Simcha Blogs

Starting a new job is a big moment for both the employee and the company. For the new hire. it's a mix of excitement, nerves and curiosity. For the company, it's the perfect chance to make a strong first impression and showcase what the workplace is all about. That's exactly why a thoughtfully designed welcome kit for the new employees is so important.

The moment a new employee puts on that company-branded T-shirt or sips from their logo mug, they should instantly feel connected to your company’s vibe. A good welcome kit helps build that emotional bond right from day one. As a growing startup or an established brand, this guide will enable you to redefine and rethink your onboarding and welcome kit strategy.

Why You Should Create a Welcome Kit for New Employees

The first few days at a new job are super important, and a good welcome kit for new employees can make settling in much easier.

• It helps new hires feel confident, comfortable, and ready to contribute from the start.

• A welcome kit lifts morale, boosts productivity, and shows employees that they’re truly valued.

• With so many teams working remotely or in hybrid setups, a welcome kit also helps bridge the physical distance.

• It reminds new employees of your company values and gives them a sense of belonging, no matter where they work.

These small but meaningful efforts for a welcome kit for new employees shape how someone feels about your company from their very first day.

The Ultimate Welcome Kit Checklist

Before diving into aesthetics and branding, let’s cover the basics. Here’s a checklist to guide you for the welcome kit for new employees:

1. Key Documents

• Offer letter and employment contract.

• Company handbook with policies, team structure, and mission statement.

• A welcome letter from the Company.

2. Branded Essentials

• Company T-shirt, hoodie, or cap.

• Mugs, water bottles, or tote bags with company branding.

• Stationery such as notebooks, pens, and sticky notes.

• Laptop stickers or a pin badge with a fun company slogan or logo.

3. Tech Gear (wherever applicable)

• Laptop and charger pre-configured with essential tools.

• Headphones, mouse, or other accessories.

• Tech support contact sheet or quick-start guide.

4. Wellness Add-ons

• Healthy snack box or gourmet treats.

• Reusable water bottles or coffee kits.

• A small desk plant or plantable stationery.

• Aromatherapy items or stress balls for a calming touch.

5. Cultural Touchpoints

• A “Meet the Team” card with photos and bios.

• Fun onboarding checklist with light activities like “Have coffee with your buddy” or “Join your first team Slack channel”.

• Company values or culture cards, presented in a visually engaging way.

These items make welcome kit for new employees both useful and memorable. Depending on your company’s personality, you can tweak things to be playful, formal, or eco-friendly.

Designing a Kit That Makes an Impact

The way your welcome kit is packaged plays a huge role in how it’s received. Unboxing a welcome kit should feel like opening a gift, something thoughtful and exciting.

Choose Packaging That Reflects Your Brand

Skip the boring boxes. Pick designs that show off your brand’s style. Use good quality, recyclable materials and avoid too much plastic.

Keep Everything Matching

Stick to your brand colours and fonts. Whether it’s a notebook or a snack label, a consistent look makes everything feel polished.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Personalisation

Something as simple as printing the employee’s name on a notebook or adding a handwritten note can make a big difference in the welcome kit for new employees. It shows you’ve gone beyond the standard and made an effort to create a personal experience.

Remote and Hybrid-Friendly Welcome Kits

With distributed teams becoming the norm, welcome kits need to travel well. Thankfully, Simcha offers customisable, ready-to-send options for remote employees.

For remote kits, think about adding:

• A virtual onboarding roadmap (in PDF or QR code format)

• Pre-installed tech equipment if needed

• Digital gift cards for food, wellness, or workspace upgrades

• Company swag that feels personal, even from afar

This extra effort can make remote employees feel just as included and valued as those in-office.

Curated Gift Ideas That Actually Work

Drawing inspiration from gifting platforms like Simcha, here are a few creative ideas that can elevate any welcome kit:

• Personalised Desk Accessories: Engraved pens, monogrammed notebooks, or custom mousepads can add a professional yet personal touch.

• Scented Candles or Mini Diffusers: Choose light, workplace-friendly scents for a calm and pleasant desk atmosphere.

• DIY Coffee or Chai Kits: A simple but delightful addition that makes remote or hybrid workdays more enjoyable.

• Portable Blenders or Lunch Box Sets: These are practical, unexpected, and appreciated—great for health-conscious employees.

• Digital Perks: Offer subscriptions to meditation apps, digital publications, or online learning platforms. These perks show you care about employees’ well-being and growth.

When choosing gift items for a welcome kit for new employees, think about usefulness, quality, and relevance. Gimmicky or low-effort gifts often get discarded or forgotten, which defeats the purpose.

Brand Identity Tips

• Showcase your brand personality: Your welcome kit for new employees should feel like a natural extension of your company’s identity.

• Creative brands can play with bold colours, quirky illustrations, or witty copy to bring energy and flair.

• Professional and corporate brands might lean into sleek designs, premium finishes, and minimalist packaging for a polished look.

• Avoid trends that don’t feel true to your brand—authenticity always wins over aesthetics alone.

• Consistency across elements (from tone to typography) helps new employees immediately recognise and connect with your values.

• Think beyond logos—every item should echo your culture, whether it’s a fun onboarding card or a chic, branded notebook.

Final Thoughts

At its core, a welcome kit is more than just a formality. It’s your company’s way of saying, “We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re excited to have you onboard.” It sets the tone for what’s to come, communicates your brand values, and builds an emotional connection from the very beginning.

Designing a great welcome kit doesn’t mean breaking the bank—it means being thoughtful, intentional, and aligned with your company’s culture. So, whether you’re sending out your tenth kit or your hundredth, take a moment to make it meaningful.

After all, the best onboarding experiences don’t just deliver information—they deliver a feeling. And that feeling can shape an employee’s entire journey. Visit Simcha Ventures and give a thoughtful gift to your employees today!

FAQS

1. What should be the budget for a welcome kit for new employees?

The budget depends on your company size and goals. Startups may spend between INR 500 – 2000 per kit, while larger companies might budget INR 1500 – 5000 or more, especially if tech gear is included. The key is quality and thoughtfulness, not cost.

    2. Should we create different welcome kits for remote and in-office employees?

Yes! While the core elements (swag, documents, cultural touch-points) can be the same, remote kits should include digital onboarding tools, shippable packaging, and virtual engagement options to make them equally warm and inclusive.

   3. How early should a welcome kit be sent to new hires?

Ideally, your welcome kit should arrive a few days before the employee’s first day. This allows them to get familiar with your brand and feel prepared and excited for Day 1.

  4. Can we personalise kits for different departments?

Definitely! Adding role-specific tools or branded items tailored to marketing, tech, or design teams, for instance, can make the kit feel even more relevant and thoughtful.

   5. Are there eco-friendly options for welcome kits?

Absolutely. You can use sustainable packaging, include plantable stationery, and choose items made from recycled or organic materials. Eco-conscious kits not only reduce waste but also align your onboarding with environmental values.