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February 13, 2025

Your Guide to 30 Thoughtful New Job Gift Ideas

Looking for a welcome gift for a new employee? It’s essential to note that a cookie-cutter approach to new job gift ideas—or any corporate gift, in general—won’t make a lasting impact or leave your recipient with a great impression. Instead, opt for personalized welcome gifts for new employees that are tailored to each recipient. 

From custom-branded items to gifts that resonate with your recipients' hobbies or interests to practical items made better with personalization, those extra details are key in showing that you care. Here we’ve pulled together 35 work gift ideas to help you make every new hire feel valued and excited to be part of the team. 

New Job Gift Ideas Anyone Would Love

Quality personalized products are perfect for leaving a lasting impression with your recipient! And, while with new hires, you don’t have to worry about keeping your company top of mind, it's never too soon to start building that brand loyalty. By keeping the excitement and engagement high, your new hire can feel like part of the team from their first day. 

Personalized Gifts

When it comes to personalized welcome gifts for new employees, you have plenty of options! From custom apparel like varsity jackets and other custom apparel to personalized drinkware and gear, these picks can only get better when branded for your company! 

1. Varsity Coach Jacket 

For a versatile jacket your employees will love and get lots of use out of, choose a simple, unisex, lightweight jacket in a neutral color like this one and add your logo. It’s an easy way to delight your recipient without breaking your budget. 

Shown: Custom Coach Jacket 

2. Personalized Drinkware

When it comes to custom hoodies, it’s all about the details. Top notch customization, soft fabrications, kangaroo pockets, these are the details that make it the basic they reach for again and again. 

Shown: Stanley Tumbler 

3. Embroidered Hoodie

When it comes to custom hoodies, it’;s all about the details. Top notch customization, soft fabrications, kangaroo pockets, these are the details that make it the basic they reach for again and again. 

Shown: Contrast-Stitch Mad Happy Hoodie

4. Custom Backpack

Durable, functional, and of course, a style staple they’ll love shouting off. When it comes to backpacks that turn heads, you can’t beat a customizable backpack from Timbuk2.

Shown: Timbuk2 Roll Top Backtop

5. Custom Bucket Hat 

Classy and sophisticated meets low-key cool with this bucket hat with a tone-on-tone logo tag. What’s so great about a bucket hat style? With offering extra protection from the sun and a style that’s great for your younger generations too, it’s the custom gift they’ll love showing off. 

Photo courtesy of jjjjound; Shown: jjjjound Bucket Hat

Office Essentials

Want welcome gifts for new employees that create a productive and welcoming workspace while making your employees feel valued from day one? Practical items like organizers and project planners, or high-quality notebooks, totes, backpacks, and the like, can boost their organizational skills and overall efficiency. Plus, they’re a great way to showcase your brand while fostering that all-important first impression.  

6. Upgraded Notebook

Custom office staples —like always relevant branded notebooks— are the nice-to-have gift they’ll appreciate. To make yours a standout gift (instead of just something from the closet supply room) look for features like water-resistant book cloth cover, foil stamping, premium paper, and perforated sheets. 

Shown: Appointed Notebook

7. Custom Stickers

‍Stickers are a fun and easy way for your recipients to personalize their laptop covers, notebooks, drinkware, and more. If you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch for your new employee swag kits, don’t overlook colorful, on-brand stickers—they add personality and make every item feel uniquely theirs.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 Logo Stickers

8. Custom Carry All Tote

Whatever your logo, whatever your logo, whatever your fonts, there is a perfect custom tote just waiting for you to leave your mark! Ready to brand your ultimate tote bag? Talk to your Gemnote rep for personalization options that turn this everyday essential into a first day at a new job gift that’s both functional and unforgettable.

Shown: Figma Cursor Tote

9. Custom Backpack

Hard-working, reliable, and always up for the challenge—just like your top performers. The best gifts for a new job should reflect the same qualities you value in your team, and this spacious, durable Incase backpack checks every box. 

With its sleek design, ample storage, and professional polish, it’s ideal for commutes, business travel, or day-to-day office life. If you're looking for work gift ideas that are practical and impressive, this backpack is a great way to make a strong first impression and help get your new employees off to a great start. 

