Welcome gift for new employee

Thoughtful welcome gifts for new employees can enhance your company’s reputation and help new hires feel valued and part of the team. From personalized business items to practical office accessories, find the perfect gifts to create a positive and productive work environment.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

Email | Call (800) 484-4610

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

Table of Contents

What welcome gifts should you give employees?

1. A personal greeting card

2. Headphones with noise cancellation

3. Office materials

4. Personalized business items

5. A tray of cookies or other treats

6. New folder containing employee information

7. Handbook for employees

8. Power Bank

9. Vouchers and gift cards

10. Books

11. Accessories for the office

Advice on what makes the ideal welcome presents for new hires

Conclusion

What welcome gifts should you give employees?

Giving new hires thoughtful welcome presents will improve your company’s reputation as an employer and help them feel like part of the team. It establishes the foundation for a satisfying work environment. Also, it supports the corporate culture from the outset.

Images of these gifts also make for great content for employer brand advocacy. Alternatively, it can be included in their endorsements or comments when they share their Glassdoor employee ratings.

There are plenty of items you may add in your welcome package for new hires, regardless of your budget. Let’s look at some suggestions for welcome presents for recent hires!

1. A personal greeting card

An initial word of welcome, written by hand, gives the first workday a personal touch. It doesn’t need to be very long. It’s sufficient to send a brief note expressing your excitement about the new hire. An alternative would be a postcard including the team photo and encouraging words from other teammates. Alternatively, it might be a note scribbled on the group whiteboard.

Making new hires feel appreciated by the management and team contributes to a positive initial impression of the business, which is critical to increasing retention rates. Organizations with superior onboarding procedures saw a 52% increase in new hire retention rates, according to Clear Company.

Handwritten welcome cards are a great addition to your welcome gift because they are simple to write, don’t cost much, and improve the experience of your new hires.

2. Headphones with noise cancellation

A good set of noise-canceling headphones is a great present for your new hires to help them focus at work, if you have the money. It muffles background noise as well as chatty coworkers and noisy neighbors.

In order to reduce disruptions, headphones should be easy to wear all day and readily rechargeable. This can be achieved by charging the headphones half way through the day. Additionally, you want to find something that lets in as little sound as possible so they may enjoy music without disturbing their coworkers.

3. Office materials

The most fundamental but crucial component of the welcome package for desk employees, whether they work in-person or remotely, is office supplies.

Give your new hires office materials to help with their everyday work so they may focus more on their work:

Notepads and notebooks
Pens, highlighters, and markers
Post-it notes in an office supply box
Business cards, envelopes, and folders
Paperclips, scissors, and staplers
Office cleaning kit contains hand sanitizer, cleaning gel, spray for the desk and screen, and cleansing wipes

Pay attention to the items that your staff actually require in order to prevent needless desk clutter.

4. Personalized business items

Personalized business products make excellent welcome presents. They support the development of a feeling of pride, connection, and belonging in employees from the outset of their tenure with your company.

Some possibilities for branded swag are as follows:

Bottle of water
Workplace tee, sweatshirt, or hoodie
Pen, mouse, notepad, or journal
ID lace and lanyard
Satchel, backpack, or laptop case
Coffee mug, tumbler, or cup
Lunch bag with insulation
Labels

By adding the employees’ names to the welcome presents, you may personalize them even more. It’ll also assist in preventing confusion over “Whose bag is this?”

5. A tray of cookies or other treats

When hunger hits in the middle of the workday, cookies and snack packs offer an excellent source of nourishment.

Consider the health and happiness of your staff while making purchases of wholesome, premium foods like granola bars, trail mix, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Remember to provide refreshments, such as juices, coffee, or tea—a must for many office workers.

While you’re getting your welcome packages ready, try to order your snack boxes or cookies from nearby businesses to show your support for the neighborhood.

Consider asking about dietary limitations and allergies before deciding to give cookies and snack boxes as welcome presents to new hires.

6. New folder containing employee information

A welcome information folder for new hires is a good method to let them know what they need to know right away. It helps define and manage expectations and establishes the tone for a productive working relationship.

Upon joining the organization, new hires will value having instant access to information about it.

A duplicate of the message for new hires
CEO’s letter of welcome
Forms and paperwork
Structure of the company
Worksheet for personal information
Retirement and insurance
Details about how to reach HR and other departments
Pre-onboarding questionnaire

Including details about the company culture is also beneficial. Examples of this include:

How staff members speak with one another.
How the business celebrates successes and landmarks.
How management awards and acknowledges high-achieving staff members.

