Starting a new job can be exciting and scary at the same time. Although employees may feel proud to join the team and be ready to share their talents, they may also feel intimidated. After all, everybody can get overwhelmed when placed in unfamiliar surroundings.
But as a business owner, you can make an effort to reach out and relieve some of the first-day jitters with a welcome gift! They can help establish a positive relationship with new members while also showcasing your friendly and accommodating work atmosphere. And, when chosen correctly, gifts can reinforce your company culture from the onset.
However, you might believe that finding the best present can take a lot of time and research. Luckily, there are many products you can hand out to junior staff members, regardless of your budget. So, let’s explore some ideas and find the most interesting welcome gifts for new employees!
1. Coffee Mugs
Let’s be honest — we all need a little pick-me-up, especially early in the morning. And what better way to help your new employees than with a stunning coffee mug? Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles, coffee mugs are an incredibly versatile gift that can suit anyone, no matter their preference. Do you have some employees that don’t like coffee? No worries, they can use the mugs to drink tea or any other beverage.
Additionally, you can further maximise the effectiveness of mugs by also placing a few coffee makers around the office. Doing so will help staff members as they will no longer need to drop by the coffee shop during their breaks or before their shifts.
And finally, apart from their practical aspect, mugs can also be personalised. In other words, they can feature any design, whether it’s a company logo or a message. That way, you can fully customise the mug and make your gift truly special.
2. Power Banks
Nobody wants to run out of battery in the middle of a phone call with a client or an important corporate meeting. However, bringing a spare phone charger might be inconvenient for many workers. Fortunately, power banks are always ready to save the day! Offering hours of extra juice for all devices, power banks are a great welcome gift that will help new employees throughout their work week.
Similar to mugs, power banks come in various shapes, sizes and colours. Therefore, it’s incredibly easy to find one that matches your company’s style. And speaking of branding, power banks are also customisable and can be printed with any design, further pushing your office’s work culture to new team members.
3. Stress Balls
On first thought, giving away stress balls might seem like a bad move. Actually, who wants to receive an early reminder about just how mentally consuming their job can be? However, believe us when we say that any new hire will need something to distract them from the overwhelming pressure of starting a new job. Not only that, but even the calmest workplaces can sometimes cause negative emotions. When that happens, a stress ball will be more than useful to ease tension.
4. Hoodies
Personalised apparel items are practical, fan-favourite gifts that are almost always found as part of swag packs. They are popular among all demographics and are an amazing way to combat the chill of office air conditioning. And, when branded with your company logo, they can also be used to promote your brand.
However, when choosing a hoodie, it’s best to first inquire about your new hire’s size. Sure, hoodies are versatile and can fit most people. But it’s always best to make sure that they are the right size in order to avoid awkward situations.
5. Snacks
We all love to snack a bit while working! That’s why snack packs are excellent gifts for new hires. They satiate the person and allow them to concentrate and focus more on their work.
Since they are incredibly varied, snacks are ideal for all types of people. Do your employees like coffee more than anything? Then go for a refresher snack pack that includes essential products for an enjoyable coffee break. Or, if they prefer organic products, you can gift them an some eco snack packs!
6. Earbuds
More often than not, people want a bit of privacy even when working in an office filled with colleagues. So make sure to offer your new hires the opportunity to take some time for themselves with the help of high-quality earbuds. If chosen correctly, earbuds can reduce outside noise, particularly from chatty co-workers. As a result, your employees will be able to concentrate better and boost their productivity.
7. USB Drives
When it comes to welcome gift ideas for new employees, USB drives are the perfect combination of practical, affordable, and memorable. They can help keep information private, secure and easily accessible in a neat digital format. Moreover, they don’t require an internet connection, which is perfect for staff members that travel often or have connectivity problems.
Just don’t forget to brand the USB drives with your company name and logo. That way, if somebody finds them, they’ll be able to return the device to your business, reducing the chance of data leaks.
8. Water Bottles
Have you ever spilt a glass of water on your keyboard or laptop? Then you’ve learned to be cautious with open containers around electronics. However, you still have to hydrate yourself. That’s where water bottles come in! These essential items can prevent workplace accidents while also offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Plus, most stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe, so your employee can reuse them countless times, even after work. Now that’s a useful welcome gift!
