24 Thoughtful Farewell Gift Ideas for Coworkers
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How do you bid farewell to someone you see every day at work? Won't you miss a colleague who is ready to leave for a new job or retire from work? This is why you want to get them something nice to make their farewell worth remembering. But what do you pick? Some fancy gift feels uncomfortable, whereas a boring gift seems so dull.
That's where great farewell gift ideas for coworkers come in handy. The right gift tells them that they will be missed and reminds them of the good memories you shared as a crew. Thankfully, there are countless options to choose from that fit just right for any workplace goodbye.
Key Takeaways
- Explore 24 farewell gift ideas grouped into six meaningful categories.
- Learn how to choose the best farewell gift.
- Find the best presentation tips to make the gift impactful.
Personalized Keepsakes
Keepsakes are great gifts that remind your co-worker of the bonds built at work. These are the kinds of souvenirs that they can keep on display for many years. Let's see some examples:
Engraved Farewell Plaque with Name & Years of Service
An engraved plaque is a nice gift that won't go wrong. Just put their name and how long they worked there, and boom, they've got something solid they can look at years later. It's simple but shows you recognize all the work they put in while they were part of the team.
Custom Caricature Artwork of The Team
Got a coworker who loves to laugh? Get the whole team drawn up in caricature style. It's funny but also sweet because it captures everyone together. Plus, they'll have something totally one-of-a-kind that you can't just buy anywhere.
Customized Bobblehead of The Coworker
A little bobblehead that looks like them is pretty funny and a meaningful keepsake. It's goofy enough to make them chuckle, but still personal since it's made just for them. They'll probably keep it on their new office desk and think of you guys every time they see it wiggle.
Personalized Wall Art with Inspirational Quote
Sometimes a good quote says everything you want to say. Get them a nice wall art frame with some inspiring quotes and their name on it. When they're settling into their new place, they'll have something motivating to hang up and remember the support from their old crew.
Practical Office & Career Gifts
Why not give something your coworker can actually use if they are heading to a new job? These farewell gifts are practical because they help them out while also showing you care about their next step. Here are some ideas you can consider:
Work-Ready Laptop Sleeve or Messenger Bag
Everyone needs a good bag for work stuff. Get them something nice for carrying their laptop and papers around. It looks professional and practical, which they'll use every single day. Plus, this gift makes them think of you guys often.
Customized Business Card Holder
A fancy little holder for your coworker's business cards is pretty useful. It's not expensive and at the same time looks classy when they're meeting a team with new people. Plus, you can get their name put on it to make it special.
Coffee Maker or French Press for The New Office
Know someone who can't function without coffee? A small coffee maker or one of those French press things could be perfect. They'll love having good coffee right at their desk instead of dealing with whatever terrible stuff the new office has.
Personalized Mouse Pad with Team Photo
It's just a mouse pad, but stick a picture of everyone on it and suddenly it means something. They'll see all your faces every time they use their computer. Pretty sweet way to stay connected even after they moved out.
Adventure & Lifestyle Gifts
Some people are way more interesting outside of work. If your coworker loves adventure or has awesome hobbies, get them something that shows you notice what they're really passionate about.
Hiking Starter Kit (Bottle, Socks, Headlamp)
Got a coworker who's always talking about weekend hikes? You can gift them a little hiking kit, which includes essentials like a water bottle, some good hiking socks, and a headlamp. This gift shows them that you actually listen when they talk about their weekend adventures.
Compact Travel Backpack
This is perfect for someone who's always planning their next trip. A decent travel backpack works for business trips, too. Your coworker will get tons of use out of it. Every time they pack it up, they'll remember the thoughtful send-off.
Gardening Kit with Seeds & Tools
Know someone who geeks out over plants? A little gardening starter kit is a pretty cool farewell gift. You can add some seeds and basic tools, so they can grow something new while they're starting fresh in their career, too.
Bike Accessory Set (Helmet, Lock, Lights)
If your coworker bikes to work or just loves cycling, safety gear makes a great gift. Get them a helmet, a good lock, and some lights. It's practical stuff they need anyway, which shows you want them to stay safe doing what they love.
Premium Farewell Gifts
Sometimes you want to gift premium items, especially if someone's been around for years or really made a big impact. These costly gifts show you think they're worth the extra effort.
Designer Sunglasses
A nice premium sunglasses from a good brand like Ray-Ban or Gucci is a wonderful farewell gift for your coworker. They'll love it, and when they're wearing quality ones, they'll feel pretty good about themselves. Plus, these premium sunglasses last for years.
Premium Perfume
A nice perfume or cologne is one of those luxury things people love but don't always buy for themselves. You can gift a perfume from a reputed brand everyone knows (Dior, Creed, Tom Ford, or DAVIDOFF). A good perfume smells incredible and makes your coworker feel a little more confident.
