The corporate world is increasingly focusing on employee well-being and satisfaction, and it’s always best to start from day one. Welcome kits have long been a thoughtful way to help newcomers feel at home and settle in comfortably. We’ve put together a few ideas for a unique onboarding experience that you can consider to make your corporate welcome kit more meaningful, adding personal touches that will hold their charm and relevance throughout an employee’s time in the company. Let’s explore how to create a welcome kit that truly celebrates your new joiners.
How Welcome Kits Improve New Hire Experience and Engagement
Employee onboarding sets the tone for a new hire’s experience in the company, and a thoughtful welcome kit plays a significant role in making that first impression positive. Beyond providing essential tools and resources, it shows that the organization values its people from day one. A well-curated employee onboarding kit or a new job gift can help new employees feel more connected to the company culture, comfortable, and motivated, creating a sense of belonging that supports long-term employee engagement and retention. Here are some of our favorite picks.
Fountain Pens
A great pen sets the tone for any desk. Starting a new job comes with meetings, notes, deadlines, and reminders, and while phones are handy, nothing quite matches the feeling of a well-crafted fountain pen. Including a fountain pen in an onboarding kit shows thoughtfulness. Unlike disposable pens, a good-quality fountain pen is made to last and often stays with its owner for years. Lightweight and easy to use, it’s the perfect new job gift for everyday writing and even for relaxing journaling after work. Plus, fountain pens can be personalized in so many ways, swapping nib sizes, choosing the filling system that feels right, and picking ink colors that suit their style. It’s a gift idea that truly becomes their own. These are our favorite executive fountain pen picks:
The Mogul Fountain Pen
The perfect pen for everyday writing, the Mogul is a lightweight executive pen that makes a standout welcome gift for new hires. Its jet black barrel complements any desk setup, paired with a medium nib that suits both beginners and seasoned fountain pen users. The balanced weight helps reduce hand fatigue, making it ideal for quick notes and brainstorming sessions. Equipped with a piston ink converter, it works with both ink cartridges and bottled inks. The design is minimal yet striking, featuring a bold contrast between the black barrel and silver chrome trims. The cap snaps off easily for quick access and includes a silver chrome clip that fits neatly into any pocket.
The Muse Fountain Pen
A truly graceful executive pen, the Muse is a delight to behold. Draped in a rich shade of orange with gold brass details, it’s a pen designed to impress. Lightweight for daily writing, the Muse features a gold-plated stainless steel medium nib, suited to writers of all levels, from beginners to experts. Crafted with everyday use in mind, it offers a balanced weight that makes it comfortable for both long writing sessions and quick notes. Equipped with a piston ink converter system, the Muse supports both ink cartridges and bottled inks, depending on the user’s preference. An innovative screw-off cap keeps the nib protected and prevents ink leaks, making it ideal for employees on the go. The elegant gold brass clip adds a practical touch that completes the design.
Ink Refills
A great pen is only as good as its ink, and fountain pens truly come alive with high-quality ink. Including premium ink refills in an onboarding welcome gift set shows attention to detail and lets new employees enjoy their pens to the fullest. For a professional setting, classic black and blue inks are desk essentials; they look sharp and set the right tone for meetings, notes, and official documents. Well-chosen inks resist smudging and fading, keeping every word clear and vibrant. Providing ink refills not only supports the pen’s long-term use and reflects a company’s commitment to thoughtful, lasting tools for its team.
Notebooks
A good notebook is a classic and practical gift for new employees. It provides a dedicated space to jot down important information, track tasks, and organize thoughts, all essential for settling into a new role. When combined with other writing tools like a quality pen and ink, the notebook completes a useful gift set that supports everyday work needs. Including a notebook in an onboarding kit shows that the company culture is focused on giving employees reliable tools that help them stay organized and productive from day one. It’s a simple, effective way to welcome new hires and set them up for success.
Water Bottles and Coffee Tumblers
Including a quality water bottle or coffee tumbler in an onboarding welcome kit is a thoughtful way to support employees’ daily routines. Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for focus and well-being, and a sturdy water bottle encourages healthy habits at the desk or on the go. Similarly, a reliable coffee tumbler helps keep beverages at the perfect temperature, whether it’s a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up. These items are practical, reusable, and eco-friendly, reducing the need for disposable cups and bottles. Offering these essentials shows that the company culture is built around the team’s comfort and sustainability, helping them stay refreshed and ready to take on their new role.
Wireless Chargers and Headphones
Adding wireless chargers, power banks, and headphones to an onboarding welcome kit brings convenience and comfort to new employees right from the start. A power bank keeps devices powered up without the hassle of tangled cords, making it easier to stay connected and productive throughout the day. Headphones, whether for focus in busy workspaces or for virtual meetings, help create a personal zone free from distractions. These additions combine usefulness with a modern touch, showing that the company supports a smooth and efficient work experience.
Desk Plants and Succulents
Adding a desk plant or succulent to an onboarding welcome kit is a simple way to brighten up a new employee’s workspace. These low-maintenance plants bring a touch of nature indoors, which can boost mood and reduce stress during busy workdays. Succulents, in particular, are easy to care for and thrive with minimal attention, making them perfect for any desk. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plants can create a more inviting and comfortable environment, helping new hires feel more at home as they settle into their roles.
A Simple Note That Makes a Difference
Adding a personal note to an onboarding kit is a small touch that can have a significant impact. It helps new employees feel seen and welcomed, showing that the company is genuinely interested in their experience. It’s also a friendly way to remind them that support is always close by, whether they have questions, ideas, or just need a bit of guidance. That special note or welcome letter is a great onboarding practice that can set the tone for a positive start and make new hires feel like they’re genuinely part of the team from day one.
Welcoming Remote Employees With Thoughtful Gifts
For remote employees, sending a gift hamper directly to their doorstep is a great way to make them feel included and valued, even from a distance. Carefully curated hampers with writing essentials and other practical items show that the company is thinking of them and wants to support their remote work setup. Another excellent option is gift cards from trusted companies, especially those specializing in writing tools and office supplies. This gives remote workers the freedom to choose what they truly need, making the gift both personal and practical. Whether it’s a pen, notebook, or ink, an impressive gift card aligns perfectly with the idea of a professional onboarding kit.
Starting Strong With Thoughtful Onboarding
Good onboarding practices set the stage for long-term employee engagement and employee recognition. It’s the foundation for building a positive relationship where people feel valued and supported from the very beginning. A carefully chosen employee welcome kit isn’t just a box of gift options; it’s a way to show new hires they matter and that the company is invested in their success. Starting with these thoughtful touches helps create a workplace where employees are motivated to grow, contribute, and stay connected for years to come.