How to Build a Branded Welcome Kit for New Employees (The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need)

A great onboarding experience sets the tone for your new employee’s entire journey. They haven’t even logged into their new email yet, and they’re already forming opinions about your culture, professionalism, and attention to detail. Here’s where branded welcome kits shine.

• Done well, they make new hires feel valued, prepared, and part of the team—all before they’ve mastered where the good coffee mugs are in the kitchen.
• Done poorly, they’re… well, a random collection of stuff someone ordered in a hurry because “We should probably give them something, right?”

This guide shows you exactly how to build an onboarding kit your people will use, love, and remember—with real examples from Australian organisations, Cubic Promote’s survey insights, price-tiered suggestions, and expert-level product guidance for HR and Marketing teams.

Why Welcome Kits Matter More Than Ever?

Onboarding kits aren’t just cute extras. They’re strategic. According to Cubic Promote’s Sydney survey of 100 Australians:

1. 79% felt more positive toward a brand after receiving a thoughtful branded gift
2. Branded items create an instant sense of familiarity and belonging

And from our client experience, major organisations like LinkedIn and Ernst & Young consistently report that welcome kits help:

1. Reinforce company culture
2. Improve first-week engagement
3. Reduce first-90-day turnover
4. Make remote hires feel genuinely connected

When the best companies do it… That’s your sign.

What Belongs in a Modern Welcome Kit?

Let’s break down the most popular categories—based on real onboarding orders from Australian companies.

1.Tech Essentials (The “You’ll Use This Every Day” Category)

New hires today rely heavily on tech—so tech items instantly add value.

Must-Have Items:

Branded Power Bank Chargers

• Useful, high-impact, and used on a weekly basis.
• Shop Promotional Power Banks from Cubic Promote’s range.

Charging Cables & Multi-Cables

• Ideal for hybrid employees and those bouncing between office and home setups.
• Shop Promotional Cables from Cubic Promote’s range.

Cable organisers and mini hubs

• Sleek, compact, and perfect for remote workers.

Why tech works:

1. Universal appeal
2. Long lifespan
3. Daily usage = constant brand visibility

2. Apparel They’ll Actually Wear

Nothing makes someone feel “part of the team” faster than branded apparel that fits well and looks good.

Best for Welcome Kits:

Hoodies & Sweaters

• Cosy, stylish, and universally loved—especially in Melbourne and Sydney offices.
• Shop Promotional Sweaters & Hoodies from our range.

Premium T-Shirts

• Perfect for casual Fridays, events, or remote team culture.
• Shop Promotional T-shirts from our range.

Pro Tip:

• Choose neutral colours (black, navy, grey).
• They tend to be worn more frequently and age better.

3. Stationery They’ll Keep (Not Toss)

Even in 2025, notebooks remain in vogue—especially in the tech, consulting, and education sectors.

Recommended:

Journal Notebooks (Premium)

• Perfect for taking notes on the first day, during training sessions, and for planning.
• Shop Promotional Journal Notebooks here.

Metal or Soft-Touch Pens

• Underrated, but people notice quality the moment they pick it up.
• Shop Promotional Pens here.

4. Pre-Packaged Gift Sets (The 2025 Trend to Watch)

This category exploded in 2025. Gift sets are elegant, ready to present, and cost-effective because they are assembled in advance. Popular combo sets include:

1. Power bank + charging cable
2. Notebook + pen
3. Hoodie + tote bag
4. Tech pack (hub, cable, webcam cover)

These look polished and require zero internal assembly. HR teams love them.

Choosing the Right Items: A Guide for HR & Marketing

Different organisations need different kits. Here’s how to match your items to your hiring style.

For Corporate & Professional Services

Select items that convey a premium, polished, and reliable image.

Recommended:

• Leather-look notebook
• Metal pen
• Power bank (sleek style)
• Hoodie for culture
• Branded drinkware (optional)

For Tech Startups

Choose items that feel modern, casual, and developer-friendly.

Recommended:

• Hoodie
• Tech cable set
• Power bank
• Sticker sheet
• Soft-touch notebook

For Trades, Logistics & Operational Teams

Choose items that are durable and practical.

Recommended:

• Tough drink bottle
• Durable tee
• Power bank
• Cooling towel

For Schools, TAFEs & Education

Choose items that support learning and everyday use.

Recommended:

• Notebook + pen
• Hoodie
• Cable sets
• Canvas tote bags

Price-Tiered Welcome Kit Ideas

Here’s a practical breakdown for your budgeting.

GOOD (Under $20 per hire)

Perfect for large onboarding intakes.

BETTER ($20–$50 per hire)

Ideal for mid-sized teams or hybrid offices.

BEST ($50–$120+ per hire)

For executive hires or high-value roles.

Comparison Table: What Each Item Communicates

Expert Tip: Packaging Matters

Consistent, branded packaging (tissue paper, boxes, sleeves) enhances perceived value by 20–40%, as indicated by client feedback and repeated onboarding campaigns. Even a simple branded sleeve on a notebook can elevate the entire experience.

Real Client Examples

1. LinkedIn Australia

Their onboarding kits focused on tech items, as almost every hire works in a hybrid setting.

• Premium notebook
• Metal pen
• Power bank
• Cable set
• Sticker pack
• Soft-branded hoodie

Result: New hires shared photos on LinkedIn (the platform!) = free UGC and employer branding.

2. Ernst & Young

EY focused on professional polish.

• Leather-look notebook
• Quality pen
• Premium hoodie
• Power bank
• Executive drink bottle

Result: Feedback from HR showed increased day-one engagement and enthusiasm.

Final Tips for Building the Perfect Welcome Kit

✔Choose items people actually use -Stationery + apparel + tech = the winning trio.
✔Match items to your culture -Startups shouldn’t give corporate executive gifts, and vice versa.
✔Think longevity -Choose items with years of use, not days of use.
✔Make branding tasteful-Small, subtle, premium branding often gets worn more.
✔Order in bulk for cost efficiency -Bulk buying lowers per-unit cost—especially for apparel and notebooks.

Ready to Build Your Kit?

See the Welcome Kit Checklist here.