Onboarding kits, whether you call them onboarding kits, welcome kits, welcome packs, promotional products, or branded merchandise, are meant to make someone feel seen and excited.
But sometimes, mass-ordered, “trendy” items miss the mark, and even send the wrong signal. Let's explore why and what smarter, more meaningful alternatives look like.
They Look Too Generic
If your onboarding kit is filled with the same water bottles, tote bags, or stress balls that every other company is handing out, it doesn’t feel special. Instead of creating excitement, it tells the recipient: “This could have gone to anyone.”
The issue isn’t that these items lack originality. They don’t reflect your brand’s personality, and they don’t connect with the person receiving them. A study on branded merchandise shows that people are far more likely to build a positive association with your brand when the items are both useful and thoughtfully chosen.
They Feel Cheap
We’ve all had that moment: a pen that stops writing after a week, or a flimsy notebook that falls apart. Cheap merchandise sends a strong message about your brand. The impression becomes: “If they cut corners here, do they cut corners everywhere else?”
While saving money on bulk orders might seem smart, the long-term impact can be costly. Companies with strong onboarding practices see 82% higher retention and 70% greater productivity. Another survey revealed employees who received branded items stayed 1.5 years longer on average, and 88% of long-term employees recalled receiving such gifts.
They Don’t Fit the Person
Onboarding kits that aren’t tailored can feel tone-deaf. Imagine sending a commuter backpack to a fully remote employee, or a calculator to a creative professional. Instead of being useful, these items become awkward reminders that the company doesn’t “get” the person they’re trying to welcome.
This mismatch sends the wrong first impression: “You’re not seen as an individual here.” By contrast, kits that feel personalised, even in small ways, create connection.
They Don’t Match Your Values
Your onboarding kit is a mirror of your brand’s identity. If you talk about sustainability but hand out plastic trinkets, the impression is: “They don’t practice what they preach.” If you call yourself innovative but your kit looks outdated, it creates doubt about whether you really live your values.
This mismatch erodes trust. People notice when actions don’t line up with words. On the other hand, values-aligned kits strengthen unity and reinforce culture, especially in hybrid and remote teams where shared symbols matter.
They Come with No Effort
Presentation matters. Even a great product can feel underwhelming if it’s tossed into a plain, generic box with no thought. When onboarding kits arrive like this, the impression is: “This was just another task on someone’s list.”
Unboxing is an experience. When packaging is neat, branded, and intentional, it makes even the simple items extra special. Some companies send a small “teaser” gift ahead of the first day to build excitement. Others include handwritten notes or branded packaging to make the kit feel like a true welcome. This effort says: “You matter, and we’re glad you’re here.”
They Lack a Human Touch
At the end of the day, an onboarding kit is about the people. A kit that feels cold or transactional gives the wrong first impression: “You’re just another hire.”
Adding human touches makes all the difference. A handwritten card, a personal message from the head, or even role-specific extras like a wellness pack for a challenging position can show that your company puts thought into it. Studies confirm that emotional connection during onboarding leads to stronger retention and engagement.
Your onboarding kit sets the tone for everything that comes next. If it’s generic, cheap, mismatched, or rushed, it tells people: “We didn’t put much thought into you.”
But when your welcome pack is thoughtful, personal, and aligned with your values, it delivers the right first impression: “You belong here.”
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