As 2026 approaches, many UK businesses are turning their attention to onboarding gifts and welcome packs, whether that’s for new starters joining in January, existing staff returning after the holidays, or valued clients kicking off another year of partnership.
The best onboarding gifts do more than look good, they create a sense of belonging, pride, and connection from the very first day. And with the right planning, you can make sure your welcome boxes are ready in time for the new year.
What’s Trending in Onboarding Merchandise?
For the past few years, we’ve seen the same favourites appear in welcome boxes — notebooks, drinkware and workwear have all held their place.
But in 2025, the trend has clearly shifted. This year, it’s all about practical and useful items like instead of a box, why not gift a backpack?
Whether it’s a laptop backpack for hybrid workers or a compact daypack for commuting, backpacks are now the must-have foundation for onboarding and new-year welcome packs. They’re practical, sustainable, and versatile, and they create a professional impression right from day one.
Many of our clients are choosing to fill their branded bags with curated, industry-specific items, not just a mix of generic giveaways, but a thoughtful collection that helps recipients feel truly part of the team.
Why Onboarding Gifts Matter
In our view, the purpose of an onboarding or welcome box is simple: 👉 To make the recipient feel welcomed, valued, and part of something bigger.
It’s not about the quantity of items, it’s about relevance, quality, and thoughtfulness. When you give new staff or clients something that genuinely suits their role or lifestyle, it sends a clear message: we understand you.
Here are some examples of what’s working right now:
- For engineers or field teams: multitool pens, torch keyrings, or graph-paper notebooks for sketches and calculations.
- For spa, wellness, or gym brands: combination padlocks, reusable water bottles, and soft towels for new-year memberships.
- For accountants, consultants, or office-based teams: coasters, phone stands, and other sleek desk accessories.
- For hybrid or tech-savvy staff: laptop stands, wireless chargers, and travel mugs.
- For creative teams: colourful notebooks, sticky pads, and sustainable pens to spark inspiration.
When Should You Order Onboarding Merchandise for the New Year?
We always recommend ordering your onboarding gifts in October or November. This gives enough time for branding, fulfilment, and most importantly thoughtful curation.
By planning now, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your new-year welcome packs arrive perfectly packaged and ready to go in January.
UK Businesses Are Personalising More Than Ever
Across the UK, onboarding packs are becoming less “one-size-fits-all” and more about individual experience. Employers are moving away from plain corporate bundles and towards industry-specific and role-specific gifts that feel meaningful and functional.
We’re also seeing a continued focus on sustainability, recycled materials, reusable packaging, and UK-made products are all in high demand.
FAQs About Onboarding Gifts and Welcome Packs
1. What should be included in an onboarding box?
Include a mix of practical and personal items, for example, branded stationery, drinkware, a welcome card, tech accessories, and something unique to your company or industry.
2. How much should I spend on onboarding gifts?
UK businesses typically budget between £15 and £50 per pack, depending on role seniority and product type. You don’t need to overspend, it’s about thoughtful curation, not cost. Think about if you were to walk into town today to buy a gift for someone, how much would you spend?
3. Can you include sustainable or UK-made items?
Absolutely. Many of our most popular and bestselling items are made from recycled materials or sourced locally, supporting UK manufacturers and reducing carbon footprint.
4. Can you help me design a custom welcome pack?
Yes! We specialise in building bespoke onboarding boxes, from product selection to branded packaging and delivery (even branding the box!)
How Marketing & Merchandise Helps Businesses Find Unique Gifts
At Marketing & Merchandise, we don’t just sell products, we help businesses find gifts that truly work for them.
We don’t have a website loaded with thousands of items because we don’t expect you to do all the work.
Instead, we work like your personal merchandise shoppers, keeping up with the latest trends, understanding who the gift is for, and building a curated shortlist of branded options that make sense for you.
We can source almost anything, and we also have a range of industry-specific catalogues as a helpful starting point if you want to browse. Whether you’re looking for staff recognition gifts, onboarding bundles, or client thank-yous, we’ll make sure it reflects your brand, your values, and your people.
Let’s Make Your New Year Memorable
Now’s the perfect time to start planning your new-year onboarding and welcome gifts. A little preparation in October can lead to a seamless, stress-free start to 2026.
✨ Speak to Marketing & Merchandise about your corporate Christmas or new-year gifting needs. We’ll help you find unique, memorable gifts tailored to your brand, your people, and your message.
Book a call or Get in touch with us today — and let’s make your onboarding boxes as impressive as the people receiving them.
