30+ Best Welcome Gifts for New Employees to Feel Right at Home

Starting a new job can be exciting—and a little overwhelming. That’s why the first impression you make as an employer matters more than ever. In this guide, we’ll explore 30 of the best welcome gifts for new employees—each one designed to help new hires feel valued, motivated, and ready to thrive.

Office Gifts for New Employees

Customized office supplies are a practical and personal way to welcome new employees into their roles. These personalized office gifts are simple, useful, and deeply effective at helping employees feel prepared and genuinely welcomed from day one.

• Rustico Goodbook Leather Journal - $42

This leather journal strikes the perfect balance between personal and professional. With the option to engrave the employee’s name and your company logo, it makes one of the most polished, intimate—but not too private—welcome gifts for new employees. 

I personally love this notebook for its rugged, premium feel and refillable pages. It feels like something you'd actually want to keep on your desk or carry to meetings—not something you'd toss after a week. Just note: it ships from Utah, and personalization can add a few days, so plan ahead.

Leather Journals as New Employee Welcome Gifts

• Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen with Engraving - $55

Pens are a traditional and widely accepted gift, especially in professional settings. The Cross Classic Century is a timeless favorite in the corporate world—slim, elegant, and built to last. It’s ideal for welcome kits because it's sleek, useful, and signals that the company pays attention to quality. Reviews on Amazon and Cross.com highlight the smooth writing experience and reliable ink flow. However, some users noted that the engraving font is small—so choose your message wisely.

• Moleskine 12-Month Weekly Planner Large (Custom Corporate Edition) - $29

Moleskine is a globally recognized brand associated with productivity and creativity. Offering a customized version of their weekly planner as a new employee welcome gift is practical, thoughtful, and scalable. It helps new employees structure their tasks from the start while carrying a high perceived value.

I’ve used Moleskine planners myself and always come back to them for their durable covers and minimalist layout. The custom corporate edition allows for company branding on the cover and inside pages—perfect for reinforcing culture and mission.

12-Month Weekly Planners as Welcome Gifts for New Employees

• Papier Custom Sticky Note Cube - $18

It’s simple, affordable, and adds personality to a workspace. It’s perfect for everyday office use, especially during onboarding when jotting down reminders and tasks is constant. The playful design options make it a cheerful but functional addition to any desk.

I like that Papier offers over 20 design templates to suit various personalities. You can go sleek and minimal, or bright and creative depending on your company vibe. It's not a high-end gift, but it gets used—which I think matters more.

• Etsy Custom Leather Mouse Pad by Ox & Pine - $36

A leather mouse pad personalized with the employee's name or a motivational quote is both useful and design-forward. It’s the kind of subtle yet refined accessory that elevates a workspace—without going overboard. Especially great for remote workers setting up their home office.

I’ve bookmarked this item for future gifts because of how premium it looks in photos. Reviews praise the craftsmanship and thickness of the leather. It ships quickly and comes in multiple leather tones. The only downside? It’s not ideal for someone using a trackpad only—but for mouse users, it’s a classy upgrade.

Custom Leather Mouse Pads as New Hire Welcome Gifts

Branded Welcome Gifts for New Hires

According to a 2023 report by Snappy Gifts, 84% of employees say that receiving thoughtful welcome gifts helped them feel more connected to their company culture. These branded welcome gifts for new employees not only reinforce branding but also boost morale and retention from day one.

• Personalized Team T-Shirt from Personal Chic - $24.95

This soft, customizable T-shirt is ideal for promoting team spirit in a casual, wearable format. It works well for new employees because it’s relaxed, gender-neutral, and comes in inclusive sizing. You can customize it with the employee’s name, team name, or company slogan—making it personal, but not too intimate.

I really like how flexible the design options are on Personal Chic. You can upload your own company artwork or use their design templates. The cotton blend feels soft, and the print holds up after multiple washes (according to reviews). Just be sure to order a range of sizes in advance, as some styles sell out fast during the holidays.

• Custom Office Mug from Personal Chic - $19.95

A mug is a classic onboarding item—and for good reason. It’s affordable, functional, and an easy way to give employees something they’ll use daily. With Personal Chic, you can personalize the design with names, job roles, or an inside company joke. It’s an especially good fit for virtual teams who rely on coffee and tea during long video calls.

I’ve gifted this mug myself and loved how vibrant the colors turned out. The print quality is solid, and unlike some novelty mugs, this one is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Overall, it's one of the easiest “feel-good” welcome gifts for new employees.

• Personalized Travel Tumbler from Personal Chic - $28.95

Tumblers are a modern alternative to traditional mugs. They’re eco-friendly, stylish, and ideal for employees who commute or work from different locations. This one from Personal Chic can be customized with a name or title and is designed to keep drinks hot or cold for hours.

I haven’t purchased this exact model, but customer reviews consistently mention that it holds temperature well and fits standard car cup holders. It’s also a greener gift option, which aligns well with companies focusing on sustainability.

