The Ultimate Guide to the Best New Hire Swag Kits

Picture this: It’s your newest team member's first day. They’re excited but nervous, trying to remember everyone’s names while figuring out where the coffee machine is. Now imagine them opening a beautifully packaged swag box filled with quality branded swag that says, “Welcome to the team. We're glad you're here.”

That kind of first impression sticks, especially in a world where 86% of new hires decide how long they’ll stay with a company within their first six months, making those early days count. One of the most effective ways to kick off new hire onboarding on the right foot is through custom swag kits.

What is a swag kit?

A swag kit (sometimes called a swag box or gift set) is a curated collection of branded swag items packaged together to create a memorable unboxing experience. Think of it as a thoughtfully assembled kit that goes beyond random promotional products thrown into a polymer bag.

Custom branded swag kits typically include a mix of practical swag items like office essentials, drinkware, and tech accessories, all featuring your company's branding. They differ from the standard swag giveaways in a few key ways: they’re designed around a specific purpose or theme; the packaging itself is part of the experience, as swag kits arrive in branded boxes that build anticipation before the recipient even sees what’s inside; and they’re a combination of different swag items.

Why welcome new hires with a swag kit?

Sending a new hire swag kit as part of your onboarding new hires process is important for several reasons.

Sets the tone from day one: First impressions matter. A lot. Research from the Brandon Hall Group found that organizations with a strong onboarding process see an 82% increase in new hire retention and over 70% improvement in productivity. A thoughtfully curated new hire swag box signals that your company pays attention to details and you genuinely care about your people.
Builds immediate connection: For remote employees, especially, receiving a physical swag box creates a tangible connection to your team. It’s one thing to get a welcome email, but it’s another to open a package filled with quality items that make them feel like part of the crew before their first Zoom call even starts.
Reduces early turnover: Did you know that 20% of employee turnover happens within the first 45 days, according to Forbes? That’s a lot of wasted recruiting effort and onboarding costs! Remember that employees who feel welcomed and valued from the get-go are far less likely to second-guess their decision to join your company, and a well-designed new hire swag kit contributes to that sense of belonging.
Reinforces your employer brand: Your swag for new hires is an opportunity to showcase your company culture. Whether that consists of sustainable products that reflect your environmental values or premium items that signal you invest in quality, your swag choices communicate who you are as an organization. Pick items wisely!

What are the things you need to consider for new hire swag kits?

When you're preparing swag kits for your new employees, some of the things you should consider are the following:

Your budget

The very first question you need to ask yourself when preparing for new hire swag kits is “What’s my budget?” You don’t want to start ordering premium leather notebooks and noise-cancelling headphones only to realize later on that you don’t have enough budget for those items. New hire swag kits can range from $60 to $120 (or even upwards to $200) per person, depending on the items you wish to include and the quantity of the kit you’ll order. Consider how many new hires you onboard annually and build a sustainable budget that allows for consistency.

The swag categories you can choose items from

When you’re brainstorming new hire swag ideas, consider the swag categories that offer the most value without sizing complications. Drinkware, bags or totes, desk essentials, and stickers are all solid choices. That’s why we recommend that you avoid apparel in initial new hire swag boxes since sized items can lead to awkward exchanges if you don't know your new employee's preferences yet. Save the branded hoodies for later and consider offering apparel through an On Demand swag store once they’re settled in.

Some items we recommend for swag for new hires under the aforementioned categories include a Tyeso or Stanley tumbler, a notebook and pen combo, a Coloma backpack, some stickers, and an insert card to personalize the kit. You can also opt to include a surprise item like socks or a fidget toy if you want to add extra fun to your swag box! The common themes of these items are that they’re universally useful, don’t require size information, and they’ll actually get used rather than thrown in a bin.

Of course, there are also items that you should generally avoid to minimize risks or delays in customs. Some of these items are glassware, power banks, battery-operated swag, edibles, or plants. These products are fragile and can be prone to breaking, so it’s best to steer clear of them.

