A branded welcome kit or a company swag bag is a handy marketing tool that every company should consider as an investment. We’ve seen company kits used as giveaway items at tradeshows, for new employee onboarding packs, as themed gift bags for special events, or as a gift of gratitude or reward for valued customers and partners. In any of these scenarios, one thing is consistent: company branding.
Handing out company swag benefits your business in more ways than you’d think.
Why is company swag important?
It’s a welcoming gesture
Branded swag, when gifted to employees, is always a good idea because you’re giving a gift that’s a kind gesture. Welcome kits for new hires aren’t expensive to create; we recommend allocating a part of your budget toward this project, as it’s equally beneficial for both employers and new employees. With this welcome gift, you set the precedent that you value your employee’s role in the company and appreciate the fact that they accepted your employment offer.
It enhances the company brand, culture, and values
When you hand out branded merch, you’re allowing the receiver to introduce your company to others every time they use that branded merch in their daily lives. Take a mug or t-shirt for example – everyone could use one or the other, and it’s one of those most common items people actually use when it comes to free merch.
Consider making company onboarding packs to not only elevate your brand, but also to establish your company culture and values, especially if those values include being inclusive, generous, and wanting to build a community for your employees.
What should you include in your employee welcome kits?
Making your own custom swag bags or company kits doesn’t have to be expensive in the slightest. In fact, just from our website alone, you can create at least 8 custom items that include your logo and branding, all at affordable prices. Here’s what you should include in your employee swag kits:
1. T-shirts for Casual Fridays
Starting at under $10* for 1 white unisex tshirt, these are a staple to print for your company-branded giveaway bags. Because there are no minimums, you can print however many quantities in whatever sizes you’d like and have them on deck for new employees or clients. A shirt in your employee welcome kits should be a simple design with just your logo. Whether you are printing a shirt for employees to wear in the office on a casual Friday, or are giving away free promotional merch to clients, a custom logo t-shirt is the way to go. Branded company apparel also encourages employees to feel comfortable coming to work in company merch and not having to think about what to wear that morning.
2. Sweatshirts as an added branded apparel item
Similar to t-shirts, hoodies or crewneck Sweatshirts are also a great addition to a company swag bag for employees, and we can even argue that it’s one of the more premium additions to a kit. If your headquarters are heavily air-conditioned in both the cooler and warmer months, then your employees will appreciate the extra layer they can wear while working in-office.
3. Mugs – one can never have too many!
Branded Mugs, or any sort of drinkware, are probably one of the most popular promotional items you could add to a welcome kit. Everyone uses them! A nice compact 11 oz size mug would be perfect to include in a branding kit. You can print your logo on either a black or white mug and choose from a variety of handle and trim colors. Starting at under $6 per custom mug. Take it a step further and add each employee’s name to the front or back of the mug so there are no mix-ups in the break room.
4. Notepads with your company logo
Logo Notepads encourage people to get more organized (or express their creativity via occasional doodles), so there’s a huge benefit to giving them out as a gift for either an employee or a client. Adding a branded notepad to your kit is a no-brainer. Order as little as 10 qty Notepads or in bulks of 100 qty for the whole team.
5. Embroidered Logo Hats
Hats are a one-size-fits-most type of accessory, which is why they are perfect to add to a company swag kit. All you need to do is get your company logo embroidered on it and you’ll have yet another awesome gift in your branded swag bags. We offer embroidered hats in a variety of hat colors, and you can choose up to 4 out of 12 thread colors to match your company brand colors.
6. Mousepads to elevate their workstation
Branded Mousepads are a quick and easy gift to create and add to any swag bag. Keep the design simple by solely printing your logo and website URL. Starting at under $13*. If you don’t want to include these in your welcome bag, you can alternatively order mousepads in bulk for each desk in the office.
7. Logo Stickers/Roll Labels
A branded sticker or roll label can serve as both a gift and a way to add your logo to the packaging itself. Branded marketing needs to start somewhere, why not start internally? Your logo on a circle or square shape is the way to go. If you create branded labels or stickers, you can add them to the outside of the bag or box that you plan to pack your welcome kit in. Then, you can add additional stickers to the kit that promote your brand, which employees can add to their laptop covers, water canteens, etc.
8. A Postcard with welcoming language
Though this isn’t exactly a gift item, welcome message postcards are still something we strongly believe you should include in your kits as a kind gesture. Some sort of message like “Welcome to the team”, or “Thanks for joining us” will go a long way. Consider adding company-related info to the card, like a QR code that links employees to your site, app, or even all the company’s social media handles.
How do I start creating my welcome kit?
Start by deciding what are your top 2-3 products that you want to include. For example, a T-shirt, Mug, and a Hat. If you have the design, all that’s left is to create an account on GotPrint.com via the sign up form, search for the product you’d like, such as t shirts, choose a color, front or back of the shirt printing, upload your design, and place an order!
What if I don’t have my business logo yet?
We can help you create one! We offer affordable logo design services that are ideal for companies who need help bringing their vision to life. The process is simple – all you need to do is tell us about your business or product, and our in-house team will design a unique logo that conveys your brand’s message.
Overall, branded company kits play a big factor in first impressions when it comes to a variety of situations, from employee onboarding to client relations. You must make the impression stick with a gift that has all your branding. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to impress others – you simply have to put a little thought and attention to detail towards swag bags and get to gifting! Believe us when we say this gesture will go far, no matter who’s on the receiving end.
Looking for More Print Inspo & Marketing Ideas? Check Out These Blogs:
How To Make a Professional Letterhead with Free Templates
15 Essential Marketing Print Products for Businesses
*Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.