Few companies have turned their employee swag into a cultural symbol quite like Facebook. Over the years, the tech giant’s new hire kit has gained attention not just for what’s inside, but for the way it welcomes people in, makes them feel part of the team, and reflects the company’s culture.

When people search for “Facebook new employee swag”, what they really want to know is simple: What’s inside the kit? The answer is a mix of practical essentials and signature items that new hires proudly use from day one.

In this article, we’ll explore why swag plays such an important role at Facebook, take a closer look at what’s included in the kit, and share lessons any company can use to create more memorable onboarding experiences.

Why employee swag matters at facebook

Employee swag at Facebook isn’t just about giving away branded items: it’s about creating a sense of belonging from day one. For a company of this size and influence, first impressions matter. The new hire kit sets the tone for how employees see themselves within the organization and how connected they feel to the company’s culture.

Swag plays three important roles at Facebook:

• Building culture and identity – Signature pieces of the kit have become symbols of Facebook’s identity. Wearing them creates an instant connection to the company’s mission and community.

• Enhancing the onboarding experience – Starting a new job can feel overwhelming. Receiving a thoughtfully curated kit helps new hires feel welcomed and supported, while also giving them tools they can use right away. Check out these onboarding best practices for more ideas.

• Strengthening brand visibility – Swag extends beyond the office. When employees wear a Facebook hoodie or carry a branded backpack in public, it reinforces the company’s image and makes the brand visibility part of everyday life.

In short, Facebook swag matters because it blends functionality with emotional value. It transforms a simple welcome gift into a lasting reminder that each employee is part of something bigger.

What’s inside the facebook new hire kit?

The Facebook new hire kit is well known in HR and corporate culture circles for achieving a balance of practicality and brand identity. Its reputation is supported by commentary in blogs highlighting how Facebook includes both useful essentials and symbolic items in its onboarding welcome kits to build culture. It combines everyday tools with fun items that embody the company’s values. Here’s a closer look at what typically comes inside:

Backpack (Timbuk2 or Patagonia)

The backpack is one of the most recognizable pieces of Facebook swag. Practical and durable, these backpacks (often from brands like Timbuk2 or Patagonia) are built for daily use. They reflect the company’s investment in quality and provide new employees with something useful both at work and outside the office. You can explore more styles in PerkUp’s backpack collection to find options that fit your team’s needs.

👉 Explore the Patagonia Refugio Daypack Backpack

T-shirt

A simple branded T-shirt is a staple of the kit. Easy to wear from day one, it gives new hires an immediate sense of connection with the Facebook community. Many wear it proudly in their first week as a visible sign of belonging. For companies looking to create the same effect, PerkUp offers a range of customizable tops that bring the same sense of identity and team spirit to any workplace.

👉 Explore the ​​Gildan Adult Ultra Cotton T-Shirt

Hoodie

The hoodie is perhaps the most iconic item of all, a piece that has grown into a cultural symbol of Facebook and of tech life more broadly. It is practical enough for everyday use yet meaningful enough to be worn as a badge of identity. For more inspiration, take a look at PerkUp’s hoodie and sweatshirt collection, where comfort meets brand expression.

👉 Explore the Nike Therma-FIT Hoodie

Water bottle

The reusable water bottle encourages healthy habits and reduces reliance on disposable plastics. For Facebook, a company that values sustainability and wellness, it is both a practical and thoughtful inclusion. You can also explore PerkUp’s water bottles to find similar options for your own team.

👉 Explore the Ryze Aluminum Bottle

Tumbler (mug or thermal cup)

A tumbler is a small but thoughtful part of Facebook’s welcome. It helps new hires settle into long workdays with their favorite drink and reflects the company’s push for healthier, more sustainable habits. It is another way the kit blends practicality with culture. You’ll find plenty of options in PerkUp’s mug and tumbler collection to make this piece both useful and on-brand.

👉 Explore the Kona Mug

Cap or beanie

Depending on the season, new hires may receive a Facebook-branded cap or beanie. Both are stylish and casual, matching the relaxed culture of the company. PerkUp’s broader accessories collection also includes caps, beanies, and other versatile items that can complement a welcome kit.

