As warmer weather approaches, sleeveless tops will return to the wardrobe rotation sooner than later.

If you found this article, you’re likely in the market for some tanks to be screen-printed on.

You might be thinking, “there are so many sleeveless tops out there. How do I know which is the BEST one?”  

We understand that picking out the right sleeveless top for your project is essential, so we wanted to provide you with some of our favorite tank tops for screen printing.

We’ve been inking up some swanky sleeveless tops for almost 15 years, and we’d wanna say we have a lot of info up our SLEEVES, but we are talking about sleeveless tops, so… yeah.

Anyway! You didn’t come here for corny jokes; you came here to learn (I’m assuming), so let’s get to it, shall we?

When choosing a sleeveless top for screen printing, it's essential to consider the fabric and the shirt's design. Here are a few options that may work well:

100% cotton tanks are popular for screen printing because they have a smooth surface that works well with designs. They are also lightweight and breathable, which makes them perfect for warm weather.  

One of our favorite cotton tanks is the Bella + Canvas Unisex Jersey Tank. 

Tri-blend tanks are made from cotton, polyester, and rayon. They are soft, comfortable, and have a heathered look that can add texture to a design. Tri-blend tanks also tend to be more durable than 100% cotton tanks.

One of our favorite tri-blend tanks is the Bella + Canvas Triblend Racerback Tank.

Made with 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon

Consider a performance tank if you are looking for a sleeveless, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying top. These tops are made from materials such as polyester and spandex and are designed for athletic activities. They have a smooth surface that is ideal for screenprinting.

One of our favorite performance tanks is the Sport-Tek PosiCharge Competitor Tank.

Racerback tanks have a unique design that can make a screen printed design stand out. They have a narrow back that allows for more movement and comfort. They are often made from cotton or a cotton blend and have a smooth surface that works well with designs.

One of our favorite racerback tanks is the Bella + Canvas Triblend Racerback Tank.

Made with 50% cotton, 25% polyester, and 25% rayon

The world is your sleeveless oyster, ya know?

Sorry to use a strange metaphor; we truly couldn’t resist. What we mean by this is that you have so many options in the world regarding picking out the best sleeveless tops for your screen printing projects. 

Ultimately, the best sleeveless top for screen printing will depend on the wearer's specific design and preferences. It's a good idea to order samples and test the print quality on different fabrics before making a final decision.

We’ve shared some of our favorites, but there’s more where that comes from- what’s next?

Whether you choose to screen print your designs on one of the above-mentioned sleeveless tops or any other tank/muscle tee- our team is here to help you figure out what is best for you and your people.

Contact one of our printing pros to learn more about screen printing some sick shirts- whether they have long, short, or no sleeves. Whatever your prerogative may be. *winks*

Good luck out there, and always feel free to contact our team to answer any queries! We’re REAL people with REAL expertise- we gotcha. 

Sleeveless tops are a great canvas for screen printing. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best for you to choose from.

Take a look at five different styles of sleeveless shirts for screen printing.

Remote companies continue to grow and work from home jobs are highly sought after in this post-pandemic world. 

If you’re up for getting out of the house and turning your remote role into a work from coffee shop job, you’re going to want to stick around.

Today, we’re bringing you the crucial rules of thumb to keep in mind when working from a coffee shop. We have six pieces of advice you absolutely cannot forget when you pack up your mobile office and take it on the road for a cup of joe and a change of scenery in your workday. 

We will also share some of our favorite coffee shops across the U.S. to give you some fun places to add to your coffee shop bucket list! How do we know which ones are the best? Well, we make their coffee shop t-shirts, of course! And if they’re choosing us for our quality custom tees, you already know their brews will be top-notch as well. 

Get ready to screenshot and share with that one co-worker who’s always at Starbucks during your Zoom meetings…

The most important rule to follow, and hopefully the most obvious. If you’re going to be hanging out at the coffee shop all day or most of the day, you have to pay for your seat. Well, not literally of course. But the wifi you’re using, the table you’re sitting at, and the smells you’re enjoying all cost the shop something. So you need to keep ordering throughout the day.

We know you’re saying, “Hang on—that’s a lot of coffee,” and shaking your head to yourself right now. And you’re right. If you have a new cup of coffee every few hours, you’re not going to be feeling too great by the end of the day. That’s too much caffeine for most people! So space it out, and don’t order coffee every time.

