Creative Onboarding Swag Ideas to Welcome New Hires

Making a good first impression is the main goal of onboarding and what better way to do that than with some awesome swag? Why not give your new hires a little something special to express your excitement to have them on board?

Whatever may be the case, not all swag is created equal, and nobody wants a cheap, generic pen with your company's logo on it. It’s got to be something more personal and meaningful to really show your new hires that you care and is genuinely excited to have them on board.

To help your new hires feel valued and appreciated, we've put together a list of inventive and considerate swag ideas. We've got you covered, whether you want to impress your new hires or simply spice up the onboarding process.

Get ready to take your swag game to the next level! But first things first,

What is company swag and why is it so important?

Company swag, also known as corporate merchandise or promotional products, is a collection of items that feature a company's logo or branding. This can include anything from t-shirts and hats to mugs and pens.

The purpose of company swag is to promote brand awareness and increase company visibility.

Onboarding new employees is the perfect time to introduce them to your company swag. Not only will they feel like they are officially part of the team, but they can also show off their new role to friends and family.

But it's not just about the freebies. Wearing a company t-shirt or carrying a branded bag can create a sense of pride and belonging. It's a way for employees to show off their affiliation and be a walking advertisement for the company.

And let's not forget about the practical side of things. A company-branded water bottle or notebook is a useful item that employees can use in their day-to-day work. Plus, it's an easy way for them to remember where they work when they are out and about.

Company swag is like the cherry on top of the sundae that is onboarding. It's the little extra that makes the experience even sweeter. Here's why it's so important:

• It's a great way to welcome new employees to the team. A nice little package of company swag is a tangible way to say "Welcome aboard! We're glad you're here."
• It helps to build company culture and pride . When employees wear or use company swag, they're showing off their company pride and helping to build a sense of community and belonging.
• It's a great way to promote the company When employees wear or use company swag, they're essentially becoming walking billboards for the company. Plus, it's a subtle way to get the company names out there without being too "salesy."

When it comes to onboarding, don't skimp on the swag. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a massive impact on how your new hires view and value your company.

23 swag ideas for onboarding

Here is a list of meaningful onboarding swag ideas that you can consider for your new hires. Categorized into five sub-sections, this list will give you a good idea of what can be included in an onboarding kit to make it impactful.

Branded and personalized apparel

Yes, we mean t-shirts and jackets and hats and whatnot, but please do not be generic with it. To really hit the mark with apparel, it has to be something more personalized and branded.

Here are a few apparel ideas you can consider for your new hires. All the options below can and should be customized with the company logo or something more personal to the new hire to really bring in a sense of belonging.

• Customized T-Shirts -A customized t-shirt with the company's logo and name on it is a great way to give new hires a sense of belonging and pride in the company. The t-shirt can be made in a variety of colors and styles, making it a versatile and practical gift.
• Polo Shirts - Polo shirts are a classic and professional option that can be worn in a variety of settings. This is a solid option for new hires who need to look professional in the office or at meetings.
• Hoodies - Hoodies are a popular choice among new hires as they are comfortable and casual. This is a great option for new hires who want to represent the company in a more casual setting.
• Hats - Customized hats and caps are a great way to give new hires something that they can wear on the go. This is an excellent choice for new hires who want to show off their company pride while running errands or going out on the town.
• Customized Bags - Customized bags are a great way to give new hires something that they can use on a daily basis. This is a good pick for new hires who want to carry their company pride with them wherever they go.

Work-enhancing gear

Make sure your new hires hit the ground running by giving them some cool gear that'll make their job a breeze. No need for them to spend their own dough on these essentials, because you’ll have them covered with some key items that’ll boost their productivity.

Here are a few ideas:

• A high-quality wireless headset - This can be used for conference calls and video meetings, allowing new hires to communicate effectively with their colleagues and clients without being tethered to their desks. A headset also improves the audio quality of the call and reduces background noise.
• A portable power bank - With a portable power bank, new hires can keep their devices charged while on the go, ensuring they are always connected and productive. This is particularly useful for employees who are frequently traveling or working remotely
• A standing desk converter - Sitting for long periods of time can be harmful to an employee's health and productivity. A standing desk converter allows new hires to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day, improving posture and reducing fatigue.
• A high-quality mouse and keyboard - A good mouse and keyboard can make a big difference in an employee's comfort and efficiency when working on a computer. High-quality models offer better ergonomics and more precise tracking, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
• A noise-canceling headset - Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver for employees who work in open office spaces or noisy environments. They block out background noise and allow for better focus, making it easier for new hires to get their work done.