7. Handbook for employees

The employee handbook has more detailed information about the organization, including its history, vision, purpose, and values, than the welcome kit does.

It also covers the various rules and policies of the business, including:

Conditions of employment
Pay and perks
Time off and attendance
Working conditions and hours that apply to employees who are onsite, remote, or hybrid
Procedures and policies for businesses
Communication
Prevention of harassment and bullying
IT

It is not necessary to provide the employee handbook to each new hire, but you should make sure they know where to look for it.

8. Power Bank

It’s challenging enough to work while on the go, without having to live in constant fear that your laptops, phones, or tablets will soon die.

Moreover, staff may have issues if their smartphone apps or portable devices run out of battery life, as these gadgets are increasingly necessary tools for remote and deskless workers. As these devices grow more complex, the more power they need to function.

It is essential for employees to have a reliable backup power bank because of this continuous power shortage. Try to choose devices with a respectable capacity—ideally, at least 10,000 mAh.

9. Vouchers and gift cards

When you’re not sure what your new hires like or need just yet, gift cards are a great option. It gives individuals the freedom to select the items they truly want.

Furthermore, gift cards offer employees an enjoyable purchasing experience, which boosts employee happiness. They are straightforward, inexpensive, and simple to pass along.

Gift certificates to nearby restaurants or coffee shops are an option. Another option is to choose an online or e-commerce company like Amazon, where staff members have a lot of options.

Like gift cards, vouchers make thoughtful and reasonably priced presents for new hires. A wide variety of voucher options are available, including ones for weekend getaways, staycations, food subscriptions, and fancy restaurant dinners.

10. Books

Giving new hires books demonstrates your commitment to their professional development.

Purchase books on their sector or business. Make decisions that will advance their knowledge or help them flourish in their position.

Some companies provide their employees with ebook readers such as the Kindle; you might want to consider this option and preload it with books.

11. Accessories for the office

Desk workers, whether they work remotely or in an office, can live easier and more enjoyable lives with a variety of accessories and devices. A few suggestions are provided below.

Wireless mouse

For newly hired employees who work a lot with laptops, such as architects, engineers, graphic designers, and artists, a wireless mouse is a great present. Because it is more compact, portable, and takes up less room on a table or desk, it is simpler to use.

Blue light glasses

Blue light lenses make thoughtful presents for people who work remotely. For those who work long hours in front of a computer, such as web developers and software engineers, they are fantastic.

Blue light glasses reduce headaches and eye strain, which in turn relieves blurry vision.

Laptop microphone

Perhaps a laptop microphone would make a thoughtful welcome gift for staff who work from home. When taking calls, conducting online meetings, and giving virtual presentations, a good laptop microphone yields exceptional sound quality.

Stand for laptops

By raising your laptop in an ergonomic and comfortable manner, a laptop stand helps to maintain good posture and lessen neck strain. Many of them are simple to fold into a flat shape for portability and storage.

Monitor stand

Similar to a laptop stand, a monitor stand will be valued by recently hired employees who enjoy using two screens for multitasking. It enables you to adjust the monitor’s position to lessen neck strain and support good posture.

USB drive

When it comes to choosing a welcome present, many employees feel that USB drives strike the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness, utility, and personalization.

People often have information that they want to keep safe, confidential, and readily available. Furthermore, they would rather preserve it digitally than on paper.

USB flash drives offer a great physical means of protecting data. Additionally, they don’t need an internet connection, which makes them perfect for employees who frequently travel and occasionally have network issues.

Standing desk

If your staff members prefer standing workstations at home or at work, a standing desk mat makes a useful addition. Employees may work longer hours standing thanks to its support and comfort for their feet, which also reduces aches and pains and boosts productivity.

Ergonomic keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard is the perfect present for new hires if they have back, wrist, or shoulder pain or are concerned about their posture.

For an ideal work-from-home or in-office configuration, an ergonomic keyboard works well with an ergonomic or wireless mouse.

Advice on what makes the ideal welcome presents for new hires

Take into account the needs of the staff

Think about what might make a new hire’s time at your organization more enjoyable when selecting welcome gifts. Or what could make them more efficient?

For instance, given their direct touch with clients, receptionists might not find headphones to be the ideal present, and deskless employees don’t require an office cleaning kit.