Shown: InCase Backpack 

10. Project Planner 

Ready to set the tone for a successful onboarding experience? For the best new employee welcome kit ideas think office essentials like pens, notebooks, a project planner, customized snacks, totes, and backpacks. A sleek project planner isn’t just practical—it’s one of those gift ideas for a new job that helps new hires feel focused, prepared, and ready to tackle their first big assignment with confidence.

Shown: Poketo Project Planner

Tech Gadgets

Want to really make your new hire feel appreciated? Tech gadgets make fun gifts for the news members of your team since they not only offer entertainment but can also enhance productivity in the modern workplace! Items like wireless earbuds or a portable charger always come in handy while showing your company’s desire to keep employees connected and engaged. Just don’t forget to order extras for your employee swag store or to give as holiday gifts to your hard-working team. 

11. Wireless Earbuds

Thinking about custom earbuds for your welcome gifts for new employees? It’s a smart move. Tech accessories are always appreciated, especially when they enhance productivity and comfort on the job.

For a standout first day at a new job gift, look for earbuds with features like voice-activated volume control and the ability to hop into conversations without taking them out. These JBL earbuds are a new-hire favorite for good reason—they’re sleek, functional, and make settling into a new role that much easier.

Shown: JBL Earbuds

12. Extra Long Power Cable

Phone chargers make functional new job gift ideas. However, if you're really looking to impress your new hires, choose the ones that offer added convenience and a lot of style, kind of like this innovative design from Native Union, which features a weighted knot that prevents the cord from slipping onto the floor. 

Shown: Native Union 10-ft Night Cable in Zebra

13. Waterproof Power Bank

There are power banks and then there are portable, durable, dust and waterproof, drop-resistant, charging banks that were made for adventures! If you're looking to impress your new hire, gift them a rugged power bank that really goes the distance, like this one from My Charge.

Shown: My Charge Waterproof Power Bank

14. Snap 3-in-1 charger

The best gifts for new job are multi-tasking, tech faves! With a multi-device charging station, like this one from Native Union, you can help your new hire add style, convenience, and efficiency to their workstation.  

Shown: Native Union Snap 3-in-1 Charger

Coffee and Tea Lovers

Coffee and tea gifts are ideal for new employees because they provide a warm and comforting way to start the workday while fostering a sense of belonging and relaxation in the workplace! 

15. Camp Cup 

This stainless steel camp cup from Miir is available in eight colors and four sizes to fit your branding needs. Best of all, it's vacuum-sealed, so coffee and other beverages stay hot longer whether they’re sitting around a campfire or while working hard at your desk. 

Shown: Miir Camp Cup

16. Double-Walled Glass Matcha Shaker with Infuser

The best new job gift ideas are infused with convenience and are tailored to fit your recipients’ personalities. Thankfully, the double-walled glass matcha shaker and infuser means your new hire can have their favorite cup of tea anytime.

 Shown: Art of Tea Double Walled Glass Matcha Shaker with Infuser

Everyday Basic Gifts

Every day, basic gifts like socks, caps, towels, and water bottles are great for new hires because they offer both practicality and versatility. Plus, they demonstrate thoughtfulness and care for employees' needs and foster a positive and comfortable workplace environment from the very beginning.

17. Branded Water Bottle

Drinking water is important for everyone, whether they are on or off the clock. To help your employee stay hydrated throughout the day, give them a branded water bottle they’ll love toting around.

Shown: Customized Water Bottle

18. Custom Crew Socks

Who couldn't use an extra pair of great socks? Essentials, like these striped crew socks, are a fun way to show off your branding. Plus, when it comes to new employee welcome gift ideas, this one has plenty of style—and won't break the bank!

Shown: Escuyer Stripe Crew Socks

19. Logo Towel 

A lot of effort went into designing your logo so why not show it off on an ultra-plush and absorbent branded towel? It's the one your new hire will reach for on repeat.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 Logo Towel 

20. Branded Nylon Cap 

You can't go wrong with a great branded cap! From offering shade on sunny days to alleviating any bad hair day, adding your logo to a great nylon hat will help your recipient keep their cool no matter what their first week brings!