👉Explore the New Era Knit Beanie

Stickers

Laptop stickers have become a staple in tech culture. Facebook lets its employees personalize their devices while showing pride in their company. It’s a small item that carries a lot of personality. PerkUp offers options like the custom holographic sticker, a fun way to add individuality while keeping the brand visible.

👉 Explore the Die cut stickers 

Notebook & Pen

Even in a digital-first company, nothing replaces the ease of jotting down ideas on paper. The branded notebook and pen set combines practicality with company identity, giving employees a simple space to capture thoughts and stay organized from the very first day. You can browse PerkUp’s notebooks and pens to create the same experience for your team.

👉 Explore the Signature A5 Notebook

Why the facebook swag kit stands out?

The Facebook new hire kit is not just a welcome package: it’s a carefully designed experience. Here’s why it leaves such a lasting impression:

1. Premium quality products
   
   Instead of cheap fillers, Facebook includes items from trusted brands like Patagonia and Timbuk2. These products are made to last and fit naturally into daily life, which makes the swag genuinely valuable.
   
   
   

2. Symbols of company culture
   
   The hoodie has become a cultural icon, reflecting Facebook’s roots in Silicon Valley and its enduring spirit of innovation. Wearing it creates an instant sense of belonging among employees.
   
   
   

3. A mix of useful and fun
   
   Practical items like notebooks and bottles are paired with playful stickers and pins. This balance keeps the kit professional but still engaging and creative.
   
   
   

4. A memorable first impression
   
   Receiving the kit on day one turns onboarding into a meaningful experience. It helps new hires feel immediately at home and connected to something bigger than themselves.
   
   
   

How other companies can learn from this?

The strength of Facebook’s swag kit is not in the specific items but in the principles behind it. Any company can apply these lessons to improve how they welcome and engage new employees.

1. Focus on quality, not quantity

A smaller set of well-made items often has more impact than a box packed with low-cost trinkets. Employees value products that are durable and practical, such as a high-quality backpack or water bottle, because they integrate into daily life. When swag is used regularly, it continues to reinforce your brand long after the first day.

Choosing quality also signals that the company respects its people. It shows thoughtfulness and investment in their experience rather than cutting corners with items that may never leave the desk drawer.

2. Align swag with your culture

The Facebook hoodie became iconic because it reflects the company’s identity and the spirit of Silicon Valley. For your business, swag should represent what makes your culture unique. That could mean sustainable products for a company that values environmental impact, or tech gadgets for a brand built on innovation.

Swag that tells a story about who you are as a company helps new employees feel they are part of something meaningful. It also creates alignment between your brand values and everyday employee experiences.

3. Make onboarding an experience

Swag isn’t just about the items: it’s about the way they’re delivered. Presentation, packaging, and timing all shape how a new hire feels during their first week. A well-designed kit turns onboarding into a memorable moment rather than just a process.

When employees start their journey with a sense of excitement and belonging, it sets the stage for stronger engagement and long-term retention. The unboxing itself becomes part of the company culture.

4. Incorporate sustainability

Employees today care deeply about sustainability. Including eco-friendly products and working with vendors that emphasize ethical sourcing shows that your company is serious about responsibility. It transforms swag from a simple perk into a statement about your values.

By weaving sustainability into your approach, you not only appeal to employee expectations but also reinforce your brand’s commitment to making a positive impact.

Conclusion

The Facebook new hire kit shows how swag, when chosen with intention, can become more than branded merchandise. It demonstrates how thoughtful items create a strong first impression and strengthen employee engagement from day one.

Of course, not every organization has Facebook’s scale or resources. But companies of any size can still deliver a welcoming experience by focusing on quality, culture, and sustainability. That is where PerkUp comes in. With customizable onboarding kits, eco-conscious swag, and international gift cards, PerkUp makes it simple to design a program that fits your team and your budget.

See how PerkUp can help you turn new hire onboarding into a moment employees remember and a foundation for long-term engagement.