Steer clear of gifts that are only ornamental since they will probably be ignored or thrown away.

Make the gifts unique

A person feels important when they receive personalized presents. Thus, if at all possible, customize them for each person, group, or division.

Anywhere you can, take the preferences of your staff into account. You can find out about some of those by asking questions during preboarding. You could give an employee something connected to their passion, for example. For instance, you may give them movie tickets if they enjoy watching movies. Alternatively, offer them Amazon gift cards if they see themselves as tech enthusiasts.

Incorporate the company’s values

It is critical to get your new employees off to a good start. Effective communication of core values can assist firms in guaranteeing that newly hired staff members will make an effort to live up to these principles right away.

Keeping that in mind, choose a gift that aligns with your basic principles. You can write the purpose or vision statement of the company on swag that bears the company’s logo.

Alternatively, you have the option to select objects that may come with a description of the organizational value they stand for. For example, if you permit remote work and your organization emphasizes independence and autonomy, then a charger, laptop bag, wireless headphones, and computer speaker would make perfect presents.

Make the packaging for your welcome gift appealing

An eye-catching box enhances the charm of the welcome present. The ideal way to package gifts is by using branded paper goods, paper bags, boxes, or tote bags.

Choose presents keeping DEIB in mind

Make sure all presents have the same value even if they come from different departments. In addition, keep gifts unpolitical and gender-neutral. Remember the various racial and cultural backgrounds and ethnicities.

Try not to leave out any particular groups of people. For instance, a bottle of wine as a welcome present would not be appreciated by everyone.

There are many things to think about, but you may learn a lot by talking to staff members and asking for their opinions.

Seek input from employees

Speaking of feedback, you could include a few inquiries in your onboarding/new recruit satisfaction survey concerning the presents, like these:

Were they useful to them?
What would they include?
What changes would they make?

Analyze the comments to identify where you may make improvements.

Conclusion

To make a lasting impression on your new hires, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. It makes a big difference to give them something that could improve their everyday work experience and to add a personal touch.

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

See all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment

Most recent blogs:

What Is a Pay Stub and Why It Matters for Employees and Employers

Pay stubs detail wages, deductions, and taxes, helping employees track earnings and employers comply with state payroll regulations. They support loan applications, reduce payroll disputes, and are required or regulated in many states across the U.S.

What Are the Proper Steps to Fire Someone in California?

Terminating an employee in California requires following legal guidelines, maintaining professionalism, and ensuring proper documentation. This guide outlines lawful termination reasons, key procedural steps, and best practices to reduce legal and financial risks.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in California?

A misdemeanor conviction in California stays on public record indefinitely but may be eligible for expungement under specific conditions. Background checks typically show misdemeanor convictions for seven years, but expungement can remove them from most employment screenings.

How Do I Prepare a Script for Firing Someone?

Learn the professional steps for firing an employee, from preparing a script to handling emotional reactions. Understand the proper procedures, reasons, and communication techniques to ensure a smooth and respectful termination.

What Is Involved in a PAGA Lawsuit?

PAGA lawsuits allow employees to file claims for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and others in California. Employers can face significant penalties, prompting many to settle to avoid costly judgments.

What Are the Rules for 10-Minute Breaks?

California law mandates two paid 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute unpaid meal break for an eight-hour shift. Employers who fail to provide required breaks may face penalties, and employees can seek legal action for compensation.

Can I Work Six Hours Without a Lunch Break?

California law requires a 30-minute meal break for shifts over five hours, but employees can waive it if working exactly six hours. Employers must comply with strict labor laws, ensuring uninterrupted meal breaks and legal protections for workers.

What Can I Do If My Employer Didn’t Pay Me on Payday?

Employers in California must pay workers on time, or they may face penalties of up to 30 days' wages for delays. Employees can file wage claims, seek legal assistance, or report violations to the California Labor Commissioner's Office for unpaid wages.

What Qualifies as a Hostile Work Environment in California?

Employees in California facing severe or persistent harassment based on protected traits may have legal options under state and federal laws. Filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or consulting an employment attorney can help protect workplace rights and seek compensation.

When Is a Doctor’s Note for Work Required in California?

California employers generally cannot demand a doctor's note for sick leave, but exceptions exist under specific laws and circumstances. Legal conflicts persist, and employers may require medical documentation for disability accommodations, FMLA leave, or other valid reasons.

What Does California Law Say About Final Paycheck Rules?

