide to company culture
These basics create a foundation that works for companies of any size or budget.
Reflect your unique culture
Meta's swag reflects their evolution and scale. What should yours say about your company?
If sustainability matters, choose eco-friendly products and highlight that choice. If innovation is core to your identity, include cutting-edge accessories. If wellness is a priority, focus on items that support healthy habits.
Your swag choices communicate your values more loudly than any mission statement.
Make it memorable
The best welcome kits create moments that new employees remember and share. This comes from:
Thoughtful packaging and presentation
Personal notes that make people feel seen
Quality items that exceed expectations
Timing that creates excitement on or before day one
When done well, your welcome kit becomes something new hires photograph and post about, extending your brand reach organically.
Conclusion
Meta's approach to new hire swag reflects their current reality: a massive company balancing efficiency with employee experience while navigating brand evolution and distributed work. They get important things right, particularly around employee choice and pre-boarding engagement.
Your company has an opportunity to learn from what works at Meta while creating something more personal and cohesive. You can design welcome kits that make people genuinely excited about their first day, create memorable unboxing moments, and add thoughtful touches that build connections from the start.
The question isn't whether you can match Meta's scale; most companies can't. The question is whether you can create a more thoughtful and meaningful welcome experience. With the right approach and tools, the answer is absolutely yes.
Start by understanding what you want new hires to feel about your company after their first week. Then work backwards to design a welcome kit that creates exactly that impression. With PerkUp's platform, you have everything you need to turn that vision into reality.
Ready to create welcome experiences that meet Meta's standard?
New hire onboarding sets the tone for your entire employee relationship, but executing memorable welcome kits at scale requires the right platform and approach. PerkUp makes it simple to deliver thoughtful onboarding experiences, whether you're welcoming five new hires or 500 across 65+ countries.
With access to over 60,000 gifts, 5,000+ gift cards, and both On Demand swag (minimum of just 1 item) and bulk swag options from brands like Nike, Patagonia, and The North Face, you can create personalized welcome kits that make every new employee feel genuinely valued from day one. Our 200+ HRIS integrations automate the entire process, ensuring kits arrive before your new hire's start date without any manual tracking.
Plus, with strategic warehouses across the US, UK, Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, we deliver locally to reduce shipping times and costs by up to 30%, while cutting CO₂ emissions by 95%. All customs and duties are prepaid whenever possible, so there are no surprise fees for you or your new hires.
See how leading companies like Microsoft, Wise, and Product Hunt are transforming their new hire experiences with PerkUp. Book a demo today to discover how we can help you create welcome kits and automated onboarding programs that drive engagement, retention, and culture from the very first day.
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