Photo courtesy of Only NY; Shown: Only NY Nylon Cap

21. Zip Duck Bag 

Reusable tote bags are all the rage, but what makes this heavyweight bag even better is the added durability and zip top to keep all of your new hire’s essentials safe and secure. Choose one like this from Baggu that offers style and sustainability, thanks to the recycled cotton canvas and packaging, and make your new employee welcome gift even more thoughtful. 

Shown: Baggu Zip Duck Bag 

Travel Essentials

Travel essentials make the perfect new employee welcome gift! Whether their role requires business trips and work-related travel or not, branded gear like accessory bags, totes, coolers, and the like make weekend trips and everyday life easier.  

22. Rains Small Wash Bag

With its minimal design and waterproof fabrication, the Rains small wash bag is sized for toiletries and looks great on the road or on the bathroom counter. Need a new employee welcome gift that goes the distance? This wash bag can double as a pencil case and is perfect for stashing in larger bags. 

Shown: Rains Small Wash Bag 

23. Branded Hip Bag 

Fanny packs continue to trend—and for good reason. Once associated primarily with tourists, these hands-free bags made a comeback and have remained a fashionable, functional staple for everyday use. That’s why a well-designed fanny pack makes an excellent gift for someone starting a new job—it’s both thoughtful and practical, offering convenience while helping them stay organized during their daily routine. 

Shown: Custom Hip Pack

24. Puffy Cooler Bag 

A chill gift that keeps drinks and snacks cool—literally. This puffy cooler from Baggu comes in a variety of fun, colorful patterns (including color-blocking!) and makes a standout gift.

Shown: Baggu Puffy Cooler Bag 

25. Air Tag + Holder 

New hires have a lot thrown at them as soon as they walk in the door! From on the job duties and file locations to the names of everyone they meet, gifting them with an item that takes some of the pressure off, like remembering keeping track of their stuff, is always appreciated!

Shown: Apple Air Tag and Nomad Goods Air Tag Holder

Corporate Gifts 

The best corporate gifts fit your company’s branding perfectly and keep your logo front and center! While tons of products can be customized, these offer the quality, professionalism, and functional style your new hires will appreciate!

26. Rover Pack

For the best in Customizable backpacks, think extra features like padded laptop sleeves and pockets galore! Kind of like this Rover pack from Topo Designs with its flap pocket, zippered pockets, water bottle pockets, and more! 

Shown: Topo Designs Rover Pack

27. Custom Hat

Glossier offers the perfect dose of inspiration with their You Look Good cap! Want your brand to look good too? Why not customize with your tagline, website URL, event name, or the like? Just don’t forget to add your logo!  

Photo Courtesy of Glossier; Shown: Glossier You Look Good Cap

28. Long-Sleeve Logo Tee

From casual Fridays and chilly commutes to work from home days and even weekends, nothing beats a soft long-sleeved tee that shows off your brand!

Photo courtesy of Only NY; Shown: Only NY Surveyor Long Sleeve T-Shirt

29. Carhartt Lunch Can Cooler 

Lunch can coolers make excellent corporate gifts thanks to their versatility and everyday appeal. Whether it’s for office lunches, company picnics, tailgating, or weekend getaways, a durable and stylish lunch cooler is always a win. 

Take this one from Carhartt, for example—it’s built to handle the elements while keeping meals fresh and drinks cold. It’s the kind of practical yet elevated item that makes a standout welcome gift for a new employee, showing that your company values both function and thoughtful design right from day one.

Shown: Carhartt Lunch Can Cooler 

30. Logo Umbrella

The best welcome gifts for new employees are practical,  customizable items that can be used in and out of the office. Kind of like this compact umbrella from a 24 Films. Want to make your own? Talk to your Gemnote rep for the best branded umbrella options that make your company shine. 

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 Logo Umbrella 

Need More Job Gift Ideas? Gemnote Has You Covered.

Need more gifts for new job celebrations? Whether you're welcoming one new hire or onboarding an entire team, Gemnote has you covered. Browse the Look Book for even more inspiration or connect with your dedicated Gemnote rep for personalized recommendations. They’ll provide a curated collection of on-brand, professional products that align with your company culture and are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Plus, they’ll work within your budget to deliver thoughtful gift ideas for a new job—complete with unique customization options, memorable items, and creative solutions designed to make each new employee feel truly appreciated.

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