Other costs related to swag kit warehousing and delivery

So, you have your budget locked in and the swag items you wish to give away. But that’s not where your preparation should end! Your per-item cost isn’t the whole picture. When budgeting for custom swag kits, don’t forget about warehousing fees if you're storing pre-assembled kits, shipping costs (especially for remote employees in different regions), and any custom packaging or branded box expenses. These can add up quickly, so get quotes upfront to avoid surprises.

What are the best swag ideas for new hire swag kits?

As we've mentioned earlier, not all swag items are created equal and should be considered for new hire swag ideas. Apparel, for one, isn't something that's very logical to add in new hire kits as they're sized, and sized items can be prone to mistakes, especially if you're not familiar with the size of your recipients.

Here are some of the swag ideas perfect for new hire swag boxes, grouped based on their categories.

Drinkware

Drinkware items like mugs, insulated tumblers, and coffee tumblers are perfect because they can be used by anyone.

Backpacks

Who doesn’t like having a backpack to carry all their essentials? For new hires, these bags will be great for carrying everything they’d need for their first day.

Office essentials

A new hire will be eager to jot down notes on their first day, so make sure to include notebooks and pens in your kit!

Extra or add-on items

Go the extra mile by adding additional items that your new employees can use during and after work hours with these practical add-ons.

Any items under these categories are great! If you wish to check out more items, be sure to explore our bulk swag catalog.

What are other occasions when you can send swag kits?

New hire onboarding isn’t the only moment worth celebrating with custom swag kits. Expanding your recognition program to include other meaningful occasions helps reinforce a culture of appreciation year-round.

Work anniversaries: Recognize tenure milestones with swag boxes that celebrate loyalty and commitment. Whether it’s a one-year anniversary or a decade of service, a curated gift set makes the occasion memorable.

Birthdays: Personal celebrations like birthdays show employees you care about them as individuals, not just as workers. A personalized swag box with treats and useful items can make their special day even more memorable.

Holidays and end-of-year celebrations: Seasonal gifting is a great opportunity to thank your entire team for their contributions throughout the year. Custom swag boxes can be themed around holidays or simply serve as a year-end appreciation gesture.

Team wins and project completions: When your team hits a major sales target, completes a successful product launch, or exceeds quarterly goals, a custom-branded swag kit helps commemorate the achievement and motivates continued success.

Employee Appreciation Day: This annual event in March is the perfect excuse to send swag kits to your entire workforce. Use it as an opportunity to refresh your recognition efforts and remind employees how much they're valued. And if you're considering sending swag boxes to your team, be sure to check out our blog on the best swag kit ideas for Employee Appreciation Day 2026!

Turn New Hire Onboarding into Memorable Moments with PerkUp

Building a great new hire onboarding program sounds straightforward, but coordinating custom swag kits across multiple locations, managing inventory, and ensuring kits arrive before (or on) day one can get complicated fast.

That’s where a swag management platform like PerkUp comes in!

PerkUp takes the complexity out of welcoming new employees, thanks to its global warehousing network and seamless fulfillment. You can curate your new hire swag kits, store them in PerkUp's warehouses across the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Europe, India, China, and Australia, and ship them within days when new team members join. These features allow PerkUp to help you make onboarding new hires a seamless experience that strengthens your company culture and sets every employee up for success from the start.

Make Every New Hire Feel Welcome

The first few days at a new job shape how employees feel about their decision to join your company. Investing in a thoughtful new hire swag kit is one of the smartest moves you can make. Give your newest team members something to unbox, something to use, and something that reminds them they made the right choice by joining your company.

Picture this: It’s your newest team member's first day. They’re excited but nervous, trying to remember everyone’s names while figuring out where the coffee machine is. Now imagine them opening a beautifully packaged swag box filled with quality branded swag that says, “Welcome to the team. We're glad you're here.”

That kind of first impression sticks, especially in a world where 86% of new hires decide how long they’ll stay with a company within their first six months, making those early days count. One of the most effective ways to kick off new hire onboarding on the right foot is through custom swag kits.

What is a swag kit?

A swag kit (sometimes called a swag box or gift set) is a curated collection of branded swag items packaged together to create a memorable unboxing experience. Think of it as a thoughtfully assembled kit that goes beyond random promotional products thrown into a polymer bag.

