10 Must-Have Items for Employee Swag Kits in 2025
A well-curated swag kit with thoughtful essentials like apparel, drinkware, and stationery helps new hires feel instantly welcomed and valued.
Employee welcome kits aren’t just a nice touch—they're a strategic tool to set the tone for a new hire's experience.
When thoughtfully designed, swag kits build excitement, boost engagement, and reinforce your brand values from day one.
In 2025, expectations are higher. New employees look for personalization, quality, and practicality. Here’s a deep dive into the must-have swag items that turn a good welcome into a lasting impression.
1. A Soft, Retail-Quality Branded T-Shirt
A soft, retail-quality branded T-shirt adds comfort, belonging, and style to your employee welcome kit.
A well-fitting, ultra-soft T-shirt is the gold standard of welcome swag. Forget stiff cotton or oversized corporate tees. In today’s market, employees expect tri-blend or ringspun cotton that feels like their favorite weekend shirt.
Beyond comfort, branded T-shirts create a sense of team belonging. When designed subtly and stylishly, they also become walking billboards—amplifying your brand in a way that's authentic and appreciated.
2. Reusable Water Bottle or Travel Tumbler
Reusable branded drinkware is a practical, eco-conscious addition to any employee welcome kit.
Sustainability matters now more than ever. High-quality drinkware—like double-walled tumblers, insulated bottles, or eco-friendly aluminum canteens—shows that your company cares about both the environment and employee wellness.
Including branded drinkware makes hydration easy while keeping your brand visible on desks, gym trips, and even travel.
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3. Branded Notebook and Pen Set
A branded notebook and pen set adds a professional, daily-use touch to employee swag kits—great for both in-office and remote teams.
Despite the digital world we live in, employees still love a quality notebook for jotting ideas, meeting notes, and to-do lists.
Pair it with a refillable branded pen, and you elevate the experience into something truly premium.
Branded stationery is a daily-use item that reinforces your attention to detail and professionalism.
4. Webcam Cover or Tech Accessory Kit
Tech accessories like webcam covers and charging cables add everyday value to employee swag kits—perfect for hybrid and remote teams.
With remote and hybrid teams now standard, tech-centric swag is expected.
A simple privacy webcam cover, phone stand, or multi-port charging cable shows your brand is forward-thinking and understands employees' work-from-anywhere needs.
Modern tech accessories also tend to stay on desks—keeping your brand in daily view.
5. Custom Socks or Apparel Accessories
Branded socks are a bold, fun way to add color and personality to your employee swag kits—perfect for making unboxing moments memorable.
Looking for something fun and wearable? Branded socks, beanies, or bandanas strike the perfect balance between utility and creativity.
Employees love swag they can actually use outside of work. Socks, especially when done in bold colors or playful patterns, are Instagram-worthy—and build brand love in a non-corporate way.
6. Gift Card for Coffee or Food Delivery
A small gift card with a personalized note adds warmth and immediate value to your employee welcome kit—perfect for remote or hybrid teams.
Sometimes the best welcome gift is simple: lunch or coffee on the company.
Including a small gift card (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash, Starbucks) inside your kit provides a personal touch that feels immediately useful—especially for remote employees who might be onboarding alone.
7. Personalized Welcome Note
A personalized welcome card adds a warm, human touch that helps new hires feel seen and celebrated from day one.
Automation can't replicate genuine human connection.
Including a handwritten or custom-printed card from the hiring manager, team, or even the CEO shows intentionality.
Employees remember a kind word far longer than they remember a branded mug. Personalized notes build emotional connection, loyalty, and trust.
8. Snacks or Mini Wellness Kits
Wellness-focused items like snacks, tea, and stress relief products show new hires you value their wellbeing from day one.
Energy bars, trail mix, herbal tea packets, or mini self-care items (like stress balls or aromatherapy roller sticks) create a thoughtful "we care about your wellbeing" message.
Especially for remote hires, these touches make the unboxing experience feel nurturing instead of transactional.
9. Tech Pouch or Cord Organizer
Neatly packaged tech essentials like chargers and pouches bring daily utility and polish to employee swag kits.
No one likes digging through a bag for a lost charger. A simple branded neoprene tech pouch, cable wrap, or portable organizer keeps employees’ gadgets tidy—and your brand front and center in their daily workflow.
Plus, it's perfect for commuting, coworking spaces, or working from home setups.
10. A Desk Item That Reflects Your Brand’s Personality
A cheerful and inspiring desktop setup with motivational messages, perfect for boosting productivity and positivity throughout the workday.
Want to leave a lasting impression? Add one small "personality" item:
A mini desktop succulent
An inspirational quote card set
A branded desk toy or fidget cube
A custom mousepad with an uplifting design
These small touches turn boring desk setups into spaces that feel personal, connected, and on-brand.
Final Thoughts
The best employee swag kits don’t feel like a pile of random freebies.
They feel thoughtful, curated, and human—telling the new hire, "We see you. We’re excited you're here."
By investing in useful, high-quality items that reflect your culture and care, you don't just fill a box—you create a meaningful first experience.
At HighVolve, we specialize in helping companies design employee swag kits that drive loyalty and elevate first impressions. Explore our branded apparel, corporate gifts, and custom promotional products to start building unforgettable onboarding experiences.