9. Tote Bags
Another eco-friendly item that you should consider is a tote bag. They are usually made out of high-quality cotton and can be used thousands of times, reducing plastic waste. And, like most products on this list, tote bags are useful even outside the office, providing additional functionality to your employee.
Keep in mind that you can also use tote bags as part of a welcome kit that features multiple sustainable products. That will strengthen your brand’s green credentials and inspire your workers to adopt an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
10. Keyrings
Misplacing keys is an incredibly common experience that can be prevented with the use of a keyring. Even though they are quite small, these items can help avoid headaches, especially if you want to give your employees the keys to your office.
What’s fascinating about keyrings is that they are available in dozens of styles and materials. If you have a small budget, you can just purchase some plastic keyrings and add colourful artwork to them. Or, go all the way and choose a premium metal keyring that your employee can proudly showcase to their friends. You can even purchase versatile keychains that come with additional products like bottle openers or tyre gauges!
11. T-Shirts
As noted earlier, apparel products are excellent gifts, and T-shirts are no different. They can make new hires adapt easily to your office and create a sense of friendship and familiarity.
But giving new employees branded T-shirts can also help your own company. By wearing them, your workers can promote the business and increase brand visibility. However, that’s only the case for well-designed T-shirts. So make sure you focus on creating a trendy and interesting design instead of just slapping a big logo on the shirt’s centre.
12. Stickers
Although they are not really that useful, stickers are still a playful and trendy gift that can bring a smile to your new employees’ faces. As the name suggests, stickers can be used as decorations and placed on laptops, portfolios or other devices and products.
However, did you know that nowadays, stickers are fully customisable? Yes, you’ve read that right; you can change the look and feel of a sticker. In other words, you can make stickers more useful by branding them with motivational quotes or funny jokes. That will inspire and help your new employees relax, even when stressed.
13. Notepads
It goes without saying that the first day at a new job usually consists of paperwork, introductions and lots of note-taking. By providing your new hire with a custom notepad, you ensure that they are well prepared for the task ahead. And, as long as you brand the stationery with your company logo, you can also make the employee feel like part of the team.
14. PPE Items
We get it; everybody wants to move forward and forget about the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the danger has not completely passed, and certain demographics are still at risk of catching the disease. That’s why PPE items remain essential to keep the workplace sanitised and your employees safe throughout their day.
When coming up with a PPE kit, make sure to include items like masks, hand sanitiser, wipes, etc. That will offer full protection to your staff members and show them that you care about their health.
15. Webcam Covers
Privacy is extremely important for both on-site and remote workers, so it’s wise to invest in webcam covers. These products are easy to install and often feature an accessible slide design. And, since they usually fit most laptops, it’s not hard to find one suitable for your recipient’s device.
16. Coasters
While they may not look like much, coasters are a practical gift that prevents pesky stains on desks and keeps the work area clean. New employees will appreciate this gift, particularly if it’s branded with a distinctive design, such as funny artwork or a gorgeous landscape. Extra points if you manage to incorporate a useful quote or advice that’s going to help them during their workday!
17. Premium Pens
Are you finally switching back to on-site operations after a year or so of remote working? Then impress your new and returning workers with premium pens! Such a luxury product will truly impress the receiver and make them excited about returning to work.
Premium pens also boost mutual trust and confidence, instantly boosting the loyalty of new members. And, if you bundle them with a matching notebook, you effectively create a perfect welcome-back kit for new employees.
18. Laptop Sleeves
Laptops are one of the most precious devices owned by your employees. So, prove that you care about their property with laptop sleeves! Made from high-quality materials, such as neoprene, sleeves can offer additional protection to laptops and tablets. They also make carrying laptops around much easier, thanks to their durable handles. And, with a wide choice of bold colours and personalisation options, you can easily customise the appearance of sleeves to match your company’s branding guidelines.
19. Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is a good gift for new members whose work involves the use of a laptop or a computer, such as artists, designers and engineers. Unlike a traditional mouse, these are much smaller and lighter. Therefore, they’re more portable and take up less space on the desk. Not only that but a wireless mouse can also be used at home or during work trips, making it a very handy gift!