• Custom Canvas Tote Bag by Personal Chic - $24.95

Totes are one of the most cost-effective swag items with high visibility. This sturdy canvas tote is great for employees commuting to the office, attending conferences, or just heading to the grocery store.

I like this item because it’s gender-neutral, reusable, and always useful. Customers on Personal Chic’s site say the cotton canvas is thick enough to carry laptops and documents without sagging. The print area is generous too, so you can really make the branding pop without overwhelming the design.

• Custom Die-Cut Sticker Packs from Sticker Mule ~$1.50 per unit

Stickers are low-cost, high-impact gifts that resonate especially well with younger teams. According to Redbubble, laptop stickers are among the top 5 most-purchased office accessories by Gen Z workers. They’re great for personalization and allow new hires to rep company pride on their tech or water bottles.

I’ve ordered from Sticker Mule for client projects and love their print quality. The vinyl stickers are waterproof, don’t peel easily, and have strong adhesive. Just be careful with overly detailed logos—simpler shapes and bold colors work best for visibility.

Wellness Welcome Gifts for New Employees

A 2023 study by Workhuman revealed that 78% of employees are more likely to stay at a company that supports their overall wellbeing. These wellness gifts for employees help set that tone right from the start.

• Unboxme ‘You Deserve a Break’ Self-Care Package - $48

This curated box includes herbal tea, a soy candle, a clay face mask, cozy socks, and bath salts—everything a new hire might need to unwind after a long first week. It's an ideal welcome gift for remote workers or anyone starting during a high-stress onboarding period. I gifted this to a friend starting a new job and she absolutely loved it. The packaging was elegant and everything inside smelled amazing.

Self-Care Packages as Welcome Gifts for New Hires

• Gaiam Restore Desk Stretch Kit - $22

A desk stretch kit is perfect for employees who spend long hours seated—especially in remote or hybrid roles. This kit includes a resistance band and a guide for easy desk-friendly stretches. It promotes both movement and mindfulness, aligning with modern workplace wellness initiatives.

I use this kit myself, and it's a game-changer for midday slumps. The resistance band is light enough for beginners but strong enough for decent tension. I particularly like the laminated guide with illustrated stretches—it’s something you can keep at your desk and use in 5–10 minute intervals.

• SnackNation Office Snack Box - Starting at $29.99/month

Nutrition directly impacts energy and focus. A healthy snack box filled with trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, and nut packs helps employees power through their day without reaching for junk food. This is especially valuable during onboarding when energy levels tend to dip. Market research from IRi Worldwide notes that 64% of millennials prefer healthier snacks over traditional office vending items—making this a crowd-pleaser.

Office Snack Box as Welcome Gift for New Employee

• HydroMATE Motivational Water Bottle 32oz - $18.95

Staying hydrated is often overlooked during busy onboarding days. This BPA-free bottle includes time markers and motivational quotes to encourage consistent water intake. It’s a small yet meaningful wellness gift for new employee that fits easily into any welcome kit. I use a HydroMATE bottle daily and find the reminders surprisingly effective. It's lightweight, fits in most cup holders, and comes in several cheerful colors. On Amazon, it’s rated 4.6/5 across thousands of reviews.

• InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser with Starter Oils - $25.99

Scent can significantly impact mood and productivity. This compact diffuser helps create a calming workspace, whether in an office cubicle or home setup. With color-changing LED lights and a starter oil kit (including lavender and peppermint), it's a peaceful, sensory-friendly gift that promotes mental clarity.

I bought this model for my own desk and really appreciate how quiet it is—no distracting hums or bubbling sounds. It’s compact and has two misting modes, which is perfect for a small space. Based on nearly 100,000 Amazon reviews (averaging 4.5/5), it’s one of the most popular and reliable models in its price range. Just make sure the recipient is comfortable with scents in shared workspaces.

Essential Oil Diffusers as Welcome Gifts for New Employees

Tech Gifts for New Employees

According to Gartner’s 2024 Future of Work report, 77% of employees say having proper tech setup impacts their performance and job satisfaction. Here are some top welcome gifts for new employees that blend function and thoughtful onboarding.

• Anker Soundcore Life P3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds - $49.99

Perfect for video meetings, onboarding calls, or focused work sessions, these wireless earbuds deliver impressive sound without breaking the budget. With noise cancellation and a sleek design, they’re a practical yet polished tech gift for any role.

I own these and genuinely recommend them over pricier alternatives like AirPods when gifting at scale. The noise-canceling works surprisingly well for its price point, and battery life (up to 10 hours) covers a full workday. Some users find the touch controls a bit sensitive, but as employee gifts under $50, they’re excellent for onboarding kits that aim to feel premium.

Noise Cancelling Earbuds as New Employee Welcome Gifts

• VersionTECH. Mini USB Desk Fan with 3 Speeds - $15.99

A compact USB fan adds personal comfort, especially in shared workspaces or home offices without central cooling. It’s an affordable, universally usable item that shows your company cares about little details that improve everyday work life.