Order a coffee when you arrive. Remember to tip. Grab a snack later. Stay there for lunch if there are more food options at your coffee shop of choice. Get a refill for an afternoon pick-me-up or ask if they have any good herbal teas (naturally caffeine-free!) Just make sure you’re going back and ordering different things throughout the day. It doesn’t always have to be coffee. Think of it as an opportunity to explore the menu and find the hidden gem items you didn’t know they offered!

Bring. Your. Headphones! No excuses. If you forget, run by the store and grab a $10 backup pair to keep in your car. Headphones are an absolute must for working remotely anywhere in public, especially in a coffee shop.

It’s just common courtesy to use headphones for music, videos, and virtual meetings. It’s extra important in a coffee shop because most folks come there to focus or relax. They don’t need to hear your annoying co-worker on Zoom at full volume going on and on about numbers and spreadsheets. (Arguably, you don’t need to hear that either. That meeting probably could have been an email.)

In the same vein, if you need to speak over the phone or in a virtual meeting, just pay attention to your volume. If possible, step outside. If not that’s not possible, don’t stress. People talk in coffee shops, so it’s OK for you to as well. But it’s courteous to be mindful. If it’s a small area and you feel comfortable doing so, let the people around you know how long the meeting will last. If you must speak up a lot, apologize to those around you afterward too.

What makes up your mobile office? It can probably fit in a backpack, correct? Then you shouldn’t need to take up the largest table at the coffee shop. If you’re working there by yourself, don’t take a table multiple people could use.

If you need a little extra space or a bigger table here and there, feel free to move tables throughout the day. Sketch and plan your project at the four-seater, then move to the barstools for email time, and out to the patio for afternoon meetings.

It’s also helpful to plan your work from home versus work from coffee shop days around your workload. If you have a lot of emails to catch up on, you won’t take up much space at the coffee shop and it will be nice to get a change of scenery for those tedious tasks. If you are in brainstorm mode and need to try a card sorting or physical mind map exercise, it could be better to do so from your own home.

After you double-check to make sure you have your headphones, be sure to grab your laptop charger too! The last thing you want to deal with is a dead laptop right before a weekly standup meeting.

However, don’t be annoying about your charging cord. Sometimes coffee shops have limited outlets available, and they’re in high demand from other customers like you. Depending on the outlet available, make sure your cord isn’t a tripping hazard!

Our best advice: Charge your laptop the night before your work-from-coffee-shop day trip. That way, you’ll be all set for a few hours of working before you need to ask another customer to trade seats with you so you can plug in your machine. This is also a good way to measure your time if you don’t plan on staying in the coffee shop all day—just work until your laptop dies!

Even if you don’t think you need one. You’re welcome. This one may not be "etiquette," necessarily, but it's just one of those things you probably need to be reminded of. 

6. Be Nice — to Baristas and Fellow Customers

Another hopefully-obvious rule of thumb. Be a nice person! Especially if you’re working at the coffee shop all day. Whether or not you think about it this way, you are representing your company. If you’re being rude and obnoxious to everyone around you and someone glances at your screen to see your company logo by your email inbox, they will get a bad taste in their mouth about this company.

You are probably a super nice person. We like to think most people are! But even the nicest people can have off days, especially during work. It can be easy to get tunnel vision and forget some basic human interaction things when you work remote all the time too. “Please” and “thank you” really do go a long way. So does leaving a good tip.

Compliment your barista’s latte art skill. Thank them for clearing your dishes if they do so. If you ask a fellow customer to keep an eye on your stuff while you run to the restroom, thank them when they get back and make a little friendly small talk about what they’re up to. When you leave at the end of your workday, clean up after yourself. Push your chair back in and thank your baristas one last time. 

These may all seem super obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many times we don’t see these decent interactions happen. Let’s not lose complete faith in humanity! 

So now that you know the six crucial rules of thumb to remember when working from a coffee shop, as promised, here are our favorites. (We also make t-shirts for them!)

Some of Our Favorite Coffee Shops to Work From

We have the opportunity to print shirts for some really lovely coffee shops all across the country — and we figured this would be the perfect time to shout them out! So whether you're in Orlando like most of our team, or in one of these other cities, we encourage you to check out these spots — for both your daily dose of coffee and the awesome coffee shop swag. 😜

Lineage - https://www.lineageroasting.com
The quintessential Orlando coffee experience! If you’re a coffee fiend and you’ve been to Orlando, you either love these guys or live under a rock.

