Custom Kits for Employee Onboarding That Set the Tone for Long-Term Success

Introduction – Making Day One Unforgettable

The first day at a new job is a big deal. There’s excitement, a touch of nervousness, and plenty of anticipation. In today’s competitive job market, those first moments matter more than ever—they’re your chance to set the tone for everything that follows.

One of the best ways companies are leveling up that first impression? Custom kits for employee onboarding. These curated packages go beyond the standard welcome email and HR checklist. They instantly make new hires feel valued, connected, and ready to dive in.

With Merchloop’s on-demand capabilities and premium brand options, you can deliver personalized onboarding kits that wow employees while saving time for your HR team.

Why Custom Onboarding Kits Are a Game Changer

1. They Boost Retention

A great onboarding experience can dramatically increase employee loyalty. In fact, studies show that nearly 70% of employees are more likely to stay for three years if they had a great onboarding. A custom kit is a tangible way to show you’re invested from the start.

2. They Build Connection—Even Remotely

When your team is spread out across cities or even countries, sending a custom onboarding kit to their doorstep creates an immediate sense of belonging and shared brand identity.

3. They Help New Hires Hit the Ground Running

Kits that include tools, resources, and gear eliminate that “day one scramble” and help employees focus on what matters—getting into the flow.

What Makes a Great Custom Employee Onboarding Kit?

The best kits blend practicality, culture, and personality. Here’s what to include to create maximum impact:

1. Branded Gear That’s Actually Wearable

• Apparel: Stylish logo tees, hoodies, or jackets they’ll actually wear outside of work.

• Drinkware: Branded tumblers, mugs, or water bottles.

• Desk Essentials: Branded notebooks, pens, or mouse pads.

2. Handy Tech Accessories

• Wireless chargers or earbuds

• Laptop sleeves or branded USB hubs

• Power banks for work on the go

3. Culture-Driven Touches

• A personal note from the CEO or team lead

• A “get to know us” booklet or team intro cards

• Branded stickers or pins

4. Lifestyle and Wellness Goodies

• Gourmet snacks or coffee

• A mini desk plant

• Wellness items like yoga mats or stress relief kits

Why Merchloop Is Your Secret Weapon for Onboarding Kits

Traditional onboarding kits can be a headache—bulk orders, storage space, outdated items. Merchloop flips the script with on-demand custom kits and no minimum order requirements.

Here’s why companies love it:

• Order exactly what you need, when you need it—perfect for steady or sporadic hiring

• Premium brands like Nike, The North Face, and Marine Layer

• Direct-to-employee shipping—no HR box-packing marathons

• Mix-and-match flexibility to create role-specific kits

• Competitive pricing at or below MSRP

Inspiring Custom Kit Ideas

1. The Remote Rockstar Kit

Perfect for distributed teams:

• Branded hoodie (Marine Layer or Nike)

• Wireless headset

• Coffee tumbler

• Desk organizer

• Handwritten welcome card

2. The Office Starter Pack

Great for onsite employees:

• Logo polo or button-down

• Company badge holder

• Notebook and pen set

• Stainless steel water bottle

• Desk plant

3. The Culture Connection Kit

Designed to bring fun and personality:

• Branded socks

• Welcome booklet with fun company facts

• Premium snacks

• Branded tote bag

• Collectible pins

How to Create a Kit Employees Will Rave About

Step 1 – Know the Purpose

Is your kit about equipping them, connecting them to your culture, or both?

Step 2 – Match Your Brand Personality

Colors, styles, and materials should reflect who you are as a company.

Step 3 – Focus on Quality

A few premium, useful items beat a box full of cheap trinkets.

Step 4 – Add the Human Touch

Personalized notes and little extras go a long way.

Step 5 – Use On-Demand Fulfillment

Skip the bulk orders and keep your kits fresh and flexible.

The Payoff of Custom Onboarding Kits

Lower Turnover, Lower Costs

Replacing an employee can be expensive—sometimes up to twice their annual salary. A strong onboarding experience can keep them engaged and committed.

Higher Engagement

When employees feel valued from day one, they’re more motivated and invested in their work.

Built-In Brand Ambassadors

A great kit often gets shared on social media, which means free, authentic promotion for your brand.

Why Merchloop Delivers More Value

Merchloop is vertically integrated, which means we handle your entire onboarding kit process—designing your store, decorating your products in-house, fulfilling orders, and shipping directly to your employees. No middlemen, no inflated costs.

You get:

• Faster turnaround times

• Better quality control

• Lower overall costs

And because we partner with top-tier brands, your kits never feel like generic swag—they feel like something worth keeping.

A Real-World Win

A growing tech startup had inconsistent onboarding—some hires got outdated swag, others nothing at all. After switching to Merchloop:

• They built a custom onboarding kit employees could personalize

• They eliminated storage costs entirely

• Employee onboarding satisfaction jumped 45% in six months

Final Take – Start Strong and Keep the Momentum

Your onboarding process shapes how employees feel about your company from day one. A custom kit for employee onboarding isn’t just a welcome gift—it’s a powerful tool for building engagement, loyalty, and culture.

With Merchloop’s on-demand, no-minimum, premium-brand approach, you can create memorable kits that are easy to manage and tailored to every new hire.

Ready to give your new hires the ultimate welcome?
Build your custom onboarding kit with Merchloop today.