Custom branded swag kits typically include a mix of practical swag items like office essentials, drinkware, and tech accessories, all featuring your company's branding. They differ from the standard swag giveaways in a few key ways: they’re designed around a specific purpose or theme; the packaging itself is part of the experience, as swag kits arrive in branded boxes that build anticipation before the recipient even sees what’s inside; and they’re a combination of different swag items.

Why welcome new hires with a swag kit?

Sending a new hire swag kit as part of your onboarding new hires process is important for several reasons.

Sets the tone from day one: First impressions matter. A lot. Research from the Brandon Hall Group found that organizations with a strong onboarding process see an 82% increase in new hire retention and over 70% improvement in productivity. A thoughtfully curated new hire swag box signals that your company pays attention to details and you genuinely care about your people.
Builds immediate connection: For remote employees, especially, receiving a physical swag box creates a tangible connection to your team. It’s one thing to get a welcome email, but it’s another to open a package filled with quality items that make them feel like part of the crew before their first Zoom call even starts.
Reduces early turnover: Did you know that 20% of employee turnover happens within the first 45 days, according to Forbes? That’s a lot of wasted recruiting effort and onboarding costs! Remember that employees who feel welcomed and valued from the get-go are far less likely to second-guess their decision to join your company, and a well-designed new hire swag kit contributes to that sense of belonging.
Reinforces your employer brand: Your swag for new hires is an opportunity to showcase your company culture. Whether that consists of sustainable products that reflect your environmental values or premium items that signal you invest in quality, your swag choices communicate who you are as an organization. Pick items wisely!

What are the things you need to consider for new hire swag kits?

When you're preparing swag kits for your new employees, some of the things you should consider are the following:

Your budget

The very first question you need to ask yourself when preparing for new hire swag kits is “What’s my budget?” You don’t want to start ordering premium leather notebooks and noise-cancelling headphones only to realize later on that you don’t have enough budget for those items. New hire swag kits can range from $60 to $120 (or even upwards to $200) per person, depending on the items you wish to include and the quantity of the kit you’ll order. Consider how many new hires you onboard annually and build a sustainable budget that allows for consistency.

The swag categories you can choose items from

When you’re brainstorming new hire swag ideas, consider the swag categories that offer the most value without sizing complications. Drinkware, bags or totes, desk essentials, and stickers are all solid choices. That’s why we recommend that you avoid apparel in initial new hire swag boxes since sized items can lead to awkward exchanges if you don't know your new employee's preferences yet. Save the branded hoodies for later and consider offering apparel through an On Demand swag store once they’re settled in.

Some items we recommend for swag for new hires under the aforementioned categories include a Tyeso or Stanley tumbler, a notebook and pen combo, a Coloma backpack, some stickers, and an insert card to personalize the kit. You can also opt to include a surprise item like socks or a fidget toy if you want to add extra fun to your swag box! The common themes of these items are that they’re universally useful, don’t require size information, and they’ll actually get used rather than thrown in a bin.

Of course, there are also items that you should generally avoid to minimize risks or delays in customs. Some of these items are glassware, power banks, battery-operated swag, edibles, or plants. These products are fragile and can be prone to breaking, so it’s best to steer clear of them.

Other costs related to swag kit warehousing and delivery

So, you have your budget locked in and the swag items you wish to give away. But that’s not where your preparation should end! Your per-item cost isn’t the whole picture. When budgeting for custom swag kits, don’t forget about warehousing fees if you're storing pre-assembled kits, shipping costs (especially for remote employees in different regions), and any custom packaging or branded box expenses. These can add up quickly, so get quotes upfront to avoid surprises.

What are the best swag ideas for new hire swag kits?

As we've mentioned earlier, not all swag items are created equal and should be considered for new hire swag ideas. Apparel, for one, isn't something that's very logical to add in new hire kits as they're sized, and sized items can be prone to mistakes, especially if you're not familiar with the size of your recipients.

Here are some of the swag ideas perfect for new hire swag boxes, grouped based on their categories.