New Hire Welcome Swag That Sparks Excitement Boosts Retention and Builds a Standout Employer Brand

Make a First Impression That Wows

Picture this: It’s your new hire’s first day. They’re buzzing with excitement (and maybe a few first-day jitters). They log in for onboarding, check their inbox, and—bam!—a swag box lands on their doorstep. Instantly, they feel like part of the team. That’s the power of an awesome new hire welcome kit.

The best onboarding experiences set the stage for a thriving employee journey. Companies with solid onboarding programs see 82% higher retention rates—and thoughtful, high-quality welcome swag plays a huge role in making new hires feel valued, engaged, and pumped to be part of your company.

What’s in the Ultimate New Hire Swag Kit?

Not all swag is created equal. Ditch the flimsy pens and forgettable freebies—your welcome package should be fun, useful, and a true reflection of your company culture. Here’s how to build a swag kit that new employees will actually love:

1. Branded Apparel They’ll Actually Wear

• A super-soft hoodie, stylish t-shirt, or trendy hat

• High-quality prints or embroidery with your company logo

• Something they’ll rock outside of work, not just on Zoom calls

2. Tech That Makes Life Easier

• Wireless earbuds or noise-canceling headphones

• A sleek laptop sleeve or ergonomic desk mat

• A handy webcam cover for privacy (because no one likes surprise video calls!)

3. Work-From-Anywhere Office Essentials

• A premium notebook and pen set (goodbye, cheap ballpoint pens)

• A custom mouse pad or wrist rest for extra comfort

• A minimalist, stylish desk organizer

4. Comfort and Wellness Perks

• A high-quality insulated water bottle or tumbler

• Aromatherapy candles or a stress-relief fidget toy

• Cozy socks or a plush blanket for those work-from-home days

5. A Personal Touch That Ties It All Together

• A handwritten welcome note from leadership (yes, it makes a difference!)

• A company culture booklet with fun facts and team traditions

• A creative onboarding challenge or game

Why Welcome Swag Is a Smart Investment

Great swag isn’t just about giving gifts—it’s about creating a memorable experience. Here’s why investing in top-tier welcome kits pays off:

1. Stronger Employer Branding

• When employees proudly wear your swag, your brand gets organic exposure.

• It’s free marketing every time they show off their hoodie or water bottle.

2. Higher Engagement from Day One

• Employees who feel appreciated from the start are 3x more likely to stay engaged.

• A great first impression builds excitement and team spirit.

3. Boosted Retention Rates

• A solid onboarding experience makes employees 69% more likely to stay for at least three years.

• Swag is a simple yet powerful way to show you care about your team.

Why Merchloop Is Your Swag Superhero

At Merchloop, we make curating and shipping epic new hire welcome kits a breeze. Here’s why top companies trust us:

1. No Minimum Orders

• Need swag for one new hire or a hundred? We’ve got you covered.

2. On-Demand Swag, Zero Hassle

• No bulk storage needed—order when you need it and ship straight to employees.

3. Premium Brand Partnerships

• Customize swag from brands like Nike, The North Face, and TravisMathew.

4. Seamless HR Integration

• Sync with your HR system to automate new hire welcome kit deliveries.

5. Sustainable and Ethical Choices

• Eco-friendly packaging, reusable products, and ethically sourced materials.

Ready to Wow Your New Hires?

First impressions last. A well-thought-out welcome kit makes new employees feel excited, valued, and connected from day one. Merchloop makes it effortless to create premium, on-brand swag that leaves a lasting impact.