I tested this fan last summer and found it surprisingly powerful for its size. It rotates 360 degrees, has adjustable speeds, and is quiet enough not to interrupt Zoom calls. It’s a top-seller in the “Desk Fans” category on Amazon and rated 4.5/5 across 20,000+ reviews. The only drawback? It’s not rechargeable—so it stays plugged in via USB. Still, a highly functional gift with comfort appeal.

• Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD - $39.99

Keeping devices charged is essential in today’s mobile work culture. This slim, fast-charging power bank from Anker is compatible with phones, tablets, and even small laptops. It’s especially useful for field workers, travelers, and remote hires who need portable reliability.

This is my go-to power bank—it’s compact, durable, and supports USB-C fast charging. With a 10,000mAh capacity, it charges most phones 2–3 times on a single charge. It’s a top-rated item on TechRadar and has over 60,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7/5.

Fast-charging Power Bank as Welcome Gift for New Employee

• Lamicall Adjustable Phone Stand - $10.99

Great for virtual meetings, quick note-taking, or simply keeping a workspace tidy, this adjustable phone stand is a compact and universal tool. It suits any desk setup and is especially useful for multitasking employees. I use this exact model daily. It holds phones vertically or horizontally and has a rubberized base to prevent slipping. For the price, the build quality is exceptional—it doesn’t feel flimsy at all.

• Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse - $89.99

Ergonomic gear shows a company’s commitment to long-term health and productivity. The Logitech MX Ergo is a premium ergonomic mouse designed to reduce wrist strain and improve comfort during extended use—perfect for roles that involve heavy computer work.

While this is a pricier item, it’s one of the best long-term wellness investments for desk workers. I switched to this mouse last year and noticed a big difference in hand tension after long writing sessions. Some users need time to get used to the trackball style, but once they do, they rarely go back.

Wireless Trackball Mouse as Welcome Gifts for New Employees

Desk Decor Gifts for New Employees

According to a Harvard Business Review study, employees who personalize their workspace report up to 32% higher emotional connection to their organization. These desk decor gifts for new hires can help them feel settled, inspired, and connected to their environment.

• The Sill Mini Succulent Starter Kit - $28

Plants add life to any workspace, and succulents are especially great for beginners. They're low-maintenance, visually appealing, and even help purify the air. This mini succulent from The Sill comes in a ceramic pot with color options, making it an elegant, non-intrusive welcome gift for new employee.

I’ve ordered from The Sill before and found their packaging and plant quality excellent. The pots are matte-finished and feel substantial—not cheap plastic. I also love that they include a care card, which is perfect for plant newbies.

• Personalized Acrylic Plaque for Office Desk by Personal Chic - $25.99

A personalized acrylic plaque brings a polished, professional touch to a new hire’s desk. With the employee’s name and your company’s logo subtly engraved, it’s a sleek gift that says “you belong here.” 

This is one of the most impressive yet budget-friendly welcome gifts for new employees I’ve seen on Personal Chic. It looks far more expensive than it is, and reviewers praise its clarity and sharp engraving. It’s especially nice for new team leads or client-facing roles. The only drawback? Fingerprints show easily on the clear surface—so I suggest gifting it with a small microfiber cloth.

• TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp TT-DL13 - $39.99

Good lighting boosts focus, reduces eye strain, and enhances mood—especially for remote employees. This LED lamp includes five brightness levels, a USB charging port, and a rotating head for task lighting.

I’ve used this lamp since 2022 and still consider it one of my best office purchases. The light is soft yet adjustable enough for reading or Zoom calls, and the USB port is perfect for charging your phone without cluttering your desk. It has 20,000+ Amazon reviews with a 4.6/5 average rating.

• Personalized Office Name Sign by Personal Chic - $23.95

A wooden sign adds warmth to a workspace while signaling identity and professionalism. With elegant font options and customizable text, this desk sign fits beautifully into both modern and rustic décor styles.

I love this one for its tactile quality—plywood, smooth finish, and clean engraving. Reviews mention fast shipping and high satisfaction with the craftsmanship. It’s more substantial than a plastic or acrylic version and works especially well for onboarding managers or creative roles.

• Yamazaki Home Tosca Desk Organizer - $48

Desk organizers help new hires stay organized and avoid clutter during their busy first weeks. This elegant, wood-and-steel combo set includes compartments for pens, paper, devices, and sticky notes—all while maintaining a clean, minimalist look.

I chose this over cheaper plastic sets because of its premium design. It feels like something you’d see in a design magazine—modern, neutral, and incredibly well-built. It’s a favorite on The Strategist’s Best Desk Accessories list and gets glowing reviews on Amazon and West Elm. My only warning: it’s not ideal for those who prefer bold colors—it leans Scandinavian and subtle.

In the end, whether you're onboarding in-office, hybrid, or remote employees, these welcome gifts for new employees help create an atmosphere of belonging, trust, and respect. As you build your onboarding strategy, remember: small details make a big difference—and the best first days start with a thoughtful welcome. Happy gifting!