Craft & Common - https://craftandcommon.com
The cutest and most picturesque shop in walkable downtown! Get ready to ‘gram your visit and pick up some cool cards and local goods here too.

The Salty Donut - https://www.saltydonut.com/ - Orlando, FL + multiple locations in the US
Newer to the Orlando coffee scene—come for the coffee and stay for the donuts! Visit here on a nice day and sit outside on their patio. 

Harken Café & Bakery - https://www.harkencafe.com/ - Charleston, SC 
Rustic charm meets quaint beauty at this perfect spot for a chill day.

Sibling Coffee Roasters - https://www.siblingcoffeeroasters.com/ - Charles Town, WV 
Dedicated to helping you appreciate the fine coffee in life.

Looking Glass Coffee - https://www.lookingglasscoffee.com/ - Snohomish, WA
Come for coffee and a remote workday, stay for their events and live music.

Three Tree Coffee Roasters - https://threetreecoffee.com/ - GA (Multiple locations)
Coffee with a cause—their specialty coffee helps empower farmers, works toward ending human trafficking, and engages the community.

Are you a coffee shop in need of a double-shot of swag? We're here to help. Reach out to us or browse products to get started! 

Working from coffee shops is a fun way to get your daily dose of caffeine while knocking out your daily tasks. Here, we break down some etiquette guidelines and a few of our favorite shops!

How to Work from a Coffee Shop: Some Etiquette Tips AND Some of Our Favorite Spots

Working from coffee shops is a fun way to get your daily dose of caffeine while knocking out your daily tasks — here, we break down some etiquette guidelines and a few of our favorite shops!

According to industry statistics, there are over 3 million construction companies in the U.S. as of 2021 - a number that is increasing steadily each year. With such market saturation, making sure your construction company stands out from the competition has never been more important. Starting (or growing) your construction company can be simple with effective marketing; and that’s where Real Thread comes in. Custom t-shirts are a creative and cost-effective way to show-off your brand’s unique logo or slogan. 

Think of Real Thread’s t-shirts as a blank blueprint. Construction company shirts can be bold and eye-catching or minimalist and professional. The company logo can be front and center for all potential-customers to see, or simply backdrop for your recognizable slogan. Whatever individual company message you want to convey to customers, construction shirt designs from Real Thread are the communication you need.

Marketing is valuable: meaning a construction company shirt is only as effective as the branding it displays. When analyzing how effectively your logo and slogan are communicating your construction company’s purpose and identity, it can help to take a look at other companies who have mastered it.

Before we get started, check out some t-shirts Real Thread has printed for construction companies like yours: 

Ok, with that: check out Real Thread’s list of construction companies that are absolutely nailing their designs and get inspired to create your own construction shirt ideas that represent your brand well!

Everyone loves a play on words and Rise Construction Group did not disappoint with their slogan. Specializing in home elevation and raising, they promise to both literally and figuratively take your home to the next level. With a primarily purple logo, the company shows that they value dignity and stability. Customers can trust that Rise Construction Group’s work will reflect this integrity. Not to mention the three pillars and arc logo would look especially professional as a construction t-shirt design.


‍‍Slogan: Your vision. Our expertise.

The triangle, a shape known for its structural integrity, is the center of the Pyramid Builders’ company logo. In color and visuals, the construction logo tells the story of dependability and timelessness, just like the ancient pyramids. Customers know with the slogan promise that their construction dreams are achievable and that they can depend on Pyramid Homes to create them. This logo matches perfectly with the company's core values and would be the perfect company construction shirt idea.

With shades of blue and perpendicular lines inspired by blueprints, SkyBuilders USA tells customers immediately that they are all about design-build and planning. The reaching rectangles in the logo and the slogan reinforce the company’s dedication to pushing boundaries and going above customer expectations. In the competitive market, knowing that customers can count on SkyBuilders USA to rise above other companies can prove to be beneficial at bringing in business.

This roofing company is all about giving customers sustainable roofing options without sacrificing their budget or level of expertise. The promise of quality roofing is made to customers directly in their slogan, making the company’s qualifications obvious. With their modern logo design, the Energy Roofing company shows their commitment to progress by highlighting their focus on ‘green’ and eco-friendly construction. All of this is within a shape that is easily-recognizable as a roof, so customers know exactly what service specialty the company offers.