California law mandates that final paychecks be provided promptly, with termination pay due immediately and resignation pay within 72 hours. Employers must include all owed wages, expenses, and accrued benefits, with penalties for late or incomplete payments.

Can an Employer Deny a Doctor’s Note?

An employer may deny a doctor's note if the absence does not qualify for legal protections under disability or family leave laws. Employers must evaluate medical documentation, employee statements, and applicable laws before considering disciplinary action.

How Much Can You Sue an Employer for Misclassification?

An employer's misclassification tactics can deny you fair wages, benefits, and legal protections. You may be entitled to compensation, including back pay, retirement contributions, and potential punitive damages, by pursuing legal action.

How Serious Is an EEOC Complaint?

An EEOC complaint can lead to costly legal battles, reputational damage, and mandatory policy changes for businesses. Employers may face financial penalties, investigations, and compliance requirements, impacting operations and workforce morale.

Do You Have Sample Letters for Termination of a Contract?

A contract termination letter formally ends a business agreement while protecting interests. This guide outlines key steps, considerations, and sample letters.

What Is a WARN Notice in California?

The California WARN Act requires businesses with 75 or more employees to provide 60 days' notice before mass layoffs, plant closures, or relocations. Noncompliance can lead to fines, back pay, and healthcare costs, making adherence essential for legal and financial stability.

What Is FICA and How Does It Impact Payroll Taxes?

FICA is a payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare, requiring contributions from both employers and employees. Employers must withhold, match, and submit FICA taxes while following IRS guidelines on deposit schedules, wage bases, and additional Medicare tax requirements.

What Is At-Will Employment and How Does It Impact Employee Rights?

At-will employment allows employers and employees to end their working relationship at any time without cause, impacting job security and flexibility. While it provides businesses with staffing flexibility, employees face fewer legal protections and potential job instability.

Employers Should Exercise Caution When Terminating Employees After Disability Leave

Employers should exercise great caution when considering whether to terminate an employee who is on leave. Employers are cautioned not to automatically terminate employment solely because an employee has used or exhausted their disability leave entitlement.

What Is FUTA? 2025 Rates and How to Calculate FUTA Tax

The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) imposes a payroll tax on businesses that have employees, collecting revenue that funds unemployment benefits.

What Is the Difference Between a 1099 Contractor and an Employee?

A 1099 contractor operates independently, covering their own taxes and expenses, while a W-2 employee receives benefits and employer tax contributions. Misclassifying workers can result in fines, making it essential to assess control, financial arrangement, and job nature before classification.

How Do Contractors Typically Get Paid? Payment Methods and Legal Guidelines

Contractors receive payments through direct deposits, checks, payroll services, or online transfers, following legal and tax regulations. Proper classification, documented agreements, and compliance with IRS reporting ensure smooth transactions and avoid penalties.

What Is the Definition of a Non-Exempt Employee?

Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay and must earn at least the federal minimum wage under FLSA regulations. Unlike exempt workers, they are typically paid hourly and receive 1.5 times their wage for extra hours.

Can Union Representatives Be Present at Disciplinary Meetings?

Employees have the right to request a union representative during investigative interviews that may lead to disciplinary action. Employers must comply or face potential labor law violations under the National Labor Relations Act.

What Is an FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)?

A full-time equivalent (FTE) measures employee work hours, combining part-time and full-time schedules into a standardized metric. Businesses use FTE calculations for staffing, budgeting, and compliance with regulations like the Affordable Care Act.

What Are the Signs of Unfair Treatment at Work?

Unfair treatment at work includes discrimination, pay gaps, and biased promotions, impacting employees' well-being and career growth. Recognizing signs like harassment, favoritism, and wrongful termination helps employees take action against workplace discrimination.

What Is a Statutory Employee on a W-2 Form?

A statutory employee is a self-employed worker classified as an employee for tax withholding purposes, receiving a W-2 instead of a 1099-MISC. These workers can deduct business expenses on Schedule C but typically do not receive traditional employee benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.

What Laws Protect Employees From Workplace Bullying

572

Welcome gift for new employee

What welcome gifts should you give employees?

1. A personal greeting card

2. Headphones with noise cancellation

3. Office materials

4. Personalized business items

5. A tray of cookies or other treats

6. New folder containing employee information

7. Handbook for employees

8. Power Bank

9. Vouchers and gift cards

10. Books

11. Accessories for the office

Advice on what makes the ideal welcome presents for new hires

Conclusion

Free Consultation