When someone starts a new job at Apple, the first thing they receive before their first day is a new hire kit. It’s the kind of first-day experience that people post about on TikTok and rave about on Glassdoor.

And while your company might not have Apple’s brand or renown, the principle behind their approach is something you and any other organization can adopt: a thoughtful new hire swag kit that tells your newest employees that their arrival matters.

So, what exactly does Apple include in its welcome kit for new employees? And more importantly, how can you take those same lessons and build a new hire kit that works for your team, your budget, and your brand? In this blog, we’ll break it all down.

What’s inside Apple’s new hire swag kit?

Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the swag items included in Apple’s new hire swag kit. These are based on employee accounts shared on different platforms like Blind.

A branded t-shirt or hoodie

According to Employee Experience Magazine, Apple has given new hires a t-shirt featuring their year of joining. However, some employees on Blind have noted that this has shifted over time, with certain teams receiving a backpack or other branded apparel instead. Regardless of the specific item, the principle is the same: Apple uses wearable swag to create a sense of belonging from day one. If you’re brainstorming new hire swag ideas, that kind of personalization, whether it’s a start-of-year stamp or a team-specific design, is worth borrowing.

Apple stickers and a welcome note

Simple and low-cost but effective. The iconic Apple logo stickers reinforce brand pride, while the welcome note adds a human touch. For your company, this translates to a reminder that the small, personal details in a corporate welcome kit often make the biggest impression.

A Hydro Flask or drinkware

Reports from employees on Blind indicate that new hires receive a Hydro Flask during orientation. It’s premium and gets used daily. As a category, drinkware consistently ranks among the most popular new hire welcome gifts across industries, and Apple’s choice to go with a recognizable brand name adds perceived value.

The takeaway for your team? Apple doesn’t overwhelm new hires with a mountain of random promotional items. Everything is intentional. That’s the mindset to bring to your own new employee swag program: higher quality and practicality.

Why should your company invest in onboarding swag?

You might ask yourself: “Why should we invest in new hire swag kits? Why not just send a quick welcome message?” Well, here are a couple of reasons why:

1. First impressions shape long-term retention

A Jobvite study found that one in three new hires leaves within the first 90 days. And BambooHR research shows that 70% of new hires decide whether a job is the right fit within their first month. That’s a very small window to make your case. A well-thought-out welcome kit for new employees is one of the most tangible ways to show new hires that they made the right decision by joining your company.

2. Swag accelerates cultural belonging

When a new hire puts on a branded hoodie or fills up a company water bottle, they’re already participating in your workplace culture. As such, employee onboarding gifts help create that sense of connection before new hires have even finished their first week.

3. A new hire kit signals organizational readiness

According to Comparably, Apple employees consistently report that the company was “very prepared” on their first day. That’s because when an Apple new hire walks in to find a welcome kit waiting at their desk (or on their doorstep, for remote workers), it communicates that the company has its act together.

How can you build a new hire swag kit that actually works?

Now that we’ve discussed why you should invest in new hire swag kits, this time, we’ll get into the principles and onboarding kit ideas that will help you put together a kit your new hires will genuinely appreciate.

1. Practicality - The best employee swag ideas? Items that are practical, rooted in daily utility. These commonly include tumblers, notebooks, hoodies, and laptop sleeves.

2. Personal touch - Apple has been known to personalize swag with details like the employee’s start year. You can take a similar approach with welcome notes from the team lead, a mug with the new hire’s name, or a card signed by the team.

3. Quality over quantity - The thing about Apple’s new hire swag kit is that it doesn’t overwhelm new employees with 5-6 swag items. That’s because three premium items will always outperform six cheap ones. So, remember that the quality of what you send directly reflects how your company values its people.

4. Thoughtful branding - A small, clean logo placement on a premium item goes much further than a giant logo across the front of a cheap t-shirt. Apple’s stickers are iconic because of the brand itself, but for most companies, subtlety wins.

5. Budget - Let’s face it: it’s important to have enough budget if you’re planning to send out swag kits every time a new employee joins your team. As such, setting a clear per-recipient budget early on helps you choose items that maximize quality and impact without overspending.

What swag items should go in your new hire swag kit?

Every company’s swag kit will look a little different depending on culture and budget, but here’s a practical breakdown of swag categories to pull from when assembling your swag kits.

Branded apparel

A comfortable t-shirt, hoodie, or quarter-zip with your company logo is a staple for a reason. It’s wearable and makes new hires feel like they’re part of the team. Gong with a recognizable or reliable brand like adds perceived value and increases the chances your employees actually wear it outside of work.

Some apparel swag items you can include in your new hire swag kit:

• AS Colour Men’s Stencil Hoodie ($36.45) - A mid-heavyweight cotton-rich hoodie with a clean, regular fit that holds up well over time. A solid pick for onboarding kits where you want warmth and comfort without the bulk.

• Gildan Adult Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt ($22.49) - A classic full-zip hoodie made with 50% sustainably grown USA cotton that’s built for everyday wear. The full-zip design makes it practical for layering and keeps decoration looking clean.

• Bella + Canvas Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee ($7.69) - A soft, lightweight tee made from premium Airlume combed cotton with a modern retail fit. Its smooth fabric surface makes it one of the best options for high-quality logo printing.

Drinkware

Tumblers, mugs, and water bottles are among the most reliably popular new hire swag ideas. They get used daily, and name-brand options like YETI, Stanley, or TYESO carry their own brand perception. If Apple includes a Hydro Flask in their welcome kit, you know drinkware is a safe bet for yours, too.