Slogan: Keeping Our Finger On the Pulse of Your Project 

Talk about punny marketing. Pulse Constructions has the perfect logo and slogan to match their company name, while still showing clear relevance to construction work. The imagery in the logo combines pulse lines with a skyline of buildings, which lets customers know that their work comes from the heart. It’s almost as if this was made to be worn and displayed as a construction logo for shirts.

‍Lay the Foundation (😜) for Excellent Branding with Real Thread

You handle the technical building, let Real Thread handle building your construction company t-shirts. Whether you want to display your eye-catching logo or clever company slogan, custom Real Thread products are the next step for bringing your construction t-shirt designs to life. Now that you have branding-inspo, talk to a Real Thread employee about your construction t-shirt design ideas.

Brand is everything. Find out how custom t-shirts can make a difference for your construction company's brand recognition.

5 Construction Companies That Are Taking Branding to the Next Level—and How You Can Do the Same

A solid brand = a solid business. Time to take your construction company to the next level. 

Ordering shirts outside of a previously made relationships is an epic hassle. Leave it to the professionals to handle it.

At Real Thread we have extremely competitive pricing with our distributors. This allows us to purchase shirts at a much more competitive price than any other buyer might be offered. Ninety-percent of the time the Real Thread will get you the absolute best price.

In some circumstance perhaps you’ve have been given shirts or have a special connection to a manufacturer, we would still be more than happy to print your design.

BENEFITS OF PURCHASING SHIRTS THROUGH REAL THREAD:

- Way, Way Easier for You: It’s a one stop shop experience. We’ve printed hundreds of thousands of shirts. The time and money you save is generally way more than you can imagine.

- Guaranteed Quality: Large shirt manufacturers draw their products from tons of different warehouses. We can guarantee where shirts are coming from and know the quality you can expect.

- Better Rates: Because we order thousands of shirts on a weekly basis, you can be comfortable that competitive prices are provided.

- The Best Results: We use the shirts we use because they are phenomenal. Get the best results for your prints every time with these shirts.

- Shipping: Receiving, sending and re-receiving all packages is in your hands. The shipping costs end up piling up rather quickly.

- Quality Control: If you are new to the shirt industry, knowing how fabrics will respond to inks, wash and wear can be quite the science to learn. Real Thread is a team of experts who can anticipate the problems and secure an outcome.

- Hidden Fees: Retailers that lure you in with “super cheap” shirts can push through hidden fees that end up driving your price to right where you started. The relationship we have with our distributors is fantastic. We know the prices and can guarantee them for you.

- Time: Your time is valuable. Don’t let ordering shirts eat up time you could spend elsewhere.

You have a great project in the work. Let’s make some incredible shirts today.

Breaking down the ins and outs of sourcing your own shirts. 

Supplying Your Own Shirts For Screen Printing: Pros and Cons

To get you started on your custom printed tags, we’ve revealed 12 of our favorite tag templates.

Your shirt is going to be incredible. Start working on your custom t-shirt tags today!

To get you started on your custom t-shirt tags, we\'ve provided 12 of our favorite tag templates. 

12 Custom Tag Templates for Your Next T-Shirt Project

1. A message that doesn’t connect with your market, employees, fans and users.
More than likely, you have a following of people wearing your shirts because they are particularly interested in what you do. They might be employees or customers, but either way, they believe in what you’re doing. Make sure the message you intend to get across, gets across. We’ve seen more times than you can imagine off the wall designs that are not congruent with the brands message, lifestyle or values. Don’t find this out when it’s too late. Seek honest feedback and take it graciously. 
2. A design that is not consistent with the brand or other designs. 
Just because you’re a designer doesn’t mean you should design everything - especially if it’s not consistent with your brand. We’re not saying don’t go outside the box and get creative, but if you typically design rocket t-shirts and this time you’re trying to throw in a monkey, just don’t do it. Stick to your rockets or things that are parallel. This is not to say don’t experiment with different trends or other styles of printing like tonal, sim process or foil. If you’re ready to try something new, check out these 20 ideas to try on your next custom screen-printed shirt. 
3. A low quality art file that could produce a distorted image. 
There are plenty of resources available to produce high resolution files that are good for printing and leave you with a quality t shirt design. There are also plenty of to-scale templates that will help you visualize what your design will look like once printed. Set your proportions accurately and visually create what you want to see in the end. Real Thread has an art team that can provide assistance. If you need help in this area, we would be happy to help. 

