Starting a new job is a significant moment, and the way a company welcomes someone sets the tone for everything that follows. A custom onboarding kit isn’t just a box of stuff; it’s a message. It says: you’re part of the team, we’re glad you’re here, and we’ve put some thought into this.
However, too often, custom onboarding kits are one-size-fits-all, overproduced, or simply forgettable. At Archetype, we make it easy for companies to create their own onboarding kits using high-quality, sustainable products that are manufactured only when needed. No waste. No storage. No mass production. Just smart merch, personalized with your logo and delivered with purpose.
Why Send Onboarding Kits at All?
A welcome kit is a simple way to make someone feel part of the team from the start. Whether you hand it to them in person or send it to their home, it’s a physical reminder that they’re not just another hire – you’re glad they’re here.
Here’s what a good kit can do:
- Strengthen brand connection – Every item printed with your logo helps reinforce your company identity.
- Create consistency – Whether people work remotely or in the office, they receive the same thoughtful start.
- Encourage retention – Small details matter. A quality welcome makes people feel seen and valued.
- Make your team proud – When you give merch people want to wear or use, it reflects your standards as a company.
The difference isn’t in how many items you send, it’s in how well those items represent your values.
What Should Go Into a Great Onboarding Kit?
You don’t need a pre-made bundle. The best onboarding kits are built around your company’s style, tone, and culture. With Archetype’s on-demand merch, you choose what goes inside – every piece customized to your design, and only produced when you order it.
Here are a few products worth including:
Clear Case for iPhone®
$20.00
1. Custom Phone Cases
Phones go everywhere, so why not make them part of the brand experience? A durable phone case with your company’s design keeps your logo in view every day, at desks, in meetings, even on Zoom calls. It’s a subtle but clever way to build a connection.
Laptop Sleeve
$34.50
2. Branded Laptop Sleeves
Protective, practical, and ideal for hybrid teams or remote setups. Our laptop sleeves are available in various sizes and can be customized with your preferred colors, patterns, or logo. It’s the kind of item that gets used, not just stashed in a drawer.
Mouse Pad
$18.50
3. Personalized Mouse Pads
Whether it’s a home office or a corporate desk, a smooth, branded mouse pad adds polish to any workspace. It’s simple, but it ties the whole kit together and makes the workstation feel part of the team.
Sublimation Socks
$16.50
4. Custom Socks
Comfort meets creativity. Socks are one of the most popular onboarding add-ins because they’re affordable, fun, and universally worn. Design something playful, brand-specific, or even themed for each department, and people love wearing them around the office or at home.
Women’s Athletic Shoes
$63.00
5. Everyday Footwear
Our all-over-print shoes are fully customizable and surprisingly versatile. They’re a bold choice, but for brands with personality or teams that thrive on creative culture, they make a huge impact. New hires wearing your company’s design on their feet? That’s commitment in motion.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$35.50
6. Reusable Water Bottles or Mugs
Hydration never goes out of style. Add a printed water bottle or mug to keep your brand on desks and in hands all day long. It’s functional, appreciated, and aligns with low-waste goals.
Spiral Notebook
$24.00
7. Branded Notebooks or Journals
Help new team members get off to a strong start with a clean notebook. It’s perfect for taking notes during training, jotting down goals, or just staying organized. Pair it with a custom pen for a polished, practical touch.
Personalization Options That Matter
It’s not just what you include – it’s how you make it feel intentional. Every product on Archetype can be customized with your company’s logo, but there are also ways to go deeper:
- Add the employee’s name or department to shirts or jackets for a more personal connection.
- Use team slogans or values that reflect your culture.
- Select color palettes that align with your brand’s identity.
- Create themed kits (such as “First Day Ready” or “Remote Essentials”) to frame the experience.
Because everything is printed on demand, you can switch up designs whenever you want—no overordering, no outdated stock, and no need to commit to a single style forever.
Sustainable by Default
One of the most significant problems with traditional onboarding kits is waste. Bulk orders sit unused, sizes are guessed wrong, and cheap materials end up in the trash. We’ve removed that problem from the equation.
At Archetype:
- Every item is made only after your order is placed.
- We use eco-conscious materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
- You don’t have to guess sizing or overstock anything.
- You avoid minimum orders, warehouses, and unnecessary packaging.
You get exactly what you need – and nothing you don’t.
How to Start Building Your Kits
You don’t need a “kit builder” or pre-packaged offer to create something great. Just decide what matters most to your team and start there.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose your core apparel – One hoodie or tee makes a strong anchor item.
- Add something practical – A tote, a hat, or a water bottle.
- Include something personal – A note, a name print, or a brand story card.
- Ship in one of your own boxes or use our eco-mailers – Keep it clean, compact, and recyclable.
Final Word
Onboarding kits don’t need to be flashy or overdone – they need to be thoughtful. A few well-made, well-designed items go further than a dozen cheap ones. They tell your new hires that you care enough to do things right, without adding to the noise or the landfill.
And because everything at Archetype is print-on-demand, there’s no guesswork – just clean designs, smart fulfillment, and quality products that new team members will want to use.
If you’re looking for a way to make your onboarding feel more like a welcome and less like a transaction, start here.