Workplace essentials

Here are a few ideas that add a bit of extra flair to the workplace:

• Customized notebook - A notebook with the company's logo or branding on it is a great way to welcome new hires and give them something they can use to take notes and organize their thoughts. It also serves as a subtle reminder of the company and its values.
• High-quality pen - A pen is a must-have for any office worker, and a high-quality one is sure to be appreciated by new hires. Whether it's a sleek rollerball or a classic ballpoint, a good pen is a great way to make a lasting impression.
• Stress ball - Starting a new job can be stressful, so a stress ball is a great way to help new hires relax and unwind. It's a small but thoughtful gift that can make a big difference in how new hires feel about their new job.
• Customized water bottle - A water bottle with the company's logo or branding is a great way to help new hires stay hydrated and healthy. It's also a great way to promote the company's brand and values.
• Customized coffee mug - A coffee mug with the company's logo or branding is a great way to help new hires start their day with a smile. It's a simple but thoughtful gift that can make a big difference in how new hires feel about their new job.

Company culture gifts

One of the best ways to make new hires feel welcomed and valued is by giving them a company culture gift. These gifts can help to convey the company's values and mission, as well as provide practical tools and resources to help new employees feel comfortable and productive in their new role.

Here are five ideas for company culture gifts that can be included:

• Personalized note - A personalized note from the CEO or manager can help to make the new employee feel valued and appreciated. This can be a simple, handwritten note that expresses the company's excitement to have them on board and their commitment to helping them succeed.
• Eco-friendly gifts - Many companies are now committed to environmental sustainability, so including eco-friendly gifts in the onboarding kit can help to convey this message to the new employee. Examples of eco-friendly gifts include reusable water bottles, eco-friendly notebooks, or solar-powered phone chargers.
• Self-help books - Books on topics such as self-care, mindfulness, or productivity can be a great way to help new employees feel empowered and motivated in their new role. These books can also be used as a resource for ongoing personal and professional development.
• Desk plants - Desk plants can help to promote a positive and healthy work environment, and can also be a great way to add a personal touch to the new employee's workspace. Some great options include succulents, herbs, or small bonsai trees.
• Fitness gear - Many companies are now focused on promoting healthy lifestyles for their employees, and providing fitness gear as part of the onboarding kit can be a great way to support this goal. Examples of fitness gear that can be included in the onboarding kit include yoga mats, resistance bands, or fitness trackers.

Munchies, extra goodies, and other fun stuff

Here are three examples of munchies and extra goodies that can be given as onboarding swag:

• Munchies - Including a selection of snacks and treats in the onboarding kit is a great way to make sure that new employees have something to munch on while they settle in. Consider including a mix of sweet and savory options, such as chocolate bars, chips, and trail mix, to cater to different preferences.
• Stickers - Stickers are a fun and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to the onboarding kit. They can be used to decorate laptops, notebooks, or even water bottles. Consider including stickers with the company logo or a fun design that represents the company culture.
• Scented candles - A scented candle can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a new employee's workspace. Consider including a candle in a scent that is associated with relaxation, such as lavender or vanilla.

Employee-focused swag and Business-focused swag: Which one should you go for?

When it comes to swag, companies have two main options: employee-focused or business-focused.

On one hand, you've got employee-focused swag, which is all about making your team feel valued and appreciated. This includes things like custom mugs, company-branded apparel, and snacks to keep in the office. It's the little things that make a big difference when it comes to employee happiness and retention.

On the other hand, you've got business-focused swag, which is all about promoting your brand and getting your name out there. This includes things like pens, magnets, and keychains with your logo on them.

Business-focused swag is great for networking events, trade shows, and other promotional opportunities. It's a subtle yet effective way to spread the word about your company.

So, which one should you go for? Well, why not both?

Employee-focused swag keeps your team happy, while business-focused swag helps you gain new customers. It's a win-win situation.

Think of it this way, a happy employee is more likely to promote your business to their friends and family. And who knows, the pen or keychain you gave away at a networking event could end up in the hands of your next big client.

Is it better to get swag individually or in bulk?

Buying swag individually is great for when you need a small number of items or you're not sure what will be popular.

This way you can test the waters before you invest in a large number of items. It's also perfect for when you're looking for unique or one-of-a-kind items that can't be purchased in bulk.

On the other hand, buying swag in bulk is the way to go when you need a large number of items and you're looking for a better deal.

Buying in bulk often means getting a discount on the items, which can save you money in the long run. Plus, when you order in bulk, you can often get custom designs or colors that aren't available when you order individually.

So, which one should you go for? Well, it depends on what you're looking for but in most cases, especially if you’re a large organization, you’re going to be hiring a lot of people at once. In situations like that, if you're looking to save money and get a large number of items, buying in bulk is the way to go.

Want a hassle-free onboarding swag purchase? Swageazy can help

If you’re a business looking for creative and thoughtful swag ideas to include in your onboarding process for new hires, look no further than Swageazy!

We offer a variety of products and pre-made onboarding kits to choose from, making it easy to craft the perfect onboarding experience for your new team members.

With Swageazy, every item can be customized to your unique needs and requirements. We help you pick out the best products and offer personalized design services at transparent pricing.

From mugs to stickers, and even scented candles, we have a wide range of options to choose from.

Picking out meaningful swag to gift your new hires can be a daunting task, but with Swageazy, it doesn't have to be. Let us help you streamline your onboarding needs and make a lasting impression on your new hires. Contact us today to see how we can help.