Consider where you stand in these three areas, take advantage of the free resources and tools available and lets make your best shirt yet! 

Discover these bad t-shirt design ideas and find out what not to do in your next design. 

Knowing that, you can achieve some amazing results with discharge screen printing just by playing around with different fabric composition of the shirt you select. There are no limits to the kind of looks you can achieve when you pick the right combination!

So, what do we mean by that? A white discharge ink printed on a black 100% cotton t-shirt will have a significantly different result than on a black blended t-shirt (with white polyester & rayon fibers).

With the right color and fabric composition, you can go bright and bold or vintage and tonal. A white discharge ink printed on a black 100% cotton t-shirt will have a completely different result than on a royal blue 100% cotton t-shirt. Although both of these shirts are 100% cotton, the royal blue t-shirt will result in a vintage tonal color effect (see example below). Royal blue, kelly green and red tend to have similar vintage tonal results when using discharge inks. So, whether you’re looking for a brighter “pop” of color or a more subtle vintage color, we can help you achieve the look with discharge screen printing!

Just as important as it is in the creating a design, fully understanding that discharge inks affect different shirts will be an asset in how great your shirt turns out; selecting the right fabric and color composition will only strengthen your design and brand.

Here are some visuals to help you achieve some great results when discharge screen p; whether it’s a bright look or more of a vintage (subtle) look. On each of these, we used the exact same white discharge ink.

Canvas 3001 in Black (100% Cotton)-print result is brighter

American Apparel 2001 in Royal Blue (100% Cotton)-print result is a tonal look

Next Level 6210 CVC Crew in Charcoal (60% Cotton/40% Polyester in white)-with white polyester, print will be brighter

American Apparel TR301 in Tri Black (60% Cotton/40% Polyester in black)-with black polyester, print will be subtle

Next Level 6210 in Black (60% Cotton/40% Polyester in black)-with black polyester, print will be subtle

Next Level 6040 in Premium Heather (Tri-Blend)-print will always be subtle

*Don’t worry, if a more opaque look on any of these shirts is your desired look, we can still achieve that using our High Opacity Bold ink.

These are not the end all be all–there are so many more fantastic results that can be achieved with discharge screen printing. Our AE’s are pros at helping you determine which fabric and color composition would best fit the look that you want to achieve to strengthen your design or brand, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll help you make it happen. 

You can feel some discharge samples with your own two hands, we’ve got an awesome Sample for you to compare the looks and feels of discharge inks and water based inks on different garments with different fabric compositions.

There are no limits to the kind of looks you can achieve with discharge screen printing. 

The Amazing Results You can Expect from Discharge Inks

Churches often seek ways to engage their communities, encourage fellowship, and create a sense of belonging. Custom church merch can be a powerful tool in these efforts, offering an easy and effective way to spread the word about your church, raise funds, or provide practical items for members. 

Whether for a special event, a youth retreat, or everyday use, church merch helps create unity and provides lasting keepsakes.

Below is a detailed look at some easy church merch ideas, including custom apparel options from Real Thread to help you get started. 

Custom t-shirts are a popular choice for church merchandise. They’re versatile and easy to customize with screen printing or embroidery methods. Whether you’re designing tees for a youth group, a mission trip, or simply as a gift for members, the possibilities are endless.

Bella + Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee

The Bella + Canvas 3001 is a soft, lightweight tee perfect for church events. Available in a wide range of colors, it features a comfortable fit and smooth printing surface, making it ideal for custom designs featuring your church’s logo or a Bible verse.

Simple Logo Tees: Feature your church logo prominently on the front or back. Choose colors that align with your church branding. 

Event Tees: Create custom t-shirts for events like mission trips, youth group outings, or VBS.

Faith-Based Graphics: Incorporate Bible verses, Christian symbols, or inspirational quotes to resonate with church members. 

Custom Hoodies and Sweatshirts: Perfect for Cooler Weather

As the seasons change, hoodies and sweatshirts are a great way to keep your congregation warm while promoting your church. These trendy items are also great for youth groups and fall or winter events. 