20. Phone Stands
For most employees, their phones are never too far away. If that’s also the case for your new employee, perhaps it’s time to upgrade their desk space with a phone stand that’s functional and stunning at the same time! This gift is most fitting for workplaces where staff members have to check their screens regularly to remain updated with any important developments.
21. Bluetooth Speakers
Celebrate the arrival of new team members with a premium Bluetooth speaker! With it, your employees can play their favourite tunes all day long and liven up their workspace. Even better, you can also develop a trendy playlist that they can listen to while focusing on their work. And best of all, since Bluetooth speakers don’t cost a fortune, they are an amazing budget gift idea.
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22. Hats
Custom hats are a great corporate apparel option for new employees. That’s because they are adjustable, so there’s no need to know the recipient’s size in advance. Additionally, hats are also varied and can suit all styles and personalities, with baseball caps and beanies being the most popular choices.
It’s worth noting that hats can be branded to feature the name of the wearer or your corporate logo. Thus, they can aid your marketing efforts while also making your employees feel appreciated.
23. Laptop Stands
Laptop stands offer an ergonomic and comfortable way for employees to raise their laptops and tablets. The main benefit of these products is that they reduce neck strain, promoting healthy posture. Trust us, your new hires will thank you for having their back! Just try to choose a foldable laptop stand for easy storage and transport.
24. Plants
Wouldn’t it be nice to offer new employees the chance to beautify their workspace with some plants? Sure, you can give them already full-grown plants. But that doesn’t feel as satisfying as giving them the opportunity to cultivate their own greenery. For that, you can put together a welcome plant kit that comes with a terracotta plant pot and some seed packets. In no time, your office will be filled with clean air and lovely plants!
25. Lunch Bags
Last but not least, lunch bags can help keep snacks, drinks, and food safely stored at the office. They also encourage your new hires to take their lunch to work and avoid having to order fast food or other unhealthy products. Plus, lunch bags are portable and can be used during work trips and events, which will spread your brand and boost your company’s reach. It’s a win-win scenario!
Frequently Asked Questions
When coming up with gift ideas, we often receive a lot of questions, mainly focusing on clarifying our recommendations. This time, we’ve decided to preemptively answer a few of them in order to help those struggling to find the best gifts.
How Much Should I Spend on Welcome Gifts for New Employees?
Welcome gifts don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, depending on what products you choose, you might end up spending as little as £10. Or, if you truly want to impress your new hires, you can break the bank and invest in luxurious corporate gifts.
However, we do recommend buying high-quality products instead of trying to save as much money as possible. Keep in mind that gifts are reflective of your brand, and it’s best to try and make a great first impression.
What Should a Welcome Kit for Employees Include?
Creating a welcome kit that includes multiple items can be much more effective than one simple product. The main appeal of bundles is that you can fully customise their content according to your industry and new employees’ job descriptions. For instance, a basic kit can include a couple of office supplies, a water bottle, a ceramic mug, and a neat box. More complex packages can feature chocolates, sweatshirts, drawstring totes, and other custom, high-quality products.
What Are the Best Welcome Back Gifts for Employees After COVID?
Transitioning from remote to on-site work can be both exciting and intimidating, particularly for new staff members. You can make this change easier by offering them a special welcome-back gift. Think of items they can use both at work and at home, such as power banks, laptop stands, and speakers. But remember to include one or two PPE items like antibacterial pens and hand sanitiser to further incentivise healthy habits among your team.
First Impressions Matter
Offering a welcome gift is a great kick-off for new hires. It creates excitement and momentum and also bridges the gap between your company and employees. And, with so many products to choose from, there’s always the opportunity to find a suitable present. Or, you can just develop your own bundle that contains a wide range of interesting items.
So, next time you’re out of ideas on what welcome kit to give to new employees, simply check out our list and get some inspiration!
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Explore our full range of promo gifts. In doing so, you can provide your staff with a functional item that can increase your brand awareness. Contact us now at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today if you have any questions regarding our selection. Our team will be happy to help you choose and order the perfect welcome gifts for your faithful employees!
