New Year, New Swag: 6 brandboxes to Jumpstart 2026

New Year, New Swag: 6 brandboxes to Jumpstart 2026

Why New Year Kits Matter

The start of a new year is more than a calendar flip — it’s a clean slate. For companies, it’s a natural time to reset team goals, boost morale, and welcome fresh talent. Whether you're revving up for sales season, bringing on new hires, or planning internal events, branded kits help you connect intentionally and memorably.

And let’s face it — people love good swag. But in 2026, it needs to be thoughtful, practical, and well-designed. That’s where brandbox comes in.

1. Onboarding Kits That Make People Feel Like They Belong

January is prime onboarding season. It’s also when companies tend to forget that the first impression sets the tone for everything else.

Instead of tossing a few random items in a box, curate a full experience that welcomes your new hires with warmth and intention.

Already thinking about onboarding? You’re in good company — check out our full breakdown here:
Building Connection Through Onboarding Kits →

2. Resolution Kits: Wellness, Focus, and Fresh Starts

People are setting goals in January, and you can meet them right where they are — with branded kits that support productivity, balance, and wellbeing.

Here are some standout picks to anchor your resolution kits:

  • Moleskine® 12-Month Weekly Planner

A classic for a reason. Thoughtfully designed with pages for notes, ideas, and goals, this planner helps your team stay focused without feeling rigid. Bonus — it's FSC®-certified and totally customizable.

  • Happy Daylight Desk Lamp

Light therapy is real. For remote workers or anyone dealing with darker mornings, this compact, UV-free daylight lamp boosts mood and focus while fitting neatly next to a laptop.

  • JBL Vibe Beam 2 Earbuds with Noise Cancelling

Let your team set the tone — literally. These premium earbuds deliver rich sound, active noise cancelling, and seamless multi-device connectivity. Great for daily productivity or post-work wind downs.

Use these kits to show employees you’re not just invested in output — you’re invested in them.

3. Event & Sales Kickoff Kits

Q1 is packed with company-wide meetings, launches, and conferences. Why not make your brand shine at every touchpoint?

Here’s what makes a strong event or sales kickoff kit:

  • Owala FreeSip Twist Bottle (24 oz)

Hydration meets design. This triple-layer insulated stainless steel bottle keeps drinks hot or cold and features a dual-sip spout. Sleek enough for a company event, rugged enough for everyday use.

  • FSC® Mix Vienna Hard Bound Journal Bundle

Paired with a stylus pen, this journal is ideal for note-taking during sessions, capturing goals, and creating lasting takeaways.

  • FEED Organic Cotton Convention Tote

It’s not just a tote — it’s a mission. With every purchase, you help provide 3 school meals for kids globally. The branding stays, but the message goes further.

These kits aren’t just prep tools — they’re an extension of your brand and purpose.

4. Swag Refresh Kits for the Whole Team

New year, new look. If your company swag hasn’t been updated in a while, now’s the time to refresh it with modern basics your team will actually wear and use.

Try this trending, functional kit:

  • HydroJug Traveler (32 oz)

Double-walled, vacuum-insulated, and made from 18/8 stainless steel, this hydration essential screams premium while staying practical.

  • Bella + Canvas Crewneck Sweatshirt

Heavyweight, unisex, and perfectly oversized — this fleece crew looks and feels like a lifestyle piece. Ideal for work-from-home vibes, team retreats, or casual Fridays.

  • Classic Large Canvas Boat Tote

Spacious, durable, and effortlessly cool. This tote is a fan favorite for commuting, errands, or heading to the gym after work.

Refreshing your swag signals pride in your brand — and your people.

5. Creative Kits for Brand Moments That Stick

Want to create more unexpected “wow” moments? Try building kits that surprise and delight — either internally (employee appreciation) or externally (VIP clients, top partners, brand advocates).

Some elevated picks for those standout moments:

  • Modern Sprout® Garden Vibes Candle/Planter

A 6oz soy candle with elevated scents like Lavender and Spanish Sage. When the candle burns down, the vessel becomes a planter complete with a seed packet. Eco-friendly, woman-owned, and unforgettable.

  • Leather Laptop Envelope (Debossed)

Sustainably made from premium veg-tanned leather, this piece feels like a luxury gift. Great for top-performers or high-level branding opportunities.

  • Branded Playing Cards

Small but mighty. Add personality to a welcome kit or use them for team-building giveaways.

These thoughtful touches build emotional connections that outlast most marketing tactics.

6. Smart Kits for Distributed & Hybrid Teams

If your team’s spread across multiple time zones or cities, kits can help unify the culture and create moments of togetherness — even from afar.

Here’s a lineup that works just as well in a home office as it does in a coworking space:

  • Anker MagGo A1643 Power Bank

With a 6,600mAh capacity and an adjustable wireless charging stand, this item pulls double-duty as a desk buddy and a travel charger.

  • Samsonite High Sierra® Swerve Pro Laptop Backpack

Sleek, functional, and packed with thoughtful features like fleece-lined pockets, reflective trim, and dedicated tech compartments.

  • Fellow Rocky Lowball Tumbler

A 10oz insulated tumbler with ceramic coating and a spill-resistant lid. It’s designed to elevate everyday sipping — from espresso to evening cocktails.

These remote-friendly kits help your team feel supported and equipped — no matter where they’re dialing in from.

Planning Ahead with brandbox

The best kits don’t just show up — they’re planned with intention. At brandbox, we help companies curate products that match their brand values, budget, and goals. Whether you’re prepping for a January onboarding wave, organizing your biggest sales kickoff yet, or simply want to elevate how your brand shows up in 2026, we’ve got you covered.

And don’t forget — custom doesn’t have to mean complicated. Our team will help you build, brand, and deliver kits that people actually want to open.

Need Inspiration? We’ve Got It.

Explore more ideas and see what’s working for other culture-first brands:


Ready to create your own kit? Contact us here or start building your box now.

Let's Make January Less Boring

Your brand deserves to start the year on a high note — and your people deserve more than forgettable swag. With a little creativity and a lot of care, you can turn your kits into connection-builders.

Start strong. Stay aligned. Make 2026 your most intentional year yet — with brandbox.

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