Independent Trading Co. SS4500 Midweight Pullover Hoodie

This midweight hoodie is a cozy option for cooler days, offering comfort and durability. Its high-quality cotton-poly blend comes in multiple colors and ensures your custom designs will last wash after wash.

Minimalist Designs: Opt for a small church logo or message on the chest or sleeve.

Youth Group Hoodies: Bold, colorful designs for your youth group will resonate with a younger audience and help create a sense of unity during events.

Custom hats and beanies are functional, stylish, and suitable for all seasons. They are ideal for church outings, fundraisers, or as gifts for volunteers. 

This cap is perfect for casual church events. It can be embroidered with your church’s logo or a meaningful Bible verse. 

Snapback Hats: For a more structured look, snapbacks can feature bold logos or artwork.

Beanies for Winter: Keep your congregation warm during winter events with custom beanies that feature the church name or an inspirational message.

Tote bags are practical and offer a large canvas for your church’s designs. They’re perfect for carrying bibles, notebooks, or groceries, making them a favorite for church members.

This sturdy, 100% cotton canvas tote is a durable option for everyday use. Its larger size and clean design make it an ideal canvas for custom prints. 

Bible Verse Totes: Feature an inspirational verse or uplifting message that will resonate with your congregation. 

Event or Retreat Totes: Customize tote bags for church events, making them a memorable keepsake for participants. 

Blankets are unique and cozy merch items used at outdoor church events, picnics, youth group lock-ins, or for comfort at home. A custom church-branded blanket will be a cherished item for many.

Made from sustainable materials, this cozy, eco-friendly blanket is soft and durable, a perfect canvas for custom embroidery. 

Pet Bandanas: For Your Four-Legged Friends

Consider offering custom pet bandanas to pet owners in your congregation. They’re a fun and unique way to involve pets in church events or fundraisers. 

This US-made bandana is the perfect accessory for your furry friends! It's also perfect for your pups (we’re not sure how happy your kitties would be if you tried to wrangle them into a bandana… haha!).

Match with your mini-me! Children’s apparel, such as onesies or toddler shirts, makes adorable church merchandise. These items are perfect for church nurseries, gifts to young families, Sunday school, or VBS groups. 

Bella + Canvas 100B Infant Jersey Short Sleeve One-Piece

This soft, comfortable onesie is a great custom youth apparel choice when ordering church merchandise. It is designed with 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton, creating a perfectly printable surface that’s soft to the touch. 

Bella + Canvas 3001Y Youth Short Sleeve Tee

This youth tee fits like a well-loved favorite. It features a crew neck, short sleeves, and superior Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton that acts as a blank canvas for printing. 

Creating custom church merch is an excellent way to foster community, raise funds, and spread the word about your church. With a range of items like custom tees, hoodies, hats, and more, you can tailor your merchandise to suit your needs. 

Using high-quality garments from Real Thread, your church merch order will not only look great but also last for years. Connect with one of our experienced printing pros to bring your vision to life.

Check out these easy church merch ideas, perfect for your community!

Easy Church Merch Ideas: Simple and Impactful Custom Apparel for Your Congregation

Let’s be honest: Onboarding a new employee is always a lot of work. 

Onboarding a new employee during a time when lots of companies and organizations are still (at least some of the time) working remotely, though, makes it even trickier to get your new hire up to speed, feeling like a part of the team, and incorporated into company culture.

Putting thought and attention into your onboarding process pays dividends for both employees and employers when done correctly:

Effective onboarding engages your employees, and engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their company

Research suggests that organizations with a robust onboarding process were likely to improve new hire retention by up to 82%

Replacing an employee can cost up to 213% of that employee’s salary

Dang. So where’s a hiring manager to start?

One easy-to-do gesture that will go a long way is providing welcome gifts for new hires. 

Making a new employee welcome gift part of your onboarding package will help any newly-hired team member walk into the office (or hop onto that first Zoom call) feeling appreciated, excited, and, well, welcome.

New hire welcome kits put your money where your mouth is and communicate your values in a tangible way.

Include items that are thoughtful, strategic, and speak to your company’s values

Not include tchotchkes that are likely to be thrown away and become waste

Include some level of personalization, be it for the individual, the department, etc.

Come with a clear message about why the new employee welcome package is being given

Welcome packages can (and probably should) include practical items that your new hire will find useful on the job, but feel free to also have a little fun and give your new hire kit a bit of pizzazz that will make your company stand out from the legal pad and abacus crowd (no offense, actuaries).

