Onboarding Gifting
Employees start making stay or leave decisions on their very first day. Most will decide within months whether they will stay long term, but the foundations of that decision are built almost immediately. First impressions carry disproportionate weight.
Onboarding is often treated as a checklist: equipment issued, logins provided, introductions made. What really shapes an employee’s experience is how welcome they feel and whether they can see themselves thriving in the culture.
That is why more companies are looking for ways to make onboarding meaningful. We have supported clients in creating two stage onboarding journeys: a warm day one welcome and a distinct acknowledgement at the end of probation. The first builds comfort and belonging, the second sends a message of permanence and commitment.
For day one, companies often want something personal and warm: a branded manual, a welcome letter from the CEO, a personalised notebook, or even small touches like drinks, biscuits, or a candle to make the experience feel human. At the end of probation, the focus shifts to embedding. Examples include a quality engraved pen, a personalised crystal paperweight, or something symbolic that ties back to the company’s mission.
Beyond gifts, onboarding can also include:
• Branded welcome manuals in both digital and printed formats, personalised to each newstarter
• Team introduction cards or a personalised message from a line manager
• Wellness packs including herbal teas, reusable bottles, or desk plants
• Hybrid friendly touches such as headphones, multi device chargers, or wireless chargingpads
• Department specific packs tailored to different roles
• Anniversary or first year gifts to extend the onboarding journey
• Logistics support, from storage and distribution to automated triggers from HR systems so HR teams do not have to manage the process manually
The result is a joined up onboarding journey that helps people feel welcomed, valued, and embedded. With thousands of products in house, our own stock and tooling, and the ability to fully brand and personalise, we can deliver this at scale without losing the personal touch.
This is not about gifting for the sake of it. It is about creating a thoughtful onboarding experience that strengthens retention, builds connection, and sets the tone for long term success.
If you would like to explore how this could work for your onboarding process, we would be glad to share some ideas and examples.
