Coolest onboarding ideas you can use in 2025

Employee onboarding is often the first real taste that new employees will get of your company’s culture. A memorable onboarding experience can inspire new hires and help them feel connected to your organisation from day one. 

While new employees may come in full of ambition and with a desire to contribute, without a well-structured onboarding program that equips them with the right tools and resources for growth, they risk stagnating. This can hinder their ability to achieve both personal goals and the broader objectives of the company.

If you’re looking to impress new hires and ensure they’re enthusiastic to get started, you’ll need to think outside the box. Here a list of cool employee onboarding kit ideas that can help you create an unforgettable experience.

1. Welcome Letter and Company Swag 

A handwritten or a printed welcome letter from the CEO or HR team can help set a personal tone straight from the get-go. Along with the personalised welcome letter, include some company-branded swag to make them feel part of the team. Some swag ideas you could consider are a custom t-shirt, hoodie or hat with your company logo or slogan. Other items you could consider are a branded notebook, coffee mug, water bottle, laptop sleeve, or phone case. The key here is personalisation! So, if possible, try including the new employee’s name or customising swag to fit their role. A personalised touch goes a long way in making a new hire feel special. 

2. Creative Company Digital Guide 

Instead of sending new hires a dry employee handbook or a PowerPoint presentation, why not turn your handbook into an engaging company digital guide? Design a visually appealing, interactive company guide that introduces them to the culture, values, and history of your company. Things to include are your company timeline with key milestones and fun facts and interactive quizzes or puzzles to test their knowledge of company values. You could also include a video of employee testimonials that showcase your work culture.

3. Team Introduction Package 

Nothing says “welcome to the team” like a thoughtful team introduction package. Help your new hire get to know their colleagues right away with a creative and fun pack that includes employee “trading cards” with fun facts, job roles, and quirky details about team members. This will help new hires quickly get familiar with everyone. You could also include team activity invites such as a calendar invite for a team lunch, virtual coffee chat, or happy hour to meet and bond with their new co-workers. A warm team introduction fosters a sense of belonging and makes it easier for new hires to integrate into their team. 

4. “Day One Essentials” Kit 

A great way to make sure your new hires feel ready to tackle their first day is by providing them with a “Day One Essentials” bag. This kit should contain all the essentials that they will need to get started and make their first day feel organised and smooth. Things to include are company-provided tech accessories like wireless headphones, a webcam, or a mouse. You can also include a custom company-branded planner to jot down key goals and a snack pack with healthy treats like nuts or granola bars. This kit helps employees feel prepared and confident about their new role right from the start. 

5. Self-Care and Wellness Kit 

Employee wellness should be a priority from day dot. A self-care and wellness kit not only shows that you care about physical and mental well-being. Consider including: 

• A company-branded reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
• Stress-relief tools like a branded fidget spinner, stress ball, or mini massager
• Scented candles or aromatherapy oils to create a relaxing work environment
• Gift cards for mindfulness apps like Calm or Headspace

Including wellness items shows that your company cares about the holistic wellbeing of its employees and promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

6. Learning & Development Kit 

Invest in your new hire’s growth right from the start with a Learning & Development pack. Putting together a collection of professional development resources and tools shows that your company is committed to their long-term success. Include access to online courses or a subscription to learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy Books. You could also consider including a mentorship guide that outlines how they can connect with a mentor or internal coach. Tie it all together with a company-branded notebook to jot down notes throughout their learning. Providing tools for learning and growth not only helps employees feel supported but also sets the tone for a culture of continuous development. 

7. Customised Apparel for Comfort 

Last but not least, you really can’t go wrong with an onboarding pack that includes comfortable, casual apparel that employees will want to wear. Some items you can include are comfortable branded bamboo socks because who doesn’t love cosy socks, personalised company hoodie or sweatshirt, or loungewear like sweatpants with your company logo. These items are especially appreciated by remote employees and gives them a sense of belonging while also making them feel comfortable in their home office.

As experts in custom sock manufacturing, Swanky Socks recognise the power of team building and the impact of custom socks as a meaningful gift for your team. By including these affordable yet impactful gifts in your onboarding kits, you’ll foster an environment where collaboration, morale, and productivity can flourish.