Want to learn more about what a welcome package can/should do? Our friends at Element Three break down their philosophy on employee onboarding gifts in this blog post. 

Your new hire has presumably already made a good first impression on you (if not, it’s time to rethink your hiring practices), so intentionally curating an employee welcome kit that accomplishes the above is your chance to start things off right with the new employee and help them feel enthusiastic and assimilated from day one.

Ideas for New Employee Welcome Gifts Branded Swag

Give a classic custom t-shirt to help your new hire feel like a part of the team. The better the quality and design, the more likely that shirt is to be rocked outside of the (home) office.

A backpack or custom tote bag is another easy-to-customize item that’s sure to be useful to anyone. Whether big or small, zip or drawstring, a bag is sure to be used early and often when your new hire is going from Point A to Point B, no matter how long the commute. They're also the perfect carrying case for the rest of the branded swag you give your employee on their first day. Win-win. ‍

Hats come in all shapes and sizes, too, which gives a lot of options for swag. There’s always the tried-and-true flat-brim baseball cap, but if you’re a little more laid back, you could opt for a trucker hat or even a beanie.

There are plenty of gifts that will look good in a cubicle or in a living room, while also serving a functional purpose.

‍Coffee mugs are a crowd pleasure for good reason. Even if your new hire doesn’t drink coffee, the mugs could be used for tea or any other hot beverage.

Similarly, water bottles are universally useful (not to mention sustainable). A fellow Orlando business, Corkcicle, is a fan favorite as far as water bottles go. Check out these totes we printed for them, too: 

‍Candles? Why not! They make a fun addition to any employee welcome kit, and will liven up any musty office space.‍

Snack boxes are increasingly popular gifts. They’re easy to customize to taste, making them a good way to offer a personal touch.

These gifts offer you an opportunity to get creative with what you include in your welcome kit.

It’s always a good idea to include a welcome note (preferably handwritten) in any new hire welcome package. The note should come from the new hire’s manager, a division lead, or even the leader of the company and explain why the new hire is such a welcome addition to the team.

Does your team prioritize wellness? Yoga mats, exercise equipment and clothes, or subscriptions to meditation apps would all show your new employee that you take their physical and mental wellbeing seriously.

Is your company environmentally-conscious? Consider including sustainable swag like reusable silicone bags or metal straws.

Side note: Want to bring your passion for sustainability into your next custom apparel purpose? We can help with that—check out our selection of eco-friendly custom t-shirts.

Whatever your budget is, remember what the goals are for any new employee welcome gifts:

Make your new employee feel engaged and appreciated;

Send a message about what your company’s all about.

If you add a personal touch and keep those goals in mind, you’re sure to make an impression on your new hire. 

They may even share their new hire welcome kit on LinkedIn, Instagram, or other social media channels!

Start your new hire off on the right foot with a custom welcome gift that makes them feel like part of the team from the start.

How to Make Your Teams Stronger Through New Employee Welcome Gifts

First impressions matter—custom welcome gifts make your new hires feel connected from the start. 

Want to give your design that perfectly faded and vintage t-shirt texture? This texture package is ideal for adding that unique feel to your design.

A bundle of 8 different textures designed by Clark Orr and Jen Diaz, specially for you. Giving you the ability to add extra value to your wonderfully created design and craft textured t-shirts. This Package Includes:  

Files are large, please be patient during download. Thanks! 

When you need to cover up a cut, do you ask for a bandage or a Band-Aid? When you see candy-coated chocolates in your Trail Mix, do you automatically call them M&M’s? 

When the brand is so familiar that we often substitute the name of the brand for the common name of the product (like Kleenex for facial tissue), the brand has become a proprietary eponym. Imagine your brand so familiar to people that people use the name of your brand to mean the generic term for the product! 

This is brand awareness at its highest level. Although most of us may not reach the level of proprietary eponym, we at least want people to know who we are when they see our brand. We want people to remember who we are and what we do. For instance, Dr. Pepper is a familiar brand, but people don’t often replace the generic term for soda with Dr. Pepper like they do with the term Cola or Coke (derived from Coca Cola).

The most common way to build brand awareness has been the use of display ads. These are still being used in the days of the information age because they tend to generate more clicks. However, there are other ways you can get your brand in front of people’s faces besides just using a display ad.

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