Starter Kit Essentials for New Organisations (What to Order First & Why?)

Starting a new organisation is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re building processes, defining culture, talking to stakeholders, launching campaigns, planning events, and expecting people to represent your brand from Day One.

This is where a starter kit becomes one of your smartest early investments. It’s not just merch — it’s your first external impression and internal cohesion tool, wrapped into one. The right mix of branded items boosts confidence, creates unity, and gives your team (and community) gear that gets used daily — not stuck in a drawer.

Below is a complete guide to the starter kit essentials every new organisation should consider — with real category links from Cubic Promote so you can shop instantly. (don’t forget, the real magic is in the “experience” of the unboxing)

Why Starter Kits Matter for New Organisations?

Starter kits do more than look good. They:

• Help staff feel part of something from day one
• Ensure consistent branding across teams and events
• Provide valuable everyday items that earn impressions
• Save time and stress by standardising essentials
• Create a professional presence at meetings, activations and community days

A well-chosen starter kit says:

“We’re organised. We’re credible. We’re prepared.”

This matters for teams, volunteers, partners, councils, clients — everyone.

1. T-Shirts: Your Most Versatile Identity Tool

A crowd-favourite staple in any kit is a good T-shirt. Branded T-shirts work in almost every scenario:

• community days and public engagement
• team building events
• off-site work
• casual Fridays
• event helpers and volunteers
• When staff aren’t in formal uniforms

They’re affordable, comfortable, and they put your logo front and centre in everyday life.

Browse Basic Cotton Tee Shirts

2. Hoodies: A Step Up When Comfort Meets Culture

Hoodies hit that sweet spot between practicality and personality. Ideal for cooler months or casual teams, they:

• strengthen team identity
• Travel well between home and office
• make great welcome gifts
• act as culture-builders (your team feels “part of something”)

A hoodie in the starter kit says you care about comfort and brand pride.

Explore bulk promotional hoodies 

3. Cables & Tech Accessories: Utility Everyone Uses

Today’s workplace — hybrid, mobile, flexible — means cables are gold. A branded cable kit in your starter pack:

• prevents desk clutter
• solves daily phone/laptop struggles
• gets used every day
• travels with staff and clients

Tech accessories feel premium even when they’re low cost — and they get constant visibility.

Check out promotional cables 

4. Pens: Simple, Practical & Always Handy

Pens remain one of the top promotional items for a reason: they work in every context. They’re perfect for:

• meeting rooms
• receptions
• onboarding packs
• trade shows
• community events
• everyday office use

A reliable pen tells your team and clients: you’re ready to take notes, build ideas, and get things done.

Browse plastic promotional pens 

5. Notebooks: Where Ideas Get Real

Whether it’s brainstorming, meeting notes, training sessions, or workplace habit-building — notebooks are essential tools. They show your organisation’s values:

• organisation
• reflection
• planning
• personal workflow

Great notebooks get kept and used — not thrown away.

Explore branded notebooks 

6. Sweet Treats: Jelly Beans & Lollipops for Connection

Some of the best starter kit items aren’t functional — they’re joyful. Branded sweets are small but mighty:

• instant social engagement
• great for events and community outreach
• perfect in welcome packs
• lightens the mood in training sessions

They’re the emotional touchpoint that makes your kit feel human.

Shop Promotional candy

7. Stress Balls: A Little Fun, A Lot of Retention

Stress balls are classic, low-cost, high-retention items. They help:

• reduce tension in fast workstreams
• make desks more playful
• Give teams something tactile to fidget with
• become conversation pieces at events

They’re perfect for new teams taking on big projects or working under tight timelines.

Browse stress balls

8. Coffee Mugs: Everyday Brand Impressions

A mug isn’t just a cup — it’s:

• a morning ritual
• visibility in the kitchen or desk
• a consistent reminder of belonging
• a great pairing with training sessions

Coffee culture is part of workplace culture — and branded mugs fit right in.

Check out printed mugs & gift sets

What to Include (and Why)?: Starter Kit Best Practices

In our experience, the most effective starter kits include:

Identity Items

• Branded T-shirts & hoodies — unified look
• Mugs — everyday brand exposure

Work Tools

• Notebooks & pens — productivity essentials
• Cables — tech continuity

Engagement Boosters

• Jelly beans, lollipops — emotional connection
• Stress balls — playful retention

This mix gives you:

• practical items
• high-use products
• brand visibility
• emotional engagement
• low cost per impression

Ordering Tips for New Organisations

✔ Start with core identity items (tees, mugs)
✔ Match the kit to your culture (formal vs casual)
✔ Plan for events early (trade shows, expos, community days
✔ Order samples before mass runs
✔ Confirm artwork specs early
✔ Factor in lead times — some items take longer to print
✔ Group items into themed kits (training packs, welcome packs, event giveaways)

Last but not least, you need a stylish Form Cut Gift Box – To tie everything together. If you want something practical, opt for a Backpack, Tote Bag, or Sports Bag. Have the products presented inside these bags or boxes. This is an essential part of the process. This streamlines onboarding, protects quality, and keeps stress low.

Starter Kit Cost Benchmarks (Australian Market)

• Essentials Only — entry promo starter: $15–$28 per head
• Balanced Everyday Kit — mid-range value: $30–$55
• Enhanced Engagement Kit — sweets + premium items: $55–$80

Bulk ordering drives the lowest price per item — ideal for new organisations with budget constraints.

Why Cubic Promote Is the Right Partner for Your Starter Kit?

Cubic Promote understands that starter kits aren’t merch buckets — they’re your foundation. We help new organisations:

• Choose what actually gets used
• design artwork that prints cleanly
• match products to audience and culture
• Stick to the budget without cutting impact
• Get products delivered on time and in order

We’ve helped startups, not-for-profits, councils, community groups and corporate teams launch with confidence.

Your Starter Kit Is Your First Impression

Starting something new means building trust — with staff, stakeholders and the people you serve. A thoughtful starter kit makes that introduction clear, consistent and long-lasting. Whether it’s your first day in a new office, your first community activation, or your first big pitch, the right promo items set the tone. Your organisation deserves to look as good as it feels.

Ready to build your custom starter kit? Please chat with us today to explore options, get pricing and start ordering.