Smart Home Device (like Alexa or Google Nest)
These voice assistant devices make life considerably easier. It's a great premium gift for your coworker who can ask it to play their favorite songs, find out the weather, set alarms, or turn off the lights without having to get up. It’s like having a slow, personal assistant robot friend.
Jewelry with Engraved Initials or Name
You can gift a nice necklace or bracelet engraved with your coworker's initials or name. This one feels really personal and premium. Plus, this classic gift is something special that they can wear anywhere. Whenever they put it on, they'll think about the good times at work with everyone.
Group & Shared Gifts
Having the entire team contribute just makes it feel different. These group gifts will show your coworker that everyone wanted to celebrate their farewell, not just an individual.
Group-Funded Dinner at Their Favorite Restaurant
Take them out for a nice meal somewhere they actually like. Everyone splits the bill, and you get one last chance to hang out together outside the office. Those dinners always end up being more fun and memorable than any desk gift.
Video Skit or Parody by The Team
This is a beautiful farewell gift that requires everyone to record something funny for a goodbye video. Include all those inside jokes only your team would get. It's goofy but in the best way, and they can watch it whenever they need a laugh or miss you guys.
Memory Jar Filled with Appreciation Notes
Enlist everyone to write down something they appreciated about working together as a team or their favorite memory. Place all of the notes into a jar and present them. They can pull one out and smile when they are feeling nostalgic or having a difficult day.
Personalized Farewell Card Signed by Everyone
Don't underestimate a good old farewell card. It could be a fantastic gift when it's filled with real messages from everyone, not just signatures. It becomes something they'll actually keep and reread. Sometimes the simple stuff matters most.
Relaxation & Self-Care Gifts
While it can be very exciting to start something new, it can also cause some anxiety and stress. Self-care gifts are important to show you want them to take a break and think about themselves as they make their next move.
Luxury Slippers for Home Comfort
Everyone needs good slippers. Get them the really soft, cushy kind that feels like walking on clouds. They'll slip these on after work and immediately feel more relaxed. It's a cozy and thoughtful gift you can offer without being weird.
Massage Pillow for Neck and Back
Those little massage pillows you plug in are amazing. After sitting at a desk for years, their neck and back probably need it. They can use it on the couch while watching TV, and it actually helps relax.
Yoga Mat and Accessories
If your coworker is into fitness or wants to start, a nice yoga mat with some blocks or a strap is a perfect gift. This is something you can give to encourage them to prioritize their health and find some peace in whatever comes next.
Herbal Sleep Aid Kit (Tea, Mask, Spray)
A little sleep kit with chamomile tea, one of those soft eye masks, and some lavender pillow spray works best for relaxation. Sometimes people forget to actually rest. This gift is basically permission to chill out and get some good sleep.
How to Choose the Right Farewell Gift
Choosing a gift for the farewell needs some real consideration. Let's see what really matters:
- Consider the personality of the person: Are they funny, serious, or adventurous? Match the gift to who they actually are.
- Consider your relationship: Best work buddies usually can entertain personal gifts. As for normal co-workers, keep it straightforward and professional.
- Know where the person is headed: Retiring? New job? Or moving somewhere far away? These things matter and have some relevance.
- Consider the budget: You need to consider the budget you intend to spend on the gift. It's not necessary to spend much, but a thoughtful, inexpensive gift is much better than an expensive one.
Presentation Tips That Make a Difference
How you give the gift matters a lot and impresses the coworkers who are leaving. Here are some tips for presenting it better:
- Add a card with real messages: Skip the generic stuff. Write something genuine that shows you'll actually miss them.
- Give it at the right time: This is really important because late presents aren't appreciated. Their last day or during a goodbye lunch could be ideal.
- Keep it casual: It's unnecessary to go for a big ceremony unless they're into that. A simple moment works fine.
- Let everyone participate: If it's from the team, make sure people can sign the card or chip in.
Wrapping Up
A farewell gift is a nice way to show you care when a coworker leaves. It tells them you'll actually miss having them around. You don't need to spend a fortune to make it meaningful, either. The ideas in this article give you plenty of options to say goodbye properly, whether it's something small and thoughtful or a bigger group gift.
FAQs
Q1: What's a good budget for a coworker's farewell gift?
It depends on your relationship. For most coworkers, $20-50 works fine. Close friends might be $50-200. Group gifts can go higher since everyone chips in.
Q2: Should farewell gifts be personal or professional?
You have to think somewhere in the middle. Your gift depends on how well you know them and what works best for your comfort level.
Q3: When should I give a farewell gift?
Their last day at work is perfect, or during a goodbye lunch if you're having one. Just don't wait until they're already gone.
Q4: Is a card enough as a farewell gift?
If everyone writes something real and meaningful, absolutely. Sometimes heartfelt words mean more than any physical gift.
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